The Sounds Of A Black Dahlia
Prologue
Today was the day—the day that her life would undoubtedly change forever. She ground her teeth in anxious worry, rocking back and forth or side to side as her fingers sought out anything she could hold onto. She looked regal as he stared at herself in the mirror, heart stumbling over its own rhythm. She couldn't take it anymore. She got up, deciding it was best to work off her anxiety by pacing the room.
Girl, relax! Your heart is beating so fast, it'll burst!
"Michonne! Calm down! You're getting yourself all worked up over nothing."
"Me getting married is nothing, Sasha?"
"You told me months ago you loved this man. Your families may have pushed for this, but you told me it was okay because you fell in love with him. So why so nervous."
"I just turned twenty… What the hell do I know about being a wife? What if I'm not ready? What if I mess up? My brother always says I'm childish. What if he thinks that? He's six years older than me, after all. What if he changes his mind?" Michonne covered her face as her mind ran a marathon and Maggie snatched them from her.
"Stop it! You'll mess up your makeup! I am not gonna let my best friend get married looking a damn hot mess! Get your shit together! As Sasha said, you said you loved him; this is something both your families want. It's good you got feelings for him because you'd still have to marry him if your folks get their way. And could you, being a hopeless romantic, imagine a loveless marriage? You get to marry your first love; your first time will be with your husband; damn, he was your first kiss! He is also from one of the wealthiest families in the country and the world. You are living a fairy tale and you deserve it because you are the sweetest person I know!"
"I what if he's having second thoughts? I'd be so embarrassed!" Sasha rolled her eyes, and going to her side.
"You told us he is the kindest, amazing, sweetest, funniest, protective, charming, understanding, most patient guy you had ever met. That's not me exaggerating!" The three giggled as they tried to contain their emotions. "Those are your words. Honestly, Maggie and I were worried. You don't have any experience, and it was clear your family was pushing this, but to hear how you spoke about him, it gave me relief."
"It gave us relief."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Really! Do you wanna marry him? Believe it or not, he is not who matters here. Chonnie, you are so young and you may love him, but that's not all it takes. You gotta be sure about these things."
"Maggie!"
"Let her answer. Let her think about it. This is a goddamn life-changing decision, and she's never even had sex. His dick could be small for all we know and she just goes in. We gotta know that she loves him regardless. That this, is what she wants, not her parents' eagerness confusing her. I don't want her to make a mistake either way."
"Okay! Okay, I see your point—"
"I love him. I want to marry him… I do!"
"Are you sure? Think about it!"
"I'm sure, Maggie."
"Well, you heard our girl!"
"I'm getting married!" Their mouths pulled into a silent O, increasingly as they processed the news. They soon began screaming in excitement.
The three of them held hands. Now that her friends had calmed her down, she smiled so widely, her eyes nearly pinched shut. At the same time, a knock came, and her brother Michael peeked his head in the door.
"You know, Mike, when one knocks, they usually wait for a response." Michonne threw daggers at him and he rolled his eyes, letting himself in.
"Shut up. I see you guys worked your magic, She actually looks like a person—an adult, even. She ready?"
"She just needs her veil, but emotionally, she's ready." Sasha tucked it in Michonne's hair, letting it fall over her face and she eyed Mike up and down.
"Alright, you guys, go let the others know so we can get this show on the road. My dad will come for her at the walkway."
"Okay!" The two sent kisses and left.
"You look beautiful." His eyes softened as he held her cheek. "Are you sure you're ready? I'll talk to Mom and Dad. You don't—"
"I'm ready. I promise."
"Okay, I'm heading back. Meet us at the walkway in ten minutes."
Michonne approached the mirror, lifted her veil, and observed herself. Her hands were balled into fists, covering her smile, big eyes gleaming over her knuckles. Her heart was still beating, but she was content as she admired her long-sleeved, ivory-stone, lace, round-neck wedding gown. Though modest, displaying no cleavage and merely her neckline, and rather traditional, it was a stunning gown. She realised why her mother chose it. They couldn't allow the media any room for criticism since they married into a white, rich family. She had to be flawless. She considered spinning around to check behind her, but decided against it since her long veil might tangle. It was time for her to leave. She shouldn't dilly-dally any longer. She hiked up her dress and walked out the door, only to be graced by an unexpected soul leaning on the wall in a brown suit, puffing on a cigarette.
