No escape

Chapter twenty

"Whose place is this?" I asked once Kayden put me down. He had carried me bride stlye off the venue of the engagement to the car and he carried me that way once we arrived to our destination. I couldn't stop smiling, it was so thrilling. "Our place," he said giggling. "Am serious," I grumbled. "It's our place. Remember I told you I was figuring out where we do live and how I would propose to you," he stated. "I thought you were kidding," I shrugged. "Well turns out I was not," he said chuckling. "Wow, it's so beautiful. Kayden," I said hugging him tightly. "You are my life" I breathed beneath his neck. "I will do anything just to see you happy, I don't care what it takes but I'm always going to try." He said. "Can I show you around?" He asked. "Yes of course," I replied impatiently.
Once we were done checking out the whole apartment, we went to the kitchen and prepared our dinner. "We could have ordered something," Kayden whined. "I know but I want to cook for my fiancee," I said. "Your going to be a very stubborn wife," he remarked wrapping his arms around my waist. "But you love me anyways," I chuckled. "Hey, that's my phrase," he accused. "We are going to be married soon and that means whatever is yours is also mine." I muttered laughing. "Who said I'm marrying you anytime soon, are you that excited to be my wife?" He teased. "I didn't say that," I said hitting him with my elbow softly so that it doesn't hurt.
"Wow, my wife is a chef," Kayden shrieked after we were done with dinner. "Am not your wife mister, relax." I joked. "Of course you are not, but you can be one anytime I want." He said smirking. "You're so full of yourself, what makes you think I'll agree to marry you," I said. "Says someone who didn't think twice when I proposed to her," he said giggling. "By the way, how are you going to work if you are going to stay here?" I asked worriedly. "Oh, sorry. I had to tell you about that but it hadn't come up yet. I had resigned earlier so that I could find another job around here but then they were not letting go of me that easily. I told them I couldn't stay around for any longer and they decided to just switch me to the branch that's around here. It's just a thirty minutes drive from here and I think it's ok. Karma is on our side at last." He said winking. "I'm very pissed at you by the way," I ranted. "Seriously! it's the first night you are my fiancee. Why are you mad at me princess," he said squatting closer. "I can't believe you didn't tell me a thing till now," I grumbled. "I'm sorry love, I was really busy and I had to do so many things that's why I rarely talked to you. The engagement, moving here, fixing things at work, checking out my new work place and so many other things. It was not easy to do that in just a month, please fiancee." He begged. I was just messing with him but his plea made my inside clench. "How did I get so lucky," I thought. I bet I'll never get an answer to that. "How on earth am I supposed to remain mad at you when you're staring at me like that," I cried out. "Wow, seems I really doubted the power of my charm," he smirked. "You know it's crazy how you have me wrapped around your finger and I don't give a damn." I sighed. "You don't have to care, you are always safe with me." He said trailing kisses down my neck.
                         ***
"Tell us about your weekend," Skylar screeched. "Not now, I have to get to class and complete my assignment." I muttered. "You know we are not dropping this until you tell us, don't you?" Lara said grinning. "Fine, I'll tell you." I sighed defeated. "I'll just give you a short story because I really have to complete this," I said raising my incomplete assignment. "Fine, but you will have to tell us the details later," Skylar said snickering. "Please go easy on her, don't you see that you are making her uncomfortable," Sherry defended. "Wow, I'm surprised you girls arrived earlier  than me today especially a few of you who really had a blast this weekend," Ellie interrupted winking at me. "Seriously, you too?" I sighed. I should have known better. These guys were not going to take it easy on me. "Can I borrow Harley for a minute please?" He begged. "Yes, you may. I don't mind," I said carrying my stuff. I was so relieved to get away though I knew it was just temporary, atleast I had more time before telling anyone about my weekend. "You can't run for ever," Skylar remarked. I stuck my tongue out for her and I laughed as we walked off.
