Chasing You (Terrell Clarricoates Fan Fiction)

Chapter 19

Terrell pulls into an empty parking spot. We get out of the car in sync and he takes my hand as we walk to the front double doors. Soft music plays and many people are here already. A lot of them I've never seen before. They must have a lot of friends. I spot some family members but they are barely recognizable. We walk into the building and the wedding colors are pink and green. It's an odd combination but I guess it doesn't look too bad.

"Caroline! You came!" I hear a man's voice. I turn around and I see my dad approaching us. He goes in for a hug and it's too late to decline. I hug him awkwardly before pulling away. Terrell instantly gets tense. He watches the interaction carefully. He's in full mafia mode.

"And who is this?" My dad asks as he holds his hand up to shake Terrell's.

"I'm Terrell," he states as he shakes my dad's hand.

"Nice to meet you," he says. He pulls out a flask and takes a swig.

"Dad I thought you quit," I say softly.

"I'm marrying your mother again," he laughs. Although it's not funny, it's sad.

"I'll see you after the wedding," I say to him before Terrell and I walk away.

"Are you sure we have to stay for the reception?" I question.

"You'll survive, I promise," he smiles down at me.

We find our seats and keep to ourselves as the reception starts. It's pretty quick, I mean it is the third time so I'm sure it's just rehearsal at this point. They have their first dance as routine.

"Will you dance with me," Terrell holds out his hand.

"What? Oh, no, no. I can't," I breathe. He smiles at me.

"Dance with me," he says again. I look around before grabbing his hand and he pulls me off my chair and walks me to the dance floor. I reach my arms up and place my hands around his neck. His hands lay on my lower back as he guides me. We sway slowly to the music.

"You're not terrible," he says with a smile. I smile and shake my head. His eyes never leave mine.

"I love you, you know," I sigh.

"I know," he smiles. He leans down so his lips are close to my ear.

"I can not wait to take you home and tear that dress off you," he whispers in my ear. His hot breath sends chills down my spine.

"Let's go," I say. He chuckles. He takes my hand as we walk off the dance floor.

"Caroline!" My moms voice rings in my ear. We stop walking as my mom approaches.

"Your dad told me he saw you here," she says. I smile and nod.

"You're still around? I'm shocked you haven't left her yet," my mom laughs. I look down.

"What?" Terrell asks. I squeeze his hand but he doesn't squeeze mine back like normal.

"Well I mean, come on," she gestures to me.

"I think she's perfect," Terrell states without hesitation. I look up at him but he stares at my mom.

"Well you're probably no good for her anyways," my mom huffs as she eyes him up and down.

"Congratulations mom, we are gonna head out," I mumble. I keep the goodbye short because Terrell seems really mad.

As we walk outside the fresh air slams against my cheeks. We get into the car and he starts it.

"I'm sorry, that she said that," Terrell says. I look over at him.

"Why? I grew up with it Terrell. It's okay," I mumble. He finally looks at me.

"Its not okay," he says. Something seems to be bothering him more than just her making a jab at me.

"Terrell, talk to me," I say as I grab his hand.

"I think she's right," he says.

"Ouch," I mumble.

"No! No, not about that. When she said I was no good for you," he corrects himself.

"She also married the same man three times, I wouldn't take anything she says personal," I respond.

"You killed someone because they were going to kill me," he says. I let go of his hand.

"Thank you for reminding me. It's not something I'm proud of," I say.

"All I'm saying is a few months ago, you wouldn't have ever imagined that happening. I've dragged you down with the mafia," he says.

"I chose this Terrell. You didn't do anything to me. Jaxin came to me that day. He told me what was happening and I still chose to go," I say. I didn't mean to throw Jaxin under the bus but he'll live.

"What?"

"I knew that walking in there would be a huge risk and I did it anyways," I say.

"But if you hadn't showed up, I wouldn't have hesitated, and I could've killed him without getting you involved," he says.

"Seriously? So it's my fault?" I question.

"No, I'm not saying that at all. I just want better for you. I want you to be able to live life freely and not have to make those decisions on wether or not to pull the trigger," he says.

"I don't want that for you either," I say. He focuses on the road.

"Are we really going to fight about this?" I ask.

"I don't want to. But I've given you so many reasons to leave, and you just stick around," he says.

"Is that what you want? For me to leave?" I question.

"Of course not. But I want you to know that you can back out at any time, just say the words," he says sadly. I grab his hand again.

"I know you're used to people leaving, but I'm not, so deal it up," I say. I lean my head back and gaze out the window as he drives the car back to his house, his hand still in mine.