Hello, my loves! How was that for a hot, sweet chapter? Ugh! As always, so much love to my girls wwechristina, Tm12Brady GoldenGirl1920 and ClaymoreQueen6176 for all their support! These ladies are really my sisters and "Angels", and I can never thank them enough!
OK, it's time to meet a new character! Inspired by my GoldenGirl1920, let's see what happens when Leslie's past meets Cherry's present. And...let's go dress shopping!
Angels In Scotland: Part 16 - Krystal
Six years Prior - Holly Mountain, North Carolina
Leslie was rushing to get her grocery shopping and errands done so she could get home. She needed to rush home to start dinner. Phil Rumsfeld did not like to be kept waiting. And he didn't like her leaving the house for any reason. She brushed her cheek and felt the result of the last time she went out without him stinging from underneath her heavy makeup. She managed to get through the checkout and headed to her car when she heard a familiar, sweet voice calling her name.
"Leslie! Oh my god, girl!" Leslie turned around and there she was. Krystal. Her oldest friend. Her best friend her entire life. They went through everything as young girls and teenagers together. She had been there for all the great times and the bad. As kids, one was always over at the other's home. As teens, they talked about their dreams to each other as they stayed up all night talking on the phone.
When Leslie's father walked out of her life, Krystal had her back with hugs and Ben & Jerry's. But that all had changed after high school, thanks to Phil's control and manipulation. During their sophomore year, Krystal was at the movies with Leslie on that fateful New Years Eve when the 16-year-old met the 22-year-old devil incarnate. Krystal immediately recognized him for what her really was: a manipulative and abusive asshole.
Leslie gasped, "Krystal! Holy shit! Look at you! You look fantastic!" She did indeed. Krystal's soft, ebony skin looked lovely, her braids up in a ponytail, and her stylish manner of dress complimented her slim figure. Krystal took her hands, "Leslie! It's been forever! Girl, how are you doing? How is your mom doing?"
Leslie's face fell, "Well, I'm good. But…Mom passed away last year from ovarian cancer." Krystal was immediately saddened by this news, "Oh Leslie. I am so sorry. You mom was an absolute angel. She was like the mom I never had. I wish I had known. I only just moved back from California a few weeks ago." Leslie smiled, "So you made it out and followed your dream?" Krystal nodded, "Yes, and I loved it. But my dad isn't doing well so I moved back. What about you? Did you ever make it to Nashville?"
Embarrassed that her life never turned out the way she wanted, Leslie shook her head, "No. I had other things that needed my attention." Krystal suddenly hugged her, "I'm so happy to see you!" With that, Leslie winced and recoiled, clutching her side. Krystal was confused and noticed that she kept looking around, "Leslie, are you OK?" She quickly nodded her head "Yes, I'm fine. I fell on my run and hurt my ribs."
Krystal suddenly reached for the side of Leslie's conservative sweater and lifted it up. She was horrified, "Jesus! That bruise!" That was when she noticed the excessive makeup on her face and Leslie nervously trying to cover more discoloration around her neck. Krystal's face went angry, "Phil! You're still with that abusive prick?"
Leslie looked impatient, "Krystal, please it's not that bad. I fell when…" Krystal interrupted, "Fell, my ass! Why girl? You are so worth so much more than settling for that piece of shit! You deserve real love and someone who will treasure you!" Leslie's eyes were brimming with tears, "Krystal, I really have to go. I need to get home now." Krystal was resolute, "OK, but here. Put your email and cell number in my phone. Look, we've always been there for each other. I know how assholes like him operate. Let me be your lifeline."
Cherry thought about not giving her information. She debated, but put her cell phone and email address in the iPhone. As Krystal input hers into Leslie's phone, she said, "I'm going to send you something to your email in a few minutes. Promise me you will read it." Leslie frantically said, "Yes, but I need to leave." Krystal said, "No, Leslie. Pinky swear me you will read it." Leslie sighed. That was always their sign that their promises would never be broken. Leslie quickly linked her pinky in hers, and said, "Pinky promise."
Leslie let out a huge exhale as she walked in the door. She had beaten (poor choice of thoughts) Phil home. As she got out to check her phone, she noticed she had a waiting email. As she promised, Krystal has sent her a message: "Please read this and call me!" It was a link to an article called "What Is Grooming?" Leslie scratched her head, "All of this to read about hygiene routines?"
She clicked on the link and was greeted by the opening sentence: "Grooming is a process that predators use to make a minor an easier victim for future abuse. Usually, grooming starts with building a positive relationship with the victim, family, and sometimes the community. The predator does this so that their victim lets down their guard."
