I SAID YES.
It would never have crossed Camille's mind that one day the people that were supposed to protect and love her would break her heart. It was supposed to be her standing on the altar with the man she had loved for almost five years, the man she gave up so much for just to ensure his happiness.
*************
“Will you marry me?”
Camilla would never forget the scene, Nick got on his knees and proposed to her, it was the happiest day of her life. She accepted the proposal immediately, and there was no need for her to pretend that she wanted to think about it. Because all she wanted was to be his wife, to be loved and cherished by him forever.
Nick and Camilla had dated each other for almost four years, they met at the university and became lovers a semester before their graduation. It was a relationship with so many difficulties mostly because of Nick's behavior. Camilla was always willing to turn a blind eye to Nick's cheating, welcoming him back after he derailed and asked for forgiveness; she could not imagine life without him.
It did not thrill her parents with her choice of dating Nick, but Camilla insisted that he would change. They hoped for her sake that she was right. The last time they broke up her parents hoped it was permanent even though Camilla insisted that she was not going back to him, even if he came begging.
Nick came anyway with flowers and a ring, he promised her he had learned his lessons and she was all he cared about. Camilla believed him.
****************
CAMILLA’S HOME
“We are engaged, he asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Camilla showed her parents her ring. Camila's parents were shocked and worried when they saw the ring but kept their thoughts to themselves. They would talk to their daughter later, in the absence of their future son-in-law who had come into their house with their daughter.
“The ring is beautiful and congratulations to both of you.” Camilla's mother said, but her father only gave them a weak smile. Pretending had never been her father's strong suit.
“We are getting married next month,” Nick said
“What!!” Camilla's mother shouted, when she regained her composure she added “is it not too early, planning a wedding takes a lot of time and preparation.”
“You don't have to worry, I already hired a wedding planner to do the job.”
“You are so thoughtful.” Camilla chuckled and her fiance kissed her forehead.
“Anything for you baby.” Nick bemused “I love you and want to spoil you silly.”
“I love you too,” Camilla said.
Camilla's father hissed, and her mother gave him a side glare.
Nick left some minutes later, he could not stay for dinner, he had other plans.
“What plans have you made,” Camilla asked, her voice had a strain to it, she had not forgotten his betrayals
“I need to speak to the wedding planner and make an appointment for her to meet you.” Nick grabbed her cheeks in both hands and made eye contact with her. “I promise never to hurt you again.” Camilla nodded, she would never doubt him again.
***************
“I am so happy mum, I can't believe that I would get married in just two months,” Camilla exclaimed and slumped on the couch beside her father. “Finally, I will be Nick's wife, I feel so happy.”
Camilla's parents looked at their dearest daughter, worried that she had lost her mind. Camilla has always been a lenient person and was mostly at the receiving end of her friend's mischief. They were worried and rightly so, giving up her life to a man that has treated her badly for the past few years, was simply unbelievable. Camilla's mother looked at her father and got a nod of approval for her to speak sense into their child. Hopefully, she will listen and stop this before it is too late.
She cleared her throat before beginning “Are you sure about this? This man has hurt you so many times and each time you forgive him, the last time you caught him making out with a girl at his apartment.” she wired for her words to sink in.
“Wasnt the said girl your girlfriend Chelsea.” her father added.
“Yes she was.” her mother replied, remembering the state her daughter was in after the incident. she feared that Camilla might hurt herself then. “Myself and your father were relieved when both of you broke up only for you to reconcile with him and get back together, I don't think that accepting his proposal to marry him is a wise decision”
Camila's eyes filled with tears, and she looked from her father to her mother. She was happy that they had her happiness in mind but she was a big girl and she knew what she was doing.
“Once we get married, I know Nick will not cheat on me anymore. He will respect our sacred vow and remain faithful to me.” Camilla said through her tears.
“A person who cheats on their partner never changes because of marriage. Instead, they become worse.” Her father replied.
“Nick has promised me that he will change, he has been so considerate since we came back together and I believe him. I have not seen him with any woman for the past six months. Please Mum, Dad, I need you to believe me, and trust me everything will be ok.” Camilla begged, wanting her parents to understand.
“I don't know, Nick has hurt you so many times, I fear he might do it again, and this time it would be worse.” Her mother allayed her fears.
“Everything will be ok this time Mum. I am happy and I want you and Dad to be happy for me.”
Both parents agreed to support their child, the least they could do was to hope that Nick was ready to stop his cheating and reckless behavior and was now prepared to be a man and a husband to their child.
“We are happy for you honey.” her mother said. Camilla stood from where she was sitting with her parents. They were all teary-eyed, each of them hiding the burden in their heart, hoping that from now on, they will just be happy.