What is he doing here?
"Rick?" Surprised, she couldn't help calling out his name. He cast his gaze in her direction, allowing their eyes to meet.
"Oh… Hey. Everyone's waiting for you. Your bridesmaids are already in position."
"I know; thank you for the information."
She always wanted to say as little to him as possible. He always made her uncomfortable, like she was an outsider he would never see as anything else. So polite, it came off cold. His eyes were never still, and he only glimpsed at her in passing. Today, however, he seemed more laid back.
I didn't even know he smoked.
"Congrats, by the way."
"For what?
"I heard your girlfriend Lori had a baby boy." He smiled, clearly thinking about his newborn.
"Yeah… His name is Carl."
"Given that I'll be his new aunt, I'll have to get him a good gift."
She let out an innocent smile in his direction. Rick's eyes narrow, studying her from head to toe, causing her scepticism to be reflected by a single lifted brow. He chuckled at her reaction. Keeping his blue eyes on her, he put out his cigarette, outing it on the wall, walking right up to her and invading her space.
"Why are you doing this?"
"What?" Her brows formed a deep, perplexed wrinkle as she examined his face for answers she couldn't find.
"You don't have to do this, you know? Are you so afraid of Mommy and Daddy that you'd get married without so much of a peep?"
"I—"
"You ain't one of us. You're never gonna be one of us… It doesn't matter who you marry or what last name you got; you don't got our blood. You ain't like us and you're never gonna be like us. You can run right now. I'll cover for you. It'll be a little embarrassing for my brother, but he'll thank both of us when things calm down… Trust me, this is for the best." She blinked hurriedly, her pupils dilating as she struggled to make sense of the contradicting information.
"What is your problem with me?"
"I don't have a problem with you; this is just advice."
"Yes, you do! You treat me like I'm beneath you, like an afterthought."
"Am I supposed to be friendly with you? We're not friends; this marriage is all business too. You okay with rushing into a marriage that neither of you want?"
"What do you know! I am getting married, whether you like it or not. You don't have the blood or the name either! Everybody knows that! So how can you stand there and insult me? I haven't done anything to you. When I sign that marriage certificate, I'll have the name since it's so important to you! My children will have the blood too; that's more than you. You are a Grimes. You aren't one of them either…" His vast blue eyes widened in dismay before becoming dark and serious with acceptance.
"You're right… I'm not." His lips pulled down in a comical frown. "I—"
"Michonne!"
His expression caught her off guard. Nausea churned her stomach the more she looked at him and the more ashamed she felt. He was about to say something but the sharp voice of her father came from behind, stopping them in their tracks.
"Michonne, your late!"
"Sorry!"
Michonne hurriedly snatched up her dress with all its weight and dashed to her father's side, who assisted with the train. She took a couple of steps forward and twisted her neck to catch a glimpse of Rick. He was leaning against the wall, a new cigarette in his lips, and looking aimlessly at the floor. She could not focus on him right now. She was set to get married. She pushed those strange thoughts to the back of her mind and concentrated on what lay ahead. Her father tucked her hand under his arm as they approached the chapel.
"Michonne."
"Daddy?"
"You have to remember to do your wifely duties. You listen to your husband and honour his parents. Always remember your place. After today, you are a Walsh. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Daddy…" She understood exactly what he meant. From today on, she was not their concern and she shouldn't make mistakes that would reflect badly on them, regardless of whether she lived well or not. Her typically bright visage had darkened and become withdrawn.
"Good." He tapped her hand repeatedly in acceptance, and his lips curled into a sneer.
They finally entered, and seeing her soon-to-be husband, all those bad thoughts faded away. He gazed at her with a light smile on his face. She had a maid of honour, Sasha, who clarified that the position was hers and Maggie was her bridesmaid; she had no others, not even her sister. Shane's party also had two people, including his brother Monty, who served as his best man. He originally hoped for Rick, but he rejected it for unknown reasons. It didn't matter; everything was marvellous. Going down the aisle brought everything into perspective for her. Even with Sasha and Maggie's assistance, she could feel the train of her gown and veil trailing behind her. They made it after what felt like a long journey. Her father handed her away, and her fiancé placed her hand in his. The chaplain delivered his sermon, and she was in a daze until they exchanged vows and said, 'I do' to cap it all off. The couple signed their papers in front of the media.