As she read on, Leslie put her hand over her mouth and struggled to breathe. This behavior was a carbon copy of how her relationship with Phil started. There was a link to another article within the body of the text: "5 Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Sociopath.". She read this and dropped to her knees crying and gasping. She shook as she picked up her phone. She found the contact in her phone and dialed. She sobbed when the person on the other end picked up, "Krystal! You were right. You were always right about him! I need your help! I'm so scared!"
Six months later, Krystal was trying to sleep but it was no use. It was New Year's Eve and tonight was the night. All their planning came down to this: Leslie was finally leaving Phil. She knew she would not hear from her for a long time, maybe never again or, in the least until enough time had passed for it to be safe for her to reach out.
That was the way they had planned it out that night when Krystal helped Leslie set up a secret checking account, phone, and they made the plan for her escape. They less Krystal knew about any plans Leslie may have, the better to have plausible deniability. Having her closest friend go out of her life again may hurt but knowing that she was going to be safe and have a chance at a happy life made it easier to deal with her absence. And she knew it wouldn't last forever.
She had almost drifted off to sleep when a thunderous banging started on her front door. She jumped out of bed and threw on her robe, "Whoever this is better have a damn good excuse at 2:30 AM!" She threw the door open screaming "WHAT!", and there she stood face to face with evil. Phil Rumsfeld had blood all over his face, a nasty gash on his forehead and was sweating profusely. His rancorous gaze was fixed right on Krystal.
She snarled, "What the fuck do you want? And you never looked better, asshole!", as she snickered at him. Phil seethed, "You know goddamn well what I want. I want Leslie and I want her now. Where is she, Krystal?" Krystal shrugged "Sorry, but I don't speak the language of Assholeland. Get the hell off my property." As she tried to shut the door, Phil smacked it back open, "You fucking bitch! You did this! I know you helped her get away! Now, tell me where she is, or it's your funeral, bitch!"
Krystal fury came out, "You piece of shit sociopath! Who the fuck you think you're threatening? I always knew you were nothing but a trashy monster! I know nothing about anything. But if Leslie finally left or more like escaped that prison from your sorry ass, GOOD! She was always too good for a woman beating pussy bastard like you! Now, you abusive, controlling, manipulative son of a bitch, if you don't get the fuck off my property, I will get my gun and shoot your motherfucking ass! Oh, and wherever Leslie is, I hope she finds a true love who treats her like a REAL man should and forgets your stupid toxic, nasty ass ever existed! No go back to hell where you came from! Fucker!"
Three days after slamming the door in Phil's face with him screaming and wailing like a lunatic, Krystal received a mysterious email: "Hello. You don't know me. My name is Denise. I can't say too much for obvious reasons but just know our girl is safe here with me." Krystal's heart soared as she realized Leslie must have found a friend to confide in wherever she wound up going. Krystal hoped it was Nashville. Leslie had always dreamed of going there to become a singer-songwriter before that parasite crushed all her hopes and dreams.
Over the next five years, Denise would email Krystal little pieces of information but careful not to give anything away in case her email was being monitored by Phil. Three years prior, she had emailed her saying: "Our girl just got her dream job. And it may be too soon to say, but I think love may be in the air! She can't stop talking about this guy! And he's really hot!" Most recently around New Years, eerily exactly five years to the day Leslie had escaped Phil's clutches, Krystal got another email: "Our girl is engaged and so happy!"
Then, yesterday out of the blue, Denise sent Krystal a message that really made her smile: "We don't have to hide anymore. That rat bastard is dead! Leslie is here in Scotland with her fiancé and she is getting married in three days! And she's pregnant with twins! How soon can you get a ticket over here?" Krystal screamed with delight and her response was simple: "As soon as I can book a flight!"
Present Day: Ardwell Bed & Breakfast - Ayr, Scotland
Drew and Cherry laid in the giant bed inside their private suite, kissing, touching all over and basking in the afterglow of making love that morning. Cherry had woken up feeling extreme pleasure as Drew feasted on her pussy like a hungry beggar at an all you can eat buffet, his tongue licking her inside as he sucked on her clit. She pulled at his hair and cooed, "Fuck! That's it, Big Daddy. Oh god, I can't stop cumming!" He looked up with that self-satisfied smirk, licking his lips, "I know."
He rolled her over and took her achingly slow from behind, making sure she felt every lengthy inch of him fill her up. She grabbed onto the slats of the headboard and held on as he started thrusting harder, throwing his head back and changing the angle of his cock every time which drove her crazy with want. The headboard smacked against the wall as Drew pounded Cherry hard. He spanked her ass as he fucked her and growled, "Tell me who that pussy belongs to, my Love! Fuck me! Say it!"
