If Thorns Were Roses~

Chapter 3; Guns & Roses

"Sometimes the purpose of the thorn is simply to draw attention to the rose."

--

As we pulled up to the front of the church and exited our vehicles, I could practically feel the obviously uneasy tension in the atmosphere. I glanced over at Olive, who returned the glance to me as well. 

Something wasn't right. 

However, the other 30 or so people exiting their cars showed no signs of suspicion or maliciousness.  

Maybe it's just the fact that we're at church. Yes, that is probably why I feel uncomfortable. But, why are we at a church, anyway? Would it not make more sense to- 

"Ms. L/n." I was risen from my thoughts by the retiring mayor, who was standing by the entrance, along with my father...

"Yes, that is I. Pleasure to meet you." I replied, attempting to sound at least mildly competent. I gave him a small curtsy before I went to stand beside my father, greeting guests and new arrivals as they walked through the doors. 

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. L/n. I must say, you are a woman of absolute marvel." He glanced over in my direction, still shaking hands with people entering. I almost about gagged, but just smiled and nodded to him. 

"Thank you, sir." 

From then on, he kept his attention off of me, and focused on my father, who had yet to explain to me why we were even at a church in the first place. I was aware that it was not my place to ask, so I just stood quietly hoping he would eventually elaborate. 

To my disappoint, and frustration, he never did. And alas, before I knew it, the ceremony had commenced; 

Along with the same uneasy feeling from before. A dread, almost like a warning in my gut, telling me to leave immediately. However, I chose to ignore it, and stay put. 

The best and worst decision of my life. 

All were seated now. I sat beside my father, at the very front of the church against a wall. The chairs were quite uncomfortable, but I knew better than to complain. I watched as the mayor stood up at the podium ahead of us, and cleared his throat. 

"Attention, all. It is my great pleasure, and honor, to introduce Mr. L/n; your new mayor of Knockemstiff. My time of mayor has finally reached it's end; thank the heavens." Laughs rang out through the church, and my father even cracked a smile. I just rolled my eyes and huffed.

Let us just get this over with...

"Mr. L/n will make a fine mayor. His leadership, tranquility, and beautiful daughter are only a few of his wonderful... characteristics." He continued. 

I rose a brow, and huffed again. 

Why must he always speak such creepy words. 

"His daughter, Mrs. L/n; for her wonderful status and ambition, will be elected President of the Town Charity Organization." 

Claps erupted throughout the audience, and I couldn't help the small grin that spread across my face. At least SOMETHING good would come of this ceremony. 

"Her passion for her work was so admirable that my son and I agreed she would make a fine President; electing her will be my last act as mayor. Of course, every position comes with it's set of rules, and... conditions." He said, turning to face me. I cocked my head slightly to the side. 

Uh... what does he mean by that?

"You see, Mr. L/n and I came up with a certain... arrangement. I make him mayor, and his daughter President of her little committee. However, in order for this to be, she must marry my son. Richard, please come out!" He called. A boy, about 5'7 in height, ran out up to the podium,  sporting a shit-eating grin. 

So this is why we had to go to a church...

A lump formed in my throat, as I turned to glare at my father. I wanted to become President, but not like this. He just turned to me and nodded, indirectly telling me that I have to go through with this. 

Olive jumped up from the crowd, attempting to grab me and run. However, she was a minute too slow, and a bunch of the mayor's men grabbed her, and held her at gun point. 

Oh crap. 

"If you wish for you or her to survive, you must marry me. Now." Richard said, walking eerily towards me with a knife in his hand. He placed it under my chin and Lifted it up, forcing me to make eye contact with him. 

"Why are you doing this? I'm just a village girl." I said through gritted teeth, glaring dangerously into his eyes. He chuckled lowly, shaking his head. 

"You, my dear, come with quite a bit of cash. Your father saw to it. After all, aren't you supposed to be the fairest in the land?" He smirked again, and I scowled in return. I glanced downwards, and saw that my legs were not restrained. 

A well-placed kick should do the trick...

I attempted to fling my leg upwards, but he was too fast. He quickly grabbed it, and forced me down. 

"Don't pull that on me again. Are we clear?" He grinned, as I wriggled under his grip. 

"Ugh." I said, accepting defeat. 

However, at that moment, gun shots rang through the church. Glass shattered, lights blew out, and best of all, Richard became distracted. 

I kicked him again, this time actually landing it. He writhed on the floor in pain, as I rushed out of the church; Olive was close behind. 

"We have to separate! Otherwise they'll find us both!" Olive called to me once we got out. 

"Ok; meet me in town! Please be cautious!" I yelled, looking towards her one last time before running off to the distance. 

I ditched my high-heels as I ran, occasionally tripping on a rock or tearing my dress on a bush. I couldn't stop now; I needed to get away. 

My thoughts seemed to race faster than I did, as confusion and betrayal welled up inside me. I just wondered why. Why did this happen? Why would my father do this?

I ran on the wet grass, hoping it would lead me to the woods. I could hide there, before dawn. Then, tomorrow night, I would find Olive. 

The sun went down, but I just kept sprinting. Rain fell from the sky, but I did not slow down. Gunshots rang out in the far distance, so I knew whatever occurred before was not yet over. 

Inaudible voices and shouts in the distance were discernible, but I just kept going. Until finally, I reached the woods. The relief I felt was so sudden, I had to lean on a tree for support. I gasped for air, feeling so tired and sick. I just needed some rest... only for a minute... 

A snap caused me to jolt back to reality. A twig had broken, somewhere from behind me. I did not dare turn around. 

I waited, but nothing happened. I thought I was in the clear, when suddenly; 

WHAM!

...

Am... am I falling?!