VINDICTIVE

Episode 7

My voice caught in my throat, the words stuck in my mouth like peanut butter. “Nothing…”

I mumbled miserably. “Just, can you grab me some aspirin?” He nodded before leaving for it. No I can't just ask him. What if I'm wrong? It'll mess everything up, no. Besides, I must have just heard wrong or something. Liam would never cheat on me. I mean I know we've only been dating for 6 months but our love is real, and strong and….

“Here you go” Upon returning, his hand offered out two little red pills which I promptly swallowed. “Now why don't you try and sleep again huh? We have a big day tomorrow.”

As he lifted the covers I crawled underneath. “W-we do?” I asked, attempting to hold back a yawn while he covered me with the blanket. “You bet, you're gonna love it.” As I drifted off I felt the faintest of kisses tickle my forehead, dragging out a contented smile from me. Nah, I'm just being paranoid. He loves me way too much for that kind of nonsense. Man, I think crazy things when I drink. I heard the bedroom door click shut again as I drifted off. Mumbling and groaning as I turned over into nothingness.

In the morning, my face was assaulted by a barrage of blinding light. Boring into my eyes, I huddled beneath the covers for protection.

“Rise and shine cutie pie.” Liam chirped cheerfully. Head pounding, I let out an agonizing groan.

“Go away” Only to have the covers ripped off of me. I huddled even tighter at the loss of my comforting cocoon. “Up, Up, Up” He called again, heading into the bathroom. The water turned on as he began brushing his teeth.

Cracking an eye open I was scared to look at the time. “8:30! Are you crazy!” He laughed from out of light. “I'm not the one who got hammered The day before our wedding” Our wedding? Wait.

Putting a hand to my head I groaned again. Pieces of last night began to flood back. Why did that guy let me drink so much? What was his name again? The pounding beneath my skull makes it hard to concentrate.

“Here.” Now dressed in a nice shirt and light sports coat, Liam handed me some aspirin along with a glass of water, which I promptly threw back.

After managing to stand I began to look for clothes. “Just let me know when you're ready”

His face just beamed with unspoken pride as he left the room for me to change. The memory of him on the phone last night flashed for a moment.

“Who was that?” I whispered to myself, as I buttoned up my blouse. Glancing in the mirror I scoffed at the ruffled mess on my head, attempting to tame it with my hands. The phone call graded at my thoughts and whether or not I should ask.

“Well why shouldn't I? I am his fiance. Soon to be his wife, I have every right.”

Satisfied with my hair I stormed into the living room, the question locked and loaded.

He stood from the couch. “You look beautiful”

His arms wrapped around me, my nose filled with his intoxicating cologne. Focus. Pushing to his arms length, I looked him straight in the eye.

“Who were you on the phone with last night?”

Staggering back a bit he looked surprised for only a moment before his smile returned.

“Are you jealous?”

With a huff I stood back, feeling my frustration bubble. “Don't try and twist this on me. I want to know who it was.“ Arms crossed I turned from him.

“You've been acting so weird lately.

Talking to people on the phone randomly, telling them what we're doing in that moment then completely dodging the question of who they are.”

From behind his arms embraced me again.

“Ok Ok your right. You deserve to know. I shouldn't keep things from you.” With a sigh he breathed a warm breath on my neck, giving me shivers.

God he smells so good.

“I was supposed to be a surprise y'know.”

He walked over to the window and whipped open the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight making me wince. ”The moment we are man and wife, the captain and I have been planning a huge party for us. Im talking all the stops honey. It's going to be such a rager, everyones gonna be as hammered as you were last night. There's gonna be fireworks, laser shows, your favourite music playing so loud we’ll rock the ocean babe.”

I rubbed my eyes, now feeling quite stupid and couldnt think of anything to say.

“It was gonna be a surprise, the fireworks were going to go off right when we were announced as husband and wife.” His face began to pout.

“Now it's not going to feel as special now that you know…”

“Oh sweetheart” I groaned, head still throbbing.

“Im sorry. I'm sure it's amazing.” Partially to his face from the sun I hugged him, nuzzling into his chest. “I'm sorry” I mumbled. He chuckled lightly, stroking my hair. “I guess I can forgive you. But you gotta act really surprised when it goes off deal?” I nodded eagerly. “Deal.”

“And were going to have an amazing day today?” He smiled looking down he tilted my head up with a finger. “Yes?”

I squealed quietly when that hand moved to my neck, tickling. “Yes?” Now laughing, I tried to breathe and answer. Just managing to get out the “Yes” he was looking for.

Once seated at one of their best tables we were promptly served my favourite breakfast, pancakes and strawberries. The best I've ever tasted, Somehow I managed to remember my manners as I ate, never feeling so hungry before.

After finishing, my gaze got lost in the sparkles glimmering along the ocean's surface. Liam began to snap his fingers, summoning one of the staff To our table, this one had a more zombie get up to him. Liam whispered something in the man's ear before he quickly left.