She arched her back, moving her hips up and down to feel as much of his large and girthy cock as possible, and cried out, "It's all yours, Daddy! That pussy belongs to you, Baby! Ooh shit!" He groaned as his labors started making that beautiful slapping sound he loved. Paired with her loud, lusty moans, "More, baby! Fuck me harder! Please!", it sounded like a symphony to his ears. The ecstasy was almost too much for both as they screamed each other's names, cumming hard together and landing in a heap on the pillows.
Drew nibbled on her neck and she giggled as he started tickling her sides, "Drew! Baby, stop it! You know that drives me crazy!" He looked at her and smirked, "Oh, like ya don't do that thing that makes me insanely horny al the time." She raised her eyebrow, "Oh, you mean this?", and stroked his beard with her long nails. He grumbled and went back to necking her and moved back up, parting her legs.
She halfheartedly protested, "Drew! We have to get up and have breakfast. We need to go get our wedding wear and something nice for the rehearsal dinner." He stopped and hovered over her, "Wait, say that word again." She smiled, "What word? Oh, you mean WEDDING!" He smiled, "Aye. That's the magic word. Yer gonna be my wife in two days!"
She laughed "God, you're suck a dork! Now, we really need to get up. We need to eat and walk back to your dad's place." Drew huffed and flopped on his back, "Aye! OK. Ya go first." She looked at him skeptically, but sat up and threw the covers off to stand up as he gestured, "Be my guest." But then, she squealed with delight as he pulled her back onto the bed.
About an hour later after another amazing sex session and a shower, Drew and Cherry emerged from their room and headed downstairs to the dining room. They were greeted by a smiling Ms. Sophia. She cheerfully said "Well! I was wondering when ya two were gonna show yer lovely faces this morning! We'll get yer hot breakfast ready fer ya."
Drew, scratching his head, said, "Ms. Sophia! Ya look lovely this morning. And thank ya fer yer hospitality. A good night's sleep is exactly what we needed." Sophia snickered, "Sleep. Yes. Sa that's what I was hearing all night and this morning. How would ya like yer eggs, dear?" Cherry spit out her tea and her face turned a thousand shades of red. She coughed out, "Scrambled…with cheese, please.", as Drew smugly chuckled.
They walked the short distance back to Andy's house arm in arm, with Cherry loving the grin on Drew's face. She could have sworn that his smile would light up the whole world. He seemed truly at peace for the first time since they met. There was no threat of ambushes or danger. Just peace of mind and their love.
Drew looked at her and knew he was the luckiest man on the planet. He had found a love and partner in anything he wanted to do in this life. She was a treasure, and she was all his to cherish and love for the rest of his life. He wasn't sure what he had done so right to have this incredible woman want to marry him, but he would do it a million times over as thanks to whatever put her in his path.
The rest of the group had gathered at Andy's place as Drew and Cherry walked in the front door. The girls rushed Cherry with excitement over going to find their dresses. Drew found Sheamus looking well loved sitting on the couch. He plopped down beside of him. They gave each other that knowing smile and fist bumped. Jester laughed and said, "Well done, mates!"
Stu rolled his eyes and groaned, "Oh bloody hell!" Drew clowned, "Ah, Stu. Don't be a salty ass because we got laid and ya didn't!" Stu wrinkled his nose, "Oh shut up! Anyway, I sent out texts to all the WWE talent and some of our old friends from the business about the wedding. Looks like a lot of the gals and lads are coming. Updating Jane for the list when I receive replies." Jack added, "And looks like almost all of our mates from ICW, BCW and WCPW are coming ta witness tha happy occasion."
Cherry asked, "Ladybug, do you mind if I talk to your handsome man alone for a moment?" Lady laughed, "Yes, he is handsome. And no, I don't mind." Kevin gave a little laugh as Lady popped him on the tush and asked, "Cherry, my dear. What's this about?" Cherry took a deep breath, trying to not get too emotional and ruin her makeup, "I have a question for you, and it's totally cool if you don't want to do it. I understand."
Kevin crossed his arms, "Lass, just spit it out." She said, "Well. Drew has picked Sheamus, Jack and Stu to be his groomsmen to go with Christine, Lady and Denise. Well, I was wondering… Kevin, would you give me away?" Kevin's eyes widened, "What?" She explained, "Kevin, all of this is because of you. It's because you brought us all together. We made a family because you chose us to protect Drew. You are the reason I found the love of my life and that we all have each other. My father isn't here anymore, and Andy is the father of the groom and sitting in Drew's special guest spot for Angela. I need you with me because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Now please, shut me up and say yes before I cry." Kevin smiled and hugged her tight, "Aye, lass. It would be an honor ta walk ya down that aisle!"
