Dominic:
How did Sarah get in here! Remy trembled in my arms like never before, the paleness of her face made a ghost look tan. Hadn't she gone through enough today! Slamming my window shut, Sarah flipped me off. Backing her into the corner, no remorse showed in her eyes. Walking out without saying anything, Remy had descended into a full blown panic attack. Gripping my jacket, true fear had widened her eyes. Her eyes rolled back, her body growing slack in my arms. Excusing myself, I would call my family doctor to come check her out. For now she needed rest and loads of it. Scooping her up in my arms, I wouldn't be surprised if she left me tomorrow. Carrying her down to my car, it was scary how many people were after her. Buckling her into the passenger's seat, her head landed on my lap the moment I slid into the driver's side. A deep scarlet colored my cheeks, my heart fluttering at her resting so peacefully. Driving out of the city, my all glass mansion loomed in the distance. Stepping on the gas, the concrete buildings changed to green grass. Pulling up to my sleek mansion, I picked her up while placing her computer bag on my shoulder. Curiosity burned in my mind at the fact that she had so little and the notch in the beam. Were the two connected? They had to be, right? Unlocking the door with my code, the cool air hit my face. Reading the date August fifteenth, it struck me that it would be our anniversary. Climbing the simple black stairs to the guest bedroom, a small groan poured from her lips the moment I laid her down. Tugging off her boots, I would have to get her a suitable wardrobe and some rings to symbolize our marriage. Tucking her in, her hand grabbed my wrist. Willing to do anything for her, I could only oblige. She had a special hold on me and I couldn't shake it off.
"Could you stay with me until the morning?" She mumbled adorably, a tender blush rising to her cheeks. "I don't feel particularly safe." Pulling up a chair, I kicked off my shoes while taking off my jacket. Sitting in the chair, her hand wouldn't let go of mine. Laying my head on the bed, something warm drifted me off to my gentle dreamland.
Snapping awake, she was nowhere to be seen. Popping to my feet, it was fortunate that I had today off. Crashing downstairs, my breath hitched at her wearing one of my shirts. Flipping a couple of pancakes, two fried eggs steamed on the counter. The early morning rays bathed her dainty features, my eyes falling on the headphones over her ears. Dancing around the kitchen, a real smile illuminated her features. One could tell that it was her real smile by the way one side of her lip was up higher than the other. Skidding to a halt, a deep crimson painted her cheeks. Lowering her headphones around her neck, a lump formed in her throat. Panicking audibly, she made me a plate of breakfast. Presenting it to me with a cute bow, her smile fell off of her face
"Please enjoy this as a thanks for all of your help in the past day alone. I apologize for my attitude. You were only trying to help." She thanked me profusely, tears welling up in her eyes. "I was out of line." How damaged did she get in her life? Taking the plate to the table, concern darkened my eyes at her standing in the corner to wait to eat. Something seemed broken by how she stood in the corner, her fingers gripping the hem of my borrowed shirt.
"Join me with a plate, you are my wife after all." I promised gently, her feet not moving from her spot. "I don't bite unless you cross me, I promise." Averting her gaze to the smooth gray tile floors, her head shook violently. Standing up, her tear stained face watched me fix her plate. Setting it down at the spot next to me, this behavior scared me. Motioning for her to sit, her feet wouldn't move. What fresh hell did they put her through?
"Don't be offended but my parents and the owner of the girls' home said that I couldn't eat with somebody above me." She uttered numbly, wiping away her tears. "I will eat when you are d-" Tossing her over my shoulder, I sat her down on my lap. Unsure of what to do, her trembling hand could barely pick up the simple silver fork. Come to think of it, she did look a little skinny in my opinion. Violent sobs wracked her body, my hand picking up the fork. If I had to force her to eat, then I would. She was way too light when I picked her up.
