CHAPTER 2
1297 Words
FOR THEIR HAPPINESS
⸻
BEVERLY
“What? Father? Audrey?” I asked, arching a brow.
I don’t merely feel uneasy about this—how am I supposed to coexist under the same roof with Audrey?
“I am sorry, Beverly, but this arrangement benefits me. However, if you do not wish to marry him, it is acceptable. I can annul the agreement with Mr. Kingsberg,” he replied, disappointment etched across his face.
That admission alone was enough to unsettle me, yet… why Audrey of all people?
“We desire only the best for you, and we will not coerce you into such an arrangement,” Mum interjected gently.
What response do they expect from me? Even if I consent, it would solely be to secure my parents’ happiness.
I loathe seeing them shrouded in gloom.
“I… I will consider it,” I murmured. It was the only coherent reply I could muster in that moment.
Mum sighed, and Father offered me a reassuring smile.
“Thank you, Beverly.”
“It’s alright, Father. I shall see you later,” I said, rising toward the door, my mind awash with racing thoughts.
Accepting Audrey would demand that I strengthen my resolve—to be twice the person I am now.
I need guidance. Swiftly, I retreated to my room and initiated a video call with Jenna and Jane.
“Killer form!” Jenna exclaimed as she appeared on screen.
“What’s troubling you, Beverly? You seem unsettled,” Jane observed, resting her head against the computer screen. She is the more serious of the two, whereas Jenna radiates effortless charm.
“I… I’m simply confused,” I admitted, my voice betraying my unease.
“Shall we come over?” Jenna inquired.
“That would be preferable,” I replied.
“Very well. Remain composed, avoid tears, and do not let it perturb you. We will be there shortly,” Jane instructed, abruptly ending the call before Jenna could respond. Such confidence—and attitude…
⸻
“Why would your father consent to this initially?” Jane asked, frowning, and I shook my head.
I genuinely do not know.
“He must have had a reason, Jane,” Jenna replied sensibly.
“Reason? We all know Audrey—who would entrust their daughter to such a man?” Jane countered sharply.
“They may not understand who he truly is. I think you should accept the marriage for your father’s sake. Audrey will not harm you; there will be others present, all eyes upon him. He cannot act recklessly, and I trust your ability to handle him,” Jenna reasoned, while Jane scoffed.
I had not considered that… truthfully, I am not intimidated by him.
“Indeed,” I conceded.
Jane snorted again.
“What? Regardless, I would not consent if it were me. You are not to discourage me merely to make yourself appear virtuous. Follow your heart,” Jane said, absorbed in her phone.
That is precisely her flaw—she wishes for all to adhere to her guidance. Our “Miss Perfect.”
“Do not be vexed, Jane. I merely sought counsel, and you both have spoken your minds,” I replied.
“Very well. I only desire what is best for you. If your heart accepts Audrey, then proceed—but exercise caution,” she advised, while Jenna snorted audibly.
These two are something else, delighting in disagreement.
“Thank you both. I am grateful to have you as my confidantes—the brilliant twins,” I complimented.
“No! I am superior to Jenna in intellect, you know that, Beverly,” Jane declared, earning a glare from Jenna, while I chuckled at their antics.
They are ever thus!
Perhaps I should consider him, for my parents’ sake. Yes—that is the reasoning. And if he dares cross me, he will learn precisely what I am capable of.
Everyone harbors stubbornness, yet it need not be displayed. We all possess hidden facets, unknown to most. That is a simple truth.
“What may I offer you?” I asked, rising.
“Truly? Only now do you notice our presence?” Jane said teasingly. Gosh, she adores conversation—an extrovert in every sense.
“I apologize; I was merely anxious. Order whatever you desire; I shall serve,” I said, eliciting laughter from all.
“I require red wine 🍷,” Jane declared, and we all turned toward her. Red wine?
“When did you begin drinking, Jane?” Jenna asked, astonished, while Jane merely shrugged.
“What’s the fuss? I sampled it yesterday with Steph, and it was exquisite,” she said with a grimace. Steph is her boyfriend, but we shorten his name.
Honestly, I cannot tolerate that man; he is as deceitful as my exes.
“I warned you he is no good, yet you ignored me. A proper partner would never encourage such behavior, Jane,” Jenna said, nearly tearful. Her love for her sister is palpable, yet Jane remains obstinate.
“None is perfect, and cease behaving as if you were Mother. You cannot dictate my choices,” Jane retorted, and we sighed collectively.
“Jane…”
“Case closed,” she interrupted, ending the discussion.
⸻
AUDREY
I groaned, releasing those girls from my grip, who immediately fled. God saved them.
Why did Mum choose that moment to call when I was enjoying their honey pot, interrupting my enjoyment? She is such a killjoy.
I zipped my trousers and answered the call. Indeed, it was Mum.
Audrey
She called immediately—no, she practically yelled. Did she aim to rupture my eardrums?
Morning, Mum.
I responded, noting the sharp intake of her breath. I knew her lecture was imminent, yet I could not ignore her.
Where are you, Audrey? You awoke and departed without greeting Father or me?
Her voice trembled; perhaps my absence caused her anguish.
Fetching something, Mum, I replied, indifferent.
Return within thirty minutes, or face my wrath, Audrey.
She hung up. Her tears and threats were tools to manipulate, and I despised it.
I produced a cigarette from my pocket and a lighter. Lighting it, I entered my car.
My cigarette is my solace; I need no irritating companions dictating my life.
Who would befriend someone like me? It hardly matters.
I accelerated toward home.
“Good morning, Mum and Father,” I greeted, sitting on the sofa.
They regarded me silently.
“Say something, or would you prefer I depart? Why summon me, Mum?” I asked casually.
If silence persists, I would rather leave and rest.
“When will you change, Audrey?” Father inquired.
“When the sun turns black,” I replied bluntly, earning daggers from Mum’s gaze.
“What kind of answer is that, Audrey? He is your father, remember?” Mum scolded.
“I am aware. And what question did he pose? Did I declare a desire to change?”
“Audrey…”
“If you have nothing further, I shall retire to my room,” I said.
“It concerns the girl we requested you to marry,” Mum began.
“And? Is she deceased? That would be wonderful news,” I replied matter-of-factly.
“Audrey!”
“I am merely speaking candidly. What of her?” I asked.
“We received word from her parents; she has consented to the marriage,” Father explained.
“And? Should I rejoice and leap with delight?”
“Can you please remain silent for my sake, Audrey?” Mum begged in a cracking voice, compelling my compliance. I would not allow her to collapse; that would obligate me to behave courteously…
“As I said,”
“She accepted, and you will visit her tomorrow…”
- Writer