"You saved my ass," I said to Ellie once we were in class. "Only because I need your help," he stated. "I had feeling, anyway what do you need me to do?" I asked feigning hurt. "I want to propose to Leah," he said. I nearly chocked on my drink and I had to stand up so I could grasp some air. "What!" I said still coughing. "I want to propose to Leah," he said. "Are you ok?" I said checking his temperature. "I know Harley, it's insane but after I saw the admiration she had in her eyes when you were being proposed to, I felt this urge to propose to her. I love her and I want to give her everything she desires," he sighed running a hand through his already messy hair. "You realise you are still in college?" I remarked. "You're also in college but you are engaged," he accused. "Ellie, my situation is different from yours." I corrected. "What's different Harley?" He asked. "I don't have to explain, you know what's different," I stated. "You are doubting my love for her? Is that it?" He asked sounding hurt. "No Ellie, it's just that..." I sighed pulling on one of my braids, "you are just in college and Kayden is already working. Don't you see that it will be hard for you to balance both?" I added. "You're right but despite how right I know you are, I still want to do it." He mumbled.
                          ***
"We are celebrating a fortnight today in our home," Kayden said kissing my hair. "Shock me you are going to throw a party?" I giggled. "Of course I'm," he smirked. "You are so extravagant, you need my prayers." I teased. "It's not being extravagant, it's not a usual thing that people get engaged and they live happily for two weeks in their new home." He said pulling me onto his lap. "Are you even listening to yourself?" I asked. "Of course I'm," he muttered. "You are sick," I grumbled. "But you love me anyway," he said beaming. "It's getting old and stale," I groaned. "But you..." He said before I silenced him with a kiss. "I said it's getting a little too old," I murmured against his lips.
"You guys are sick," Skylar chuckled. "I told him," I accused. "You guys are just shallow minded," Kayden whined. "Ouch, that hurt." We chorused. "Didn't mean to offend you but seriously I don't see a problem with this, may be you are just stingy." Kayden said defending himself. "I don't care about what you celebrate as long as you buy enough drinks and you invite me together with those super hot friends of yours," Skylar  shrugged. "That girl is really something," Kayden remarked. "I still can't believe we are celebrating a two weeks anniversary," I said laughing. "I told you, I will do everything unbealivable for you," he smirked. "You're too sweet for my health," I chuckled. "But you..." "Stop," I screeched as I stifled his words with my palm. "You guys have a lot of time to do whatever it is your doing. Don't be boring hosts, come and join us." One of Kayden's friends called after us. I gave Kayden a warning look and then I walked off.
"Where is Leah?" I asked Ellie. "She is busy doing something but she sent her apologies," he said. "By the way, I was really serious when I said I want to propose to Leah and I have been thinking about it all the time and I'm sure it's what I want. I actually talked to my parents and they don't mind, actually they are really excited." He said smiling dreamily. "What about her parents?" I asked. "They are actually fine with it since Leah is taking a break on education and focusing on music. She is actually starting up a music school here and that's why she is really busy of late," he muttered. "I think it's not bad after all, when are you planning to propose to her?" I asked. "I think the next weekend," he said grinning. "Really, that's so soon but anyway I'll be here to help." I said cheerfully. "Actually it's a good timing, we are doing relatively nothing at college so we shall have plenty of time preparing," I added. "But what's the real reason behind your proposal, I know her admiration wasn't the only thing that inspired you to propose." I stated. "You're right, it wasn't. You know there was this one time we were talking and she mentioned that she always wanted to do things with you while you were kids and that she loved it when both of you achieved things together in life. She said she wanted you guys to get boyfriend's at the same time and if possible get married on the same date." He sighed. "Really," I said chocking on my tears. "She is so sweet. I can't believe we spent so many years apart but she still dreamt of doing things with me," I said my voice barely a whisper. "Ellie, I'm speechless," I said. "I know Harley, that's what I felt too when I heard her say that. She has a big heart and she loves for ever. I feel blessed to have her," he said smiling. "I want to grant her wish Ellie," I said. "Which one?" He asked confused. "Getting married on the same date," I said chuckling. "But only if you don't mind," I added. "Of course I don't. Maybe Kayden," he said. "I don't think Kayden would mind. He would go to hell and back for me. I'm pretty sure with that," I said blushing. "Then so be it," Ellie said.