"I think you are my equal, so there." I whispered with an almost loving tone, her beautiful crimson waves catching my eyes at the most inopportune time. Her shaking wouldn't stop, dozens of scars glinting in the light. Feeding her a couple of bites, her sobs slowed to a stop. Wet eyes met mine, her lips pressing against mine sweetly. Time stopped, our hearts were all I could hear. Releasing me from her spell, a new shade of red rose to our cheeks. Hopping off of my lap, she excused herself. All of the fire had been burnt out, an idea coming to mind. Gulping down my breakfast, I snatched the open letters from her parents. Wishes that she had never been born haunted me, her mood this morning making sense. Calling her downstairs, she hovered at the top of the stairs. Holding the letters over my head, a wicked grin danced across my lips. Judging by her mixed reaction, this could go either way.
"Want to burn these? I burnt all the recent pictures with my siblings and found it exhilarating. Then we can go into the city to get some rings." I offered playfully, the tension fading in her expression. "I promise that it helps. I don't care what everyone else says about you. I find you mesmerizing and I can't take my eyes off of you. You are intelligent and caring. What isn't there to like about you?" Her eyes flitted between the letters and me, a fit of laughter bursting from her lips. Surprise twisted my features, her natural beauty in the moment made all the breath leave my body.
"Burn them yourself. I am done with those monsters. It is the victims' families I have to worry about. They always seem to find where I am living somehow. That apartment I was in was my fifth and supposed to be my last." She laughed darkly, a sad smile dawning on her face. "You are probably counting on the three years to go fast. Nobody likes me, not even my editor. I heard him gossiping behind my back last week about how they were about to drop me for the bad batch of recent press. I am toxic to whoever goes near me." Hurt dimmed my eyes, her cynicism was well earned but this was a bit much. Massaging my forehead, I tossed them into the gas fireplace. Turning it on, the flames devoured the paper in seconds. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, she reminded me of a cornered animal.
"That kiss didn't say so. It kind of seemed like you like my company as much as I enjoy yours. I haven't had a homemade breakfast in a long time. Get dressed, we should probably get our wedding bands." I suggested cautiously, Remy disappearing for a second. Coming out in an emerald summer dress, her boots glistened in the light. Twisting her hair into a bun, one single piece fluttered in the air conditioning. Tucking it behind her ear, my heart began to pound out of my chest. None of the other women had made me feel this way, her boots echoing down each step snapping me out of my trance. Stopping next to me, her fingers gripped the leather handle of her bat purse. Realizing that I needed to get dressed, her laughter twinkled in the air as I ran upstairs. Picking out a navy suit, it didn't take long to put on. Sliding on my dress shoes, her eager eyes glistened at the sight of me. Cupping her hands, she spun around. Playing with the hem of her dress, a coyness came over her. Following behind me to the car, it bothered me that she wouldn't walk next to me. Her books were well known, that alone making her more important than me. Little did she know that I owned all of her books, everyone taking me away from my life of pain for a few minutes. The first time I had read one was in the hospital after a nasty fight, her words trapping me upon the first paragraph. Stopping in front of the car, I grabbed her shoulders.
"Could you please walk next to me, not behind me?" I requested with a nervous smile, her brow cocking. "I would feel safer if you were next to me." Her cell phone rang, her face falling into a deeper sadness in mere seconds. Mumbling something underneath her breath, she sank into the passenger's seat. Getting into the driver's seat, she was trying her best not to cry. Playing with her phone, her blank stare scared me to my core. Grass turned into concrete buildings, the brakes squealing in front of my favorite jeweler. Jumping out of the car, Remy waited patiently for me to lead the way. Scratching at the top of her hands, something had just happened. The bell rang, black marble walls only emphasized the sparking gems in the cases. Mama Matrimony stepped out in her ivory pantsuit, her eyes falling on the pacing Remy. Dialing her phone, she began to rant to a machine. The television played in the back, a special on whether or not she helped her parents was playing. Hanging up the phone, she stepped up next to me. Not listening to the choices, her eyes watched out the window. Who would feel safe with her day yesterday? A small breath escaped my body the moment she gripped my arm like her life depended on it. Waiting for her answer, she pointed to the two simple black metal bands.
