the captured red hibiscus flower (editing)

I promise..

       I woke up to the alarm ringing at 7:30 am, I yawned and sat up in the hotel bed. Looking around, I saw James sitting on the couch staring at his phone with a sombre expression. Concerned I tilted my head and asked him what was wrong. He glance up at me from his phone and flashed a small smile. "Oh, you're awake." I nodded "yeah, is everything okay?" He sighed and bit his bottom lip.
    "I just got a call from Derrick. Larry got out on bail, since it was his first offence." I shook my head "but his trial date wasn't until three days from now." James nodded "yes, but Derrick wanted to keep him in custody so he couldn't come after you. But until the trial Larry is a free man." I bit my lip and nodded "okay, we are safe though, we are in California."
        He chuckled "yes that's true. You are going to testify against him and tell the jury what he did to you, that way you should have the jurors sympathy. They will want evidence so, show them-" he stopped abruptly. I sighed "I know, I'd show them my scars, the tattoo itself should nail him since his name is in it." James nodded "yeah, and then with my testimony as witness he will be locked up for sure. Now, it's 7:40, let's put this chat to rest, and have a great time at the park. You can Get ready in the bathroom, I'll get ready here."
         I agreed and grabbed shorts, and a tank top. I changed and tied my hair back into a pony tail, then I knocked on the bathroom door, after applying my water proof mascara and eyeliner.
    "Are you decent?" I heard James chuckle "yes, you can come out." I exited the restroom and grabbed sun screen applying it to my face, arms and legs. "Hey, James, could you put some of the lotion on my back?" He smiled "sure thing." He began rubbing the lotion in on my neck and shoulder blades.
        Soon, I felt a tension fill the room, I could almost hear James' swallow. "Are you okay?" He patted my shoulders then took my hand. "Yes, let's go." I nodded and walked with him.
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         We got to the park and as soon as we get through the entrance gate, I'm just overwhelmed a few Disney princesses stood around at the entrance as kids lined up for pictures and autographs. James started walking off without me, confused I followed him to a line the stood I front of belle.
        I looked at James he smirked and pulled out a small pocket book with the year 2015 on it. Then he reach behind my ear and pulled out a Mickey Mouse pen. I cocked my head to the side "how'd you do that?" He winked and stated "well, we are in the most magical place on earth"           
         I scoffed "you have a good answer for everything." He nodded "nah, not really. I just know how to impress my girl. And that's my goal." I rolled my eyes "nerd." Then I kissed his cheek, whilst we stepped up next in line for an autograph.
        James stood on one side of belle and I stood on the other side then the person behind us offered to take our picture. We thanked him took the camera back and walked down Main Street. As we walked through crowds of people excitement ran through my veins as I lay eyes on the castle, I was in awe. James wrapped his arm around my shoulders and walked with me to the castle. Where we just had to take another iconic picture.
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       The first ride we went on was: the pirates of Caribbean in adventure land. James made sure we then hit up every other ride in adventure land. Then he checked his watch again and guided me back to Main Street right in front of the castle. James smiles as some cast members appeared and started to clear most of the crowd away from the castle. Announcing a show is about to begin. I was confused since they weren't making us move.
       Suddenly James grabs my hand and bolts off towards the side of the castle that is marked 'cast members only' I froze, and pulled against him. "James! We can't go through there!" He laughs "just come on it's okay." I cautiously followed him. "What if we get in trouble."
       He shrugged and I stared at him with a confused and worried look as a cast member approached us. "Are you ready? Everything is set." James nodded and I stood there utterly confused James Hooked his arm around mine and walked with me across the castle platform/stage.
        Soon Mickey and Minnie came out from the castle's main door, and belle along with the beast dressed up in formal wear enter the stage from the side. 'Can you feel the love tonight' began to play over speakers, belle danced with her prince, and Mickey asked Minnie if she would have this dance. Then Ariel and prince Eric joined in on the dance. I watched in amazement and awe, as the song finished and switched to "when you wish upon a star."
         I looked for James to ask him what was going on, but gasped it shock once I saw that he was on one knee with a ring in a box, "Alexis, we are at the happiest place on earth, every minute spent with you, is time well spent. So I have one question for you, Alexis Carter, will you make me the happiest man on earth, and marry me? I know you are only seventeen and I'm eighteen, but I know I want to spend the rest of my days with you. I already got your dad's blessing. So.. What do you say?" I gasped as a rush of emotions flooded through me and my eyes watered with happy tears, whilst I heard the crowd of thousands of people, who were watching say "awe!" In union. I seemed to be at a loss for words but just as a tear rolled down my right cheek, with a smile I nodded my head.
          I managed to squeak out a reply "yes." James blushed and stood up, putting the beautiful ring on my finger and embracing me in a bear hug followed by a long kiss. The crowd cheered and clapped for us. Then Ariel placed a wedding veil Mickey ears on my head, prince Eric put a groomsman Mickey ears on James. Then they gave us stickers that read 'just engaged.'  
