Chapter 3

The next two weeks were stressful. Mommy continually ran around the house, checking and rechecking the arrangements that she had just done.

One day just a few days before the wedding, Zach had picked me up from school. I was surprised to see him in the parking lot.

"Skye!" he shouted, waving his hand. I turned to him, and smiled. I ran over to him, and climbed in the passengers seat.

"I didn't expect you to pick me up," I said breathless. He shrugged.

"I have a surprise place that I'm taking you today," he said, and started the car.

"Where?" I asked eagerly. He chuckled.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise would it?" he teased. "Close your eyes." I did as he said, and waited to arrive.

Fifteen minutes later, he told me to open my eyes.

"We're here," he announced. I slowly opened my eyes, and looked ahead. It was a mansion. The grandest mansion that I had ever seen! I remember seeing it on TV once.

"Whose house is this?" I asked, looking around.

"It's mine.. Dark shadows," he replied softly. I looked at him, my eyes wide.

"Why would you even bother staying at our house then!" I cried, getting out of the car. It was a two story gothic house, with barred windows. We walked towards it, and he took out his keys, and unlocked the door. The view inside was breathtaking.

Everything of grand value that you could find in the state was in the house. Murals, vases, anything you could think of! I walked in, circling around. He laughed at my amazement, and took my hand.

"I have to show you your room," he said, and led me up the winding staircase. I looked at the portraits, the flowers, everything that I could feast my eyes onto. He took me down the long hallways, and then opened the door to my room.

In the middle, was a four poster bed, with silk crimson bedsheets. The wallpaper was red with vermilion stripes. A big candle chandelier hung over the bed, red candles in place. An oak night stand sat on the right of the bed. As I walked in further, I saw that there was a walk in closet, only a few gowns hanging there.

"I thought that you would like those," he said, rocking back and forth on his heels. I walked away from the closet, and towards the bathroom door. A huge vanity mirror was hanging on the back of the door. Inside, there was an old bathtub, the style from the 1900s. The toilet was across from the bathtub. Under my feet, I could feel thick red carpet. I turned around, and saw Zach leaning against the door frame.

"How do you like it?" he asked, a sly grin on his face. I opened my mouth, then closed it.

"It's great," I said, slapping my hands against my legs. I walked out of the bathroom, and over to him.

"You didn't have to get me this room," I said, shaking my head.

"I know, but you are moving in here with us, and I thought I should make it something special," he bragged. I looked around the room one last time, and smiled. He nodded, and gave me a grand tour of the house. Then afterwards, he dropped me off back at the house.

"I have to take care of some things, I'll be by later," he said, and sped off once I was out of the car. I walked next door, and knocked on Brad's door.

"Hey," he answered, and smiled.

"We need to talk," I said, walking past him into his house. He shut the door, and turned around.

"What's going on?" he asked, running his fingers through his hair.

"Bad news. But hey, what else is new?" I muttered.

"Start talking. I gotta date," he said, and sat down on the couch. I sighed.

"I'm moving in two weeks," I blurted, and bit my lip. He turned sharply towards me.

"Moving?" he choked, standing up. I turned away, and nodded.

"Is this voluntary?" he asked softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. I turned around slowly.

"What do you think?" I whispered, tears pooling in my eyes. He brushed them away.

"I know, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"No, it's OK," I said, shaking my head.

"How far away is it?"

"Not that far away. About 2 miles. You can drive there," I replied shakily.

"Is it in the same school system area, place?" he asked, tossing his hand into the hair.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm pretty sure," I said quickly. Brad looked at his watch.

"Sorry to cut time short, but I gotta go and get ready. We'll talk later," he said, taking my arm and pulling me to the door.

"Brad wait, you can wait, I need to talk about this," I urged as he dragged me outside. He let go of my arm, and started to shut the door. I forced it back open.

"Brad, you talk to me right now. Why are you in such a hurry? You told me that you were always there for me. Why not now?" I shouted, trying to get back into his house. He stopped, and glared at me, anger and hate in his eyes.

"I have to go," he said sternly, and shut the door in my face.