“We have a wedding to plan.” Camilla's face palmed “I forgot that I have a wedding planner.” She giggled
“What kind of wedding gown do you have in mind?” her mother asked, finally accepting that her daughter was getting married to Nick.
“I was meaning to ask you if I could borrow the one you wore on your wedding day.”
“Of course, you can. I have always hoped that you would use it at your wedding someday.”
WEDDING DAY
Everything was going on as planned, Camilla could not have asked for better weather. Her family was all present, her wedding gown was ready. The wedding planner had done a great job at the wedding venue. It was time for her to leave her home and meet her fiance in the church.
“You look beautiful.” Her mother smiled at her.
Camille checked herself in the mirror, her mother was right, and the wedding gown fitted her perfectly after a few amendments. She was happy; her extended family had traveled from far and near to attend her wedding.
She looked across the room, happy to see her bride seated waiting for them to leave for the wedding venue. Except for her chief bridesmaid Sarah. Sarah was supposed to be here doing her duty as the chief bridesmaid.
“Where has she gone to?” Camilla asked, her cousin was wayward and would do anything for attention. Whatever she is up to, she should not dare ruin her day- Camilla thought dismissively.
“She was here some minutes ago. Where has she gone? She is supposed to be helping you.”
“Has anyone seen Sarah?” Camilla asked the people in the room with her and they all shook their heads in agreement.
“I am here.” Sarah walked into the room looking disheveled.
“Where have you been?” Camilla asked, noting how breathless her cousin looked. For a split second, her heart skipped and a weird thought crossed her mind.
“I.. I… you look beautiful,” Sarah replied.
“Thank you and I feel so happy and blessed,” Camilla said.
“Sure, you are one lucky bride and I mean it.” Sarah gushed over her cousin. Her eyes twinkled in mischief.
A bell rang from a distance, It was time for them to enter the hall. Camila could feel butterflies flutter around her stomach.
Her father entered the room, “it is time.” he said to his daughter, and they all filed out of the room and into the church for the wedding procession.
“Does anyone here have any reason these two should not get married, say now or forever hold your peace?”
The hall was filled with silence, and when the priest was about to continue with his sermon, Someone spoke.
“They can't get married.”
Camilla froze, she could not believe she was hearing this and from the last person, she expected it from.
“What are you saying, Sarah?” Camilla asked, her voice barely audible.
“You can't marry this man.” She continued, she looked angry and Camilla could not understand why.
“If this is a joke, Sarah, stop it, it is not funny. “Camilla said her eyes darting towards Nick who stood still with a face ridden with guilt. Camilla died a thousand times from the look on his face, she just knew he had done something awful.
“Stop this nonsense now.” Camilla's father shouted from the front pew where he was sitting. “pay her no attention priest you make Continue with the wedding”
“I don't think so uncle, this man here has been having his way with me for the past six months now, in fact, I'm carrying his baby.” She pointed towards her stomach which unfortunately had a little bulge.
Silence… and suddenly everyone was speaking at once. Camila could feel the hall spinning, She saw her mother rushing towards her before darkness enveloped her.
BROKEN “I can't believe this is happening mum, I just want to die.” Camilla bemoaned Her mother shook her head in absolute sorrow. “Don't say that honey, everything is going to be okay.” “It's never going to be ok, I should have done what you asked and rejected his proposal. It's all my fault, I should have known that he would never change. I should have known.” Camila cried, and her mascara ran through her face. “It's not your fault, Nick is to be blamed and Sarah for allowing it to happen. But you, my child, you gave all your best to make this work. It is quite unfortunate that all this is happening to you.” “I'm so sorry Mum, everyone out there will laugh at me now.” “Don't worry about them, all that matters is you.” her heart broke for her child, whose only sin was to fall for the devil Nick. However, no words could comfort Camila. her cousin was pregnant with her fiance's baby, they ruined her wedding in front of the entire world and there was nothing she could do about
THIS ISN’T GOODBYE FIVE YEARS LATER It was early July in the year 2014. It was the beginning of summer when the plants were in full bloom and flowering, the trees lush. It was also that time of the year when the beaches and streets bustled with tourists, most of them dressed in scanty clothes hoping to beat the heat. Camilla could never understand why anyone would feel the need to roast their skin in the name of sunbathing. The thought alone made her cringe. As she walked through the crowded streets avoiding as much as possible bumping into the overzealous tourists, she made her way towards the two-story stone building that was as ancient as time and where she lived since she started work as a government interpreter three years ago. The building exterior looked worn out as they built it many years ago for government workers, however, the plumping system and other parts of the interior were relatively modern. The sweet smell of freshly baked cookies filled up her nostrils as sh
