Contractually Ever After

Chapter 8 - Do I stay or do I go

Not much was said after that kiss. I left Wade standing dumbfounded in the wardrobe. I quietly went downstairs to get something to eat, deciding on a croissant and some natural yoghurt. I sit by the breakfast bar, trying to gather my thoughts. If I go with him, will I be humiliating myself, or will it be time to spend just me and him almost like a small honeymoon ? But if I stay, I won't have to worry about Reaper, and maybe distance will make the heart grow fonder. I don't want him lusting over me because I'm like the forbidden fruit. But how do I know he won't make more of a fool of me if he goes alone. I can feel the anxiety rising and have no appetite, I can't sit down anymore. I'm too agitated. I kick off my sandals and step outside, not noticing the down poor of typical British weather. The rain is a welcome distraction as I just stand there, my bare feet in the grass head up to the heavens in the hope of an answer. And right on queue.

"Ava, come inside its torrential rain !"

He goes silent.

"Damn you woman!"

I yelp as he picks me up bridal style.

"You're going to be the death of me."

He walks us through into the living room and turns the fire on, still holding me firmly in place, and he sets us down on the sofa.

"Talk to me, Ava."

"Wade, I have no more in me for crying or a slinging match, just go to America, and I'll see you when you're back."

I set my intentions.

"I'm not leaving without you and us being like this."

"And I can't go with you."

I Interject.

"Why ? why won't you come with me ? why do you keep slipping off away from me ? I'm f*****g trying Ava. Meet me halfway, please."

I understand he wants answers. Answers I can't give, but how does he expect me to process all of this news today and our wedding yesterday and just take it in my stride.

"I'm hurt, Wade. We got married yesterday, and so far, it's been the longest 24 hours of my life. You've purposefully shut me out. Insulted me, asked personal questions, cheated on me. I'm so tired, Wade, so please just go. I'll be here when you decide to come back."

"There's nothing I can do for you to come with me is there."

He tries one more time.

"Not this time."

We just sit there, with me placed on his lap and the electric fire crackling, giving off some warmth. I must have fallen asleep on his chest, I start being roused by the rocking of him carrying me up the stairs, soon placed into bed. In the odd space between sleep and consciousness, I reach out for him, refusing to let him go. I drift back off to sleep, smiling that he chose to get in next to me. Maybe in my dreams we'll be okay.

I wake up feeling really refreshed then I notice the cold empty spot beside me. I turn to the alarm clock on my bedside, seeing it's 6.45am.

"Holy s**t I must have needed that. I practically slept through the rest of yesterday."

I walk through the house, calling out for Wade but the house is silent apart from the sound of pads running to me.

"Hey Rere, just me and you, huh ?"

I kneel down to him, scratching his ears.

The next 4 days are just spent bumming around the house, occasionally taking Reaper out for a walk to escape cabin fever. When one evening I get a knock of the door. I open the door cautiously and see Penny holding 2 carrier bags get soaked in the rain.

"Come in, why did you knock ?"

I asked her.

" You're the woman of the house now, Avs. I can't just barge in, incase your up to no good."

We both share a giggle.

"Come on, I've got Chinese AND wine."

she declares, closing the door behind her.

"Sleepover!"

We both yell, like we're teenagers being left home alone again.

We're into our third bottle of wine, and the conversation suddenly turns to my husband.

"How's America going ?"

Pen enquires.

"f****d if I know Pen. No note, no phone number, no goodbye, or when he'll be back. Once again, he just leaves. What's the point in this ? He doesn't want me. He just wants a plaything for when he's here."

I start my rant.

"f*****g men ! I know he's my brother but he's being a d**k. You've been married nearly a week, and you've had not even 24 hours of interaction together."

She adds, jumping on the soap box with me.

"And most have that was spent at each others throats and not in the way I was hoping."

I state, and we both lose it and end up falling off the sofa in laughter.

Penny gasps and stands up wobbling.

"Let's go out! it's only 10 pm !"

With the wine talking, that sounds like an incredible idea !

We scramble upstairs and see what we can wear.

I find a beautiful purple lingerie set and matching purple oversized satin blouse dress and pair it with white strappy heels. Penny is waiting for me in the bedroom in an orange and mint green plunge playsuit with golden wedges.

"The taxi is on its way, down your drink."

She commands.

Luckily, the rain has moved on, leaving just an icy breeze, a reminder that winter still holds the reins. We hop in the taxi and head to our favourite club, the blackout room. Somehow, we've been managing to come here since we were 15.

Penny pays for the cab, and we get ushered straight into the club. Considering it's only half 10, this place is packed.

Penny saunters off to the bar, I follow behind her to see 3 tequilas each. Oh, Lord, have mercy.

"God praise tequila!"

Penny exclaims, and we down the shots simultaneously.

We dance well into the night, and the next time I check my phone, it's nearly 2 am. I am going to feel this tomorrow, especially with us showing no signs of slowing.

"I'll be back, getting a drink, want one ? "

I shout to Penny over the sound of skindred.

"What ?"

She yells back, holding her hand to her ear. I give up and laugh, gesturing that I'm getting a drink, and she shakes her head at me, lifting up a beer in her other hand. I have no idea how she does that.

I make my way to the bar when a guy accidently elbows my shoulder.

"Sorry, love."

he yells, going back to throwing shapes. Then, someone else grabs my arm.

"What's a pretty thing like you doing alone here."

"Oh, I'm not alone. My sister is here, and I'm not interested, sorry."

I make another step towards the bar, where the drunken stranger grabs my arm tighter, his fingers digging into my skin.

"Stay and dance with me, doll."

He tries to get me to dance in front of him. I stop dead. I tell him no and try to push him away. It doesn't deter him. It just adds a look of wild anger in his eyes as he starts to pull me away to a fire exit.

I see Penny craining her neck to try and see me, and I try yelling out to her, but this big lug puts his hand over my mouth and nostrils.

"Think your too good for me, you little slut. Don't worry, I'll take that stick out of your ass and show you a good time."

Panic starts to set in when I figure out his intentions, especially getting closer to the fire exit.

Just as we're in touching distance of the door, I hear voice boom behind us.

"I believe she said she's not interested."

"Just having a good time, buddy. What's it to you ?"

The big oaf stops and turns, not relaxing his grip on me.

"That's my f*****g wife, you peace of shit."

Wade throws punch after punch, not stopping until I'm released and the man is holding his bloody nose in his hands on the floor.

"Come on, let's find Penny and get you home."