Terrible Things

Terrible Things

The room was too much and she knew that this was all Rosie's doing. She looked in the vanity mirror at her sickly pale reflection. After her conversation with Brian, she had no sleep the following night, tossing and turning from dreams she had long forgotten and soon became reacquainted with. Her mind was whizzing around a mile a minute and her head hurt from thinking too much. Her soon to be husband was everything she wanted in a man. Sweet, kind, talented and financially secure. He wanted to make her happy and nothing else.
She took in her appearence and noted that this was the only time in her life that she's ever felt more beautiful.

Sighing to herself, she heard the sound of her best friend bossing around the other girls there to make her day more special.
“And sort your dress, you look like a tramp.” Rosie screamed out the door.
“Stupid bitch.” She stopped at the sight of Colette, breath taken away at how beautiful she looked.
“You know, you stand out so well against the black wallpaper.” Laughing to hide her tears, Rosie walked towards her pale friend, sick and tired from her afflictions and took her into a bone crushing hug.

“You know, I'm glad you chose Ivory. This is officially my favourite colour on you.” Cole took to her feet and admired her friend in the ivory dress and was happy that she chose a different colour for each girl.
“Yeah well, I would have looked like a used tampon if I went with the red one.” Rosie laughed, her friend turning her face up in disgust at the thought.
“I honestly hope your speech is going to be better than that?” Cole warned with a smirk on her face. Rosie simply tapped her left breast and winked as she skipped out the room, an anxious Matthew standing waiting at the door. He sneaked a peek and held up two thumbs, blowing the fragile women a kiss, he escorted his wife down the hallway, leaving the bride alone with her thoughts.

“You know.” He started, bringing her from the dark thoughts she was suffering from.
“If I had proposed sooner, I would have fainted at the bottom of the aisle if you came marching down in that.” Brian exclaimed from the door, his black suit reminded her only of mourning and sorrow but the black tie hanging loosely from the collar told her that he stilled hadn't learned to tie.

“You know it's rude to sneak up on someone Brian?” She walked towards him, being careful to to tread on her dress. He simply watched her glide towards him, his face a picture of content and worry.
“You didn't take your medicine did you?” He asked, as she made the several knots in the tie and pulling up towards the collar. He noticed in on her skin and the darkness under her eyes that she was tired, exhausted even. Her sickly skin was nothing when it came to Colette. She was always the vision, even if this was the last time he was going to see her properly. She kept her eyes on the small thread hanging from the collar and shook her head.

Brian sighed and moved away from the women. His head hanging low and tears threatening to fall from his already swollen eyes.

“Remember the first time we met and you dropped your cigarette on me?” She started, recalling the memory as though it was only yesterday. His smile widened, but he didn't let her see it, he shrugged.

“I said to you that ”In all the times I've been out with Jimmy, Johnny and Zacky. Who all smoked, not one of them were stupid enough to drop a cigarette in my lap”. Remember?” He just nodded his head and remembered that he had done it on purpose, just so he could apologise and swipe her thigh a few times to stop the ash from burning her skin.

“You looked so scared but so confident when you said “I knew that I'd leave a mark on you”. I remember when we drank 40's in the park and smoked cigarettes like they were going out of fashion. Teaching me Metallica on guitar and realising that my hand eye co-ordination was awful, so you taught me “Happy Birthday” instead? She laughed at the memory of Brian storming off the porch and kicking the dogs squeaky toy from it's position on the path, to the neighbours back yard in sheer frustration.

“You'll recall that, these are all the memories I keep of you now. I don't think about what happened a year ago. We were always going to fall apart and we helped each other do it.” She came up behind Brian and turned him around slowly by his shoulders.

“You are the man that I was suppose to marry. But I'm not. I love Oliver.” She spoke so soft that he had to lean his head in to listen better. His heart breaking, realising that their conversation meant nothing to her. The argument they had the following night, leading to her marriage to the pretty boy lawyer.

“You done terrible things Brian. But you've done so many good things, that it completely out weighs what happened.” She looked into his sad brown eyes and listened for a reply. But nothing came. His face was sombre and straight, like a man that had lost everything in his life but his courage.

