Lie

(Five Years Ago)I pressed my lips tightly,“Iris, don’t smudge that lipstick-” My makeup artist warned me, “I spent over an hour finding that perfect shade!” She yelled back at me.I giggled but nodded in compliance.“Calm down- later on it’ll be smudged to hell and back.” The smaller lady shook her head at me, lowering herself to retouch with a brush.“I expect that after cameras, but two minutes on should not be an issue.” I smiled back at her.“Hey, my boyfriend’s picking me up later,” The makeup artist rolled her eyes,“Yes, Iris, just come see me after we film and I’ll touch you up.”I winked back at her, hopping out of the chair,“And filming here we-” The door behind me opened, my eyes reaching the door. “Triston!” I squeeked, leaping onto him.He was taken aback slightly, but held onto me. I poked my nose against his. “You came, babe!” He chuckled, pushing his head into the side of my head.“HAIR !” My hairstylist screamed out, and Triston pulled back.“Sorry!” He called out

I had picked out a few dresses, along with Triston's suits to match. I had that one duty at least.“This is it.” I told the stylist, "If I can have…” I picked up the short emerald dress, “This one for tonight, and-” I pointed at the tan suit, “and this for him.” I smiled, “I’ll need a green tie to match, if you can get that for me?” The man nodded,“Yes, Mrs. Ballard.” I nodded happily with my pickings. I didn’t decorate the house, nothing but my garden, but at least he let me do this one thing.“Shoes?” My finger moved up, “Some heel-”“Mr. Ballard did say that you may not want to do that. Said some sensible flats-”I rolled my eyes, “I’m wearing a short dress, I would like some heels.”A cool voice rang from behind me, “But due to you being sick, we may not want to do that.” I turned my head back. Triston was standing there, his dark coat jacket missing. He looked at the clothes on the hangers. “How about it?” I stared at him.“No. I want to look my best. The doctor herself said I s

"I'm fine," I interrupted, my tone sharp. "No reason to do that. People will wonder why –"“If you get sick-”“Then I’ll take the luggage of pills I have. I’ll be fine.” Triston's eyes flicked up for a moment, and I continued, "I will be okay without a doctor –"“And if you collapse again? We’ll ruin Marcus’s day.” He spoke flatly. I always felt like baggage to him. Something he was forced to haul around. “We cannot have that happen.”“And bringing a doctor will prevent that?” I asked, skeptical. “A doctor will only tell you to send me for more tests. I would still have to wait until after the trip for that.” Triston pressed his lips together, his fingers scrolling slowly."You have to keep up with your medication, then. Make sure you do that," he said, his tone firm.-------------------------------------------We arrived at the restaurant, a fancy establishment that Triston had booked exclusively. He exited the car first, then helped me out, his warm hand supporting me as I stood. I s

I stared at myself in the mirror, my eyes red and my lips still quivering as I tried to reapply lip gloss. I looked terrible. Lashes seemed to be holding up, yet the clear tear trails cut down my cheeks. That was unmistakable. I looked like shit. I took out a compact and tried to fix what was wrong, doing my best to lessen the look of my emotions. Finally, I took my clutch, leaving the restroom making my way to the server who was seemingly waiting for me. There was one glass that seemed different, so I picked it up. “Thank you. Keep them coming tonight, please.” I said to the server, who gave me a curt nod, leaving me as I began to take a sip- “Iris?” I heard a voice call out, and I lifted my head to see a smaller woman approaching me. It was Alexandria, someone I had been told about. She had a large smile as she spoke. “I’ve been trying to catch you all night!” I offered her a small smile as I greeted her, “Hello, Alexandria- congratulations on your engagement.” I smiled at h

We giggled as we were dropped off at the front of our home. My arms were held close to me, the cool of the night forcing a shiver down me. Triston held me by my wrist, a different look appearing on his face. Maybe the heavy drinking was getting to him, too. With haste, he pulled us inside our home. The warm air engulfed us, our voices loud in the empty house.I stared into Tristin's eyes. His deep, ocean-dark look in them threatened to swallow me whole. And I would’ve let it.Triston gripped my cheek, his thumb pressing softly into my skin, forming small circles on me. His other hand slipped down the center of my back, brushing over the zipper of my dress. The inside of the house remained silent. A long sigh of fabric gave way as he pulled it down with effortless precision. The dress nearly slipped off me, and my skin felt the warmth of him as he moved his hand to touch me. We were both in such an absurd mood, Triston's hand twisted on the back of my head, pushing me forward. My breath