"Alright, I need the married couple. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, I need a picture of you cutting the cake, then we'll go to the gardens."
They followed the photographer's wishes. They fed each other cake and Michonne grinned ear to ear the entire time. She didn't know why she was so nervous in the first place. During it all, her newlywed husband was quiet during all of it, He was never much of a talker so she paid it no mind. He held her lower back and lifted her dress as he guided her to the garden. They took various photos. There was one particular one that stood out. She was standing next to him under a large, royal white-flowering redbud tree. Its sweet pea scent filled the air with a gentle, lovely fragrance. Michonne closed her eyes and inhaled the soothing scent that brushed across her nose. They were supposed to look ahead but it didn't work out that way. Next to her husband, a baby duck had fallen behind, drawing his attention from the shoot and causing her to gaze at him. The photographer was going to delete it and try again but Michonne went to see it as she had done with all the others. His eyes looked sad, staring at the baby duck, which made her giggle. She was staring at him, basket in concern, with an outstretched hand
So sensitive! But it's adorable. I want it.
"I like it; let's keep it!" She called him over to show him. "Cute, right?"
"You don't gotta keep it… We can take better ones." She shook her head in protest.
"Nope, I'm keeping it. We can show our children how sensitive their daddy is." She let out a sweet laugh. "Are you embarrassed? Is that why you don't want to?" He looked at his feet for a moment before returning eye contact with her with a soft smile.
"If it makes you happy, we'll keep it." Her eyes were alight with joy as she giggled uncontrollably.
"I love you, Shane." He took her hand, placing a gentle kiss on her fingers. "When we're done, we can go to the pond and feed the ducks."
"Hmm."
"Redbud trees look nice." She reached out to him, straightening his tux.
"Hmm."
"There is a longstanding myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species... And yet, since the leaves are heart-shaped, it makes for a beautiful symbolic display of love that everyone has come to associate them with… Funny, isn't it?"
"Hmm."
"Is grunting all you're going to do, my dear husband?"
"No."
"Well, then, talk with me. What do you like and what do you hate? Did you enjoy the cake?"
"I enjoyed the cake... Today is your day; it ain't about me." His eyes dropped again.
"It's our day—it's our wedding. Shane, it's about the both of us; don't forget that."
"It's time for the family portrait."
Both sets of relatives gathered in the sea of royal white-flowering redbud trees. Sasha and Maggie fixed her gown, and the photographer positioned everyone right away. In the mids of things, Michonne caught that some people weren't present. She scanned the surrounding area and noticed Rick standing by the side, under a tree, with his girlfriend, Lori, as she held their baby boy.
"Wait!"
"What's wrong?"
"Rick isn't here. He's your brother; he should be here. Same as Carl and Lori." Shane came to a realisation when he heard his wife's words. His little brother wasn't there. Following Michonne's line of sight. He caught him in his view and waived him over.
"Rick! Come on, man! Don't keep us waiting!" Rick stood there, unwilling to move. It was Lori who forced him over. "Alright! Now that lover-boy is here, let's do this." Shane slapped his brother on the back.
Since the reception was held in the gardens as well, they evacuated the media so Michonne could finally relax and not worry about how she looked to others. Everyone was having a merry old time. Sasha was harassing her brother Mike and Maggie was down drinking. Shane had gone with his father and brother, talking to business associates. She was sitting at the table alone when her mother-in-law Eleanor, sat next to her.
"Not taking part in the festivities?"
"I'm okay."
"Mhmm. You know, Michonne, I like you."
"Huh?"
"I see a lot of myself in you." Eleanor reached out and played with Michonne's diamond earring. "You're a sweet, young girl, yes, even naive. No doubt your parents had you under lock and key. I'd say that you'd be eaten up and swallowed whole, but I see this spark in you—this resilience, this loyalty… You'll be a good wife for my son. He doesn't need some floozie who thinks a baby is gonna make all her dreams come true. You're a good, smart girl who will learn and survive. It's why my cunt of a husband and I chose you. My son needs someone like you by his side."
"I don't—I don't think I understand…" She admitted, her voice carrying the resignation of someone who had yet to find answers. Eleanor withdrew her hand from the clueless girl.
"Of course not, dear, but you will, given time. A word of advice, keep your thoughts to yourself; do not care what anyone else has to say and you'll be just fine. I know a diamond when I see it… I've enjoyed this talk."