"Fine! I see how it is Brad! Screw you too!" I screamed at his door, and ran inside the house. I slammed the door, and bolted up to my room, flinging myself onto the bed, and started to cry. After my tears had stopped crying themselves, I sat up, and called Brian.

"Brian. I have something to tell you," I said once he had answered the phone.

"OK Skye calm down. What's wrong?" he asked. I sighed.

"Well, we're moving after my mother's and Zach's honeymoon, and I told Alex, and he's mad at me, and everything is going wrong!" I wailed, trying to keep from crying.

"OK, Uhh, hmm. I'll be there in a few minutes," he said. I slammed the phone down, and grabbed a piece of paper.

Mommy and Zach-

I talked to Jenna when I got home, and I asked her spend the night at her house. She said yes, and I'm going to spend the night tonight. I'll see you later.

Love,

Skye.

I laid the note down on the dining room table, and threw some clothes into a bag. I heard Brian's car pull up in the driveway, and I bolted out the door, running into his car.

"Drive," I commanded, and grunted angrily. He pressed on the gas, and sped towards his house. Brad's door flung open, and he poked his head out, glaring angrily at the car. I turned away, and stared at the road ahead.

"Notice how I'm always coming to picking you up when you are in distress?" Brian asked, laughing. I looked at him icily, which made him back off. I turned back to the road, and closed my eyes. Once we had arrived at his house. I flung open the door, and waited for him to unlock the door. I ran inside, dropping my overnight bag, and falling to the ground, sobbing.

"Brian, I'm sick of this! I'm sick of crying! I'm sick of it all! I want it to end!" I wailed, pounding the floor with my fist. Brian ran over to me, and picked me up, sitting down on the couch and setting me on his lap. He stroked my hair.

"I'm sick of it!" I shouted, my hair shielding my face. Brian brushed it back, and kissed me quickly on the lips, kissing away my tears.

"It'll all get better," he crooned. I looked up.

"Everyone keeps saying that, but it hasn't! None of it has!" I cried, brushing my tears away. Brian lowered his head.

"It's the only thing I could think of to say," he said softly. I looked at him.

"I'm sorry Brian, I didn't mean to be so harsh. It's just that I'm so sick of all of this!" I said, lifting his head. I kissed his cheek, and hugged him.

"You're the only one I can depend on now," I whispered, closing my eyes.

"Does your mother know that you are gone?"

"I left her a note saying that I would be spending the night at Jenna's," I muttered.

"OK. I'm going to get some blankets, and spread them out for you on the couch. Are you tired?"

"I'm exhausted," I moaned, rubbing my aching neck. He nodded, and hurried off to fetch some blankets. I laid down on the couch, and closed my eyes, feeling a headache coming on.

"Here you go," Brian said softly, draping a heavy comforter over me. I nodded, felt his lips on my cheek, and heard the light click off.

"Goodnight," he said, and headed upstairs to his room. I nodded, and felt myself drifting away.

I woke up in my new bedroom back at the mansion, dressed in a silky black nightgown. I shook my head, looked around, and wondered why I was here.

"Hello?" I asked, tossing the covers off of my legs, and swinging them over the side of the bed. I stood up, and looked around. Everything seemed normal, but the atmosphere of the room, seemed odd. I walked over to the door, opened it, and looked into the hallway. The corridor was dim and dark, as if I was in a dream land. I walked into the hallway, and went down the hallway.

"Brian?" I asked, looking at the walls. The painting were just as they had been when I had been here earlier in the day. "Anyone?"

"Right here darling," A voice called at the end of the hallway. I walked over to it quickly, and peered into the open room.

Zach was sitting on the bed, wearing a burgundy robe, smiling. "I was just about to wake you. You have to get into your dress," he said, standing.

"Dress? Zach, what are you talking about?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.

"Darling, how could you forget, we are getting married tonight." He acted as if I was stupid.

"Tony, we are not getting married," I protested, shaking my head. He looked at me, and walked towards me.

"Haven't we had this discussion before my dear? We had a deal. You marry me, and I find your precious father."

"Never will I marry you. I can find my own father," I snapped, turning towards the door. It slammed shut. I turned around. Zach charged towards me, grabbing my shoulders, and pressed his lips against mine. I slapped the side of his head, but he didn't do anything. He released slowly, and smiled.

