PICK YOUR POISON

IVY

Grandma held my hand.

Together, we followed the woman who didn't have the nicest tone to her voice.

But grandma was there by my side, and it was all the courage I needed.

Like the contrast between day, and night, we burst into a hall not only larger than life, but lit up into the heavens.

Diamond coated Chandeliers graced the ceilings, creating halo effects. Electric music boomed from the giant speakers. The smell of expensive Champagne and careless opulence saturated the air.

This was completely different from the weirdness that just happened in the dark, and it amazed me.

“You have to let go of her hand now, so she can join her husband over there,” the woman said, turning to us.

Grandma looked at me, and I saw pity in her eyes. “You'll understand with time. I promise,” she said to me.

I didn't want grandma to be sad. She had raised me. And even though I was still reeling from the shock of this situation, I loved her to death.

“You'll stay?” I asked.

“Of course, princess. Look over there when you need to see my face, okay?”

I looked over to the spot she pointed, and nodded. “Okay.”

She walked away first, and then the woman guided me towards my destination.

I could feel every eye in the room looking at me. It felt like the music had slowed into a thriller mix, reflecting a dramatic scene in a movie where the girl who lived in freedom all her life, was suddenly captured by a deadly beast.

Out of stubbornness, or just sadness, I refused to look up, even though I could feel his eyes on me.

He and his blue eyes, and blonde hair can go kick rocks for all I–

“Son, your bride has arrived,” I heard that woman's voice again, and my heart rate surged through the roof.

“Son? Son? That's his mother?!” I screamed internally.

“Thanks Mama,” he replied, and even smiled.

She leaned into him, and pressed a kiss on his cheeks. He returned the kiss on her cheeks, and her eyes glimmered.

Clearly, there was a lot of love between the two of them. How was that possible though? The only thing men loved was themselves!

“Sit,” she said to me, and then walked away.

Stifling a sigh, I rounded the table, and took my seat next to him.

The awkwardness between us was thick, and tense, and also very welcomed by me.

I wanted our souls as distant as possible, even though our bodies unfortunately had to be in close proximity.

He didn't speak to me, and I didn't mind it. In fact, I had my fill looking around the hall.

Our table was isolated, so it helped me see across where the guests were all seated.

The design was a round table, with the large center opened for activities.

One of such activities began as soon as the MC, a man, surprisingly short, considering how tall everyone else was, took the stage.

“Please everyone, give it up for the big boss, and his beautiful bride!”

They all clapped as if something groundbreaking had been said.

“Wife?” I still couldn't believe it.

“Without further ado, let us begin the events of tonight!”

Another clap, meanwhile I was dwelling on his last word.

A wedding that took place at night. Disaster couldn't have a bigger rival if it tried.

I was prepared to hate every event of the night, but then little elf-like clowns popped out doing magic tricks, and I swallowed a gulp of air.

My eyes widened as I sat at the edge of my seat, watching them play around.

Yes I didn't like men, but would anyone consider elves men? I mean they were just so cute, and so harmless.

Their display ended, and I joined the guests, even clapping the loudest.

Then I felt his eyes on me, and quickly composed myself.

“That was explosive, wasn't it? But it's only just the beginning! It's time for the beautiful couple's first dance!”

I was taking a sip from the water bottle in front of me, when those words trickled into my ear.

The water hit the wrong spot, and I had to quickly bury my palm over my mouth to stifle the heavy cough.

Did it almost kill me? Yes. But better that than embarrassing myself, right?

“Dont worry. I'm not interested in dancing with you either,” I heard, and my head whipped up.

He leaned in, making my face inch so close to him due to the sudden turn, we were only a breath away.

“Smile, and pretend everything is fine,” he continued, moving his hands closer.

He was going to touch me. Where? I wasn't sure, but I knew I didn't want that.

My eyes pressed shut, dreading the inevitable that didn't happen.

Wondering why, I popped open one eye. He was close alright, but just enough to look like he was whispering into my ear, without actually touching me.

“It looks like the boss wants a moment with his bride. Well then, let's move on for now, as I introduce the famous Serena Lowe to serenade us!”

“Serena Lowe,” I blurted before I could help myself.

His gaze shifted from my ears to my eyes. “Enjoy,” he said sarcastically, and reclined.

I didn't know if that meant he was upset, but I also didn't care.

Serena Lowe was performing. I loved Serena!

She came out dressed in a green gown that matched the colour of my eyes.

Her voice was simply immaculate. When she drew closer to our table, I held my breath.

But it wasn't me she cast her gaze on. It was him.

They stared right into each other's eyes as she sang her heart out.

I didn't understand why, but I loved her voice so much, I didn't care.

The song ended, and she blew him a kiss, turned around, and walked away.

Still, I clapped the hardest. Her voice was just too magical.

I saw her stop by his mother's table, and they shared a bear hug.

They seemed close. Naturally, I sought my grandma's eyes, and found her staring at me in a way I recognized as her encouraging me.

Just so she didn't worry too much about me, I gave her a big smile.

The MC returned, and made an announcement.

“We're reaching the end of the ceremony. But what is a Bratva wedding ceremony without the groom feeding his bride a drink to build trust?”

The guest went crazy with cheers. Clearly, this was important.

“It'll be over quickly,” he said to me without looking at me.

Before I even could respond, the older man from earlier stepped out, grinning from ear to ear, whilst holding a wine goblet.

He approached the table, and presented the goblet to Vladimir who had risen to his feet.

I thought I'd have to stand too, but that wasn't the case.

He just turned to me, and drew closer so he could easily feed me the drink.

“You just need to open your mouth, take the drink and it's over.” He laid out the terms.

“Okay,” I replied, wanting to get it over with.

Carefully, he brought the goblet close to my lips, amidst the cheers from the crowd.

Did I mention how sensitive my nose was? Because as soon as the goblet reached my nose, I caught a whiff of something deadly.

Cyanide.

How would I know? Well my favourite pastime was watching old handmaid tales of women ending their abusive husbands.

“Part your lips,” he instructed, and it hit me.

This wasn't just a wedding. It was also supposed to be my funeral.