1Hey thanks all you guys for your great comments and stuff! I am so happy! Keep up the good work and I'll keep adding! It's probably going to be a pretty long story, I don't plan on ending in any time soon!
As reply to some of the comments, Lisa isn't going to give up and be docile this early in the story...there's more feisty moments to come! And about the chicken thing, I know that some of the stuff isn't correct, but it's a fanfic, so whatever. I'm not trying to be snotty or anything, thanks for your constructive criticism. But just so you know, I'm not sure I have all the other info about weddings and stuff right since I've never been to one...so bear with me! Enjoy!
Lisa awoke the next morning in Jackson's arms and for the first time since she was twenty-one, she was genuinely happy. Jackson stirred beside her and she turned to look in his eyes.
"Hey," he said in a croaky early-morning voice. He smiled at her and caressed her cheek. "You sleep alright?"
"No," Lisa replied, shocking Jackson. "I thought about you all night." She smiled and leaned against his chest. Their lips met and Lisa found herself once again in a whirlwind of emotions.
"Okay, Leese," Jackson said, sitting up and stretching. "Today's going to be a day that requires me to trust you. After last night's revelation, it hates me to be cautious, but I'm afraid its necessary."
Lisa nodded in understanding. "Why, what's going on?"
"Well, first, we're going to the bridal store so you can get your dress, and then you're coming back here to meet with Cynthia," he told her as she rose from the bed.
"Why?" Lisa asked, walking into her closet.
"Well, I assumed you wanted her to be your maid of honor," Jackson stated, shrugging. "So you to are going to crunch over some details. Plus, I figured you'd want to reminisce. I need to go to town to go over some last minute things and meet with my brother. I'll be back here around four and I'll make us some dinner. Cynthia's welcome to stay."
Lisa nodded as she came back out of the closet with a pair of jeans and an orange sweater.
"Please, Leese," Jackson asked her, his eyes almost begging. "Don't run away. We've come too far in our relationship for you to screw it up now."
Lisa didn't reply, just smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
They went their separate ways to dress; Jackson, in a light blue dress shirt and black pants; Lisa, in her sweater, jeans, a jean jacket, and chunky black shoes. They grabbed a few donuts for breakfast and soon were on their way.
Jackson got into the drivers seat, buckled up, and took Lisa's hand in his. He started to drive, but before they were out of the garage, he paused.
"Leese," he said, uncertainty rigging his face. "Why'd you finally give in?"
"Honestly, Jackson, I don't know," Lisa said, looking into his eyes. "You tried to kill or hurt me on dozens of accounts, not to mention people I love. You threatened me into everything you've wanted, and hurt me emotionally and physically so many times. I don't know. Just...call it female driven logic."
Jackson unbuckled his seatbelt.
"What are you doing?" Lisa asked, wrinkling her forehead.
"Just call it male-driven logic," he answered her breathily, kissing her once again. This time she let herself give in. And this time, the kiss seemed to last forever, but go by too fast. He held her head with his hand and Lisa felt like she would never want to leave him. But it was like as soon as it had started, it stopped. Lisa pulled herself unwillingly away from Jackson's arms and held his hands.
"Jackson, we probably should go," she whispered, almost in a giggle, as he still attempted to kiss her neck. "Jackson, Cynthia will be here in an hour."
Jackson gave her one last kiss on the cheek and buckled back up. Lisa looked at him, taking him in. His shirt had been a little wrinkled and his hair was sticking up in the back. Jackson pulled out of the garage and within minutes they'd arrived at the bridal store.
"You know," Jackson looked at her playfully as he helped her out of the car. "This is the first time I've ever seen you wear jeans." He linked his arm in hers.
"It's not," Lisa laughed. Then, as if her mind suddenly saw an image flash before it, "Well, after...I started to wear skirts more because...when he...told me I looked good in jeans."
"Who-" Jackson began, but then remembered. He felt anger rising up in his throat. Anger at the rapist, anger at himself for causing her this memory. "Leese, I'm sorry."
"It's all right," she said, wiping away a stray tear. "You didn't know. But hey, I've never seen you in jeans either," she punched him lightly on the arm to lighten the mood.
Jackson scoffed. "I've worn jeans."
"Oh yeah? Do you OWN jeans?" Lisa remarked as they opened the door to the store.
"Yes, but I prefer not to wear them," Jackson argued.
Lisa grew serious. "I think you'd look cute in jeans."
Jackson smiled a little half-smile at her as a saleswoman came striding up.
"Can I help you?" she asked in a smile revealing at least six gold caps.
"Yes, my fiancee here was just looking for a dress," Jackson said, gently pushing Lisa forward.
"Date/time of wedding?" she asked, briskly taking off down the aisles.
"Uh, one week, dusk," Jackson replied, exchanging a glance with Lisa.
"Alright then," the saleslady stopped abruptly at a rack of dresses. "It would be wisest to choose from these. They'll stand out in the dark and the designs are in for the spring."
"Thank you," Lisa answered her, fingering the dresses. They were absolutely beautiful.
"Go ahead, Leese," Jackson urged her. "Try some on."
Lisa looked unsurely at the dresses. "Jackson...they're-they're a lot of money," she said. She almost felt guilty.
"Lisa," Jackson said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Don't know if you've noticed, but I make a lot of money." A small smile played on his lips.
Lisa nodded but still was hesitant.
"I thought you weren't supposed to see me until the wedding day," she joked.
Jackson smiled. "I don't want to wait."
