Shatter Me

Puppetry

I never wanted a big wedding. I always adored the small ones that only consisted of family and very close friends. I had that wedding once. I had it while thinking it would be the only time I got married. Life took on my challenge and won. I stared blankly at myself in the mirror as I looked more beautiful than I have ever been. With makeup  smeared artistically across my face, my body squeezed into a beautiful white gown, and my hair pulled into a gorgeous low side bun. If he could see me now, would he tell me I'm beautiful?

"Mommy?" My heart thumped at the small voice and I turned to see my son looking up at me with the same brown eyes. I smiled and knelt down as he walked over to me. 

"I'm sorry, ma'am. He wanted to see you and wouldn't stop crying." I glanced up to Melissa, my attendant, and gave her a smile that told her it's okay. 

"Tanner, were you crying?" I asked watching his little face drop. 

"I wanted to be in here with you.” He looks up at me through his eyelashes and I smile as I feel his love for me. Wiping away the tears that remained, I wondered how mad my new husband will be if I keep Tanner at my side. 

"Hemera, it's time." I glance to Melissa and back to Tanner. I can't take him with me. It'll only give him trouble.

"Be a good boy for Melissa and tomorrow I will take you running." I promised brushing his hair. He didn't look happy and I knew he would still cry once I left. 

"Mrs. Sedah, it's time to go." I look up to see Jareth, my new husband's attendant in the doorway. 

"Melissa, take Tanner to his room to play with his tablet." I hated that thing. I really did, but it made him happy and would distract him long enough. Giving me a kiss and a hug he ran off with Melissa happily. I stood up to face Jareth. His neat, sharp features matched his usual attire of a solid black suit reminding me of a mischievous black cat. 

"I'm ready." Lying has become easier for me since I took my sister's place, but Jareth's green eyes told me he knew better. I smile and put away thoughts of my late husband, Liam. Jareth fixes my veil, putting it over my face, and hands me the bouquet of white lilies. I follow him out to the double-doors to see my stoic father standing like a robot. I take his given arm and thank Jareth as he walks away. 

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" His question breaks me as I look to him wondering if I can tell him no. His grey eyes turn to me showing his worry worn face and I knew I couldn't. 

"Absolutely." I whisper feeling my heart break behind the curtain of an ongoing play. Tragedy is in my heart as the act is but comedy. How long will people believe this farce I put on?

The doors open and I look straight facing the consequences of my actions. I will not break until all of my kind are safe. 

The music plays and with the practiced steps I stride steadily forward ignoring the onlookers and kept my eyes on the man to be my husband.

He seemed to be a better liar than I as his smile and eyes look at me with adoration. My stomach twisted as I remembered his smile that once formed a scowl, and his longing eyes that once glared at me. Kaleb Valora appeared like a kind man that you could trust but, like the Atropa Belladonna, his appearance matters little with his true nature.

I step up to the threshold as my father easily hands me over to the toxin that is Kaleb Valora. Facing Kaleb, I wait as he pulls the veil over my face. He acts surprised as he sees my face and grabs my hand. What the crowd can't see is his grip squeezing my hand a little too hard. I don't wince or flinch but instead return the favor. Compared to him my strength is greater. He quickly accepts defeat and together we face the Valora's choice of minister.  The plump aged man looks to us with glee. There's no guessing when I think he has no clue about the truth either. 

The minister begins and I listen to the words carefully. Better yet, I tried to listen but my memories had other plans. Liam's brown eyes crinkling with his smile. Oh Heavens, his smile was so breathtaking. The most handsome I had ever seen him was the day he held Tanner for the first time. He was so scared and so happy. I couldn't stop watching them. I can feel the tears brim my eyes. I know I should stop but once the gates opened a flood fell in. His laugh, his hands, his stupid whistling, his horrid singing voice, every last bit of him... even the bad, the terrible, and the ugly. I miss him. 

"Hemera?" Kaleb's voice brings me back and I look to his green eyes watching me with warning. I glance to the minister staring and to the audience before realizing I've been crying. A small laugh bubbles and act embarrassed, which honestly was not difficult. I look to Kaleb and think of Liam.

"I'm so happy I get to be with you forever." I tell him touching his cheek. The cooed awws assured me that they ate up my false words. I don't bother wiping the tears, bringing my hand down from the wizard’s face, knowing it'll only smear the make-up and further ruin the perfect image Kaleb required. We finish the ceremony by finalizing it with a kiss. A small, and gentle one that feathered with compassion. It would have fooled me if I had not found love before. 

"Now if everyone could please meet us at the restaurant for reception. We'll be having your choice of food." Kaleb dismissed the mass, a small portion being my family. I give them a small wave and watch them leave. 

"What was that?" Kaleb's true nature shown first in his words as he continues to smile at the departing audience. I don't bother looking to him when I answer. 

"You didn't like my act, my love?" Clarissa, Melissa's helper, comes over to assist me and I take the opportunity to walk away from him.

"It's not too late to go back. Go to your family and tell them why they will no longer be protected." I stop and look back to his smirking face. I wondered how much he truly enjoyed my suffering. 

"Go back? Why would I want to do that, my love?" He snickers as he turns to Jareth, whom appeared at his side moments ago. 

"We'll see how long you last, and when I prove my father wrong you and your kind will forever regret the day of toying with me." Kaleb stormed out with the last words as Jareth bows before following. 

"Hemera, shou-"

"Please, call me Mrs. Valora. I should remember who I am now." I tell Clarissa heading towards the room ready to get out of the high heels that hurt me wishing I could change my heart as easily.