The entire group drove to Newmarket Street and headed to their destinations. The guys followed Andy to Slater Menswear, and Jane took the ladies in to Strictly Bridal. Chery picked the bridesmaids dress she loved the most: a gorgeous black A-line floor length chiffon and lace dress with a sweetheart bodice, one illusion shoulder strap, and long slits up both sides of the skirt. They had brought dry erase paddles to give number ratings from 1 – 10 on each dress. When Christine, Lady and Denise came out of the dressing room, Cherry wrote an enthusiast 1,000 on her paddle. She shouted, "We are going to look HOT on that dancefloor, ladies!"
Next were their rehearsal/rehearsal dinner dresses. Cherry only asked that they pick dresses that were gorgeous and in their favorite color. Denise went with a striking royal blue sparkler with an off-the shoulder low bodice and a left side slit. Lady picked a gorgeous dark purple sweetheart neck floor length with silver rhinestones cascading down the one shoulder strap down to the bodice and skirt. Christine, not really into dresses, yet stunned in a hunter green A-Line with a long slit and dipping bodice, and gorgeous embellishments on the off-the shoulder straps and skirts.
Next, it was the bride's turn, first she came out in her rehearsal dress: a cherry red with diamond rhinestones, straps with a higher cut waist and lengthy wide slit up the ankle length skirt. This caused Christine to remark, "McInfart won't let you sleep alone the night before the wedding in that one!", which caused the ladies to raise up their 10 paddles!
She decided on two dresses for the wedding day. The reception dress was an absolute stunner fit for a hot Scottish princess! Cherry red strapless split sequin bodice cut down to her navel with jagged edges near her bosom. The skirt was a ballgown long train with a very high slit up the left side. The dress was breathtaking, causing Denise to laugh, "Girl! You won't make it out to the reception wearing that!"
Cherry slipped into her wedding dress choice. She looked in the mirror and started to tremble and cry. This was such a perfect, beautiful dress for such a perfect beautiful day. She couldn't believe this was real. She imagined walking down the aisle to Drew wearing this dress. She turned to look at the gorgeous, cutaway ornate back of the dress and smiled, "This is it, kid. You're getting your fairytale with the man of your dreams." As she got ready to step out of the curtain, she heard a ruckus and Lady yell, "Cherry, you stay inside! We'll handle this!"
What they were handling were all the guys invading the dress shop. Denise yelled at Randy "Why didn't you keep him away?" He shrugged, "You try to keep a horny Scotsman at bay and let me know how that goes!" Drew was trying to break through the pack with a smirk, "C'mon, damn it! I wanna see my bride!" Jane admonished him, "Andrew, ya can't see her in her dress before the big day! Andy, git yer son under control!" Christine and Sheamus just made out to the laughter of Jack and Kevin and to the fake distain from Stu.
Cherry poked her head out, "What in the hell is…DREW!" He saw her and made a bee line towards the curtain with the protests some and laughter of the usual suspects. He came face to face to her as she held the curtain closed up to her face tightly, "Hello, my Love!" She gasped, "Drew, you shouldn't be here! Go outside and wait!" He shook his head, "Not til I see ya in that dress." She shouted in laughter, "Absolutely not! You can't see me in it until I walk down the aisle!"
He said, "Bollocks! Let me have a peek." She stared him down, "Drew!" He rebutted, "Cherry!" She warned, "Andrew!" He got close to her face, "Leslie!" She was exasperated, "I swear you're the most stubborn dork!" He cupped her face, "I just wanna see how beautiful my wife will look on the most amazing day of our lives.", and gently kissed her lips. She melted, "Oh, Drew! I love you so much. But NO! Get that sexy ass outside and wait for me!"
He growled, "Bugger!", and pouted as he walked back towards the door. Once it was safe to come out, the ladies sat back down, giggling and chatting about their men. Cherry poked her head out, "Is he finally out of sight?' Christine said, "Yes, the Angels assignment of Operation: Sperm Donor Bomb is done!" Cherry wrinkled her nose, "Can you please give it another name?"
Lady said, "Enough talking! Let see that dress!" Denise shouted, "Come on, girl! Show us!" Cherry stepped out, and the entire party gasped. They all had tears in their eyes. Cherry started looking at herself and back to them, "OK there's silence. What's wrong? Does it look that bad?" Christine walked up and grabbed her hands, "Oh Cher! We're speechless. You look so beautiful. My bro is going to melt watching you come down the aisle." Cherry asked, "Really? It's fine?"