“I stand by what I say Colette. You're settling. You will be laying on your death bed and he'll stroll in with his briefcase and company issued cufflinks and he'll stare down and you and feel nothing but pity. He'll think ”That's not by wife, that's not even the shadow of what she use to be.”. Turning around Brian went for the door, leaving the love of his life broken and torn at the statement he just made.

“Just remember, no matter who your husband is, I'll still be there when you take your last breath.” He said before turning and walking out, completely leaving her to her thoughts and anguish. Her pale eyes becoming tearful from the thoughts.

Summer was too hot in California for Rosie, travelling back to Scotland left Colette alone in the small dank apartment they had shared for two years together. Wearing all but a towel, she viewed the small bruises on her neck and breast from the romping the night before. Her heart tugging at the awesome feeling in her heart, seeing the brand he had left on her.
Closing her eyes at the feeling of a breath on the back of her neck and the stroke of his hand on her stomach as he stepped closer.

“Well, don't you just look beautiful.” He whispered into her ear. Simply turning, she took in the sight of Brian. His brown eyes and high cheek bones. His long glorious hair was untamed and wild, quite like the man he had became. He had no shirt on and his tattoo's stood prominent against his Californian skin; warm and glowing.
She didn't say a word to him, but looked into his eyes and closed the gap between them, taking Brian by surprise. He tangled his fingers delicately in her long wet hair and pulled her closer. Slow and passionate, sucking on his bottom lip, she wrapper her arms around his neck slowly as he brought his arms down to rest on the bottom of her back, rubbing her mounds of backside occasionally. They both opened their mouths for air and breathed into each others mouths, their eyes clouded with love and lust.

Pulling him back in a little bit more roughly, she took the ends of his hair in a hard tug. His mind doing cartwheels as she tugged and licked at his bottom lip and tried to move further up his body.
Taking her by the thighs, she lifted her slowly up, causing her to slow her kisses and slowly wrap her legs around his narrow waist, his hands planted against her backside.
Stroking his hair, she opened her eyes to see him looking at her, eyes sincere and longingly loving her without words being spoken.

Pulling her lips away and blushing, she tilted her to the side and smiled at the man holding her close. He copied her action and began to turned in circles, holding her closer as she squealed with happiness, before he dropped them both on the couch with an “Oumf”. He sat back against the sofa and let her take control of the situation, whether they go further or not, he simply enjoyed the way she handled him.
Her kisses were slow, with both hands on each cheek, she moved her head from side to side, deepening the kiss before pulling back more.

“You are a tease women.” Brian said, his lips glazed over by her kisses and his hands still planted on her towel covered backside.
“I'm not teasing you, I'm being romantic.” She said smugly and continued her kissing.

He decided that he had, had enough of this and brought her down on the couch, kneeling over he, he looked into her eyes as she smiled cutely at him.

“What are you thinking?” He said before he could stop himself. The look on her face told him she was taken back by such a question when they were so close to having sex.

“I'm thinking that, I'm just wearing a towel and we're getting hot and heavy. You should do something about it.” She smiled so big, he couldn't help but chuckle.

“I know that. But, are we together? Not together? Fuck buddies? Friends with benefits?” He weighed all those options in his head and knew instantly what he answer was going to be.

“We are...whatever we make ourselves. I like being around you. I like your company. That's all that matters.” She smiled again before closing the gap between them again and moving her lips with his.

♠♠♠

She remembered all too well the night they shared together. The way he was always gentle but still had his dominate stance when it came to giving her what she wanted.
Looking at the large clock, she realised that she was going to be late for her own wedding if she didn't get a move on. Wiping the last remaining tear, she made sure that today was her day and it wasn't always about Brian Haner.

♠♠♠

Oscar Styles was a patient man. A man with good friends, a respected family but mind so troubled, even his friends found him intimidating. Oscar met Colette two days after she had been diagnosed with cancer, sitting at a bar feeling sorry for herself. He drifted his body over to her that night and threw himself right into her life.

He listened intently about her best friend Rosie and how she was married and how she couldn't find a guy that was just willing to settled down, have kids and just love her for eternity. That was all she was looking for.