                        ***
"Leah are you going to be fixed tomorrow?" I asked. "Not really but I have a date with Ellie," she stated. "Can you please ditch him for me?" I asked hopefully. "Would you ditch Kayden for me?" She joked. "I wouldn't think twice," I chuckled. "Ok then, I'll text him to tell him I can't make it." She sighed. "Thank you, I promise you will not regret." I squealed. "Promise," she said raising her eyebrows. I did a pinky swear and we all burst out laughing. By the way, we have a dress code to follow." I muttered. "Really?" She asked and I nodded. "That means that I have to visit my closet right now," she stated. "I and Lara will help you, I already called her. She must be on her way," I said. "Thank you," she muttered. "No worries, you ditched your man for me and it's only healthy for me to do something small for you," I said cheerfully. "May be we should have a girl's night out after choosing our attires," Leah suggested. "Sounds like a great idea. I'll just text the girls," I said grabbing my phone. Skylar replied immediately
Harley: Girls night out. Your in?
Skylar: You don't need to ask.
I chuckled as I showed the text to Leah. "Why ain't I surprised," she said still laughing. "It's Skylar, duh," I said laughing harder. "That must be Lara at the door," I said. "Come in," we chorused.
We busied ourselves into choosing an attire for Leah and most of her outfits were so casual. We really wanted to get her something new but we didn't want her to feel like something was fishy. "I guess we have no choice," I said to Lara once Leah was out. "I know, we will have to give her the dress Ellie got her," Lara sighed. "I hope she doesn't suspect..." I said. "Suspect what?" She asked. "Oh, we were just talking about Skylar, you know she wasn't invited to the party we are attending tomorrow and we thought she will be truly upset so we hope she doesn't suspect anything later when we meet up." I lied. "She can take up my place," Leah suggested. "I don't mind," she added. "That's not necessary Leah, she actually has so much work to do and she needs to focus on it. She parties too much," Lara supplemented. "Ok, it's up to you," she shrugged. "Leah, I was thinking that you should wear this," I said digging out for the dress that Ellie had bought. "It will fit perfectly," Lara said. "Isn't it beautiful?" I asked raising my eyebrows at her. "Wow, that's the dress I wanted to acquire the other time I was at the mall. Wait, did Ellie get it for me?" She said her eyes lighting up. "Yes Leah, he asked me where I was taking you and I told him at a party and he had to get it for you. He ran into Lara earlier and he gave it to her," I told a half lie. "Why were we wasting time looking through my closet when you had this," she shrilled. "We thought you wouldn't want to put it on yet?" I said. "Of course I want to try it on and Ellie has to see me tomorrow. I'll probably go to his place after the party," she chuckled. "I think we are done here," I stated. "Time for a girl's night," Lara shrieked.
                         ***
"What kind of party is this?" Leah asked. "What do you mean?" I asked pretending not to understand her question. "Something seems off," she remarked and I chuckled internally. I was so excited because I was the one fooling someone today. I couldn't wait to see the look on her face. "Wait, didn't you say Skylar was not invited?" She asked when she saw Skylar. "Did I say that?" I asked. "I'm pretty sure you said that," she accused. "I said she might not be invited," I said stepping away from her. I knew what was about to happen and I didn't want to be at the scene. Leah looked puzzled at the way I jumped far away from her. She was about to question me when rose petals descended onto her.