"Now go get into your dress," he said softly, smiling. I looked at him oddly, and walked away from him. He lifted me up, and carried me to the window.

"Zach, what are you doing! Zach! Zach!" I screamed. He sat me down on the window sill, and pushed me out, leaving me screaming.

I woke up, screaming. My breath was heavy, and sweat perspired on my forehead. Brian bolted down the stairs.

"What's wrong?" he asked, walking over to me. I was still screaming, shaking my head. He lifted me from the couch, and carried me into his room, laying me down on the bed. I stopped screaming, and looked around.

"Oh God, it was horrible. I was engaged to Zach and-"

"Don't speak. Just go to bed," Brian said softly, and kissed my forehead. I sighed, and closed my eyes, which were burning.

In the morning, I woke up in Brian's room. I shook my head, and blinked.

"Brian, what time is it?" I mumbled, looking over at the clock. It was 10:30! I flew out of bed.

"Brian wake up!" I shouted, shaking his shoulders.

"What?" he groaned, scratching his head.

"Brian! It's 10:30! I'm going to be late for the wedding rehearsal!" I cried, throwing on my clothes. He looked at the clock, and turned to me.

"I'll go start the car," he said, and raced downstairs. I changed my shirt, and raced downstairs. Brian had the car started. I threw the door open, and sat down. "GO!" I screamed, and he floored the gas pedal.

5 minutes later, we were in front of my house. I kissed Brian good-bye quickly, and leaped towards the front door. Zach threw it open.

"Where have you been? We have to go in 15 minutes! Hurry and go upstairs and change," he urged, taking my hand and leading me to my room. He shut the door, and left me. I tore off my clothing, and put on my dress quickly, putting on makeup and putting up my hair. I slipped on my shoes, and ran downstairs. Mommy and Zach were waiting by the door.

"Let's go," he said, and opened the door. Outside, there was a black limousine parked on the curb. We raced inside, and shut the door. Mommy laid back and sighed.

"Where were you? What took you so long?" she cried, trying to catch her breath.

"I'm sorry, we woke up late."

"I've been calling Jenna's house for half an hour. Why didn't any of you answer?" she asked. I bit my lip.

"We had. . . went to bed at two in the morning, and we didn't want anyone to wake us up, so we took out her phone and put it downstairs. We couldn't hear it," I lied quickly, sighing. Mommy grunted, and lay back. Zach rubbed her shoulders to relax her.

"Calm down Victoria, it'll be OK," he said and looked over at me. I looked down and bit my lip again.

As we pulled up near the cathedral, Mommy started to get excited.

"Just think, tomorrow, I'm going to be Mrs. Zach James," she said excitedly, taking his hand. Zach kissed it and smiled. The car came to a stop, and the driver let us out. I trailed behind Mommy and Zach as they walked inside.

"Hurry Skye," Zach said, smiling. I picked up the pace, and walked inside.

Candles were lit everywhere. Flowers were spread around in vases. I stood behind Mommy and Zach as the minister did a walk through of what was going to happen before the wedding. We went into the hall, and practiced.

"OK then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," the minister said, clapping his hands together. Mommy nodded, thanked him, and started down the aisle. I trudged behind them, and was the last to get into the car.

"Tomorrow's going to be wonderful!" Mommy cried, smiling. I nodded, and leaned against the window.

"Skye, you look kind of tired. Maybe when we get home you could take a nap," Zach suggested, and looked at Mommy. I yawned, and nodded, closing my eyes. Soon, I was asleep.

"Skye," Zach said softly, shaking my shoulder. I moaned, and closed my eyes again. I heard Mommy sigh. I felt Zach's arms sliding under me, and carrying me into the house, and carrying me into the room. He lay me down on the bed, and took my hand.

"Do you need me to help you get undress?" he asked. "Your mother would have a fit if she saw you sleeping in that dress." I nodded, and stood up, taking off the dress. I put my pajamas on quickly, and crawled back into bed, turning out the light. Zach kissed my forehead and cheek, and left the room.

"Skye darling!" Mommy sang, entering the room. I groaned, and pulled the covers over my head. She ripped them off, and folded her arms over her breasts.

