The fears we share

Chapter ten | Daren

"Okay!" I wake up to my aunt yelling.

It'd been a few days and today was wedding day. Me and Ben had made up and my aunt insisted that we go together. Of course she got her way, only because it was her wedding though. 

I get up slowly while groaning, she smiles brightly at me. Some one has had too much coffee, I plan on getting drunk anyways.

"Morning!" She cheers.

I give her small smile while rubbing my eyes, "Morning."

"Get ready!" She squeals.

It was only six in the morning, but I'd do as she says. Closing the door I walk over to my closet where the dress hangs. It was short, going just above my knees and had thin floral straps. My favorite part was the back, it showed my bare skin to an extent.  The front wasn't too low, it was absolutely perfect in my eyes. This would be the only time I'd wear a dress in my life, skirts were the closest thing I've ever gotten to. 

I slipped it on and checked myself out in the full length mirror. It was perfectly fit, I quickly put some light makeup on and then placed my white vans on. Don't judge. 

Walking down stairs people are frantically rushing through the house helping my aunt. I see her getting her hair done making me remember I didn't do mine. Though I was fine keeping it down my aunt made her hair lady curl mine. When I was done my aunt looked me up and down before stopping at my shoes.

"Em-"

"I put a dress on, don't push it." I say sternly. 

She gives me a small smile and then leaves me to stand alone. After a while we all rush out to the church and I begin to mingle. Ben helps put up decorations, he looks nice in his black suit. His hair is pushed back nicely and his smile is as white as ever. mmm.

I feel arms wrap around my waist and I immediately panic. His chest pushes against me and pulls me into a corner.

"Shh." He whispers.

I pull away and stare at the last face I'd want to see. I'd rather see my mom and that's saying something.

"Hey babe." He says smiling.

I roll my eyes as anger builds up inside me, "Go!" I yell.

He glares at me, "Keep your voice down." He says.

"No Daren!" I spit.

He's my long lost ex, I've been trying to stay away from him but he always finds me. He abused me when I was with him, it was the last thing I expected him to do. 

"Nope," He says looking down at the gun sitting on his waist.

My eyes widen in fear as he grins at me, "Daren." I breath.

"Be so kind as to introduce me to everyone." He says.

I slowly walk with him wrapping his arm around mine. Walking carefully I make my way to a seat but my aunt rushes up to me.

"Who's this?" She asks.

I take a deep breath but he blurts, "Her boyfriend."

I choke on my spit as he tightens his grip, my aunts eye fill with confusion.

I try to make eyes with her down to his waist, "Aunty, this is... Daren." 

She knows his name, she heard the story. I prayed it would click in her head.

She frowns but quickly clears her throat.

"Daren?" She asks eyes growing wide. Yes.

"Mmhmm." I hum.

She nods and smiles, "I see." 

I can tell she's trying to stay calm so he doesn't catch on. He begins to walk and I look back to see her immediately pull up her phone. My heart hopes she is getting the cops.

I see Ben jump down from the ladder and walk over to us. Groaning internally I smile at him.

"Hey." I say taking a deep breath once again.

"Hi!" He cheers.

"Who's this?" Daren asks.

"I'm her acquaintance." He says shaking Daren's hand.

"I'm her boyfriend." Daren says strongly. I couldn't help but notice the way Ben's face drops at his words.

I gag at the sight of Ben's hand shaking his. Ben furrows his eyebrows at me but I smile back. With the constant thought of Daren shooting me, or anyone else at my aunt's wedding haunting me, I stay calm. 

"Good girl." He whispers.

I feel tears prick at my eyes as we continue to walk. Quickly I take a drink off of the table and drink it down. My aunt makes her way back over with a worried smile.

"Hey." I say.

"Hi honey, we need you for the photos." She says.

My heart leaps in joy hoping this could go well.

"Mind if I come?" Daren asks.

My aunt eyes me before saying, "It's all girls, some are still getting ready." 

Daren sucks in a sharp breath of air before letting me go, "Keep your mouth shut." He demands squeezing my four arm.

I take my aunts hand and we quickly make out way into the building. Taking a quick glance at my arm where he had his hand, there's a red mark.

My aunt stops me, "Honey, what the hell is he doing here?" 

I begin to let tears fall, "Help... I... He has a gun." I spill.

Her eyes widen and she pull her phone out, "Yes, there's a man at my wedding with a gun."

She continues to speak into the phone until hanging up. I look at her waiting for her to speak.

"Honey, you'll have to distract him." She says frowning.

"Wh- What?" I stutter. I begin to cry harder until wiping them away and marching out to him.

"Hey babe!" I cheer.

He smiles at me and takes my arm back. Ben is sitting in a corner frowning, I want to sit and talk with him. But Daren's grip on me, it makes it hard.

"You better not have said anything." He growls.

"I know better." I lie.

He nods, "Good." He says nodding.