13: Monster

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. 

She’s crying.

“Baby,” my mum is swift to run down the room like a superwoman. She crouches to Ella’s level and holds her hands. “Don't cry… you don’t want to ruin your makeup.” 

She wraps Ella in a light hug. I just stand behind and suppress my own tears of joy. 

“Soon, your mascara will come off and you’ll look haunted.” 

Ella burst into laughter and everyone in the room joins her. 

“There you go,” my mum touches her chin. “Keep that smile on and let’s meet your groom.” 

She takes Ella’s hand and leads her across the room. Uncle Greg, our late dad’s elder brother will be walking her down the aisle. 

“Tessa… you’re still not ready.” My mum frowns. The stress is getting to her. “Please, hurry.”

I rush over the rest of my preparation. No special styling of my hair. A very light touch of makeup. The only thing perfect about me is my dress. It’s a gorgeous pink satin dress with a long side slit that stops above my knee. 

Amongst the other bridesmaids, I’m the least impressive. Once done, I run out to join them in the bride’s rental car. Mum and Uncle Greg are already seated. 

The driver starts the ride. As we approach the church building, the joyful sound gets louder. We arrive at the premises in about ten minutes. 

“Give me a minute,” Mum exits the car and hurries towards the church. 

“I’m proud of you, baby sissy.” I hold her sweaty palm. “You hit the jackpot with Adam.” 

She gives a goofy grin. “I know, right.” She does that last-born lip movement. 

It makes me laugh each time.

“Here comes the bride!” We hear the announcement from the car. Next, Mum shows up to usher Ella out. 

Ella is in front, walking side by side with Uncle Greg. Her arm locks around his. She holds her fine bouquet in the other hand. I stand behind her, actively adjusting the tail of her dress so it spreads fully and sweeps the pebbled floor. The other three maids follow behind me while my mum chirps with her old friends.

“If the guests see her first, they'd think we all look shabby.” It’s a voice I'm guessing to be Rumi's. 

“Well, I don't want her stepping on me when she dives for the bouquet.” Another groans. “I can't stand her weight.”

‘Breathe in, Tes.” I expel air through my lips and puff. ‘And out.’

My grip on Ella's fabric tightens. I'm slowly losing it. 

From nowhere, the thunderous sound of an engine causes the crowd to stand still. It grows louder like a motor saw. 

I let go off the fabric and turn to look in the direction of the sound just like everyone else.

A fine black power bike drives into the church premises. It screams luxury, like those motorbikes on TV for sports races. The biker has a shiny black and gold helmet strapped on.

I find myself gasping in odd attraction. 

What's there not to be fascinated about such a work of art? 

Cocky as hell, he rotates the bike, creating a loud powerful ‘VROOM’ sound. He steps on the pedal and pulls it to a halt. Aware that he holds the crowd, he takes off his helmet and climbs down. 

All eyes are on his tall and perfect figure in an expensive two-piece black suit. He flexs his powerful limb in quick strides and surprisingly, he doesn’t take his piercing green eyes off me… 

I stiffen. 

No matter how hard I try to look away, I still can't. 

My eyes run along his face, and my brain tries to piece things together.

“Do you think he followed us down here?” Alexis chirps. “He’s so cute…” the other two groan. “I mean, what other pretty lady is in this building?” 

The wind comes with a strong wave of spice and sandalwood mixed in the most incredible way… the scent!

Oh, my god! 

My lips part and my eyes grow out of their sockets. 

This can't be happening. 

I blink nonstop and shake my head as if I'm trapped in my delusion. The crowd can't also be trapped in my madness, right? 

‘Wake up, Tes!’ My mind screams at me. 

I find myself pinching into my thigh and wincing. Still, I don't wake up.

He’s barely a few inches away from me. My awkward reality is slowly sifting in. 

“Monster.” I stutter, lips quiver.

The top of his lip twitches in a sexy devil-may smile. 

“Hey, mama.” His hand palms my ass and he smacks me hard against his broad chest. He squeezes my soft cheeks in the satin dress, causing the crowd to murmur. 

Slowly, intentionally, he traces upward. His hand curls around my slender throat, and his thumb tilts my chin upward. 

My lips remain parted, waiting… dying for his touch. 

As I hope for, his thin lips crash against mine in a soft, feather-like kiss. 

The crowd goes up in flames. 

I can hear the three bitches buzzing in awe. 

When he stands upright, his hand slips upward and wraps around my delicate waist. His free hand pulls out a fine rose stalk and he secures it to the top of my ear. 

My heart is bursting in flames. My cheeks are red. I'm still stunned. 

“You look… Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.” He murmurs loud enough for everyone. His tone is firm, amazed. “Did you miss me, mama?”