20

He and I were in the same bed again. It was like deja-vu. I opened my eyes to see his beautiful face. But the space beside me was absolutely empty. I got up immediately the covers bunching at my waist. I scanned the whole room to get a sight of him but I couldn't see him anywhere.  

"Dylan."  

I wrapped the cover around me and got out of my bed. As soon as I stood up I fell back into the bed. I was too sore. The last night's events played in my head making me blush at the memories that it still tingled my body. Smiling I forced myself to get up to look around for him. Passing by the mirror I stopped. There were marks which were on my neck running down to my chest. As I touched them our night flashed once again before me. I swung open the bathroom doors and it was neat and cold. On the sink, I saw an open after-shave lotion. I picked it up and inhaled it.

It was his.

I kept the bottle back to its place. Dumping the sheet aside I walked towards the bathtub and ran hot water into it. As the tub filled I closed off the tap and got into it. The water almost burned my skin but I still got in. I splashed the hot water on my face.  

What was I thinking? One night and we will be together.

I burnt in shame. He had left obviously. I deserved it. I knew about the consequences but god it hurt! It hurt like anything. I wanted to drown in this very bathtub. Like a fool, I gave in to him. Now that night was painful to me. I dipped inside the tub letting my tears mingle with the water wishing to drown.

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The week before the wedding day was crazy. I worked hard paying attention to each and everything. Traveling back and forth between the city and the villa. I checked the things in the diary which Selena had given me and most of them were done. I marked another star near an item.  

"Tessa you know rehearsals at 2." Selena popped out of nowhere which made me drop my pencil.  

"I know." I exhaled and bend down to pick up the pencil.  

"Sorry." She scrunched her face. With each day her excitement increased to higher levels. I couldn't blame her any girl would be if she were to marry in three days. "I can't believe I am getting married in three days! Three days!!. Can you believe it?!" And she wrapped me in a hug.  

"I do believe now." I manage to say as she choked me.  

"Sorry again. Ah anyway continue I am gonna find David. Hey did you see David?"  Selena's popped out eyes could make me crawl into a hole. Things could be worse at the wedding and I was warned.  

"I am pretty sure he is hiding somewhere."  

"Why what happened? Is he having wedding jitters?" She became worried. 

"No but he will when he sees you." I imitated her expression.  

"Ha funny." She said and ran away from the hall to look for Dav.

Everybody assembled in the backyard. I discussed with the pianist about the timing and type of the songs according to the entrances.  

"How'd you know I was hiding?"  

"What?!" I turned to see Dav behind me looking at me with curiosity. "Oh my god, you were?" I was surprised a little bit.  

"No, I wasn't." He smiled back again.  "Although I wish I could. Do you wanna elope with me?"  

"Sure."  

"Oh yeah, you just want me to don't you." He smirked at me  

"You know I have a husband."  

"And yeah a hot one."  

"Wow, I didn't know you were interested in him."  

"Possessive much?" He tilted one way and propped his hand on his waist just like me.  

"Okay, I am seriously doubting you."  

"I am just kidding. But jokes apart where is he? I haven't seen him around."  

"He is working." I quickly replied looking down in my diary again.  

"He doesn't even come for dinner."  

"He works a lot so the staff must be bringing the food to the room."  

Dav gave me a doubtful look. Somehow mentioning him made me a little annoyed.  

"You okay?" Dav asked worriedly.  

"Yeah, I am fine."  

"But you didn't call Glendora for the rehearsal right?"  

"No she is directly coming to the wedding. She had plans."  

"Okay, I am better now." He chirped. I laughed at this shaking my head. "Oh hey there is Brian. Hey Brian here!" A tall dark-haired man with rectangular specs approached us smiling. He was a good and smart-looking man. "Okay don't go on the looks he is the dumbest person on the face of the earth."  

"I pity Selena." Brian shot back.  

"Me too." I joined Brian. "I am Tessa."  

"Nice to meet you, Tessa. I am Brian." And we shook hands.

"So how do you know Dav?"  

"College roommates."  

"Oh, that's nice. Ah no wait. I 'pity' you." Brian laughed loudly on which he got a smack from David.  

"I did survive." He admitted jokingly.  

"Yeah yeah gang up on me you guys. I'll get to you later."  

"I think I should start now it's about time."

David dragged Brian away towards the little crowd which had assembled for the rehearsal. I cleared my throat and began.

