VINDICTIVE

Episode 13

After sliding his prepared drinks to their recipients. He grabbed a napkin. Taking a pen from his pocket, he scribbled on it before sliding it over to me. It said “Congratulations”. Morgan continued to prepare drinks.

With a smile I took the pen and wrote my reply, sliding it back. “Thank you. I'm really happy”

As he passed he scooped it up, reading as he worked. For a moment it looked like he scoffed. Confusing me.

With the clinking of glasses he placed dirty ones in the sink. Proceeding to write a reply. He handed it back.

“I've seen happier brides”

The comment shocked me. Feeling a spark of anger I shouted. “What does that mean?” Morgan leaned back against the sink, arms crossed. His eyes, unreadable. Assuming I won't hear him he only shrugged.

The spark lit to a modest flame.

Grabbing the napkin, I waved it at him.

“No, what's that supposed to mean?!”

With that he approached, my voice caught in my throat as he leaned in. His voice burning in my ear.

“You know exactly what it means”

The music pounded around us and so did my heart.

My of its own accord, smacked across his face. The slap drowned out by the music and people.

Tenderly, he rubbed at his now red cheek. His eyes as cold as the ice in his drinks. For either seconds of minutes I couldn't tell but we just stared at each other, challenging the other to make a move.

A young man can run up beside him, prepping two glasses for drinks. “Morgan!” He shouted.

“We need help over here!” His voice was faint over the music but it was clear nonetheless. Hand still rubbing his cheek, Morgan pulled back. Blowing me off he left to help with the orders. With a fit of frustration I tore up the napkin throwing the scattered pieces over the bar.

“Bastard” I growled, turning on a heel I began the search for my husband among the sea of costumes.

Lights flashed, the strobe flickered relentlessly making the whole room seem surreal. Every other person had a drink in their hand even as they jumped and danced.

As I called out for Liam my body was repeatedly bumped and tossed around which only served to further confuse me. When finally it happened, my heels at last won their battle against my balance and I dropped to the floor I gassed internally at the sensation of tearing on my dress. It's as if the wedding never happened, no one seemed to care or notice who I am. All of them are enamoured with the party fever and halloween celebrations around them.

Finished with the night I kicked off my shoes, standing firmly in the crowd. Looking back my suspicions were correct, along the back of my train was a noticeable tear in the fabric. I should feel upset but if anything it fits with the look I'm supposed to be going for so.

“Screw it” I shrugged, now forcefully shoving my way through the dance floor.

“There you are princess!” Liam shouted. “I'm going back to the room!” I shouted. Completely fed up with this night. Morgan didn't have to say that….

“What? Why?” He asked, still dancing half heartedly with the thumping sounds. “No stay! It's our wedding night! Don't be such a downer jules!”

My mouth dropped open, shocked by his words.

“What's wrong with you?!” Without another word I turned to leave, exiting the ballroom and storming down the hall. Liam chased closely behind, calling my name and pleading for me to return. The noise still could be heard, but now reduced to a soft level. My ears still ringing from the volume.

As I turned the corner I passed a large door leading to the decks outside. Desperate to get away I plunged through them. Icy wind pierced my skin instantly, but I hardly cared. In fury I ripped the veil from my hair and ran to the rail. The desire to scream was overwhelming but I still found myself unable to do so and simply dropped to my knees. The moon reflected on the water's surface, in the far off distance were the pin point lights of land and the crashing of the sea below me. Its waters black as the night it reflected.

“There you are!” Liam called, bursting through the doors. Damn it all. “Just leave me alone” I cried.

He of course did no such thing and rushed to my side. Kneeling on one knee beside me “Hey…” His voice turned low and comforting. His hand rubbed my back as I huddled against the wind, now feeling like an i***t for coming out here in a strapless dress. After letting out an annoyed sounding sigh, a sudden warmth covered me. Liam had placed his jacket over my back.

“Thanks.” I mumbled. With a grunt he sat next to me. “No worries”

What felt like forever passed in silence, a silence him and I have never had between us. Neither of us knew what to say. “I'm sorry ok?” I whispered.

He didn't look at me but shifted to a more comfortable position, watching the water.

“What are you sorry for? This is all my fault”

Surprised, I looked at him. “Your fault?”

His head dropped. “I never should have suggested we tell our parents. We should have waited and done this properly. I tried to make the best of this whole thing but the truth is…” With a thumb he wiped at the fake wound on my neck.

“I wasn't a huge fan of the halloween aesthetic either.”

“Really?” I asked. He nodded. “It truly was the last thing available that matched all my criteria. I added all the party stuff and had our outfits tailored to match the theme to just… make the best of it y'know? But you were right from the beginning, it sucks. Im sorry”

Oddly enough hearing him be so upset brought a sense of peace over me. Taking a deep breath of the crisp halloween ocean air I moved myself closer, resting my head on his shoulder. “No, it doesn’t suck” ?