"I like simplicity." She explained softly, Mama Matrimony nodding in approval as her shaggy bob bounced with her head. "Let's do those." Paying for them, a shaking Remy let me place it on her finger. Sliding mine on, her gaze was almost filled with love instead of a quiet fear. Shouting thank you as we left, she pointed to the coffee shop where I had built up the courage to attempt to ask her to marry me. Walking into the shop, her real smile lit up her face. Talking to the staff members with warmth, they had her green tea ready in seconds. Sitting down in her favorite chair, her slender hand motioned for me to sit next to her. Holding my black French Roast coffee in my hands, the kind barista had already taken her payment. Sipping on her tea, a long sigh poured from her lips.
"Another one of those damn true crime shows had run another special on me so I have to find a new agent and publisher again." She growled through gritted teeth, taking another slow sip of her tea. "I have a whole novel ready for them. What am I supposed to do now? I would lose so much money if I self published." Getting lost in thought, her pensive expression brought a new level of fright upon me. Grumbling under her breath, her eyes fell back on me. Taking another sip, the cup shook in her hands. Life had just gotten worse for her and she had nowhere to go. Pulling out her phone, her thumb kept swiping through her contacts. Massaging her forehead, a disgruntled groan poured from her lips. A text alert vibrated everyone's phone, her face falling into a sheer look of panic. All eyes fell on her as a poisoned silence fell upon the cafe, hatred darkening their eyes. Even the barista shot her a death glare, the woman turning on the television. The newscaster was running a story about her, her glass cup crashing to the floor. Running out of the cafe, she disappeared into the crowd, tears staining her every step. Ignoring the harsh whispers, it wasn't safe for her to run around without protection. Searching for her scarlet waves, horror rounded my eyes at her hiding in an alley. Gripping the brick, the strength leading to blood dripping down the red brick. Shaking like a leaf, silent tears stained her eyes. So this is what life was like for a serial killer's child. In fact, she looked like a lost child. Pushing my way through the crowd, she smashed into my arms. Sobbing into my chest, her bloody fingers stained my dress shirt. Relieved to have her in my arms, the dam had burst.
"Make it stop! Make it stop!" She pleaded through a wall of tears, my heart shattering for her. "Everyone hates me because of them! I keep losing everything because my nightmare is never ending! Because of them I have to move all the time and I don't get to make friends. I understand if you want to div-" Kissing her passionately, her fingers slid down my chest. Cupping her face, salty tears dripped off of my hands. How could someone look so gorgeous in the middle of a bittersweet moment?
"I would never divorce you." I assured her lovingly, falling for her for the thousandth time. "I am blessed to have you in my life. I will have you come with me to work if it means keeping you safe. I like you Remy and I never want to let you go." A sad smile dawned on her lips, pure joy lighting up her eyes. Did I break her?
"You really mean it, don't you?" She wept softly, her hands cupping mine. "No one has ever said those words to me. People always want to let me go because I poison everything I touch. I am only a broken doll that everyone wants to throw away. I can't even fund my life anymore. There aren't any more agents or publishers. It seems that my parents found a way to end my career. They always find a way to win." Her legs gave out, a fever burning on her cheek. Help, she needed medical help. Scooping her into my arms, every breath grew ragged with each step. Getting her into her seat, I climbed into the driver's side. Peeling onto the road, dread bubbled in my gut. Driving towards the nearest hospital, my tires squealed to a halt into a parking spot. Scooping her into my arms, my dress shoes pounded into the emergency room. Nurses rushed her in, one of them shoving a clipboard into my face. Telling me to wait patiently, I picked up my phone. Calling my insurance, it took an aggravating couple of hours getting her on it. Filling out the form with the proper information, a haggard doctor approached me with a serious expression. Finally, I could see her.
"She is suffering from malnourishment and a severe Crohn's flare up. How is she not on her proper medication? It even says here that she has been prescribed the pills I am going to have her start taking again. Pick up the highest iron and get her the next GI appointment to get her back on track." She informed me briskly, letting out a groan. "I am assuming that you just got married so I will forgive your transgression. You may see her now." Rushing into the room, machines hummed around her. Slumbering away, tears welled up in my eyes. What were these coming from? Relief mixed with worry, my head shaking at her letting herself get this bad. Sitting down next to her, she must have been really strong to hide it from everyone around her. Resting my head on the bed, sweet slumber stole me away.