"May I have everyone's attention please." All heads were diverted towards me at my little announcement. "Okay so first of I would like to thank all of you to make it possible to come and attend this small rehearsal. I assure you it will be over very soon. I'll be handing out these cards which are marked with the numbers. Well after I got to explain. The bridesmaids and their partners will wear these to avoid confusion. It's only for the rehearsal. We have four couples including me in total. As the song is played couple will enter accordingly in descending order. After a couple of numbers, one enters the music pauses and then The bridal song starts at which Edward will enter with Selena. Yeah, David will be already standing there beside the priest. Any questions?"  

"No ma'am." Dav and Brian chorused.  

"Where is Dylan? And Glendora too?" Clara asked.  

"Mom Glendora is busy. She'll be there at the wedding." Selena answered.  

"But where is Dylan? I haven't seen him over a couple of days."  

Again everyone turned towards me and I felt cornered. I had no clue where he was and I didn't want to bother about it.  

"Why don't you call him dear?" Clara suggested.  

"Yes, you should." Edward supported the idea.  

Everyone was eager to know about him. And I think bridesmaid number three was more than just curious. I had to call him. I removed my phone and I noticed my hands trembling. I felt a rush inside me and gulped I was nervous to call him. How would I begin?  He was on speed dial and so I called him.  

First ring

Second ring

Third ring

Fourth ring

With each ring, my heart pounded faster and I held my breath.  "Hi"  I almost leaped when I heard his clear voice from the other end. Oh my, it was him. Hearing his voice after such a long time. The last time I heard it, all I could hear was his-

"You have reached me."  Voice mail. I ended the call immediately and mentally smacked my head.  

"He is busy. It's okay we can go on without him"  

"Oh. Then I guess we can." Clara said.  

"Ummm since Dylan and Glendora are not there. They'll go before us. Brian and I will pair up. It makes more sense."  Everybody agreed on it and I was glad that things were back on track.  

The rehearsal went well and by evening everybody. David and Brian went together. We decided to directly meet at the wedding.  

"Keep him safe and tone down on the bachelor party."  

"Don't you worry about it? He won't wander off."  

"Okay, thanks."  

"No problem. I'll see you at the wedding."  

"Yes and oh yeah keep the rings safe too. We don't want a scene on that day." I nervously laughed it off.  

"You really worry a lot. Trust me I don't want to ruin it all. Especially me. You have done so much already." He stroked a hand against my cheek which lingered for a while.  

"Uh yeah." I looked down avoiding his stare. As if he realized he pulled away and patted my shoulder.  

"See you later Tessa."  

"Yup."  

After everybody left Selena complained about missing David already and she wished the three days would pass away soon. We all which included Edward, Clara, Selena, and me sat on the couch surrounding the center table discussing the wedding. Again I was bulldozed with questions about Dylan.  

"It's just that all of sudden the work has increased too much. He was sorry about it and he promised that he will be done before the wedding. He can't miss it he said so himself." I lied again to convince everybody that everything was fine. I don't know if they bought it or what but at least it would stop their questions.  

I had no idea why I was defending him saving him all the time. Why was I making excuses for him? I somehow felt responsible for him.  

Aren't you just the perfect wife?  

Ugh. I caught my head massaging it.  

"Tessa you don't look well." Edward said. I felt his hand on my arm tugging me to get up.  

"No, I am fine." I got up facing Edward.  

"C'mon I'll walk you to your room." Reaching the room Duncan opened the door for me and I entered the room.  "Lie down Tessa." Edward ordered and I followed.  

I lay down and he sat beside me. he pulls the cover over me to keep me warm.  

"Are you tucking me, Edward?" He paused. As he looked away for a fraction of a second and then looked at me.  

"Yes, I am."  We both looked at each other for a while.  

"You never do this." I spoke straight.  

"It's the first time with you. Is it bad?" I remain silent for a while before I spoke again.  

"No it's that it's been a long time since somebody did that." He looked away still keeping his hand over mine.  

"I am sorry."  And he got up walking towards the bedroom door.  

"Good night Edward." I called from behind.  He turned back with a small but genuine smile.

"Good night dear." And he closed the door behind him.  

The moment I was alone in the room Dylan plagued me again. That man was capable of ruining me. But I won't let that happen. I had to focus. That night meant nothing. That one passionate night meant nothing.  

Something had started to dawn on me. The one which I feared the most. I couldn't let it win.