Chapter 27: withholding the truth

NATALIE'S P.O.V

I squirmed on my bed as I tried to find the best position to lie and be at peace with myself and maybe the world. Aside from the fact that I was getting married, I was scared of the life after marriage with Maverick. I was scared of dying of loneliness; I was going to leave my family and my only friend, Abby. I was scared of being tortured by Maverick. Come to think of it, he isn't bad of a man but having to take me in exchange for money was what gave me the hatred I have for him and also the suspicion in my heart. If he could do that, he was capable of even killing me, though that was the way I perceived it. Deep down in my heart, I earnestly wished he would come to our house and give me the good news of calling off the wedding. But I could only dream, and dreams mostly didn't come to actualization. And this was one of them.

I stood up tiredly from the bed and walked to the big blue box containing my wedding gown. I admired the gown, feeling it also with my fingers. A tear dropped from my eyes. The gown was heavenly, but if only I was getting married to the man of my dreams. I would have been so happy wearing the dress and walking down the aisle. But this was a nightmare I hoped to wake from. I wiped my eyes "be strong Nat," I muttered to myself and went back to bed. Since it was my last day being a single woman before being married, Abby and I had planned to meet later at night which my parents guaranteed but only after promising them to come home and not to come home drunk. Maybe I might as well fail that promise since it was going to be my last day under their care. I will get drunk and I will also sleep out. I took my phone from the bed when it beeped and opened the message sent to me.

"HEY, I WAS THINKING I COULD SEE YOU AT THE PLACE WE MET LAST TIME"  

I read the message again sent to me by Taylor. This was the best and perfect timing to text me to see him, I was already bored and losing my mind, I might as well invite him to go out with Abby and I. Besides, it was my last day before I get married. "I'm so going to see him" I mumbled and jumped out of the bed. Before I began to dress, I texted him back that I was coming. I had to look good. I took out my yellow linen shorts and a black cotton off-shoulder top. I went in to shower briefly before dashing out to wear the outfit I'd picked out for myself. I was happy that I was happy to be meeting up with Taylor.

After I wore my clothes, I tied my hair into a ponytail and applied a little gloss on my lips. Then I took my black cross-bag and I was off to meet my Taylor. I didn't let my mom know when I stepped out to avoid answering so many questions from her. I just hope to not stay out so long. I didn't care anyway.

*******
Taylor looked so good as usual. Just like the rich kids I know, they always look so good. I guess with Taylor, it was because I've had a huge crush on him. His skin looked flawless and shiny. His white t-shirt gave him a weird glow; he wore a white t-shirt, pink shorts, and a pair of white sneakers. His small pink lips kept calling me to kiss them but I withheld myself strongly and his mustache looked like they were perfectly fixed to his skin. His fingers were small and fine.

"Hey," he said, hugging me. Damn! He smelt like chocolate, the kind that I craved the most. He smelled so good. 

"H…..i" I stammered, avoiding eye contact with his brown beautiful eyes that stared at me hungrily. 

We walked together to Mr. Ben's Ice cream stand close by and got two cones each for ourselves. 

"So, tell me" he began "are you in college yet?" He asked. That was of all questions to ask me, the one he saw most important. What should I do? Should I tell him? Or should I just lie? I knew no matter what I said, I will never have Taylor to myself.

"Emmm, I didn't get in yet, but I'll try again next year," I said with a smile. What if he knew about my wedding tomorrow with Maverick, what would I say to him? Lie? "This ice cream is always so great," I said, trying to wave off the awkwardness I felt. The response my body was giving when he touched my hand, it was almost like an electric shock that took all my currents. It was heavy too.

"Yeah, I didn't know it was this good. This is actually my first time" he said and smiled, taking his hand off mine. Well, thank God he did, I was losing it already.


********

After we finished the ice cream, and he suggested we leave the place because there were too many people moving around, we went back to the basketball area and sat on the same brick bench on which I sat the first day we connected. He sat next to me, placing his arm around my neck, bringing our bodies closer to each other.

"I didn't ever get the chance and courage to tell you how beautiful you are," he said, turning to look at me. Did he just say he didn't get the chance and courage? Yeah, I guess so. He was busy with that glamour girl, Lisa. So he didn't ever get the chance, right?

"Oh," I exclaimed with pretense. I didn't have to sound good or happy about it, it didn't make any sense again. This was the worst timing for him to want to say nice things to me, especially those nice things.

"Please don't say, 'Oh' like that. I think I know what that means. But truly you are very beautiful, and I don't know why I never said that to you back then" he said and held my hand in his. That made my body flinch, giving me sparks I didn't want. In a normal sense, I would have stood up and left but this was Taylor, I couldn't and won't leave. When he kissed the back of my palm, I relaxed a little. The feel of his lips on my skin was soft and good. He caressed my hand afterward, still holding it in his. 

"So, do you have a boyfriend? Just asking, it's not like..-" I interrupted him rudely without letting him finish.

"I have somewhere to be," I told him looking at my phone to check the time. " my best friend is possibly waiting for me now" I saw his face drop and also full of surprise but I guess he didn't have a choice but to let me go.

"Okay, but I had a great time," he said, letting go off my hand. "Can we meet again?" He asked before standing up from the bench. I couldn't tell him I was getting married.


"Me too, I had a great time" I responded and with that, I turned to leave but he held me back and hugged me. "Thanks, Natalie," he said and released me from his hug. I was speechless but I nodded my head in agreement and walked away without looking back. I don't know how long he stood, but he watched me walk away.