“This’ll fit you perfectly, sissy!”
Ella grins like a two-year-old as she flips through numerous styles for my dress.
“What do you think?” She rolls her big eyes at me.
She’s clearly ecstatic. I’m not.
“I think so too.” My giggle somehow seems genuine. “It will compliment… you know…” now, I’m sounding awkward.
I look down at the magazine to know which one exactly. There are seven on display. Argh!
“Just perfect.” I randomly tap a photo.
Then, her eyes shoot at me and she frowns. “That’s the wrong dress, sissy. Have you even been listening?”
Oh, shit.
I heave a sigh and rake through my brain for my emergency responses. “I mean, this too is also perfect.”
It does the magic as she smiles.
The seamstress, who has been waiting patiently to take my measurements, eventually does. After which, we go over the last fitting of her beautiful wedding dress.
It's a stunning lace mermaid dress with delicate cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and intricate beading. The fitted bodice and flowing train create a romantic silhouette.
I blink back tears. Not for my failed wedding, but in excitement for her.
“You’re beautiful,” I murmur in her ears. “Adam is so fudging lucky.”
We chuckle and tear up together.
Her hands clutch around mine and we don't take our eyes off the perfect reflection in the mirror.
I peel away when Adam comes to get his woman after the fitting. He’s tall and lanky as I remember, and damn hot too. Ella is particular about ‘genes’. We share a quick wave and hug before they drive out.
Alone, I round up our little cottage.
It’s still as I remember; snug, quaint, and charming.
The garden is a bit overgrown, with light brown leaves. I plum in the rusty seat, plug in my earphones, and connect to nature.
My mind slowly drifts to him.
I wonder what he's doing now. Perhaps he must have broken into my home after futile attempts to reach me.
‘I miss you…’ I murmur within.
A tap on my shoulder makes my heart jump in terror.
“Holly Christ!” I gasp.
A crooked chuckle erupts. “Easy, Tes. It’s just me.”
I look up to find my nightmare; Dr. Clara.
Her hair is now all shades of grey. She is aging like fine wine. She joins me on the bench Without asking.
“Good evening, Dr. Clara,” I murmur and pull out my earphones.
“Oh, please,” she waves me off. “Enough with the formality. It’s always been Clara.” She reminds me. “How’s life away from home?”
I don't think through my reply.
“Great,” I lie through my teeth.
“Hope you’re settling in pretty fine?” She hastily asks as if it’s a pattern before getting to the main point.
“Yeah. Great food. Fresh air. Why not?” I pluck a leaf and play with it.
Oddly, she adjusts in her seat and looks at me. “Your mum said you needed my help.”
Argh! Of course.
“It’s okay to not be your sister, Tessa.” She says innocently.
Good Lord! I was just waiting for her to fumble. And she did, real bad.
“First, we’ll let her have her moment and enjoy her perfect dream wedding. Then, we can see how to help you.”
Nah… I change my mind. 24 hours. That’s the most I can last with this lady!
She stands up to leave. A small smile ticks the side of her lips. “See you soon.”
‘Better still, never.’ I groan in my head and sigh as I watch her leave.
*** ***
Ella’s Wedding EveIt’s her bridal shower.
We’re lodged in a hotel closer to the old church’s building where she’ll be saying her vows. The room is decorated with white and red ribbons and balloons.
Ella’s gone with Adam to pick up her dress and mine too. I stay behind to give them their moment and also get the room ready for the ladies coming over; Rumi, Alexis, and Scarlett.
They’re Ella’s schoolmates in high school. They had always been a clique before Ella joined in. The thing about birds of a feather isn’t always true. While Ella is just a pretty hot ass, the other girls are mean bitches.
We share something in common: mutual hatred.
Voices and giggles emanate from the corridor, and it gets louder, and so do footsteps.
It has to be them.
There’s a knock on the door. I go to fetch it.
The three musketeers are in view. One is holding a box of whipped cream cake, the other, a crate of wine, and the last, a fancy tray of finger foods.