"What?" I moaned, sitting up.

"I was wondering if you wanted to join me and Zach at dinner tonight." I nodded. "Wear something nice," she added, and slammed the door behind me. I got out of bed, and headed towards the bathroom. Zach was standing over the counter in a towel, shaving. I jumped back and sighed.

"Oh Skye, sorry," Zach said. I shook my head.

"I didn't know that anyone was in here," I muttered, and scratched my tangled hair.

"I'll go into the other bathroom then," he said, and took his supplies and walked away. I went into the bathroom, and shut the door, and undressed for my shower. After I was finished showering, I rummaged through my closet, trying to decide what to wear.

"Mommy! Which restaurant are we going to?" I shouted.

"I think we are going to the French Quartet," Zach said from the doorway. I jumped, and turned to him.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he said, walking into the room. I nodded, and sighed. He looked through my closet, and picked out a light blue spaghetti dress that I favored. I took it from him, and held it out in front of me.

"Thanks," I said, and smiled. Zach walked away. I reached for the belt on my robe to get dressed, but I froze. Zach was still there. He smiled, and scampered away, shutting the door behind him. I got dressed, and put on my makeup, and my favorite tear drop diamond earrings that Daddy had given to me. I sighed, and walked downstairs. Zach was waiting for us, sitting on the couch, wearing a tux. He stood when I entered the room.

"You look great," he said, taking my hand. I smiled, and turned to the stairs, and watched as Mommy sauntered downstairs, wearing a jade green halter dress, her hair pinned up. I smirked, and turned away, grabbing my purse. Zach put on my coat, and smiled. We headed out the door, and into the limo.

"You look very nice," Mommy said, turning away. I rolled my eyes.

"Thanks," I muttered, and leaned against the window. Zach smiled, and looked ahead.

"Some of my friends are going to be meeting us there. I expect you to be on your best behavior," Mommy informed.

"Yes, mother," I said tiredly.

"Don't you take that tone with me young lady. These are very important people in society, and I don't want you ruining any chance of being friends with them," she snapped. I sat forward.

"Who cares if your popular?" I retorted back, and leaned back again.

"That's it young lady! You are grounded!" she shouted, pointing her long finger at me.

"Like that's ever stopped me from doing anything before," I muttered, folding my hands across my chest. Mommy growled angrily, and reached over and slapped me hard. I turned my head away, as I felt a tear slipping down my cheek.

"Victoria! How could you do that!" Zach exclaimed, turning me around and inspecting my face.

"I'm fine," I insisted. Zach ran his fingers over where she had hit me, and looked over at Mommy.

"It's going to be red. People are going to wonder," he muttered, sighing.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry darling," Mommy wept, reaching over and taking my shoulders and embracing me. I pulled away, and leaned against the window. Mommy began to cry, and Zach tried to comfort her. I wiped away the tear, and rolled my eyes.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I get so stressed sometimes," Mommy wailed. Zach quieted her, and soon, she was re doing her makeup. Zach made sure I was OK, and soon, we were in front of the restaurant. The chauffeur opened the door, and Zach helped me out, taking my hand. He released it, and helped Mommy out. The driver parked, and we went inside the restaurant. We found our table, and sat down. I kept my head down, and looked at the floor.

"Skye darling," Mommy said softly. I looked up.

"This is Samuel Matthews, Michael Matthews son," Mommy introduced, pointing to the boy who sat across from me. He had brown hair, and hazel eyes. I smiled, and stood up.

"I'm going outside to get some fresh air," I said. Mommy took my hand.

"Are you not feeling well?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

"I'm fine," I snapped. Samuel stood up.

"I'll go with you," he said, and smiled. I smirked, and headed towards the patio area, taking my purse. I sat down on a bench, and folded my hands across my chest. Samuel sat down next to me.

"I can feel tension between you and your mother," he said, lowering his head.

"Well, my mother isn't the easiest person," I muttered.

"She seems nice." He looked up.

"Yeah, well live with her," I snapped, and grunted. He sat straight, and looked ahead.

"Why is your face red?" he asked. I turned to him, and he pressed his lips against mine. His hand crawled up my dress, resting near my breast. I slapped him and stood up.