And he was the one that wanted to give her just that. He liked her the way she slept, the way she smelt, the way she laughed. He was just looking to settle down. Someone he could trust with his money and look good for friends and family. He found that she was more wealthy than he was, combined with the money that was coming in from her job, her parents and grand-parents left her enough to live six lives and she'd still be living the high life. He wanted a piece of it. He loved that about her, money didn't faze her. He loved that he could wiggle his way in and get his rightful share.

He loved everything about her, except Brian.

It was only on occasion that he would be brought up, at parties and dinners usually. The first time Oscar met Brian was Rosie and Matt's first “Married Couple BBQ”, which he found strange but he went along for Colette's sake.

He hated his black spiky hair and the stupid nose ring he wore. The way he held a cup and cigarette at the same time. He hated that he offered his last one to Colette and she thanked him gratefully for giving it to her with a hug and small peck on the cheek before sprinting off with Rosie to light up.

He was a bad-ass pretty boy, who was in a band and had epic pecks. Oscar was a pretty boy with a law degree and parents who done anything for him.
“Yacht at the County Club son? Sure thing”

Brian Haner was a threat to Oscar Styles and he knew that the man had to be eliminated from the equation completely. If he was going to make Colette his wife and his alone, Brian had to go.

So, he stood at the end of the aisle, wearing his grey suit and his best men behind him. But the guy he was fixated on was the one 5 row from the front on his side. Nodding to the man, he made sure that his silent agreement was still on and was happy with a similar response.
Clearing his throat, he smiled and waved to the various family members and took in the sight of the “Avenged Boys” all sitting together, anticipating their women walking down the aisle.
Glaring slightly at Brian as they caught each other's eye, he silently wished him dead and realised that he was in the House of God and made sure to keep his thoughts pure.

On hearing the large heavy doors open at the back, he knew it was show time. Turning his back to the door, he couldn't wait to Colette walk towards him. To him, this was just simply a game and he wanted to see Brian's face when she said I do.
He watched the girls walk down the stone path, each of them in different coloured dresses, Rosie wasn't there and he knew she was comforting Cole at the back.

He couldn't help but worry.

♠♠♠

“You are going to be fine sweetheart. Just walk down their, head high and show everyone that you don't give a flying fuck.” Rosie whispered into her best friends ear.
“Rosie...we're in a church.” Colette groaned as she sorted herself.
“Oh please, he'll forgive me.” She winked.
“Now come on, let's not keep them waiting. I wanna show off my dress.” She laughed as he friends rolled her eyes at her immaturity.

They set off, taking slow strides together, arms linked and smiles on their face when the congregation took to their feet. He Oscar didn't look round, which kind of upset Colette, but she shrugged it off. They passed the first few set of church pews filled with distant relatives, but when she got to the third row from the front, she took in the sight of Brian. His hands clasped in front of him and a sad expression on his face but he smiled once he noticed she was looking. She smiled kindly and tilted her head to the side when she drew closes and watched him mouth “beautiful” to her. She simply smiled and batted her eyelashes to him as a silent thank you. Watching Matt smile adoringly as his wife clutched closer to her friend, silent support as they neared the alter.

Finally he turned and looked at her, he didn't think she would have made this much of an effort, considering her condition.
“You look smokin' babe.” He winked at her and turned towards the priest, leaving her completely shocked.

No gorgeous, no adoring smile, no beautiful. A wink and smokin' babe.
She was so shocked, she failed to turn and face the priest, hearing him clear his throat, she shook her head and turned to face the greying man.

“We're gathered here today, to witness the holy bonding of Colette and Oscar and to bask in their vow of everlasting love to each other. Who gives this women away?”

“Rosie Sanders.” Rosie kissed her friend lightly on the cheek, seeing the hurt and hesitation that was evident, made Rosie want to take back that statement and run them both out the door. Colette nodded in silent comfort and let Rosie take her stand next to her.

