VINDICTIVE

Episode 5

Arriving at our room, Liam opened the door. Revealing our expansive suite.

Stepping right into the living room, there was a gorgeous electric fireplace, roaring in front of the comfiest looking white couch I've ever seen. “Very nice.” I hummed, pleased.

“And check this out.” Liam rushed over to the bedroom, disappearing behind the corner.

Following closely behind my eyes wandered around the room, my heart skipped at the bed. Overflowing with red silk blankets and rose petals. Champagne in a bucket of ice waited on a table nearby. A huge window on the left opened to a balcony, overlooking the ocean, still raining miserably.

“Arnt they awesome?” I turned to see Liam holding up two costumes.

For me was a floor-length white mermaid gown. Looking at how I always pictured it, sparkly and form-fitting with an elegant neckline. But my breath hitched when my eyes spotted color. The bottom of the skirt is decorated with fake blood. The sight made me sick.

Random splatter and red bloody handprints littered the skirt and train, the fabric torn in random places adding to the effect. In his other hand, he held another outfit of the very same idea. A groom's tux ripped in random sections. Splattered blood along its edges.

Unsure what to say I could only stare, hoping this was a joke. “You don't like them?”

“No no, it's just... Well, I thought at least we were going to have costumes separate from our actual wedding attire.” Dejected at this, his arms began to lower. For a moment I felt bad. “It's not that they're not great, just for my wedding dress I imagined less….blood?” I knew a Halloween wedding wasn't a good idea.

“Jules, they're awesome. And look, the ceremony is tomorrow night.

The captain is going to marry us dressed as a vampire. It's going to be a big thing.

You're gonna love it. Trust me.”

“I did trust you. And now there's blood on my dress. I didn't think you considered my wedding dress as a costume.”

Turning on my heel, I left. “Now hey wait, where are you going? What did I do?”

With a huff, I slammed the door. Needing time to let off some steam. “What is this day?!” Tears stung the back of my eyes as I wandered down the hall aimlessly.

Damn it, I'm not going to cry. My arm wiped at them angrily.

Slowly more and more people filled the ship as everyone boarded.

Returning to the ballroom I soon found myself at the bar.

Finding a seat, I slumped over the counter.

Feeling the weight of my decisions for the first time. Normally, sitting like this would result in the lecture of a lifetime from my father about ‘upholding the family's reputation’ but he can go to hell for all I care. Behind the counter, the bartender was dressed in all black.

His face painted to look like a skull. After finishing up with a customer he wandered over my way, pouring yet another drink.

“Hey there. Trip can't be that bad already. Haven't even left the dock yet.” He joked.

With a groan, I sat up. Head resting in my hand.

If I'm going to feel this lousy anyway I may as well be drunk.

“It's nothing, just... give me one of your strongest.”

Finishing up his current order, he slid it down the bar. The glass stopped precisely in its owner's hand. “You sure you can handle it?” he asked, turning around.

When I answered with a cold glare he raised his hands in defense.

“I’m just checking. But don't you go sayin I didn't warn you or nuthin.”

With my order being made, I dropped my head with a thud. Just wanting to die.

Was only yesterday that we got engaged, everything was so perfect.

How in the span of twenty-four hours has my life taken such a turn. My family hates me, hates the man I'm with and now even he's turning out to be more of a loose cannon than I thought.

“Y'know, not that it's any of my business, but if you want to talk about it I'd be willing to listen.” Pulling myself up, I rested my head on crossed arms.

“That's a little cliche don't you think?” Preparing the glass, he scoffed.

“Not any more than someone wandering over to a bar, having embarrassed themselves. Now looking for advice, pretending they don't want it. Or am I wrong, Mrs. Millbank?”

With that, I sat up straight, ice clinking as he poured it. “Wha-”

As he began to pour the vodka, he motioned his head to the TV behind him.

Playing softly in the background. The news was on, and so was footage from this morning. My hair and face looked as horrible as I thought after all that damn running. It changed to me cowering behind Liam, stopped by the police. “Oh god. I wanna die.”

Next, he poured a thick red liquid into the glass. Followed by black.

“Well, this’ll get you a little closer, believe me.” Moments later, he slid the glass over.

“I'm such an idiot.” I groaned, taking a deep gulp. Immediately choking, I covered my mouth, struggling to keep it down. “Nice” he chuckled.

“Oh shut up” I coughed, wiping my mouth. “I don't drink very much.”

Still laughing, he poured me a glass of cold water. “So why are you drinking?”

“Guess I just want to forget this is all happening. I have no idea what I'm doing.”

To his surprise, I took another sip of that vile concoction.

Collecting empty glasses from the counter, he placed them in the sink.

“Well, you're getting married tomorrow. That's big.” Now it was my turn to scoff.

“Yeah, it's big alright.” Raising a brow he looked confused. “Do you not like him?”

“I freaking love him, he's everything I've ever wanted but...Well just look around.” Turning on the stool, I motioned to the room. Covered in its pumpkins and spiderwebs, people dressed as goblins and witches wandering around.

“This isn't exactly every girl's dream wedding.” Looking around, he only shrugged.

“I dunno, I think it's pretty cool.” Boys... “Who asked you.” I sneered.

With a frustrated sigh, I downed the rest of the drink. He looked about to say something but stopped. Continuing to dry the washed glasses. Shaking my head in disgust at the taste I slammed the cup down. Following immediately with the water.