"Harley," she grumbled sending a warning look into my direction. I just shrugged and disappeared into the crowd. The light dimmed and a guitar started playing. I could see Leah blushing though still furious at me for keeping her in the dark. I didn't care anyway, she has done that to me twice and a little payback doesn't hurt. The room fell into utter silence as a masculine mellifluous voice filled the room. "That's not Ellie," I squealed. "I wish I could say he is not," Skylar groaned. "I wish I had known earlier, I would be the one to listen to that resonant voice everyday." She sighed. "Skylar, behave" I warned. "I know but I can't believe I let that guy slip out of my hands," she whined. "That's what you get for being indecisive," I chorused. "And there is my beautiful fiancee," Kayden said placing his palm on the small of my back. "Great, just great. You had to rub it my face," she whined. "I'm really sorry Skylar but I really have to take my fiancee away," Kayden apologised. "Whatever, I'll just go join those spinsters over there," she said pointing to Sherry and Lara. "She is unbelievable," I said nodding my head. "I heard that," she grumbled. "Whatever," I shrugged.
"He really wrote her a beautiful song," Kayden commented. "Really, I was not paying attention to the lyrics, you know Skylar she never stops yapping." I sighed. "You can listen now," kayden remarked. And indeed it was breathtaking song.
I want to fly with you
I promise to save your day
All you have to do is say yes
I'm crazy for you
I'm trapped in your charms
I can't escape
Baby
Can't you see that you are my life
I'm finally home
Now that I'm with you
"When are you going to write me something that nice?" I teased. "I can do it here and right now, should I?" He asked. "Don't you dare," I warned. "Next time don't ask for something you can't handle," he smirked.
"Harley, I can't believe we got engaged in the same month," Leah chuckled. Ellie had his arm around her waist possessively and I could see the passion in his eyes. "And we have similar engagement rings," I remarked. "Really?" She shrilled. She gasped when she compared the rings and they were really similar. She kissed Ellie passionately and I covered my eyes. Everyone rolled their eyes and and I had to defend myself, "it's not everyday that I see my best friends smooching," I giggled.
                       ***
It was Christmas holiday and everyone was so busy preparing for our double wedding. Kayden had somehow managed to convince my parents. It was easier for Ellie to convince Leah's parents since she was not in school anymore and her music school was already doing well. Mum wasn't so aggressive as dad about the idea because she adores Kayden. Whatever Kayden charmed my family with, I do give credit to it. After several months of pleading and explaining, my father gave in. Most of my friends from college were overwhelmed but I cared less. I had a counselor talk to me that it would be so risky going into marriage at such a tender age because marriage was not as easy as it seemed. A few other people told me it would affect my grade but I honestly didn't care. I was so obsessed with being Kayden's wife. Leah on the other hand was just as thrilled as I was.
"Are you sure about this?" My mum asked. "It's just a week to your wedding you know, you can always call it off incase you have second thoughts," she added. "Mum, I'm very sure this is what I want. It's not an everyday thing that people get married on the same day as their best friend," I shrilled. "That's the thing I want to talk you about Harley, you might be excited to get married on the same day as Leah but you might not be ready for the responsibilities in marriage. I'm not doubting your abilities but I'm just curious you know. I trust Kayden completely but this is marriage we are talking about. I don't want my little girl getting hurt. Both you and Leah might be blinded by excitement that you can't see what you are walking into," She said her voice trembling with worry. "Mum, trust me. I really wanted to be Kayden's wife months before we suggested I and Leah would get married on the same day." I muttered. "Harley, you might have wanted to be his wife but I'm pretty sure you wanted that a few years from now. I know when you wanted that you didn't imagine it could happen this year." She mumbled. "Mum, I don't know what to say to you that will make you believe me and maybe you are right I wanted this in the future but that was back then. This is what I want now and what I wanted before doesn't matter. I don't even care if he says we get married today, I would gladly say yes." I said smiling. I saw my mum's features relax as she sighed. "Anything you want baby, just remember that your mum is always here for you. Never hesitate to ask me for anything." She said tears rolling down her eyes. "I can't believe my little girl is getting married seven days from now," she chuckled. "Mum, I'm old enough." I whined. "You are so young, you are just stubborn. I knew both you and Leah were going to be trouble right from the start," she said laughing.
