Chapter 2

Well, here goes. The day I was dreading. And it only took 24 hours. I’ve got my dress on and we’re standing at the door, waiting for Mother and Father.

“You look beautiful, Dionne.” Patrick whispers.

“Thank you. You look nice.” I say.

My father comes downstairs and all three of us stand up straight, acknowledging his presence.

Stand up straight when I enter the room. It’s called respect.

Is what he’d say.

When he stands in front of me, he scoffs.

“At least he’ll think you’re attractive. Maybe.”

“You look wonderful, honey.” My mom comments.

“Thanks Mother.” I say, bowing my head.

“Let’s go. Hurry on, we don’t have all night.” Father rushes us.

A car and a limousine pulls up and I stand, confused.

“What’s that for?” I ask, gesturing to the car.

“You’ll get a car. Me, your mother, and your brothers will have the limousine.” My father says, maliciously.

“Darling, she’s supposed to have a-“

“I know Amelia. Problem is, she doesn’t deserve a limousine. Get in I don’t have time to wait.” He says.

Not questioning him, I get inside the car and the boys help me put my dress in, then Anthony and Patrick leave a kiss on my hand before winking at me, making me smile.

“See you at the party.” Anthony says.

“See you.” I say as they close the door.

When we arrive, Anthony escorts me into the cold night. The breeze hits my skin, making me shiver. My father looks over to me and instead of giving me a jacket, he says:

“Would you quit it with that shivering? Did you not bring a jacket?” he says sternly.

“You told me not to wear one when I was getting dressed, Father.” I remind him.

“And now you’re lying. I don’t recall.”

“Just because you can’t remember, doesn’t mean you didn’t say it, Father.” I say, still trying to be respectful.

“Watch your damned mouth, child!” he says, making me go still.

“Yes, Father.” I say, lightly bowing my head trying not to get him any angrier.

We walk in and it’s colder inside than it was outside. I continue to shiver and I lean against Anthony, seeking warmth.

“You alright? You’re shivering.”

“Yeah. Just a little cold.”

“If Dad wasn’t such a dick, I’d give you mine.” He says, lowering his voice to where only I can hear .

I laugh.

We reach the ballroom and we find a spot to stand in. I get a little thirsty so I walk up to my Father and he’s talking so I wait until he finishes to speak.

“What is it, Dionne? Quit pestering me.” He says quietly.

“I’m sorry Father. I was wondering if I could go to the punch bowl to get a drink?”

“I don’t care. Just stay away from me.” He says, shooing me away.

“Thank you, Father.” I say, bowing before I walk away.

When I get to the punch bowl, I get a drink and when I turn around, I bump into something hard.

“Watch it.” This mystery guy says with a hint of Latin in his accent.

When he turns around, I freeze.

He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

He’s got wild brown hair, blue eyes, and these large hands with rings on almost every finger.

“You gonna stop staring and apologize? You almost made me waste this everywhere.” He says, his anger rising.

“I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I say.

He looks me up and down and turns his nose up to me.

I slide away and I join Anthony’s side again.

All of a sudden, my father approaches me and two men stand in front of us.

“Mr. Foster, it’s nice to meet you once more.” Father says.

I look up and there he is again.

The guy I bumped into two seconds ago.

He looks me up and down as my father talks to him.

“This is the woman I’m arranged with?” Xavier says.

I can see the fear in my father as he speaks to Xavier.

That’s amusing.

“Yes, Sir.” Father says.

He rambles on as Xavier  analyzes me head to toe.

“What’s her name?” he asks, cutting my dad off.

“Oh yes, my daughter, Dio, Dionne-“

“Coleman.” He finishes.

As he looks me up and down, his eyes meet mine and suddenly, he grabs me.

“She’s coming with me.” He says.

“Anthony .. “ I say, looking back and reaching for him as he forces me to come with him.

“I love you Dionne.” He says to me as I look in front of me, wanting desperately to go back.

He opens my door and lets me get in, then puts my dress in the car before going to the drivers seat and pulling off. I nervously tap my foot, fidgeting with my hands as I look out of the window. 

“Could you stop that?” he asks, clearly sounding annoyed.

I jump at the sudden boom of his deep voice. “I’m sorry.” I say, looking down at my hands. Then it’s silent.

Until his phone rings with a call.

“Hello?” he says into the phone, his annoyed tone still in tact. “I just picked her up, mam?.” He says. “Yes, yes, you’ll be able to see her.” Then silence. “If she wants.” Silent again. “Okay. Yeah, te amo.” He finishes.

(Translation: love you.)

He hangs up the phone and tucks it back into his pocket as he finishes the drive to his home. When we get there, I look up to what looks like a palace, lights brightening up the white house in front of me. I’m greeted by a woman almost my height, and she hugs me tightly.

“Hello darling. You’re beautiful.” She says.

“Thank you, you as well.” I say.

“Alright, let’s go.” Xavier snaps as he walks into the house, telling me to hurry up and get inside.

I hurry behind him and when we get inside, a maid approaches Xavier and he walks past her and yells.

“Take her to her room.”

“Right away, sir. Right this way, Mrs. Foster.” The maid says shyly.

“Oh no, it’s Coleman.” I correct.

“Mr. Foster has ordered us to call you by his last name, ma’am.” She says.

She takes me to a room that’s dark, but comfy and I look around, mesmerized. There are pajamas laid out on the bed and a towel and washcloth laid out for me to use.

“This will be your room Mrs. Foster. Mr. Foster has ordered that you shower and join the family downstairs for dinner.” She says.

“Okay. How much time do I have to shower?” I ask.

“As long as you need.”

And with that I give her a smile, letting her know she can leave, and then I’m left alone with my thoughts.

I think she’s pretty nice.

I shower and get out and get dressed, then I go downstairs and I’m led to the dining room where everyone’s eyes are glued to me.

“Took you long, enough.” Xavier complains as he walks into the dining room. “Fuck.” He curses.

Dinner is served and I start to eat with my head down. His mother is the first to speak.

“How’s dinner? I thought I’d try something different.”

“It’s lovely, Mrs. Foster.” I say, being polite.

I hear a chuckle that sounds a lot like my father’s. I look up and Xavier’s dad laughs as he eats.

“Girl doesn’t know how to hold her tongue. Don’t you know that you don’t speak until you’re spoken to?” he says.

“I’m sorry Mr. Foster.” I say, bowing my head.

“She’s wildly respectful though, I’ll give you that.” He says, starting to eat his food