Out From the Shadows

Chapter 5

Keeping my crying to a minimum is a struggle. Squeezing into the dress is a struggle. My whole life has been full of struggles, yet I keep moving forward. I don't know how much farther I want to go.

I hear Ashton exit, so I come out of the bathroom. The coral colored dress is a bit tight around the hips. The straps land on my arms limply and the dress ends in the middle of my shins. Better than the nightgown from last night, but it could be better. The shoes on the other hand are horrendous. I have never worn a pair of heels and never planned to, until now. I refuse to wear the jewelry and cosmetics laid out on the counter. I stick to the gold chain still hanging at my neck; the only thing left from my old life.

I leave the quietness and comfort of my room, dreading have to talk to anyone. Especially the Lakers.

Slowly going down the stairs leaves time for me to turn back and hide in my room. I think this option through, but it only leads to disaster. I stay to the main plan; talk to Ashton then get the hell out of this place.

I don't have to walk very far because Ashton leans on the railing that escorts the stairs. He doesn't realize that I have descended the staircase until I stomp my feet on the last stair. He spins on his heels and faces me with a grin. The attire he sports this morning is as formal as mine if not more. The tux is black and no wrinkles or lint are present on the material. The tie is maroon, if not red. I had the notion that his tie would be the same color as my dress. I guess the event isn't important enough to warrant us matching.

His eyes travel up and down my body; I let them. If I'm going to play the part of his fiancé, then I need to let some things happen.

"You're beautiful," His eyes twinkle with delight. I present him with the brightest smile I can muster.

"Where are we off to? I didn't dress like this to stay in the house." I give him a slow twirl in a playful manner.

A chuckle comes from the direction Ashton is standing. When I finally stop twirling and face him, I realize with a deep sense of dread that the laugh didn't come from Ashton. We both look to find Mr. Lakers standing a few paces back. He wears a tux similar to Ashton's but with a green tie. The person standing next to him makes me draw back.

A woman, maybe fifteen years older than me, exhibits a dress the exact same style as mine. This makes me frown. The only difference between our clothing is the color. Her outfit does match Mr. Laker's tie with precision. Her dark black hair is put up high with emeralds and pins, so elegantly that it makes me envious. She wears layers of makeup that must have taken at least an hour to apply, if that. The shade of green she wears makes her hazel, almond shaped eyes stand out.

The sheer lack of enjoyment shown on her face sends me into panic mode. Ashton nervously straightens his tie, even though is was already straight before. This woman must make him anxious. I never would have guessed him to be intimidated by her.

Mr. Lakers strides toward me with the woman beside him. He gives me a once-over, unpleased with me appearance by the way his face scrunches up with distaste. I give him a cocky grin and his face tightens. He opens his arm to the lady and she lets him wrap it around her.

"Good morning Almarie." He gives me this look that sends shivers throughout my entire body. "I heard you had quite a night. I let you sleep in, pushing our schedule back a few hours so to make up time, we need to get moving right away."

If I really wanted to, I could spit venomous words at him as a way to show I'm not weak. But hurting someone isn't the only way to show strength. I'll hold my tongue, for now. Gotta stick to the plan.

"Fine. Where are we going? And who is this?" I point impolitely at the woman adjacent to him.

Ashton's eyes tell me something, but I'm not good at reading people's looks. At least, not his. I don't take any care with the next words that come out of my mouth.