Eleanor got up, leaving Michonne spluttering incoherent sounds, as if her thoughts were too tangled to express. Eleanor was always sweet to her. She didn't quite understand much of their cryptic discussion nor did her mother-in-law wish to explain it. Michonne didn't know just how valuable those words would come to mean or their weight. She was in thought until her husband came to fetch her.
"Are you ready?
"Mhmm."
8 years, 9 months later
They stood over what seemed to be a lifeless corpse, Michonne's white heels stained with fresh blood. Time slows as the gravity of the situation weighs it down. She grabbed her chest, her fingers quivering, as if attempting to keep her pounding heart from escaping. Then she put her quivering tips against her temples, attempting to calm the frenetic ideas racing through her skull, each one a teasing reminder of her rising terror. Their breath came in jagged, uneven gasps, as if their lungs strained to suck in oxygen within the crushing grasp of dread, each inhaling a war against their own panic as their eyes met. They were fucked.
…
…
…
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Author's note-
So I have been thinking up this story for months. I basically have an outline for the whole thing. The prologue and Chapter 1 are important to read back to back so I posted both at the same time. Let me know your thoughts. Everything below is not a necessity. It only acts as a guide or something to return to if you forget a character or a colour that stands out. I know, I know. It's complicated, but I read Chinese harem novels for fun( The murder, the scheming, the death!). I love that shit!
You can ignore the rest!
…..
Now that the prologue is complete, the key points to properly understanding this story are colour, styling, clothing, relationships, and references to sayings and myth. The colours will tell you a lot or lead you astray. I put both negative and positive for a reason. Sometimes one will apply, and sometimes both will apply. I was listening to the succession theme the whole time I was writing Chapter One while listening to Jon and Daenerys love theme/suite, plus it was also an element mix of the Og Dynasty and Bold and the Beautiful. Og characters will be in this as main players, along with Richonne, Carl, Shane, Andrea, Magna, Maggie, Sasha, Beth, Daryl, Negan, Phillip, and Jessie. I don't know if I missed someone; I probably did. So I have a little chart that will be updated as the story goes on.
Family Chart
…
THE WALSH's
Original Branch
…
Ronan Lucius Walsh II
Ronan Lucius Walsh III (66), Patrick Friedrich Walsh (42), Cillian Artorius Walsh (63), John (61) Castus Walsh, Joseph Caesar Walsh (58)
Branch 1.1
John Castus Walsh (61), Eleanor Olivier Grimes-Walsh (55),
Shane Johnathan Walsh (34), Shawn Montgomery Walsh (32), Kendall Oliva Walsh {K} (28)
Branch 1.2
John Castus Walsh (61), Andrea Holden (36)
Alexander Malcolm Walsh (18), Andrew John Walsh (11)
Branch 2.1
Shane Johnathan Walsh (34), Michonne Marie Walsh {Chonne} (28)
Andre John Anthony Walsh{AJ} (6), Maliyah Olivier Marie Walsh {Lia} (3)
Branch 2.2
Shawn Montgomery Walsh {Monty} (32), Magna Anders (27)
N/A
GRIMES'
Eleanor Olivier Walsh-Grimes, James Augustus Remus?
Richard Daniel Grimes {Rick} (30) Lori Wayne (30)
Carl Arthur Grimes (8)
HAWTHORNE's
Michael Mace Hawthorne (59) Michelle Marie Hawthorne (55)
Michael Micah Hawthorne {Mike}(33) Macie Maya Hawthorne (31) Michonne Marie Walsh (28)
The Greens shade
Bright green: rebirth, spring
Olive green: tranquilly, earthiness, elegance
Dark green: fertility, greed, money, drive.
Yellowish green: illness, envy, decay
Green symbolizes: harmony, safety, growth, and health
Effects of green: revitalises, balances, relaxes, and encourages
Positive traits: generosity, hope, prosperity, and luck
Negative traits: judgement, envy, materialism, inexperience
Red Shades
Light red symbolises joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love.
and encourages passivity.
Dark red is associated with energy, willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, and evil.
Red symbolizes: action, strength, energy, and passion
Effects of red: attention, motivation, stimulation, caution
Positive traits: sexuality, courage, desire, and confidence
Negative traits: anger, danger, revenge, aggression
Pink signals romance, love, lust, and friendship. In addition, it highlights female qualities
Pink symbolizes: compassion, love, femininity, and playfulness
Effects of pink: sympathises, calms, nurtures, comforts
Positive traits: kindness, warmth, romance, intuition
Negative traits: emotional, timid, immature, unconfident
The blues
Blue is often associated with sadness in the English language.
