The Not So Perfect Love Story

18|| Rehearsal dinner (Part 2)

She did not need much, wanted very little.

A kind word, sincerity, fresh air, clean water, garden, kisses, books to read, sheltering arms, a cosy bed, and to love and be loved in return.

- Starra Neely Blade

18|| Rehearsal dinner (Part 2)

"I'll go try to talk to James. If I don't come back within 15 minutes, start with the rehearsal, I'll try to join by the last round. Okay?" I said to the people on the table.

Walking out of the doors a cold wind blew past me and a shiver ran down my being. I walked off towards the garden hoping he still liked walking barefoot on the grass to relax and calm down.

Soon I spotted a figure in the garden and smiled, walking over to them. But the closer I got the more clearly I could see, and there was, not one but two people. But the taller person still looked like James so I made my way over to them anyway.

And I was right, it was James. With him was Bella.

And they were kissing.

I felt a small sting in my chest before I calmed myself again, this was not the time.

Looking back up at the two, I cleared my throat hoping to catch their attention to no avail. I took another small step closer and let out a small cough, which successfully grabbed their attention and sprang apart and looked my way.

James' face contorted into a very guilty expression and he started to talk when I help up a hand and stopped him.

"I wanted to apologize for snapping at you. And to make it clear that you can't be given special considerations like this. Things were finalized months ago, when we weren't even sure you'd be willing to come back to the city for the marriage. Now, just because you are here doesn't mean you will be given everything. Bash is and will be the best man tomorrow at the wedding."

With that I turned and started to walk back when I heard a whispered James, don't in Bella's voice. But I didn't pay it my mind and continued on walking. When I stepped onto the concrete hallway I heard footsteps behind me and suddenly my wrist was being yanked back.

"Char, about what you saw, Ara is the business deal girlfriend. She understands your importance in my life and will be more willing to step back once you accept my love. That kiss meant nothing to me I swear, she was just trying to calm me down and I don't know." James rushed out, once he managed to pin me to the wall.

"James, first of all, how could you do that to Bella? She's your friend James, the only person who actually completely believed you when you accused me. And secondly, what you do with your girlfriend is none of my business. She is your girlfriend James, and I am an ex who's close to your family. That's all we are, now let go." I said trying to push him back.

James seemed frustrated at me and I could understand why, but that doesn't mean I expected his next move.

Instead of letting me go as I had asked him to, he tightened his hold and smashed his lips on mine. He kissed me roughly, biting my lips trying to get them to open up. I tried to push him but his hold only got tighter and tighter and he positioned his legs so I can't kick him.

"Oh sorry – Ari?" Bash's voice rang beside us and James let go with a smug look on his face.

I looked at Bash and his face had fallen but he was trying to hold it back. A gasp and hiccup was heard and I saw Bella crying her eyes out on the side and slowly walking backwards. I took a few breaths to calm myself and study the situation, then raised my hand and slapped James right across his face with enough force that his head whipped to the side.

"You bitch! Who do you think you are to slap him?" Bella screamed.

"Someone who got assaulted by her ex boyfriend." I replied and she gasped. Bash was in front of me in a second his eyes searching my face and then trailing down my form.

"Oh yeah, let's blame it all on James, cause why not. Do not act like you didn't like it too Char. Do not act like you didn't enjoy yourself last weekend. Do not deny that you still want me!" He said, his voice raising until he was screaming the last line.

"I told you James that night means nothing. I do not want you. Why don't you understand that?" I replied tired with his antics.

"Is that so? Then tell me you didn't wait for me to come back to you and I will stop trying. But, if you waited it means that I still stand a chance, and I'd be damned if I just let you go." James said in a dead calm voice.

"My waiting or not does not show whether you stand a chance or not. The wait only means that I was willing to accept your apology and then see where we stood." I replied getting more and more tired.

"Are you listening to yourself!" He snapped and I flinched. He noticed and continued in a much calmer voice, " 'See where we stood' makes no sense, Char, not when we stand together no matter what."

No matter happens James, promise me you will always be by my side and support me just like I would to you.

"I waited, James. I waited for months for you to come back to me. Hell, I waited till the day you came back and I saw you at the club. But the moment I saw you, I realized I could never trust your proclamations of love ever again. And that promise – " I swallowed drily, by then our parents were out there too, "That promise was broken the day you left me all alone in a cold bedroom after accusing me of things I would never dream of doing."

Bash turned me around and wrapped his arms around me pulling me close, all the while studying my face to make sure I didn't mind. He gently guided my head to his neck where I could rest if comfortably.

I wrapped my arms around him too and silently sobbed, letting my tears run down again.

"Papa Knight, I think it's best if James wasn't here for the rest of the night. The rehearsals are over anyway so is it OK if I get my chauffeur to drop him home?" Bash asked papa Knight who nodded. 

**********

It doesn't matter if you're married to the person, in love with them or they're very close to you. It doesn't matter what your gender is. If you don't want them touching you, they shouldn't be touching you.

Let me know what you think so far....