Beauty And The Beast

Chapter 1

I was sitting in the kitchen, preparing myself for what is about to happen.
"Are you ready honey?" Mother asked thoughtfully.
"No" I said dryly.
She smiled.
"Marriage is not a bad thing. It helps you grow, makes you a better person, it tests every part of you. Look at your father and me."
They are happy. I'm not going to be. The doorbell rang. People started arriving and I didn't welcome anyone. I sat in the office, looking out the window, trying to think this over once again. Nothing seemed sane, normal. I felt I'm losing my mind. Father said Elena is different. She is. Sacrificing yourself to cover up the shit your sister pulled off. They are sisters, I'm sure they're not that different. I sighed when someone knocked.
"Mr. and Mrs. Douglas are here. Your father requested your presence" Allie said.
I nodded and went down the hall. As I stood on top of the stairs I noticed her. She was dressed in a long, pale pink dress and her hair was gathered in a messy bun. Her eyes were dark and even more green than they were the last time I saw her. Her lips were glimmering as she spoke and smile. She turned away and I noticed her back is bear. I felt the urge to cover her up. Why?
I walked down the stairs and greeted her parents. She stood beside her mother. I leaned in and kissed her cheek, holding her forearm. She shivered. I pulled away and she smiled awkwardly. She continued talking to my mother and I went to greet some partners. The waitors carried champagne around and I took a glass. I drank it all in one sip. Father approached me.
"Dinner will be served in half an hour. Try not to get drunk by then" he whispered.
I smiled.
"I need to find my wife first" I whispered back and he just shook his head.
Now, where is Elena? I looked around but haven't seen her around. She must be outside. I was right. I found her leaned on the balcony fence.
"What are you doing here alone?" I asked putting my hands in the pockets.
"Getting some fresh air" she replied silently.

Her eyebrows were knotted and her nose scrunched and red. She was cold.
"In that dress?" I asked raising my eyebrows.
She turned around and crossed her arms on her chest.
"What is wrong with my dress?" She asked offended.
"I don't like it" I said calmly.
"I don't care" she shot back.
"This dress is trouble. You should have picked a different one. It doesn't suit you at all."
You look stunning and any man in that room would like to take it off. But I can't say it.
She bowed her head.
"I'm sorry I'm not like Charlotte. Sophisticated enough to wear dresses like this one."
"Yes, you're not Charlotte. I came to tell you we'll be announcing our engagement during dinner. Take this" I said and gave her a velvet box. She opened it and swallowed hard.
"Wear it and never take it off" I said and left inside.

Elena

The diamond on the ring was shining almost magically. I put it on and took a good look at it. A simple golden ring with a round shaped diamond.
I remembered James's words and felt embarrased. He doesn't like the dress. I knew he wouldn't. Mother was being silly asuming he would like the type of dress Charlotte wore.
You are not Charlotte.
That line rang in my head as I went inside. Everyone was already in their seats.
"Sweetheart, you can seat next to James" his mother said nicely.
I smiled and took a seat next to him. He didn't seem affected by my presence. I knew that.
The waitors kept bringing our plates. First, tomato soup. It was fine. Then some cold appetizers, then meat and side dishes and dessert. I picked around my plate when James stood up.
"Can I have your attention please?" He asked calmly. He didn't seem upset by the fact he is going to marry a woman he can't stand. A woman who is a constant reminder of his failed relationship.
"I want to make an announcement. Tonight I proposed to this gorgeous young lady sitting next to me" he said giving me his hand.
I stood up and held his hand.
"She said yes and made me the happiest man in the world. Elena, I love you and I promise I'll make you happy" he said hugging me.
I smiled faintly when everyone clapped. What could I do?
As soon as we sat back he retrieved his hand. Of course.
Everyone congratulated us and I felt a bit sick from all this acting.
"Are you pregnant?" One of the ladies asked me.
"No, why?" I asked surprised.
"It's weird. James marrying you all of a sudden. Isn't it?" she asked suspiciously.
"It's not weird at all Mrs. Kavanaugh. I decided to propose to Elena because I love her. There are no hidden intentions" James said wrapping his hand around my waist. His finger touched the bear spot on my back and I shivered. He ignored it and just pulled me closer.
I nodded and she just smiled and left.
James let me go.
"Don't go into debates with any of these women. They are dangerous and powerful, they can ruin you in a matter of second" he said gently.
He raised his hand and just sighed.
Almost as if he wanted to carress my cheek but backed down.
I went to my parents and asked them to leave.
James's mother offered James to take me home but I refused.
"No, no I insist! I'll go get him" she yelled excitedly.
I sighed and after few minutes saw him approach us. He had his black suit jacket on and he was as handsome as ever.
"Ready to go?" he asked gently.
I nodded and clutched the purse in my hand.
We left the house and cold air hit me.
"Are you okay?" he asked as we sat in the car.
I nodded.
"Why are you so quiet then?" He asked watching the road.
"I know you don't like me, so don't try to make small talk with me" I said not looking at him.
"Oh, the feisty little thing is back" he said smirking.
I sighed and looked out the window.
20 minutes later he pulled over on our driveway. I opened the door and got out.
He got out too and stood in front of me.
"Thank you for the ride" I said quietly.
He nodded.
"Good night" I said even more quietly.
"Good night Elena" he said touching my shoulders.
Why did he do that? I hate it when he touches me because it effects me. In so many ways on so many levels. I sighed and left to the house. I don't know how long he stood there but I couldn't breath untill he left.