To Be Loved

27 - Lawrence

Anna and I agreed to wait and talk about the wedding with our parents some other day.... Or at least I pretended to agree. I am going to tell them at dinner, whether Anna wants me to or not because that is what needs to be done. I don't care what happens to me, I want the whole world to know I'm in love with this girl.

We walked down to dinner hand in hand, but once we reached the door she quickly let go. Why was she so scared?

Annalise and I sat at our respective seats and dinner began. Brookes was asleep in bed, so James took his seat for the night. The doctors should have Brookes' results by tomorrow.

We started eating and everyone was quiet.

I put my fork down and cleared my throat, "Excuse me, everyone. I would like to say something-"

Without even looking up, Dad says, "You can tell us later. We are trying to eat in peace."

"No, Dad. Listen..." I paused and took a deep breath, "Anna and I are engaged."

I heard Mother and Father's silverware fall to the table with a clank. I looked to Haven to see a wide smirk on her face. Anna looked like she was about to have a coronary.

When I thought I was about to get scolded, Dad just laughed, "Karolina, dear, he's making a joke! Very funny Lawrence."

Mom took a deep breath and chuckled as well. They both began eating again.

I stood up and placed both hands firmly on the table, "This isn't a joke! I'm marrying Annalise!"

He laughed again which made me angry, "No you're not. I already told you multiple times: You will never marry anything less than royalty. That's that end of discussion."

"You aren't going to control me! I am marrying Anna and there's nothing stopping me!"

Father finally stood up and glared at me, "You will not yell at me like I am not your father! Meet me in the hall!" Everyone was looking at me, and Anna was about to cry, I could tell.

He went to walk out, but I stood my ground, "No! Whatever you have to say to me, you can say it right here; right in front of everyone else!"

"Fine." He walked closer to me, and I felt the urge to step back, but I knew I couldn't do that, "I am your father, Lawrence, and I have the final say in everything you do. If I say you aren't going to marry that girl, you aren't going to marry that girl!"

"Her name is Annalise, and I suggest you start using it."

"How dare you speak to me like that," He went to raise his hand to slap me like he had so many times before, but this time I didn't hesitate to fight back. Right when he was about to make contact with my cheek, my hand caught his wrist. I pushed him away from me. Those hours hitting the punching bag are finally paying off.

"Do. Not. Touch. Me." I spoke in a dangerous voice and I could tell they heard it too. After several years of putting up with his abuse, I was finally fighting back. Why hadn't I before?

Father looked shocked, Mother as well. James looked between me and my father, not knowing what to do. Anna was looking at me, pleading with me, to stop before things escalated, but I wouldn't let it. I've already put an end to it.

I turned to everyone and looked them each in the eye, "Annalise and I are getting married, whether you like it or not. We are in love, and nobody can change that. If you have a problem with it, then she and I will leave; We'll live out the rest of our lives peacefully without you." I looked to my parents, "But, that wouldn't be good for you two, would it? I can already see the headlines now: Prince Lawrence mysteriously leaves the kingdom, what did the Queen and King do?"

They looked at me in shock but said nothing.

"C'mon, Ann. Let's go have a peaceful dinner together."

Haven looked at me with pride gleaming in her eyes, "That's my bro" she mouthed to me, but no sound came out. I smiled at her. Anna walked around the table and I grasped her hand in mine. We walked out the dining room and I couldn't help but smile. She smiled too with tears in her eyes- happy tears.

God, I love her so much.