HIS DEMON’S Ethan has always been on the move since his wife died five years ago after giving birth to their third child Sophie following some postnatal complications. What was supposed to be the happiest day of his life turned into a nightmare. One day he was happily married with two kids and expecting a third, the next moment, he was a widower with three kids. How in the world was he supposed to care for three kids, how would he perform the dual role of a father and mother to his children? These thoughts nearly drove him to suicide. His wife Vanessa, was laid to rest two days after she died and as soon as the funeral was over, Ethan became a different person and was rarely ever home. He spent most of his days away from his house and the memories it held for him. In every nook and Cranny of the house, he was reminded of his late wife. His children rarely saw him even on the weekends, thus he became more like a stranger to them. Ethan's mum Theresa came to stay with them after her
NOT THE DREAM Camilla has always been an early riser, She loved the sunrise and the quietness that came with it. Back home in Brazil, she usually would wake up as early as 5 A.M., make herself a cup of hot coffee and just enjoy the sunset from her bedroom window. It was an early morning ritual for her. However, since arriving in the United States of America things have changed. She could no longer enjoy the little things that made her happy, especially because of the type of job she got upon arrival here. After spending almost two weeks living in the States, Camilla could not get a suitable job with her credentials and she was getting worried, and also losing the little money she had on her. The opportunity she had heard was abundant in the states was not as they made it to be. When it finally dawned on her that her dream job might not be forthcoming, she went to a thrift store and bought herself a map. She knew she had to go job hunting even if it was a menial job or die of hun
INTERVENTION “Someone looks happy this morning” Ethan greeted his friend Gaius as soon as he stepped into his office. “Are you not supposed to take the day off or something?” “Hahaha.” Gaius laughed. “I got engaged, not married.” “They all sound the same to me,” Ethan replied, falling back into his seat. “I want to set a good example for the staff.” “Yeah right. The good thing is that “you are finally getting rid of the bachelor tag.” “Now I am petrified.” Gaius replied “I hope I did not make a mistake.” he said afterward. “You are joking right,” Ethan observed his friend for a while. “I don't know, I just have my doubts,'' Gaius replied after some time had passed. “Doubts? I thought you loved Fiona..” “I do, it's just a little complicated.” “Please tell me.” “Let's forget about me. Now tell me how the kids are, it's been a while.” Gaius changed the subject, it was not lost on Ethan but he decided to let it go. “They are good. They would love to see you” Ethan replied m
FOR THE LOVE OF THE KIDS Ethan’s mother had already woken up and was asking for him. As soon as she saw him, she could not hold back her tears as they dropped from the corners of her eyes to the pillow. “Don't cry mother, everything will be okay. I'll take you out of here as soon as you feel better.” Ethan comforted his mum. Theresa blink back her tears, she just looked sadly at her son and wondered if he was tone-deaf. “I am not crying because I'm here, even though my body hurts like hell. the pain in my heart is worse.” “Worse! How come? tell me where it hurts so I can get to the doctor.” Ethan said, alarmed. “Where it hurts, can't be seen, and cannot be treated with medicine.” “ I really do not understand what you are trying to say, mother.” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “ I want you and the children to be happy, I want your family to be united again. I am already old and frail, I want to see you married, happy, and in love. Is that too much
A CONTRACT OF NEMESIS Camilla was a bundle of nerves when the restaurant manager told her that someone wanted to have a word with her. "Who." She asked, grossly aware that she knew no one in New York. She had not been able to make friends due to her work schedule and communication problems. The little time she had was spent on herself. "Mr. Ethan. He is in my office now.” the manager replied "Mr. Ethan! I have not done anything wrong. Have I?" Camilla replied, astounded. "Why does he want to speak to me?" she asked. "I have no clue." The manager screeched. "But you better behave yourself. Or else your job is gone. He is one of our best customers and I don't want you screwing that up." Always threatening me with this godforsaken job. Camilla mumbled under her breath. "What did you say?" "Nothing sir." She grinned. "Good. you better tame that mouth of yours when we get to the office. Get rid of the apron and tidy up your hair." Camilla did as she was asked, and when the manager
MEETING THE FAMILY It took Ethan over twenty minutes to arrive at Camilla's home. It was all shabby: the building, the parking lot- in fact, the entire street. It looked to him as if the entire apartment building itself had not been painted for years. The windows, if they depicted the interior of this place, showed a lack of care as well, since many sported no drapes. The curtains Ethan did see were torn and stained. Camilla had been waiting for him beside the grocery store on the down floor of her apartment building. When she saw him she hesitated, unable to decide whether to walk towards him or wait till he noticed her. Luckily for her, he noticed her almost immediately and signaled her to come to meet him. "Get into the car." He did not bother opening her door for her. "This place is a dump." "Yes, l know. No need to rub it in" Camilla replied with a straight face. "Why do you stay here, considering how dangerous the environment is?" Ethan marveled, he would not be caught