His last minute bride

53

-Rose Dern-

“Eri is no where to be found and it's been a whole week.” Tears prickled at the brink of Suzy's lashes, while she continuously sniffed in like it was probably going to do something.

“That girl is so senseless, why would she stupidly leave the house and not let us know.” I could feel a medley of frustration and worry growing inside me.

It was overtaking my whole body which made everything difficult to do. 

My appetite was no where to be found and I was sure Suzy felt the same way.

Sleep had lost meaning in my sight. Every night was filled with worry. 

Questions like where she was. If she was safe. If she'd eaten. If she was asleep. 

“What if—” the tears seemed to have caught her throat as she didn't continue but only began sobbing.

“You shouldn't hurt yourself this way.” I was so annoyed at Eri for causing this.

I had no idea why she left the house in anger, Don didn't tell, but whatever reason it was, she should've at least told us something about her whereabout. Anything.

The vibrations from my phone in the pocket of my pink pyjamas began vibrating. (That had been the type of clothes I had on since Eri got missing)

I removed it from my pocket. Staring at the caller, I felt my heart beating ten times faster.

I answered it immediately. “Eri, is this you?” 

Suzy stared at me in surprise, pacing towards where I stood beside the desk of my room.

“Rose.” That voice. The one everyone had been waiting to hear for a week.

I sniffed, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “You fucking asshole. Where the fuck have you been for a week now?!”

“Rose, I'm at your home.”

That had come as a huge surprise. “My house?” She'd been at my house when everyone had been looking for her for a whole week?!

“Your house?” Suzy sounded equally annoyed.

“What the fuck.” That left my mouth before I could even control it.

“I know, I'm sorry for—”

“Sorry?!” I cut her off, my blood literally boiling. I'd been worried for a whole week while she was at MY HOUSE.

“You claim to be fucking sorry for not contacting anyone for the damn whole week.”

“Please calm down.” She sounded so weak and tired. Like she'd been crying the whole week.

“I'm coming there. I'll tell Don too.”

“Please don't.” She pleaded. “Please, I really don't want to see him.”

“Do you even know what you're saying? The guy's been worried. You just left without contacting anyone.” This was very annoying.

She sniffed in. “Please. Did he tell you why I left?” Her voice was low and I could hear murmurs from the background.

I sighed. She was right. Maybe Don had done something so terrible and unforgivable.

“Ok, I'm coming and I won't tell Don.”

“Don't tell anyone else. Please.”

***

As soon as the door to my house opened. There stood the figure I thought I wasn't going to see again.

She looked wretched. Like she'd spent most of her life in tears. Her eyes were so swollen, I wondered how she could still see.

Her clothes was stained in food and smelt of dried tears. Her hair was packed in an extremely rough ponytail.

If I wasn't so peeved but her behavior, I'd have thrown her into my arms. Suzy probably didn't care as she did exactly that.

“You carzy girl, why did you just leave?”

I ambulated in and obviously they followed because I heard the door close behind me.

Hane was the first figure I noticed. She didn't look much better.

It was obvious she was Eri's comforting machine.

“Hey Hane.” I greeted with an enthusiasm that was close to none, then pivoted sharply to Eri.

“Now tell me, why did you leave?” My brows were creased in both intimidation and irritation.

After about twenty minutes of explanation from her, I was surprised. 

Eri started sobbing again, while Hane rushed to give her comfort.

Suzy and I stared at each other. Both of us obviously having the same thoughts.

We stared at each other for about two minutes, neither of us thinking it was awkward or anything.

Eri probably noticed the change in mood, because she asked, “What's wrong with you two?” Then a sniff accompanied it.

I broke the gaze to stare at her. “So if I get you straight,” which I obviously did, “Don was that spoiled bratty kid, Kelvin, who caused Catherine's death?”

She nodded.

“And you left for a whole week because of what happened thirteen fucking years ago!”

She obviously hadn't expected that because her brows were pulled in confusion. “What?”

Suzy leaned closer to her. “I think it's weird that you're swimming in the past.” She sounded like Eri was fragile like if she spoke any louder or harsher, Eri might break.

“Swimming in the past?” Eri sounded annoyed at that moment. “Do you have any idea what mom meant to me?! Do you have any idea how I've hated Kelvin ever since he refused to offer mom money?!”

“Yes, yes I agree to that.” Suzy continued in that same tone. “But don't you think it's time to move on? I mean it's been thirteen whole years already.”

She snorted. “He knew before getting married to me and he still did.”

“Because he loved you you cretin!” Okay, maybe I was being too harsh.

It was obviously saddening to know that your husband caused your mom's death, but don't you think she's over reacting. 

I mean, I know how precious her relationship with Catherine was but she should just try to forgive him and forget it.

Suzy shot me a quick glare that obviously meant ‘shut up' which I felt was best.

“Don't you see what this obsession over hurting Kelvin has done to you?” She placed her arms round Eri's shoulder, resting her head on it.

“I loved mom equally as much as you did, and she was snatched away from us, don't you think it's best to just move on.” 

Eri was staring at us both like we'd lost it, before her gaze was drawn to me. “How would you feel if you found out your husband was the person who killed your parents.”

“Whoa Whoa there, you're getting this all wrong.” I leaned closer a little. “He didn't kill your mom, he just didn't offer your mom money.”

“Yes, which caused her death.” 

“But he was just thirteen. I'm sorry to say this but you're overreacting.” Truth be told, I was right, right?

“Listen I didn't call to hear you try force me to go back. I just thought you guys might be worried.”

“And you're just realizing that.” I turned, ambling into my house more.

The thought that she'd been staying here while we were all looking for her was surprising. 

Well, she did know where I always kept the key but I never thought she'd come here.