MARRIED ON A DARE

Two Stubborn Bulls

The car ride was silent. Kingsley was not one to repeat himself futilely, Angela had said and done all she could and was now waiting for divine intervention and Leo was having the time of his life as he was truly invested in how things would play out. Anthony and Joy were eagerly waiting for the other to quit. As he drove behind the car leading them to the final standoff, he tried to read Joy's expression through the rearview mirror. She was seated in thought at the back seat. She had to have faith things would work out. After all, her mantra was ‘everything is constantly working in her favour’. If there was ever a time for that to be proven right, it was tonight.

The car turned into the driveway of a modest looking house and in a moment, they were standing a little distance from the door, waiting for it to be opened. After a brief discussion between the i***t and the occupant of the house who was clearly woken up from his sleep, he walked over to them and declared “as promised, the man would wed them but it would require a bit of cash”. Kingsley and Anthony had emptied their pockets paying the tab at the bar. Angela was definitely not admitting the cash in her bag and Joy, yes she was stubborn but she would do anything except sponsor this irritating charade she was forced to participate in.

It was happening. There was no way to push the dare forward and the nearest ATM was miles away from them. “Well… I guess we have to call it a night” said Kingsley. “Yes!” screamed Leo as he ran triumphantly towards them with a roll of cash in hand. “I remembered I had money stashed in the car” he said, counting out some notes for the man. Angela could not believe it. This was the same Leo who'd declare brokeness on any given day but for this, he suddenly had money stashed. Satisfied, the man ushered them into the dimly lit living room.

Joy and Anthony stood before the scantly clothed man who was already going through the marriage process. Angela was seated with her husband, throwing dagger looks at Leo who was grinning ear to ear. “If anyone here present knows any reason why this couple may not be lawfully joined in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” They heard him say. “I do!” said Angela. “They don't love each other and are making a mockery of the sanity of marriage”. The man couldn't be any less interested in her response. They had paid him to do this and the sooner he was done, the sooner he could get back to his erotic dream involving Angelina Jolie.

As he made to pick up, Angela cut in again. “I can't let this happen. I'm sorry”. “All you have to do is tell her to back out” said Anthony. “You'd like that wouldn't you?” Joy retorted. “I can't let him marry you cause he's the father of my son”. The room fell silent and they turned to Angela in disbelief at what she had said. King rose up to take a closer look at his wife. “I'm sorry you had to find out this way” she said as she moved closer to him and whispered “go with it baby. We just have to stall things tonight, then the dare is over”. King looked angrily at Anthony who was still shocked by Angela's declaration. “She's lying. I've never touched her and I have no intention of ever touching your wife” but King was not going to let things go. He demanded proof in the form of a DNA result which they all knew could not be obtained that night.

Anthony could tell this was a ploy and in truth, it did nothing but fuel his anger and resolve. They were coming after him and not her but he won't let this go. If they wanted a DNA result, he'd give them but that would be after they got the marriage or her forfeiture, he declared. With Joy still very much adamant, the now impatient man rushed through the ceremony. Angela had done her best. If they could not meet her halfway, they might as well continue with the foolishness. A moment later, it was declared “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride or whatever the hell you plan on doing”. With the rites over, they were ushered out of the house and the door slammed on their faces.

“Now what?” said Leo. Having done the dare, the game was bound to continue. Anthony picked up his ringing phone and walked away from the group as he listened to the caller. He returned shortly and informed them he had to be on the next flight out of the country for something regarding his business but Joy wasn't listening anymore. He was living the country and her life and with any luck, he'd be gone forever. Little did she know, her ancestors were not done teaching her a lesson.