Disney Challenge, magical wishes: Write about someone's dream coming true, and it not being what they wanted
Amber's Attic: Charis Black
Book Club, Francis: pregnant, garden, hope
Showtime, "I'm Not That Girl (reprise)": wishing
Days of the Month, World Marriage Day: Write about a married couple
Lyric Alley: "That things will get better"
A Year in Entertainment, show: cane
Serpent Day, Hopi Rattlesnake: fragile
Scavenger hunt: Write a ship you've never written
Word Count: 522
Warning: abuse
She's dreamt of this moment for so long. Ever since she was a little girl, Charis wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother. It is her duty, after all, and she's always wanted to do the right thing.
Now that she's married, she's wanted this more than ever. Caspar is a cruel man. She she knows he loves her, but his temper is so sharp, and she often finds herself on the receiving end of his bad moods.
Now, that will change. Now, there is an heir growing in her womb. He will be pleased with her, and they can have the life she's always wanted. Caspar will love her and their child; his anger will fade away.
Smiling, she walks through the garden, one hand resting on her stomach as the other grazes over the sweet blooming flowers. She's never been the type to believe in hope. She has always been too practical to believe that wishing will accomplish anything. Now, however, she feels hope flutter through her body, softly tickling her insides.
Everything will be okay.
…
She hears the steady thump, thump, thump of her husband's cane against the floor, and her lips tug into a bright smile. "Begin preparing dinner, Mimsy," she instructs.
The house-elf squeaks and bows her head. "Yes, Mistress," she says before disappearing into the kitchen.
"What do you look so happy about?" Caspar asks suspiciously, limping in and resting against his ornate silver cane.
"I have the most wonderful news for you, my love," Charis tells him hurrying over. A small smile plays at her lips, and she lets out a girlish giggle. "I'm with child."
She waits for him to return her smile. This is what their marriage is meant for, after all. This should be the happiest moment of their lives.
Instead, his dark eyes narrow. He grips the head of his cane until his knuckles turn white. "Pregnant?" The word is hurled from his mouth like it's something disgusting. "How could you be so irresponsible?"
"My love?"
His palm connects sharply with her face. "Stupid girl! Who will care for this child? We do not have enough servants," he snarls as she scurries back.
"I'm sorry, my love," Charis whimpers, clutching her stinging cheek. "But we will have a family! Is that not enough for you?"
His nostrils flare as he takes a step closer. Charis moves behind a chair, fearful that she will feel the weight of that cane against her body next. Tears fall from her eyes, streaking her face.
"Clean yourself up," he says before turning on his heel and stalking off.
…
"Mistress should not be worrying so much. Mistress is fragile," Mimsy tells her when she finds Charis curled up in her room, still sobbing.
"I got what I always wanted," Charis says. "But my dream is a nightmare."
The house-elf helps her to her feet. "Things will be better, Mistress. Mistress does not need to be crying. Everything will be okay."
There it is. That dangerous, fluttering sensation of hope courses through her body again.
Charis is too afraid to embrace it.