        James grabbed my hand all smiles as we exited the side of the castle. I was sure my face was beat red, as I looked at James. "Way to embarrass a girl in front of a crowd." I paused then smirked "...and how to make her feel like she's the only girl in the world for you. I think I love you." James tilted his head "think?" I laughed and nodded bouncing off back into the crowd of people who were still watching the show that began after James' proposal.
     Soon James caught up with me. "Hey, let's go to space mountain it's in tomorrow land." I agreed and let him lead the way. He was all smiles, I swear there was a glow! I was just still in shock, I'm in California, at the most magical place on earth, I'm with my best and only guy friend, and I'm ENGAGED TO HIM. Whoa, that's going to take some time to sink in.
       Nostalgia hit me as we entered the back of the line for space mountain the wait time was approx. 60 minutes. I didn't mind though, I'd get to chat James' ear off during the wait.
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       We finally got to ride space mountain, and boy was it a thrill! A space rocket, pitch black roller coaster with only small stars to light the atmosphere. I loved it! "Can we ride it again?"   
         James laughed and nodded "later. I still got some more awesome rides for you to try out. And if we hurry we can maybe catch a parade or two." I nodded along not knowing what else to say. I can't believe just a little over a week ago, I was ready to give up on life, I was willingly to let Larry just end my life. Without even considering who I could of hurt, along the way. And what if I knew such happiness did Exist. I may have valued my life more. James, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I made you worry about me, so much. I promise to try to make you hap- "Alexis? Are you alright?" I snapped out of my reverie and looked into James' worried blue eyes.
       I Realized that: I had been silent and I must of worried him. I smiled at him "yes. Sorry, just got lost in thought. Which ride are we in line for now?" He smiled and placed a finger by his lips. "You'll see. If you were paying attention you would of known this already" he winked. I rolled my eyes followed by a smile. As everyone's attention was drawn to the monitors, A pre-ride short, played. And the big doors were opened.  
       We went through the doors single file. And another mini pre show began. This time with robotic aliens? Turns out we have been recruited to guard a level three, alien prisoner! With no training they wished us good luck and escorted us and the rest of the recruits into the special room where the level three prisoner would be detained. We then sat down as a machine came down to touch our shoulders. And the simulation ride began.
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       After tomorrow land, James asked if I was hungry. I told him I was but he wasn't allowed to pay for the food we decided to get. He rolled his eyes but agreed, I bought two giant pretzels and a bag of popcorn, at James request so we could eat and watch the parade as well. We were able to snag a good spot to sit front and centre before the parade began. Other people had followed our lead and began saving seats. "I'm sorry."
    He looked at me puzzled. "For what?" I bit my lip and looked down "well, for all you had to go through. and for just about giving up my life, to Larry. And for saying that no one would miss me. I was so miserable it felt like it was true. Hearing that must of been hard, so I wanted to say I'm sorry. Also thank you, for always being there for me and fighting for me." From the corner of my eye I saw a smile appear on his face, replacing his sad frown.
       "It's okay. I know you didn't mean it. The things you said. Also, You're welcome. Alexis, I know you've had a hard past, but as long as I'm here I'll protect you the best I can. You are a strong warrior princess. Remember that, we will get through this life together." I smiled and felt warm inside at his response. "Thank you, I can't wait to spend the rest of my days with you!"
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         I stand a few rows of people back. Just watching them interact, a beauty like her with a handsome guy as him. It's like watching a real life fairytale. And that makes me want to puke! It's not fair, the attractive people always get the happy endings. If only people knew how much time I put into working out, just so I can get a girl to look at me like that. But it won't happen for me! The longer I watch them together the more I loathe him. I'm not sure why I hate him so much for being happy, but I can't stand to see him with her. She should be with me! I will make you pay James leavitt! I will take your happiness! No matter the cost!
        More people began to gather for the parade and I slithered in close enough to the couple just to be sure i would know where they were going next. I deserve to be happy for once! James needs to understand true suffering. What better way to bring that suffering? At the price of an already painfully burdened bride-to-be.
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         After the parade James took me to frontier land and we rode big thunder mountain. Then we went on a small raft and sailed over to Tom Sawyer island. And began to explore the little man made island. Until the light began to leave the sky. Once it started getting dark, we sailed back over to the other side. Then James took my to the haunted mansion ride. "This is the last ride we will go on today, we can go on some more rides tomorrow and we will hop over to California adventure park." He informed me as we stepped in line. "Now, if at any point during this ride you get scared, feel free to grab me and close your eyes. I won't mind" he winked
       I giggled and rolled my eyes. "Okay. And if you get scared instead, you can reach for my arm. I'll protect you." I teased and he laughed in response.
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A/N alright so this might be my longest chapter I've written in a while. So here you go I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading and having patience with me.

Have a great night. Toodles