Jerking awake, Remy was playing with her breakfast. Grimacing in pain, she pushed her tray away. Fury burned in my eyes, my palms smacking the mattress. Confusion dawned on her face, her eyes rolling at the sight of my impatience. Anyone would be worried about her? When was she going to realize that she wasn't alone anymore!
"How could you let your disease go that bad!" I barked venomously, a tired smile spreading on her face. "I don't understand you!" Chuckling weakly to herself, my temper flared a bit more. Shaking her head, her hand reached for mine. Damn, she knew my weakness. Any touch sent a wave euphoria over me.
"I didn't want to burden you. Like I said I haven't had insurance for a while. I attend my appointments regularly but the medicine was a bit of a challenge." She explained calmly, intertwining her fingers with mine. "I really tried to keep getting it but then the pharmacy refused to fill it. You know, because of my parents. I heard you put me on your insurance. You didn't have to do that. Thank you for being the best husband in the world." My breath hitched at her words, any frustration melting away. If what she said is true then the mailing prescription service would have to be our way to go. Her life had been so tough up to this point, her positive outlook throwing me off.
"I can't believe you said that." I joked tenderly, watching her real smile illuminating her features. "You make a pretty fantastic wife. As your husband I demand that you get better." A tender blush rose to her cheeks, her real smile returning for a quick second. Leaning on the tray holding her food, a new warmth came over me at the unintentional loving gaze
"Okay. You win." She caved with a sweet smile, sipping the ginger ale in her cup. "I promise to get better for my husband." Hearing the word husband again, my heart skipped a beat. Beginning to tell me some of her rare happy stories, her face would light up with the mention of a certain grandmother. The door opened, my old man entered the room in a comfy tan sweater and dark jeans. His wild gray waves hung around his shoulders, retirement looking good on him. His emerald eyes twinkled to life, his grin growing wide. Unlike my mother, family was his most important value. Placing his hands on her hips, he let out a hearty laugh.
"Is this my new daughter-in-law!" He gushed excitedly, sitting at the end of the bed. "You married your favorite author." Embarrassment colored my cheeks, a nervous grin twitching on my lips. Shaking my head, he didn't need to divulge. Turning her head towards me, a sly grin curled to life. A joke rested on the tip of her tongue, her grin growing wider. What was going to come out of her mouth?
"You Miseried me." She returned with evil laughter, my father next to her. "As long you don't go insane on me, I am all set. I love you, Domy." Hearing those words sent chills up my spine, a dazed grin brightening my features. My old man cleared his throat, a contract resting in his palm. Setting it on her tray, compassion softened his expression.
"I heard you needed a literary agent. It is all over the news that you got fired again. I retired from that but I can represent you without flaking on you. I think your style of writing is revolutionary and I have a ton of old connections." He offered sincerely, Remy reading every line of the contract. "I would be honored to hook you up with the best publishers. I can take your career to new places. What do you say?" Tears stained the pages, the corner of her lips quivered. Please say yes. My father got the biggest names in the writing realm on everyone's shelves.
"Why is the percentage so small? Don't you deserve more than that?" She queried oddly, spinning the pen in her fingers. "I can't accept this. It would be robbery if I agreed." Waving his hands around, his grin oozed kindness. Cocking her brow, none of this seemed right to her.
"It isn't problem. I am already retired so it isn't a big deal. I have more money than I know what to do with. Besides use it when my grandchildren come." He chirped cheerfully, Remy spitting out her ginger ale. Her shocked expression meeting mine, a quiet panic brewed in my mind. Signing her name across the dotted line, her fate with my father was sealed. Sliding it over to him, he began to talk about the big names he worked with. A small smile dawned on my face at them chatting naturally, their relationship seemed to start off as if they were old friends. Wishing for a bright future, I never wanted our marriage to end. Please grant me that.