Stephanie & Xander

Chapter 8

We're in a mansion. The place we used to live in – California mansion.

For some reason, it looks entirely different from when we used to live here. I don't know if it's because I grew taller – which shouldn't be the reason because I didn't grow much since I was thirteen. Or, is it because there are more plants now? Are they even supposed to change the environment here? I didn't know that. Or, maybe because we were sad when we're living in there, and even sadder now.

Mr. Woodward greets us. He seems weirdly happy meeting me. He's lying. I'm sure. No one's happy to meet me.

This is the first time we ever meet each other. Jesus, I really hate extremely extroverted person. And what's worse is he seems genuinely happy, not like back when Dad was the governor. Dad was so fake.

"So, you're Stephan? Oh, sweet child!" he pats my back laughing, "So adorable."

I grimace at the word adorable and he laughs. I didn't mean to show him my emotions. I hate people who can read me as easy as if I'm TV. I feel naked.

He, then, leads me to the living room. I don't know if that's being polite or being rude. I mean, we used to live here. I know the structure of this place as much as I know the back of my hand, or how much I know that his name is Edward Woodward. Sir, we also lived here.

But, I didn't say it. I'm not asshole enough to say that.

"Where's Alexa?" I ask as soon as I sit down, only to realize that I might've sounded a little too eager. What the fuck.

He gives me a smug look. I roll my eyes. He smiles and says, "She has gone out for a bike. She really loves bike."

Oh... I don't know how Alexa looks like but I'm pretty sure she looks good riding a bike, probably waving at strangers with Hydrangeas on her basket. I thought she's an indoor person like me but I feel a little bad that she's an outdoor. I mean, almost all the time, indoor people are also introverted and outdoor people are extroverted. It's given.

"Okay, Stephan... listen to Mr. Woodward, alright?" Dad seems sympathetic. Seems.

"So, here's the thing, Stephan... so, you know why you're here?" Mr. Woodward's hand is on my shoulder as if he's talking to a kid.

"Alexa and I are going to be married, right?"

"Yeah." He nods. I wonder if he thinks I don't know. He's probably making sure so he wouldn't surprise me.

He barely knows me and now he wants me to marry his beloved daughter.

Honestly, I don't know what's going on in this man's head. He smiles, almost like a fox, "And... you're going to be married next week."

"Wai~ what?"

"So, you'll start practicing right now." He goes on.

"Hey, wait a second."

"1," he smiles, "There's your second. So, shall we begin?"

Oh God, what have I done? You've been punishing me for 3 years straight.

I've practiced for five days. In two days I'll be married but I've never seen Alexa, not even once. Am I really marrying somebody? She also hasn't texted me.

In the past 3 years, I've never initiated the conversation but now I've texted her 10 messages and she still hasn't looked at any of them.

So, I have these hypotheses. One, Alexa never existed. Who the hell texted me?! But, that's creepy so I personally disregard that fact. Two, Alexa ran away. She might've sounded like she likes me with all her messages but who knows what she really feels? And if she doesn't like me, it makes more sense because like I said, 'no one loves me'. Three, she's sick and might not have more days to live. She's very weak so she can't attend practice but she loves me and wanted to marry me either way and it's her last wish and she doesn't want me to know she's sick because I might marry her out of pity. And, after she dies, I'll be free again so... oh God, that's so tragic.