Flower of Scotland

Part 55

On the morning of my wedding, I sat at Gemma's vanity table and scrutinised my reflection. I would do this often in the multitude of motels I stayed in over the years.
After every kill I would go through my routine of a scalding shower, scrubbing my skin raw, then stand and stare at myself assessing whether the kill showed in my face. Apart from the obvious scars I picked up, my eyes darkened over time getting harder and dull. But whatever I was looking for I never found.

Happy kept a record of his kills, a new smiley face would appear every time he ended a life. I couldn't do that. I had already lost count of the amount of lives I had taken. The only proof I had was a sizeable bank balance.

Gemma and Lyla fussed about behind me but I took no notice as I watched myself. I tried to see the girl that had arrived in California on the back of her first murder. The girl who fell in love and then had the rug pulled out from under her when she thought that she was settled.

I reminded myself that everything happens for a reason and that I wouldn't have the relationship with Alvarez that I do if none of that pain had come my way. I may never have known the truth of my parentage. I wouldn't have re connected with a childhood friend, And Happy and I may not have been about the walk down the aisle.

"Freya. FREYA!"

Gemma was waving a hand I front of my face, and I jumped.

"Jesus, I thought we'd lost you there for a minute." She said.

"Sorry." I replied. "I was just thinking."

"Do you need a drink?" She asked me seriously.

"Erm. No I don't want to roll down the aisle." I laughed.

I added the finishing touches to my makeup and made sure my hair was secure in the updo I had created. It was mostly pinned up with some loose curls hanging down and I had fixed on a simple hair accessory of dried thistle that matched my bouquet.

Standing up, Lyla came towards me with the ivory wide legged jumpsuit on its hanger. The top of it was fitted with a cutout at the back. It accentuated the curves of my waist and covered all my scars.

Moments later I was dressed and putting my feet in to my shoes. Again I looked at my reflection. I was pleased that I hadn't chosen to wear jeans and grateful that Gemma had come to the rescue that day and dragged me in to every shop we passed.

Happy had found a little chapel not too far away. He wanted somewhere he was able to bring his mum and aunt. I had met them only a week prior when Happy had told me we were going out for the day. I was as surprised as they were when we had arrived and he introduced me to them as his wife to be.

Nevertheless, they were ecstatic that he had finally found someone to settle down with and they fussed over me as Happy sat and watched us with a small smile.

Alvarez arrived to take me to the chapel. Gemma and Lyla heading off ahead of us.

I stood in front of him and smiled nervously.

"Mija." He breathed, smiling and shaking his head. "You look beautiful."

I could feel tears threatening and fanned at my eyes not wanted my makeup to run before I even got the ceremony.

Marcus reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and retrieved a small box. Opening it he pulled out a silver chain with a small pendant attached depicting Santa Muerte. The lady of holy death.

He gestured for me to turn so he could place the chain around my neck and as he did so I touched the pendant where it lay against my chest.

"I love it." I said turning back to Marcus once he had closed the clasp. "Thank you."