Chapter 05: Strange Encounter

At this moment I should be looking for the wedding dress, while I hope Lisa does her job. And hopefully she doesn't get caught, because that's what we can't afford at this moment. 

I move around searching for Corpora Events, a wedding dress retail store that Lisa had directed me to visit. Because they told her it's where I would most likely find a good dress. After asking around I found it was on the other side. I had to pass a short alley to get through. Why are they hiding? Something just never seize to amaze me. 

Finally I found it and when I walk inside I was so astonished at the sight. It's huge and glamorous in every aspect. Every dress you could dream off, in every color. 'Wow, this is every brides dream.' And it's no surprise the number of people moving around. And I'm not angry anymore with all the search, because I'm impressed with what I see. It almost makes it worth it. 

I couldn't stop looking about, like a lost puppy. My eyes wondering everywhere. 

“Excuse me mam..." I hear a man's voice right next to me. I jolt back startled as I turn my focus to the gentleman. Holding what I suppose is a veil in his left hand with an immovable smile on his face. “Welcome to Corpora Events. I am Ray Baird," he soon introduces himself offering his hand. He had a friendly smile complimenting his debonair personality. 

“My name is Natasha," I reach for his hand shaking it. Returning the smile. 

“Nice meeting you Natasha. How may we help you today? Do you have any specific specific dress you're hoping for?" He questions and I freeze to his question. Now noticing I haven't even thought what I want the wedding dress to look like. 

I certainly didn't think I would be getting married anytime soon. The thought never crossed my mind. I mean dating has never never been my thing. And why should I, if I know I'm gonna disappear any moment. 

It's very hard to think about, when in your mind you're always thinking about the next escape plan. And with everything in my head, the wedding dress never really came. 

“Uhmmm.... I'm not sure..." I mutter. He must think that I'm stupid. What kind of bride doesn't know what she wants her dress to look like? Brides day dream about these things. Don't they? 

“Ohh don't worry about it. You're in good hands. Just relax, and let's see what we can come up with, “ he says with an assuring smile. He gestures at two girls and they come rushing towards him. 

“Hey, my name is Reese and this is Amanda." the girls introduce themselves. I wave with a toothy grin, as embarrassed as I am. 

“This is Natasha." I affirm by nodding my head. He then fully turns to my direction, “Me and the girls we will be helping you today... “ 

" So what are we looking for? “ Reese questions as she looks up from the iPad she's holding in her hands. 

" Well Reese, our bride is not sure what she wants. And it's our duty to make sure he leaves out of here with her dream dress, “ he tells them. They look a little shocked, and I wish I could just shrink in a corner. This is so embarrassing. 

" Well this side, “ Reese directs. They take me to the other side of the room. Into a little office, with a table, few dresses hanging on the wall and a huge body length mirror. " So which would what kind of dress do you prefer? Mermaid, trumpet, ball gown, A-line, slip, tea-length….“ she lists all these dresses, her eyes on the iPad she's been carrying. 

I look at her stunned. “Uhh-mm, I..." 

She sighs, with disbelief. Well its not my fault I never found it important to dream about my wedding day. At least I know mermaid or ball gown... 

“What do you think Ray?" she turns to Ray when she understood I really didn't even know what I wanted. I barely even look at wedding dresses. 

“I was thinking a ball gown..." 

“I was actually thinking a mermaid..." 

“No guys what about a beautiful slip dress..."

And that's when I realized this will take a little longer than I had anticipated. 

****

Finally I got the dress that I think is good enough.

“Thank you guys. The help has been amazing," I bid my farewell to Ray and the two girls. Finally we managed to come up with something, which I actually like. 

At least in all the bad things happening, I have at least one thing I feel happy about. 

“It's been amazing working with you. Who ever is getting the privilege is such a lucky man," he says with an affirming smile on his face. Also Reese and Amanda sharing a smile. 

“Enjoy the beautiful day. And I'm sure you're going to rock the dress," Amanda adds. 

“Thank you so much. You guys are amazing. Hopefully I'll get to see you again," I wave headed for the door. Ray () , and I finally leave the building. 

When I step outside it's already late at night. But I'm not surprised considering all the different dresses I had to try on and choose from. 

Moving to the other side, I notice it's a little darker than I had expected. And the alley to the main road is darker than when I passed here earlier. Even though it's not far from the road, it's still looks scary. There was rarely anyone around and most of the shops were closed. 

But it's not that far away, and I'm just overthinking things. 

I don't turn back but continue moving down the empty alley. What the worst that could happen in just a few seconds? And so I thought. 

Only halfway through, a dark figure merges from the darkness swiftly pinning me against the wall. Immerse power brooding around me. 

“W—what are you doing!? Let me go!" I cry mightily trying to push him back. He's strong arm rest above my chest as he forces me against the concrete wall. I could hardly breathe as I struggle below the stranger. 

" Calm down. I'm only here to help, “ he answers. I couldn't notice the face of this man. I've never seen him before. He's definitely a werewolf, that one I know, I can feel the energy. I struggle under his grip, still not understand his words. 

" Who are you? What do you want from me? “ I beckoned trying to break free. Why would he want to help me? How does he even know me? Most importantly — why should I trust him? 

“It doesn't matter who I am. Harold, your brother sent me here to get you. " The moment he mentions Harold, my heart starts beating fast. How did he find me? I start panting, struggling even harder. As I could only imagine what will happen in the next few minutes. 

“ Let me go—" 

“Listen Natasha. Whatever Lisa told you, it's all a lie. She just using you," he cuts in.