"This is going to be the best Christmas of my entire life," I said once I had sneaked into Kayden's room. He had got a leave from work since he was getting married. He was now staying at his parents' house since I was on holiday. Our parents no longer minded if I slept over at his place or if he slept over at mine but there was something about sneaking around that made everything so sexy. "I think so too," he said. "You are just thinking?" I accused bumping my shoulder into his playfully. "Of course, I know my best Christmas will be the first Christmas I'll celebrate with my wife and first born." He said with a nervous giggle. "You are always a million steps ahead of me," I muttered. "I know, some times I feel like I'm asking for too much from you." He sighed grabbing on my waist tighter. "You are not," I breathed. "I'm Harley, you have given up everything for me. You just don't have any idea about how much you have given up for me because you love me blindly. I just hope one day you don't have to regret. I'll make sure you don't because I'm really grateful for your sacrifice." He whispered. "You have given up so much for me too Kayden, actually you have done everything for me. Sometimes you don't even realise you are doing so much," I sighed. "You know that time you were working so hard, I felt my heart breaking for you. I ways blamed you for not giving me time but you were working your ass off so that you could be with me." I said torn. "Harley, don't feel sad about that. It's the past now and we are together now. Isn't that what matters?" He asked his eyes glittering with love. I stared into his eyes and I could feel so much love for him. It's like I fall in love with him each and everyday.
"Kayden, the other time we were fighting, would you sneak to my bed?" I asked. "Yes, why?" He asked. "It's because there is a time I woke up and I felt like I was sleeping with someone but when I woke up everything was normal." I grumbled. "Did you really think I could completely stay away?" He chuckled. "I used to sleep with you every single night but I would make sure you wouldn't notice," he said. "Why would you do that?" I asked. "Because I love you," he smirked. "Kayden!" I ranted. "It doesn't matter, why are we even talking about those miserable memories. It's two days to our wedding princess, we should be discussing our honeymoon and children." He joked. "Hey, you had better stopped talking about children because I'm not giving you those until I'm done with college," I mumbled. "Of course I wouldn't let you do that either, I'm just messing with you. I like the way you blush when we talk about something that involves intimacy," he said sniggering. "We should probably sleep, we have so much to do tomorrow," I sighed. "I want to spend the entire night talking to you," Kayden whined. "I'm not going to see you again till the wedding day," he added. "It's just two days for crying out loud," I remarked. "I know but it feels like a decade to me," he lamented. "That's so sweet of you to say but you will be fine," I said kissing him goodnight.
                          ***
"I can't believe it's really happening," Leah's mom sighed. "I know, it feels like yesterday when we dropped them off at school for the very first time," my mum added. "Harley you don't have to give me a Christmas gift today," Callie chuckled. "Why?" I asked. "Because you are already going to give me Kayden as a brother," she squealed. "Callie, I think we should give the Christmas brides space. I'm sure you guys want to talk a bit before we get you dressed," my mum said. Leah's mum nodded and they stepped out leaving us alone. "A wedding on christmas, huh," I muttered. "I know," Leah shrieked. "It's so like us," she added. "Christmas was always the most special day of the year to us," I remarked. "This had always been my dream. Having a double wedding together with you on Christmas." She said with tears rolling down her eyes. I hugged her tight and we both laughed at how pathetic we are. We held our wedding gowns and stood in front of the mirror. "I can't believe Harley is getting married. I mean you hated guys like nothing and I believed you will never fall in love." Leah chuckled. "Says someone who believed everyone was too flawed for her," I blasted. "I really pitied the guy I would end up with just incase I would ever end up with anyone but the moment I walked into Kayden, I knew it was game over for me." I muttered. "We were really stubborn but little did we know love always wins," Leah breathed. "I know, you remember what they always told us about love?" I asked. "There is no escape," we squealed in unison.

THE END