When I first met him

One year earlier…

I, and my friend Lavinia were sitting near a bar counter in the pub. I wore a shiny grey dress that obviously belonged to Lavinia, and Lavinia dressed up in all the colors much like her personality. Lavinia is so full of life that makes me happy and sad sometimes. I am always happy to see Lavinia is barely upset about anything unless it is about her broken nail or some wardrobe trouble that rarely seems like an emergency to me but for Lavinia, it was her whole world. I mean she is the queen of her own little land, and I don't mean it rudely, but I kind of feel jealous sometimes, but she makes me feel good. She is my best friend.

I looked around and saw people dancing, drinking, and having fun. A waiter brought us our drinks and, Lavinia being Lavinia got excited watching her carefully placed order. I smiled looking at her clicking photos to post on Instagram. I got distracted by the buzzing of my cell phone. I looked at the caller ID, and I was annoyed to realize it was my dad. I came here to avoid him and he still won't let go. Lavinia snatched my phone and switched it off.

I opened my mouth to say something but could not. I chuckled when I saw Lavinia switching off my phone as she was irritated clearly. I said, "Lavinia, I don't think it is necessary"

Lavinia gave me a sly smile and said "I know it's not but your dad needs to think how wrong he is this time"

"This time?" I asked.

"I mean… yeah babe… he is wrong all the time but man… your father continues to surprise me and this time he aced my mind. He is really a piece of work" Lavinia talked about my father and I could not agree more. My father is a very difficult man and worst of all, he is very controlling.

"I think you are talking about my dad so pay some respect girl and are you saying, you want my dad to reflect on his actions," I said to annoy Lavinia.

"Oh hell… Yeah…" Lavinia shrugged away what I just said. I smiled at her and she gave me my phone back.

"And you think by switching my phone off, you are letting him have the time to do that," I asked while looking at the cell phone.

"Yeah of course… my mother does it with me all the time," Lavinia said proudly.

"Your mother takes your phone away and switches it off. It is not the same thing" I said.

"It is something" Lavinia rolled her eyes.

"Oh really. So, tell me this, how much reflection you have done with that tactic?" I asked curiously.

"Babe… I am reflecting right now on being friends with you so stop with your questions. They are annoying me more than your father" Lavinia complained.

"Well, I can agree with that," I said.

"I have to ask… is he your real father?" Lavinia said.

I was startled at first but when I saw how seriously Lavinia was speaking, I replied by saying, "Okay… I will let this pass because I know you are genuinely wondering"

"Of course, I am wondering… what kind of father tells her nineteen-year-old daughter to get married in this age and time," Lavinia said in horror.

"I am speechless there," I said sadly.

"I mean he already controls you a lot but marriage, that is the crappy subject for a virgin like you," Lavinia said and I felt embarrassed and insulted at the same time. She was being very loud because of the music. The only solace I had was we knew no one there.

"What does this conversation have to do with me being a virgin?" I spoke.

"Oh hello… it is all about experience babe," Lavinia remarked.

"Yeah… so that is my problem. I should not get married because I am inexperienced in certain aspects. I wonder how my father would react hearing that" I said in wonder.

"He will burst," Lavinia said and we both share a peal of quick laughter.

"I don't know. I am thinking of running away seriously. I can't have the same discussion with him again and again. He is just so freakishly controlling and I will burst if he again tried to match me up with Theo" I said. Sometimes I feel, Lavinia has a crush on Theo but she never told me anything I tried asking but she always made it a rubbish matter and did not pay any attention. So, I think I might be overthinking, maybe.

"I think Theo is quite handsome," Lavinia said looking at her nails.

"Fine, so you marry him," I said as a joke.

"I will date him and you can marry him," Lavinia said looking at me after her ridiculous joke.

"God… you are so annoying" I complained.

"Okay… okay… no more daddy talks and no more Theo talks. We came here for fun and we will be doing just that without the 'D' work and no 'T' word" Lavinia said.

"I like the sound of that," I said.

"What do you think really?" Lavinia asked pointing to the surroundings. It was her idea to sneak out of the house and go drinking and dancing to relax and have fun. I was nervous at first but I am glad, I have a persistent friend.

"I think your plan is fun," I said and Lavinia cheered happily.

"I think my plan is like a blast and we are going to have a lot of fun tonight," Lavinia said.