They stop by the door to stare at me and themselves as if I’m an intruder. For a moment, they remain silent.
“Hi, Tessa.” Rumi waves with an obviously fake smile.
“Hi, welcome.” I reciprocate the energy and leave the door for them to shut it.
They sit at the far end. Unlike their usual chatterbox selves, they remain quiet.
“Isn’t this a bad omen or something?” One of them whispers.
My jaws tighten. I try to ignore… For Ella.
“Who knows, she might be here for a desperate hookup. Not all guests are for the bride.”
“Isn't she quite advanced for that?”
Hookup? Guest in my baby sister’s wedding? Too old?
That’s it.
I scoff. “Y’all might want to be sensitive enough to stop or tone it down.” I try to keep a straight face as if unbothered.
But damn it! I’m right here! And this second from punching their guts.
Jax Harper She's gone. I'm standing in the middle of her empty apartment, with her micro sim, without any traces of her in sight The small heels of my Crocs designer shoes click. I'm now standing in front of her portrait, my eyes exploring every perfect contour of her imperfection. “Tessa Morris.” A nasty smirk makes my upper lip twitch. Except if she sojourns out of the planet, I'll still find her. “Let's see how far you can go, mama.” The pads of my fingers slowly rub together. Just like I came in, I walk out, undetected by her neighbors, not like it matters anyway. The ride back home is thankfully short, with no hounding traffic that's capable of driving anyone crazy.The automatic door slides open. From a distance, Charlotte jerks upward and ducks. It's so unusual of her. She smears her shaky hands on her uniform and keeps a long bow. She's certainly hiding her face. Was she molested in any form? “Speak.” My tone is icy sharp. “Welcome back…”“Charlotte.” I snap her out
Tessa Morris It’s Ella’s wedding!The old church bell dings. Songs of hymns echo from a distance. In the room we’re lodged in, we can hear the drum rolls and choristers’ chords burst into sweet melody. It’s happening! “Y’all have to hurry, honey.” My mum rushes into the room. She’s in a gorgeous light pink dress with a pencil tip. “You don’t want to keep your groom waiting forever.”Rumi and the other ladies are in one part of the room, dusting on makeup and drawing their eyebrows to perfection while I try to get Ella fully ready all by myself. Not like I'm complaining, but if their mean asses should be here, then they should be useful! Ella’s makeup is finished and she’s now in her dream dress. All zipped up and ready.“Here you go.” I playfully throw her veil over her face and heave a loud sigh. “You look… beautiful.” I lean over her shoulder to whisper. “Adam will be left drooling over his perfect bride.”Ella pouts and looks up at me. Her breathing breaks in soft whimpering.
'The face of my monster... deliciously pretty, like a perfect gentleman even though he's the opposite.' His eyes hold mine in a long stare, and the side of his lips twitch. Not looking away, he leans into me, hair tickling my skin in gentle strokes. Oh... god...It's everything about him that drives me wild. I gulp dryly and hold my breath. I can feel my panties go sticky and cling to my body. "Hmmm," he murmurs. His hair teases my bare skin, leaving thick bump-like spikes. "Don't beat yourself up, mama." A dark throaty chuckle follows. "It's a hyperrealistic silicone mask." Wait... what?!My lips part in realization. I search along the fine edges of his face to detect the mask. I feel played. "My invitation is past due... but I'll wait. For you."His deep baritone reverberates deep in my head. It smoothly takes me back to the yacht... our pending date night. As if he didn't just mess with me, he stands upright and adjusts his jacket. No apologies given for the cocky show, he
My cheeks are cherry red with embarrassment. I avoid the wide eyes of everyone and keep adjusting my dress as guilt gnaws in my chest. I stand beside Ella and her groom, and the chatterbox ladies. Slowly, I turn to steal a glance at my tormentor. He relaxes in his seat, so unbothered. When our eyes meet, he squeaks.The hell! “By the power bestowed upon me, I announce you husband and wife!” The pastor’s declaration makes the guests burst with excitement. I refocus on the couple.“You may kiss your bride.” There’s a hint of amusement in his tone. Peter and Ella have a blissful moment. We dance behind them as they walk outside of the building. Ladies rally around the bride, ready to catch the bouquet. I’m in front of them, with the three musketeers beside me. Somehow, their words creep into my head, and they eye me as if they know I'm diving for it. ‘Damn them and go for that bouquet!’ My brain scolds me. I’m floating in my thoughts when something rough smacks my face and lands o