Lisa set aside her inhibitions and chose a dress to try on. It was beautiful, a spaghetti strap bodice opening up to a full-skirted, shimmery white skirt. The veil accompanying it was a shimmery white color, with rose petals forming a half circle in the front. It fit her like a glove and as soon as her skin touched it, Lisa knew it was fate that she wear this dress. She threw open the fitting room door and glided out to Jackson.
"Jackson," Lisa said excitedly. "Look. What do you think?"
"You-you look-um," he stuttered, looking her up and down. "You look-um-I mean-uh-wow."
Lisa laughed. "That a good wow?"
"Oh," he laughed. "Oh yeah. Definitely." Lisa smiled, never having seen him with this almost boyish uncertainty. She went back into the fitting room and changed back into her jeans, satisfied that she'd found it so quickly. Lisa held the dress in her arms and walked back out to Jackson.
"Ready?" he asked her as she walked up to him. She nodded. They went up to the counter and Jackson took the dress in his hand, subtly noticing how it smelled just like Lisa, a mixture of lilies and chocolate. They left the store and soon were on their way back home. Jackson unlocked her door and followed her in.
"Okay," he said, checking his watch. "Cynthia should be here in about ten minutes. I called her while you were changing. She can't wait to see you, but I must say, she's kind of uncertain about me. While we were in there I also looked at some bridesmaid dresses." He held out a picture. "These look good to you?"
"They're gorgeous, but I'll have to check with Cynthia," Lisa nodded, setting the picture on the counter.
"Well, then, I'll see you in a bit," he quickly kissed her on the cheek and then was gone.
Lisa sank into the couch, almost sad. It was the first time in four days he'd been away from her, and she almost missed him. She knew in her heart that she should run away, to her father's house, to the police, somewhere. But her feet wouldn't move. It was almost like some magnetic force was keeping her in that house. Lisa was contemplating this when suddenly there was a loud knock on the door.
Lisa opened it up to reveal the usually gawky looking Cynthia. Lisa opened the door wider and let her in.
"Oh god, Leese, I missed you!" Cynthia shrieked as soon as Lisa opened the door. She hugged Lisa tightly, almost knocking her over.
"Calm down, Cynth," Lisa laughed, shutting the door. "I missed you too."
"So tell me," Cynthia said, taking a seat at the counter. "What has been going on? With um...him."
Lisa looked at her friend's uncertain, goggling eyes. "Cynthia, I need..." Lisa began. She should tell her about Jackson's twisted plot.
"Yea?" Cynthia asked, leaning in closer.
"I need...to know if you want some coffee," Lisa lied. She felt like kicking herself for being so stupid. The only thing she would get out of telling Cynthia was a very panicky best friend and a very angry Jackson.
Cynthia nodded but gave Lisa a strange look. Lisa turned on the coffee pot and then handed her friend the dress picture. The dresses were a light pink color, spaghetti strap, that fit in a straight line down the skirt. Very plain, but classy nonetheless.
"Oh Leese, they're beautiful," Cynthia gasped. Then she smiled. "I can't believe you picked me to be your maid of honor. What do I need to do other than that toast thing?"
"Just be there Saturday at three," Lisa told her, handing her a hot cup.
"So tell me," Cynthia asked her suspiciously. "How on earth did you end up with that creep?"
Lisa swallowed hard. "He came to me and told me he loved me, I realized I loved him back, end of story. I already told you."
"Lisa," Cynthia said sharply. "You're not telling me the whole story. The guy almost killed you and suddenly you're all doe-eyed over him?"
"Self-defense," Lisa shrugged, slamming her cup down and walking into her bedroom. She had to get away...get away from Cynthia before she told her. Cynthia followed her.
"Oh, come on, Leese, are you really that naive? If I'm supposedly your best friend, I have a right to know," Cynthia snapped. "Tell me!"
Lisa sighed and collapsed on her bed, not hearing the door open in the foyer. "If I tell you... Cynth...you have to promise not to tell ANYONE. Hear me?"
Cynthia nodded, wide-eyed, and collapsed next to Lisa on the bed.
"Jackson came here a few days ago... and...he told me...that if I...didn't...marry him...and join his company...he'd...he'd kill you," Lisa almost cried. She knew she felt something for Jackson, but the whole ordeal just wasn't right.
"Lisa, you are hilarious, but really I don't think you should subject Cynthia to your new comedic act," a voice said in the doorway. The girls spun around where Jackson stood leaning against the door frame. There was an angry glint in his eye that only Lisa would recognize. Cynthia wore a look of confusion on her face.
"Now, Cynthia, I'd invite you to stay for dinner, but unfortunately Lisa and I have some wedding business to attend to," Jackson said, almost coyly, placing a strong emphasis upon the word 'wedding'.
"Al-alright," Cynthia stuttered, apparently playing along. She rose from the bed and walked to the doorway. "See you Saturday, Leese."
"Oh yes, she will," Jackson answered for her. They heard the front door click and Jackson clicked his tongue, sighing.
"You know, you almost had me fooled," he said, a bit of a laugh in his voice. "The kissing, telling me you loved me."
Lisa was almost ashamed of herself. She looked at the ground. "Jackson, I-" He cut her off as his hands swiftly moved to her throat and slammed her against the wall.
"I've never lied to you, Lisa," Jackson said, tightening his grip. "I'd appreciate it if you could return the favor."
Lisa clutched at his hands, trying to get oxygen to her lungs. Tears slid down her face, but Jackson still did not let go. Instead, he pressed the pressure point on the back of her neck and she collapsed to the floor like a rag doll. Jackson lifted her to her bed and gently smoothed back her curls.
"Sleep well, Lisa," he murmured. "It's not going to be easy anymore."