Cruel Sanctuary

Chapter 16

Tina Anstey and Mike Anstey.

Owen isn't too thrilled that he is spending his Saturday in a nail bar and then jewellery shopping, he has made that distinctively clear. So, as I straighten my outfit in the mirror, I am surprised that Owen even bothered to let me know that we need to leave, "Sky, you coming? Isabella's just left!" Owen shouts up to me and I slip on my jacket, sliding my phone into my back pocket and skipping down the stairs excited for the day ahead of us. 

When I reach the top of the stairs, I shout, "I'm coming!" I skid to a halt in front of him and he steadies me, "Slow it, speedy!" He jokes with a chuckle and gives me a once over, "You look nice." He winks and I blush, feeling my whole face and neck heat up, "Shut it, simp!" I exclaim and shuffle away, racing to the lift to get down first, both of us laughing at my childish antics. 

***

Owen is bored. Actually he is beyond bored and we have only been here for five minutes! "Owen, quit moaning!" Isabella snaps at him and he pouts, looking down and slumping into the chair beside me, grumbling to himself. My nail artist, who I now know as Julia, sits opposite and smiles, showing off her perfect teeth, "I'm glad to see you back, Miss Greene," She greets in her heavy Chinese accent. 

Widely, I smile, probably so wide that I scare her into thinking I am the next resurrected bride of Chucky, "Me too, Julia, I've been needing this for a while now!" I exclaim and she giggles. Owen then clears his throat and Julia looks to him, eyebrows furrowed, "Who's this?" She asks and I roll my eyes at him, "This is my fiancé, Owen Anstey. Owen, this is Julia, my nail artist," I introduce them. 

Reaching over me, causing me to shrink away awkwardly, they shake hands, "I'm sorry about her, I know she can be annoying," Owen jokes and Julia laughs, shaking her head, "You two are cute!" She says whilst grabbing her colours for me to choose from, "This week, I was thinking we could do a natural ombre?" I tell Julia and she nods, "Nice choice!" She agrees and grabs her pink stack, "Which colours?" 

After intense inspection, I reach to point out some potential contenders but Owen beats me to it, "This one," He points to an extremely pale pink, "this one," He points to a couple of shades darker, "and then this one," He goes even darker, almost a deep purple, and Julia's eyebrows raise in shock of his creative sense. I nod, begrudgingly, "Agreed, not that I'd have a choice," I joke with a chuckle at the end as Julia arranges her workspace. 

Owen nudges me, an upturn tugging at his stone mouth, "Okay, I'll do that for you," She insists and grabs the three bottles Owen chose as I look over and grin at Isabella on the table next to me who is still deciding on colours. 

***

After thanking Isabella and hugging her goodbye, we stand with rueful smiles, waiting for the other to leave first, "Well, Owen and I best get going," I give in, turning to spot Owen ogling a pretty girl waiting in line for the salad stand and I roll my eyes, "Owen! Stop eye-raping other girls in front of Sky! Have some self respect," Isabella shouts at him, gaining the attention of a few bystanders who glare at the noise coming from our circle. 

Owen blushes and turns around, "Is, shut up!" he hisses under his breath and she scoffs, "You better buy her the expensive ring to make up for this," She slaps his arm pathetically but he still grabs it in surprise, dramatically. 

Sighing, wishing I could let her fight my battles, I intervene, "Is, it's okay; I'm used to it," I say and grab her arm, calming her down, "What is it with you guys and buying forgiveness? I'm not even bothered, it's a forced marriage, remember?" Now, that hurt and I think it hit Owen too because he looked down at his feet as soon as I said it. 

"Well, as long as you're okay. I've gotta get back to work now so I'll see you tomorrow for dress shopping?" Isabella concludes and I nod, hugging her once more before she leaves, swishing her hips in rhythm with her graceful steps. When she has left, I turn to leave but Owen grabs my hand, "I'm sorry, Sky, I just...I'm so used to just looking where I want and now we're like...engaged...I'm finding it hard to adapt. I'm trying though, I promise!"