From a million miles above the ground, I watch the city shrink into a small segment on the world's map. No matter how I strain my eyes, I can't make out my house or the church… Everything is a blur. I'm on top of the world! A big grin plasters across my face. I'm this close to screaming out loud. Frankly, I've never been to the Maldives, never had a decent vacation until him…I recline back in my seat and turn to face him. Just like me, his belt straps him to his seat. He smiles. Wrinkles line the side of his eyes regardless of the mask. He looks charming still.“Is there something on your mind?” I smile and nod to his question. “With you, I always have something to say.” His long fingers drum on his thigh. Then he looks at me again, eyes inviting me to something more. “I hope they are all good.”I heave a soft sigh. Without thinking through my actions, I damn the consequences and unbuckle my belt, then latch onto him. My ass grind against him, kneading him beneath me, and fe
Something doesn't feel right… My body freezes in place. I'm on a freaking island in the middle of the Indian Ocean! “I see someone misses me,” he gives his small, charming smile, and slips his phone into the pocket of his pants. I force a smile. It feels like my heart will jump out of my mouth. Before you blame me, he's all shades of perfection. I can't tell what it is about him that pulls me to him without effort.“Tell me,” his hands curl around my waist, and he gently rocks me to his frame. “How much do you miss me?”I feel blood pool beneath my skin and clog beneath. I'm going hot for a man I should push into the ocean and flee to safety. My lips pout at their own will. My body has a way of betraying me when it's about him. “Speechless, huh?” He chuckles and leans in to press wet kisses along my neck. “You smell so, delicious.” He moans against my skin. I hold my breath and try not to gasp from his kisses. When he nibbles the soft flesh beneath my chin, I suck in cool air
Tessa Morris. “Men,” I choke on a laugh. “Just a nasty bunch of shitheads.” I scoff. “It's been two fucking years since I…” The creepy silence makes me pause. Reality slowly sifts in, and I'm staring at the wide eyes of my book club members. They gasp in awe, including Miss Rebecca, the host. What the fuck?! Jerking out of my mind, I look at the blank page of my diary. I was supposed to be writing my thoughts on the question; describe your ideal man, not spew shit. “Tessa,” she gently approaches me. Her hair is tinted white, and she is in cooperative attire even though this meeting is informal. “Do you want to talk about it?” My jaws are still on the floor. Scanning the sea of heads, a pair of daring green eyes watch me. “Uh… no.” I stammer. My phone beeps, saving me a lifetime of explanation. ‘A new gig. The Thompsons need your cleaning services. 6 PM prompt - Manager.’ It's just 4 PM and it will only take me twenty minutes of hopping the bus to get there. “I h
‘He knows my name?!’My body goes icy cold. In my head, millions of conflicting ideas take flight. Immediately I get a grip, I dash in like a lunatic, and slam the door shut. I secure the lock and press my back to the wooden door. My heart is pounding in my chest. ‘Who are you?’ I still can't get any words out. ‘Is it James?’ ‘No. James never smelled this good. He was always a mix of ginger and sweat. He used his excuse as a bar owner to never clean up.’ ‘Then who?’I don't have any friends in the city. I moved away from home just to get my shit together. Not having the time to think straight, I ensure the door is locked over and over again. Next, I close the windows, and sit up in bed, frightened. My shirt is literally soaked with sweat. The night is still fresh, and I am about to pass out from anxiety. ‘Call the damn cops! What if it's a false alarm?!’ Slowly, I lose grip of consciousness.I don’t know how long I passed out, but a text from my phone startled me. ‘Cleaning