Blue is also used extensively to represent calmness and responsibility.
Light blues can be refreshing and friendly.
Dark blues are more strong and reliable.
Royal blue symbolizes: royalty, dependability, tranquilly, and empathy
Effects of royal blue: soothes, saddens, invigorates, reassures
Positive traits: reliable, selfless, calming, caring
Negative traits: tense, pompous, depressing, controlling
Blue symbolizes: security, trust, loyalty, and responsibility
Effects of blue: protects, calms, relaxes, and supports
Positive traits: confidence, peace, honesty, reliability
Negative traits: conservative, passive, sad, predictable
Turquoise symbolizes: compassion, calmness, clarity, and communication
Effects of turquoise: balances, clarifies, calms, stabilises
Positive traits: concentration, growth, peace, empathy
Negative traits: narcissism, stress, secrecy, and boastfulness
The oranges
Dark orange can mean deceit and a lack of confidence.
Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, dominance, aggression, and a need for something to happen.
Golden orange gives a feeling of prestige.
Orange symbolizes: emotion, youth, optimism, and enthusiasm
Effects of orange: encourages, uplifts, stimulates, and communicates
Positive traits: spontaneity, creativity, warmth, and positivity
Negative traits: exhibitionism, superficiality, impatience, dominance
Purple Shades
The colour purple is often used to symbolise creativity, royalty, femininity, and spirituality. In some cases, purple is used to symbolise wealth and extravagance. It is also sometimes associated with magic, peace, and pride.
Light purple awakens romantic and nostalgic feelings.
Dark purple can cause sad feelings and frustration.
Lilac symbolizes: compassion, kindness, and serenity
Effects of lilac: soothes, inspires, relaxes, and uplifts
Positive traits: optimistic, fearless, helpful, empathetic
Negative traits: fragile, infantile, inexperienced, unpredictable
Yellow Shades
Dark yellow represents caution, jealousy, decay, and disease.
Light yellow is associated with intelligence, freshness, and joy.
Yellow symbolises: happiness, optimism, positivity, and intellect
Effects of yellow: clarifies, inspires, amuses, and energises
Positive traits: creativity, perception, mentality, warmth
Negative traits: cowardice, deception, egotism, caution
Brown Shades
Light brown is friendly, welcoming, honest, sincere, and genuine.
Dark brown is strong, but sometimes also sad and depressing.
Beige is considered practical, reliable, conservative, and loyal.
Brown symbolizes: reliability, stability, honesty, and comfort
Effects of brown: simplifies, protects, grounds, stabilises
Positive traits: appreciation, support, wisdom, dependable
Negative traits: boring, dull, timid, predictable
Grey Shades
Light grey is relaxing and soothing.
Dark grey is serious, solemn, and inflexible
Grey symbolizes: compromise, neutrality, control, and practical
Effects of grey: stabilises, calms, relaxes, and soothes
Positive traits: reliability, maturity, intellect, and conservatism
Negative traits: pessimistic, sad, indecisive, and unemotional
White
White can convey cleanliness, freshness, and simplicity. White often seems like a blank slate, symbolising a new beginning or a fresh start.
White symbolizes: cleanliness, purity, innocence, and perfection
Effects of white: refreshes, balances, purifies, simplifies
Positive traits: goodness, hope, clarity, and openness
Negative traits: boring, cold, empty, distant
On the negative side, white can seem stark, cold, and isolated. Consider how a large, white, empty room might seem boring, bland, and stark.
Black
Black symbolizes: protection, power, elegance, and sophistication
Effects of black: mystifies, seduces, secures, intimidates
Positive traits: formality, strength, prestige, authority
Negative traits: depression, sadness, pessimism, dominance
The meaning of the colour gold is wealth and wisdom and it often symbolises something of high quality.
Silver Shades
Bright silver opens up new ideas and intuitiveness.
Dark silver/grey can mean that negativity/fear is accumulating in the body.
Silver symbolizes: modernism, affluence, intuition, and illumination
Effects of silver: reflect, inspire, calm, and restore
Positive traits: enlightening, trendy, healing, dynamic
Negative traits: deceiving, immoral, insincere, enigmatic