Denise and Lady walked up to them, both sobbing and threw their arms around both Cherry and Christine. This was truly a great and lovely day to be an Angel. As they parted, Cherry with happy tears laughing at the silliness of it all, Denise received a text: "Just landed & headed to baggage claim. What's the address?" Denise smiled and texted back the address to Simply Bridal.
Thirty minutes later, after Jane gave instructions for dress delivery and Cherry changing back into her clothes, the ladies walked outside joining the guys. Cherry walked over to Drew and put her arms around his neck, "Baby, are you still pouting?" He poked his bottom lip out and whined, "Maybe." She touched his face and leaned in, "But you get to see me in it in a couple of days walking down the aisle to you. And even better, you get to see me out of it later that night." She bit her bottom lip and he grabbed her rear with both hands, "Mmm I love tha way ya think!"
As the group were talking and getting ready to visit Angela's grave, a familiar, sweet voice called out, "Leslie!" The group turned around and Cherry was dumbstruck. Wide eyed with her mouth gaped, she could barely get the words out of her mouth, "What? Oh my god! Krystal? Is… Is this real? Is it really you?" Krystal held out her arms, "It's me, my girl! I'm here! And oh my god, you look fucking fantabulous as a redhead!"
Cherry's eyes welled up as she embraced her tightly, like she was the lifeline Krystal had told Leslie she would always be for her. The gang watched and Denise wiped away tears as both Cherry and Krystal let out guttural happy cries. Cherry put her hands on her shoulders and gasped, "I don't understand. How are you here in Scotland? How did you know where I was? Here of all places?" Krystal nodded over in Denise's direction, "Let's just say a little angel told me that you're getting married here. And that you're pregnant! What?!"
Cherry turned around, "Denise? You found her? I don't believe this! I don't understand!" Denise smiled, "Well, remember when we first moved in together? You told me your story and mentioned your friend Krystal who helped plan your escape. Well, I found her and sent her emails, staying cryptic just in case that monster hacked into her accounts and made sure not to give your location or specifics away. But I sent her messages ever so often giving her status updates on you. When you and Drew set the date and we knew you were safe, I basically told to get her ass on a plane and be here for your big day."
Cherry laughed through her tears, "Jesus! Wow! How? I never gave you her last name!" Denise gave her the look, "Girl, I'm a detective! She wasn't that hard to find for me." Krystal said, "Denise told me as much as she could. The only thing I cared about was that you were happy, healthy and living your best life. You deserved that!" Cherry wiped her eyes, "I'm so happy you're here I… I don't know what to say!" Krystal volunteered, "Well, I know one thing you can say. Which one of these fine ass looking men is your guy?"
A bemused Drew stepped forward with his hand up, "Aye, that would be me, ma'am." Cherry looked from one to the other, "Krystal, this is Drew Galloway. My fiancé and…", clutching her lower belly, "…the father of my babies. Drew, this is Krystal Lawson. She and I were best friends growing up. She helped me escape my hell."
Drew stuck out his hand and said, "Please ta meet ya, Ms. Lawson. And it sounds like I owe ya a debt of gratitude." She shook his hand and said, "So happy to meet you. And my name is not Ma'am! Please, call me Krystal. You owe me nothing. It's obvious that you are making my girl happier than she ever been. Believe me, that's thanks enough!" She pulled Cherry close and whispered, "And girl, Denise didn't tell me how FINE your man is! Damn, girl!"
Cherry laughed as she introduced Krystal to the rest of the Angels and their significant others, while Drew introduced her to Andy and Jane. Krystal asked, "You're going by Cherry now, huh?" Cherry shook her head, "It's a long story I'll have to tell you later. But, since you're here, be a part of the wedding. I don't have any family to sit as my guest of honor. Would you want to do that?" Krystal hugged her and said, "It would be an honor! No pun intended."
Drew said, "Later on today, we're having dinner at my dad's house. Ya have ta come." Krystal nodded "I would love that! But I need to get a really nice dress now that I'm a part of this wedding." Jane raised her hand, "I know John is waiting on all of ya at Angela's grave. Tell ya what. I'll take Krystal in here and help her pick out a dress."
Cherry asked, "Jane, are you sure?" Jane waved her hands, "Oh now, all of ya get out ta tha graveyard and don't keep John waiting. Krystal is in good hands and I'll bring her ta the house after." Cherry smiled and hugged Krystal tightly again, "Oh my god, I've missed you so much!" Krystal gripped her tighter, "I can never tell you how I've worried about that bastard finding you. But I don't have to anymore. And you are NEVER going out of my life again! You hear me?" Cherry came out of the embrace and linked her pinky with Krystal's, "Never again. There will never be a need for it."