Defiance Learns to Speak

"I'm not getting married"

 The bustling house packed with guests suddenly went quiet, everyone turned to look at me.

The guests were mostly people from my Parent's social circle and Michael planning this rushed marriage.

 "What did you just say?" My Dad's brows pulled tight

"I... I don't think I want to get married" My voice was barely above a whisper

 Mum stood up with a strained smile "She's speaking like this because she's nervous. I assure you all that Lanarai is super excited about this marriage"

"But I..."

"It's getting late. We'll meet in church tomorrow for the wedding" Dad announced dismissing everyone before I could continue, everyone filtered out leaving just my Parents and Michael in the living room. Michael had this smile plastered on his face, I expected him to get angry.

"You should be grateful that someone is still willing to commit to you even after learning of your shameful history "

 "She's just a young girl, don't be too hard on her. The lord forgives us, who are we not to forgive her" Michael walked over and rubbed my shoulders .

I moved away from him like his hands were hot oil sizzling my skin "Don't touch me. It's not okay for me to send letters but it's okay for you to marry someone three times younger?"

My Dad slapped me, hard "How dare you question the word instead of repenting?. Go to your room now."

My eyes watered and my cheek stung so bad.

Dad's tone left no room for argument, as I made my way to my room, I heard Michael mediating on my behalf and apologising to my Parents for my behaviour.

 During the late hours of the night, Nyrah sneaked into my room while others prepared intently for the next day.

 "Are you alright " She asked pulling me into a hug before I could answer.

 I cried into her shoulder "Maybe I should never have sent those letters"

 "It's not your fault Lana, you were just too curious about things and you find Solace in those letters" She said patting my back, i managed to find my voice after over five minutes of crying "I.. I don't want to marry him. I love Noah, I can't imagine myself being with someone else. I already promised myself to him"

"So it's Noah Thorne"  Mum's voice came from the opened door.

My face went pale immediately as mum stepped into the room.

"Nyrah dear, can you excuse us for a minute?"

Nyrah and I exchanged that dread filled glance before she left the room. Mum shut the door immediately, I thought she was going to strick me but she was oddly calm.

"So it's Noah" She repeated with a sarcastic laugh "silly girl. You think Noah who's enjoying the wealth and fame of being a top lawyer will come back here for you?"

"He promised to come back for me" I said as hopeless tears streamed down my face "And I promised to wait for him"

"Clearly you know nothing about how life works" She laughed "Be a good girl and get married tomorrow. Noah is certainly just using you, he'll never come for you"

"And don't try to act smart with me, I know Nyrah has been the one sending your letters. I wonder what her Parents will do when they find out"

She let the threat hang low in the air before she left.

 The bruises from my father's correction was not evident in this shabby old gown handed to me by my mother.

Her Grandmother used it, her mother used it, she used it and now it was my turn to let it tie me down to this town.

 "This is your chance to make things right again, don't ruin it" My mum said as we made it into the church

"Yes mother" I gulped

My Dad started the sermon by talking about roles in marriage and the importance of a woman keeping her purity for a man with scriptural backings then he invited us forward.

 "Today, we're gathered together to join two souls in holy matrimony. My daughter, Lanarai kensly and our very own Pastor Michael Henshaw"

 Everyone applauded.

 "Lanarai Kensly do you, by the will of God take Pastor Michael Henshaw as your lawfully wedded husband, to respect and to submit to, as commanded by the word of God"

 "No"

The whole church went so silent that I could hear my own heart pounding. Then Michael's face twisted in fury, clearly He had grown impatient

"What do you mean by that?"  

"I don't want to marry you"

"You know I'm doing you a favour, you shameless whore" He said grabbing me by the arm and yanking me into him

"Let go of me" I struggled to pull myself away from him but his grip was firm

 The church erupted in disgruntled chatters

 "Lanarai behave!"

"Is this how you will submit to your husband?" My father yelled from behind the stand

"Please I will do anything. You can punish me but please don't let me marry this man" I cried

"You should be grateful that I'm willing to marry you" He shoved me to the ground.

 I fell with a loud deafening thud. Pain shot up my spine, I was certain I sustained a bruise.

"Are you okay?" Nyrah rushed to my side immediately

 Michael pushed Nyrah away before she could even help me and forced me to my feet.

"You will marry me now!"

Before he could drag me to the Altar again, the double door burst open startling everyone and men in suit trooped in. My heart leaped with joy, Noah really came for me.

"You sent for me my angel" His rough voice boomed through the hall before he even stepped in.

 I was most certain he would not have made it in such a short notice after getting the last letter Nyrah sent but he did.

  When the dust settled, the smile on my face was replaced with confusion.