Chapter 12: Terrance
1092 Words
August 18, 2021
The Same Day
The Unknown
Boundaries. A limit. Your breaking point. A dividing line between security and contempt. Is slapping me in the face crossing boundaries? Is controlling me crossing boundaries? Is choking me and making me feel unsafe crossing boundaries. The immediate answer would be yes, but how can that be crossing boundaries when boundaries weren’t established? To think of it, he and I never had a serious conversation about the means of our relationship.
Why?? He was so smooth and clever with his words, I never questioned a thing he did. It was hypnosis. As soon as the words flew out of his mouth, I found myself in a ’mesmerizing’ trance. Never would I ever defend an antagonize but, is he really in the wrong? I ask this because what if his boundaries are different from mine? It's obvious that he has a different interpretation of our relationship but, what is his true purpose?
Michael
Red is my favorite color. The dark aesthetic of what could be a simple color fascinates me. The light sting in my palm satisfies me. It reassures me of the umpteenth painful warning I have given Mariana. I would never hurt her for no reason, I don't like being provoked. The world I live in is filled with temptations and decision making. If anything, I am prepping her for the tough skin she will need in this sinful environment I have brought her in. And never will I regret that decision.
”This is an amazing event, Mr. Romero.” The male stood next to me, trying to be civilized. I can sense the taunting attitude in his tone.
”Thank you, Terrance. Glad you could come out. Did you bring a date?” This event was a traditional one that originated in 1969, during my grandparents’ era of life. Each year, an event would be held to reunite with our family, friends, coworkers, and much more rich families. So, if I can't rearrange his face, I will definitely kill him with ’kindness’. The fake smile and slight chuckle said all that needed to be said.
I certainly am not interested in a conversation with an ancestral rival. I never discovered the root of the rivalry but I knew it was intense.”What a beautiful sight.” Terrance said dreamily as he looked in the direction of the hallway. My head swiftly changed directions. I was now looking at the entrance and a proud smirk grew on my face.
Her presence brightened the room as the sequins on her beautiful, long dress shined bright. The dress fit beautifully around her body, exposing all of her curves. Too much for my liking. I looked back at Terrance to see him eyeing my property, which angered me. I felt Mariana’s presence behind me, and I turned around to see her beautiful face. My smirk laid proudly on my face until I noticed the mark I made on her face was gone.
“Your face looks clean.” She looked down as soon as she heard my statement. Not only did she have access to makeup without my knowledge, but she covered my mark on her. “Do you enjoy pain?” She shook her head frantically as I spoke in a monotone voice.
“Now that’s not an appropriate question to ask a lady,” Terrance speaks out as he seemed curious about the level of intensity their conversation held. “Terrance Brown.” He stuck his hand out, expecting her to shake it. I stared at his forearm, wanting to twist it badly. How dare he interrupt my conversation with my woman? As I stared up at his smug smile, wanting to punch him more than I wanted to twist his arm. He holds so much arrogance and self-importance when he walks into a room.
But don’t we all? There is no such thing as a humble person. Everyone is subjectified to the toxic feeling of arrogance in a certain area of life. It can be the smallest deed of comparing your $5 to someone else’s 5 cents. I remember when I did that in my earlier years. Yet, the only difference between you and me is wisdom. Mine will never match others. Many may say that’s because mine is stupid, but those people didn’t live to say their next statement.
I watched as my beloved betrayed every word I said to her prior to her presence in her elegant wear. I watched as her smooth, clean hand touched his hand that was covered in violence, tyranny, and blood.
“Oh! You have a tight grip.” Mariana exclaimed as her arm was practically yanked from her joints as soon as his hand gripped hers.
His laugh held poison to the female species. “Ah! Well, I’m a very important man,” He chuckled softly as he released her hand from his grip.” Mr. Romero can assure you of that.”
At the mention of my name, the color from her face drained quickly. Her head whipped towards me, her mouth was agape. Seemed as if she forgot I was present to witness their interaction. As if that mattered to me.
“Darling, I think you should retire to your room,” I said in my condescending voice. My eyes faced forward as the words flew out of my mouth. I knew that if I looked at her, I would do something I wouldn’t forgive myself for.
“So early? She just made her arrival, Romero. Is there a problem?” Terrance said with a sly smirk. He knew what he was doing, he knew she was mine and he continued to provoke me. I chuckled dryly as my patience was running thin with both of them.
“Mariana, get your ass in your room. Now!” I shouted, causing her to jump and rush out of the dining hall. My shout gathered the attention of some guests but nothing to concern them. I made eye contact with Terrance and saw he was smiling widely while sipping the beverage in his cup.
“I believe it is time for me to call it a night. The event was wonderful but I better be off.” I glared deeply at him as he stood, expecting an answer from me. I sipped the Chardonnay from my glass while our eyes met, I was intimidating him. Without another word, he left the awkward scenery and was out the door.
Our day will come. And when it does, that will be a day to remember.
~My Perfect Love Story~
- Writer