"What the hell you bastard!" I screamed, straightening out my dress.

"I thought you could relieve some stress," he said, grinning wickedly. I walked up to him and slapped him.

"Don't you ever touch me again!" I shouted, and stormed back into the building.

"Skye, I'm sorry!" he yelled after me. He grabbed my elbow, and turned me around.

"I told you not to touch me," I said firmly, yanking my arm away.

"I'm sorry, please forgive me," he pleaded softly. I grunted.

"Men are sick pigs," I said, and walked back over to the table, and plopped down in my seat. Zach gave me a questioning glance, and turned back to the man he was talking to. Samuel sat down, and smirked at me. I turned away, and looked around.

"Skye, what do you want to eat?" Mommy asked softly, handing me a menu. I scanned it quickly, and handed it back.

"The Caesar salad," I mumbled, and started to fumble with my silverware. Mommy nodded, and recorded the order.

During dinner, I sat quietly, eating my salad and listening to the conversations. After I was full, I shoved my plate in front of me, and leaned back. Mommy smiled, and excused herself to the bathroom. Zach slid over into her seat.

"You look a little mad," he said softly. "What happened?"

"That bastard over there. Samuel Matthews, decided to slap his lips against mine and grab my. . ." My voice trailed off. I'm sure that he would understand.

"You mean," he whispered, nodding to my chest. I nodded quickly, and bit my lip.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it," he said softly, and took my hand and squeezed it. I smiled weakly, and went to my glass of water. Mommy came back, and sat down and smiled.

"A toast!" Mr. Matthews declared. He handed me a glass of white wine and looked around at the table.

"To the bride to be and the groom," he cried, holding up his glass.

"And the flower girl," Samuel chimed in. As instinct, me and Zach glared at him. He grinned, and held up his glass. Everyone clanked their glasses and took a sip. The wine was a little tangy, but tasted good after a while. ,Zach and Mommy stood up.

"Thank you all for coming. We have to get back to the house, we have an important day tomorrow," Zach said merrily. I stood up, and looked at Zach. He winked, and turned to Mommy. He whispered something to her, and Mommy turned to me.

"Zach has to take care of something. He told us to go to the car," she said, and took my hand and led me to the limo. I waited outside, while Mommy crawled into the car. Mr. Matthews, his son, and Zach came out of the buiding while the rest of the guests had walked outside. Zach pointed to me, and walked over to me. Samuel stayed behind his father.

"Miss Lawrence, I'm so sorry for my sons actions. I assure you that it wont happen again," he promised taking my hand. I nodded, and smiled weakly. Mr. Matthews stepped aside, and Samuel stood before me. I looked away.

"I'm sorry Skye. I didn't mean to do that. It was totally improper of me, and I hope you can accept my apology," he said sincerely. I looked at him, sighed, and nodded.

"Thank you." he said, and scampered away. I turned to Zach, who smiled.

"Thank you," I said, and walked into the car. He got in besides me, and shut the door.

"What took you two so long?" Mommy insisted.

"We had to take care of something," Zach replied, and smiled at me. I smiled, and waited to get home. Once we were, I leaped out of the car, and into the house, to call Brian.

"Hello?" Brian answered.

"Hi Brian, it's me Skye. I forgot to mention it to you, but I want to invite you to the wedding tomorrow," I said quickly, kicking off my shoes.

"Oh, well it's a little bit of a short notice," he mumbled.

"I know, I'm sorry. But will you come? Brad is mad at me, and so you're the only one that I can count on." I said, taking off my dress.

"Yeah, but I dont't have a Tux."

"Zach will take care of that," I said quickly, and slipped into my pajamas.

"OK, I'll be there," he said, and hung up. I squealed with delight, and went to tell Zach.

"Zach!" I cried, running into their room. He was sitting on the bed, watching TV.

"What is it Skye?" he asked, standing up. I quickly explained to him about Brian. He nodded.

"Tell him to come early in the morning, and we can have him measured," he said and smiled.

"Thank you so much," I said, and ran out of the room to call him back. He said that he would set his clock, and that he would see me early in the morning. I hung up, and crawled into bed.