Something doesn't feel right… My body freezes in place. I'm on a freaking island in the middle of the Indian Ocean! “I see someone misses me,” he gives his small, charming smile, and slips his phone into the pocket of his pants. I force a smile. It feels like my heart will jump out of my mouth. Before you blame me, he's all shades of perfection. I can't tell what it is about him that pulls me to him without effort.“Tell me,” his hands curl around my waist, and he gently rocks me to his frame. “How much do you miss me?”I feel blood pool beneath my skin and clog beneath. I'm going hot for a man I should push into the ocean and flee to safety. My lips pout at their own will. My body has a way of betraying me when it's about him. “Speechless, huh?” He chuckles and leans in to press wet kisses along my neck. “You smell so, delicious.” He moans against my skin. I hold my breath and try not to gasp from his kisses. When he nibbles the soft flesh beneath my chin, I suck in cool air
From a million miles above the ground, I watch the city shrink into a small segment on the world's map. No matter how I strain my eyes, I can't make out my house or the church… Everything is a blur. I'm on top of the world! A big grin plasters across my face. I'm this close to screaming out loud. Frankly, I've never been to the Maldives, never had a decent vacation until him…I recline back in my seat and turn to face him. Just like me, his belt straps him to his seat. He smiles. Wrinkles line the side of his eyes regardless of the mask. He looks charming still.“Is there something on your mind?” I smile and nod to his question. “With you, I always have something to say.” His long fingers drum on his thigh. Then he looks at me again, eyes inviting me to something more. “I hope they are all good.”I heave a soft sigh. Without thinking through my actions, I damn the consequences and unbuckle my belt, then latch onto him. My ass grind against him, kneading him beneath me, and fe
My cheeks are cherry red with embarrassment. I avoid the wide eyes of everyone and keep adjusting my dress as guilt gnaws in my chest. I stand beside Ella and her groom, and the chatterbox ladies. Slowly, I turn to steal a glance at my tormentor. He relaxes in his seat, so unbothered. When our eyes meet, he squeaks.The hell! “By the power bestowed upon me, I announce you husband and wife!” The pastor’s declaration makes the guests burst with excitement. I refocus on the couple.“You may kiss your bride.” There’s a hint of amusement in his tone. Peter and Ella have a blissful moment. We dance behind them as they walk outside of the building. Ladies rally around the bride, ready to catch the bouquet. I’m in front of them, with the three musketeers beside me. Somehow, their words creep into my head, and they eye me as if they know I'm diving for it. ‘Damn them and go for that bouquet!’ My brain scolds me. I’m floating in my thoughts when something rough smacks my face and lands o
'The face of my monster... deliciously pretty, like a perfect gentleman even though he's the opposite.' His eyes hold mine in a long stare, and the side of his lips twitch. Not looking away, he leans into me, hair tickling my skin in gentle strokes. Oh... god...It's everything about him that drives me wild. I gulp dryly and hold my breath. I can feel my panties go sticky and cling to my body. "Hmmm," he murmurs. His hair teases my bare skin, leaving thick bump-like spikes. "Don't beat yourself up, mama." A dark throaty chuckle follows. "It's a hyperrealistic silicone mask." Wait... what?!My lips part in realization. I search along the fine edges of his face to detect the mask. I feel played. "My invitation is past due... but I'll wait. For you."His deep baritone reverberates deep in my head. It smoothly takes me back to the yacht... our pending date night. As if he didn't just mess with me, he stands upright and adjusts his jacket. No apologies given for the cocky show, he
Tessa Morris It’s Ella’s wedding!The old church bell dings. Songs of hymns echo from a distance. In the room we’re lodged in, we can hear the drum rolls and choristers’ chords burst into sweet melody. It’s happening! “Y’all have to hurry, honey.” My mum rushes into the room. She’s in a gorgeous light pink dress with a pencil tip. “You don’t want to keep your groom waiting forever.”Rumi and the other ladies are in one part of the room, dusting on makeup and drawing their eyebrows to perfection while I try to get Ella fully ready all by myself. Not like I'm complaining, but if their mean asses should be here, then they should be useful! Ella’s makeup is finished and she’s now in her dream dress. All zipped up and ready.“Here you go.” I playfully throw her veil over her face and heave a loud sigh. “You look… beautiful.” I lean over her shoulder to whisper. “Adam will be left drooling over his perfect bride.”Ella pouts and looks up at me. Her breathing breaks in soft whimpering.