"Yeah… but not too much fun," I said seriously.

"Oh common… nothing is really labeled as too much fun and don't you suppose to piss your folk at the moment," Lavinia said.

"Kind of," I said.

"So, what's up with rules and all" Lavinia remarked.

"Yeah, you are right. I am on board. So, tell me, what are we doing?" I said tapping on the table.

"We going to get you to hook up," Lavinia said looking around.

"What?" I said shockingly.

"Just searching for the right person," Lavinia said searching for someone in the crowd on the dance floor.

"Lavinia, tell me you are joking… you must be joking right" I panicked.

"I think you must be with someone masculine, like a man… real man," Lavinia said.

"I am available" We both heard someone saying. We both were startled truly or maybe it was the embarrassment that made me nervous. I am not very much sure.

And then I turned and saw him for the first time in person. He stood close to me, looking me in the eyes. I felt embarrassed because he heard my friend's stupid plan. He looked at me as if he was waiting for me to reply. I looked at Lavinia that seemed in awe of this man's beauty. I was more pissed than ever. I was better off at home with my dad and his stupid desire of getting me married. At least, no one was trying to mortify me there.

"Your place or mine" he again said and I was offended this time.

"I beg your pardon," I said.

"You are pardoned, my love" that man took my hand and kissed my fingers.

I pulled my hand away and stumbled back in shock.

"What the hell? How could you? Do you know who I am?" I said standing from my position and moving backward.

"I don't need to. It is just about having fun" he said.

"Oh my god… you creep. You were eavesdropping" I screamed without knowing and suddenly everyone was listening!!!! Everyone was staring at me!!!!!!

"No… I don't need to do anything like that. You were being too loud" he said calmly.

"No, I wasn't," I said to everyone.

"Maybe not… but your friend was," he said pointing at Lavinia. I looked at Lavinia ready to engulf her. She lowered her head not because she was hiding from me but because I know she was smiling or maybe trying to control her laughter. Damn, this girl!

"Everyone is loud here. It's a damn pub" I answered confidently making my point.

"I agree," he said. I looked at him to find him staring at me curiously. His eyes were making me uncomfortable and I never felt this nervous with anyone's presence before.

"Lavinia… let's get out of here. Stand up girl" I said pulling Lavinia from her seat.

"Babe, what are you doing? We just got here" Lavinia argued.

"Yeah, the night has just started," he said.

"We are leaving now," I said.

"Why?" he asked calmly.

"I don't speak to creeps" I retorted.

"Fine, we won't talk," he said. I knew what he was trying to imply and he knew it too but I don't think he hardly care.

"We won't anything. There is no we" I said.

"I beg to differ," he said.

"You beg?" I snarled at him.

"If you want me to," he said with his sly, sexy smile. I can't believe I found him sexy. I hate myself for that.

"Emma, don't let him go" Lavinia whispered.

"Shut up," Emma said.

"Don't worry girl, I am not going anywhere, ever?" he said coming closer to me but I ran away in embarrassment and Lavinia followed me. I inhaled the fresh cool air outside the pub.

"He is better looking than his pictures," Lavinia said looking behind.

"What? You know him" I asked.

"Oh, hell, yeah babe and so do you. I mean everyone knows him. He is Ricker Davidson, from the Davidson Empire" Lavinia said.

"Now I know how he gets this arrogant and rude," I said.

At present…

I was pacing back and forth in the hospital lobby in my long white wedding dress. I nervously rubbed my hands together to make myself feel better.

"Babe…" I heard Lavinia from behind.

"Lavinia?" I whispered.

"I am so sorry," Lavinia said while rushing toward me and she hugged me tightly.

"How is uncle?" Lavinia asked.

"I don't know. Doctors are attending to him right now. No one is saying anything. I am so scared" I said.

"What happened?" Lavinia asked.

"He just fell" I answered.

"Fell? When, where? What are you wearing babe? Is it a wedding dress?" Lavinia asked looking at me.

"Ya… I…" I lost the words.

"You were getting married? Are you married?" Lavinia asked in panic and surprise.

"No… no…" I stammered.

"Who were you getting married to?" Lavinia asked.

"Theo" I answered and lowered my gaze.

"Theo? Why Theo? Where is Ricker Emma?" Lavinia asked.