Jax Harper She's gone. I'm standing in the middle of her empty apartment, with her micro sim, without any traces of her in sight The small heels of my Crocs designer shoes click. I'm now standing in front of her portrait, my eyes exploring every perfect contour of her imperfection. “Tessa Morris.” A nasty smirk makes my upper lip twitch. Except if she sojourns out of the planet, I'll still find her. “Let's see how far you can go, mama.” The pads of my fingers slowly rub together. Just like I came in, I walk out, undetected by her neighbors, not like it matters anyway. The ride back home is thankfully short, with no hounding traffic that's capable of driving anyone crazy.The automatic door slides open. From a distance, Charlotte jerks upward and ducks. It's so unusual of her. She smears her shaky hands on her uniform and keeps a long bow. She's certainly hiding her face. Was she molested in any form? “Speak.” My tone is icy sharp. “Welcome back…”“Charlotte.” I snap her out
“This’ll fit you perfectly, sissy!” Ella grins like a two-year-old as she flips through numerous styles for my dress. “What do you think?” She rolls her big eyes at me. She’s clearly ecstatic. I’m not.“I think so too.” My giggle somehow seems genuine. “It will compliment… you know…” now, I’m sounding awkward.I look down at the magazine to know which one exactly. There are seven on display. Argh!“Just perfect.” I randomly tap a photo. Then, her eyes shoot at me and she frowns. “That’s the wrong dress, sissy. Have you even been listening?”Oh, shit. I heave a sigh and rake through my brain for my emergency responses. “I mean, this too is also perfect.” It does the magic as she smiles. The seamstress, who has been waiting patiently to take my measurements, eventually does. After which, we go over the last fitting of her beautiful wedding dress. It's a stunning lace mermaid dress with delicate cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and intricate beading. The fitted bodice and flow
Last night was a miracle.While my mum and sister stayed up late in the night to gossip about the wedding, I did with them just to keep my eyes on him. My hand was on the emergency dial. I was both freaked out and torn apart… I really wanted to see him, maybe sort things out and strike a bargain. ‘I still do.’As if he knew of the extra presence in my house, he stayed far across the street, legs crossed at the knee, hands dipped in his pockets... he didn't look excited. By the time the two ladies crashed out like dead twigs on a log, he was far gone. “Honey, hurry up. We’d need to catch the first train or be late.” My mother calls after me. It feels like an old lady getting her kids ready for school runs. While I miss her, I don’t have the experience.“And we need to fix you a perfect dress in two days… I don’t know what to do with my hair…” Ella continues to lament. “Argh!!!”“Hey, hey…” I hear my mum comfort her. The following words are whispers and I’m not so eager to listen
“Mum!?”I mop in absolute bewilderment as I stare at my exact replica. She’s in a tight denim high-waist skirt that jumps above her chubby knees. Her top is a long-sleeve crop top. Beside her is Ella, my baby sister and only sibling. She's twenty-three, five years younger than myself, and equally prettier. In high school, she was the hottest chick. She had the hockey captain on her tail. She did explore men… it's our little secret. Unlike myself, she's lucky with every guy she dated. She called the shots and did the dumping. Well, I dumped James… it's complicated. “I'm shocked you still see me as your mother.” My mum scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Hi, sissy.” Ella grins and shakes her ponytail. When I remain frozen by the door, my mum shoves me to the side and walks through like it's a park. Ella jumps in as well, but not without giving me a quick hug.Hmm… honestly, I miss her. My eyes hastily scan the area. There's no sign of my stalker. I hastily shut the door. “In just two