“As Colette and Oscar take their vows today, we are privileged to witness the joyous love of a new family -- a family that will be nourished and nurtured through the devotion of two separate individuals growing together through the common bonds of love.
May their marriage bring them the peace, joy, comfort and contentment that is known in the hearts of all God's children. And may Colette and Oscar both look forward to each new season of their marriage --- just as the world looks forward to each new season of the year. “

Listening to the priest utter such words made Colette's hands sweat with anxiety. She was dying, she wasn't going to enjoy a new season together. It would be filled with hospital visits and promises that she was going to make it through okay, even though she understood bullshit, she didn't take to it very well.

“The vows you are about to exchange, will serve as a verbal representation of the non-verbal emotions that are as real as any thing that can be seen, heard or touched.
For it is not the words that you will speak today that will bond you together as one --- but the strength of the love and commitment found deep within your souls.”

“If anyone here has any reasons as to why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.” The room was silent, she could swear she could hear a pin drop. She watched Oscar turn and look about and Colette watched the priest go to speak again before she heard it. The almighty cry...from her best friend.

“Gimme five more minutes with her.” She heard the entire church gasp, along with a few chuckles from the boys. Turning her head to see if she was kidding on, the look of sincere was plastered all over Rosie's face.
“I have to tell Colette something. Five minutes Oscar.” She pulled Cole from the stand and out through the back double doors, hearing Oscar sigh slightly, she knew he wasn't impressed.

Stopping outside next to a quaint little garden. Full of roses and orchids.
“I don't want you to marry Oscar.” She blurted out, watching her friend take in the unusual layout of the back garden. The greenery stretched out and a large wall separated them from normality. Tree over hanging the small garden blocked out the sun slightly, only letting small streams in, but let them in at the right places. The smell was so intoxicating, she wished she could bottle it.
Sighing, she turned to her friend, looking for an explanation with a silent stare.

“Okay, so Brian was over the other night with Matt and he rushed over to the condo after hearing that you were coming off your medication. The man is in love with you Cole. She's infatuated, but it's love not lust any more sweetheart. He needs you, just as much as you need him.” Rosie said quietly to her, making sure that Oscar wasn't in sight. She watched her friends shoulder slump and realised she already knew this information.
“You love him too don't you?” Asking her was stupid, she already knew.

“I can't just leave Oscar. He has done, so much, for me in the past year and I can't leave him at the alter for Brian. I love Brian so much, he's honestly the greatest thing in my life since you. But I'm dying, I have to do the right thing for myself Rosie.” She frowned at her own answer and knew herself that she was in denial. It oozed self pity and loathing. She was settling with Oscar. She overlooked all of his bad points. The hickey's in the wrong places, the money, the late night visitors.

“I think you're making a mistake...” She heard from behind her and knew not to turn. Looking at Rosie, she nodded her back into the church.
“You shouldn't be out here Brian. Oscar is annoyed enough without having you come out here as well.” She sighed and turned to face him. The tie was yet again unfastened and the top three buttons for loose.

“I had to make sure you were okay. You looked a bit...upset at the alter.” He put his hands in his pocket and took a timid step forward. But before he could get any closer, he heard a safety click. The barrel of a gun pointing straight at him.

“I knew you'd be out here.” Oscar said from the other side.
The stand off was intense and the look of sheer fear on Colette's face made Brian's gut retch.
“What.The.Fuck are you doing Oscar? Put down the gun.” Her plea's went through one ear and out the other.

“You see, I've known for ages that you've been in love with her. And to be honest, it's cute and everything but it's not going to happen.” He pulled back the hammer and kept his aim at Brian.
“But then again.” He spun round and aimed the gun at Cole.
“You're the one that's standing out here with him and not in there with me. Maybe I should just end your miserable life right now. Save you the time.”

Brian was right in front of Cole, his arms wrapping around her middle, holding her head to his chest.
“Isn't that just sweet.” Oscar cooed with mocking affection. The gun with dangling from his hand and Cole looked in horror at how dangerous things were getting.

“Look Oscar, he was only out here to see if I was okay. There was no intention. I want to marry you okay? I love you remember?” She moved from Brian's grip and stepped towards Oscar, his smug smile directed straight at Brian.
“Tell him you don't love him.” He pointed his finger at Brian, who looked back and forth between them.
Turning slowly, she looked him in the eye, a twinkle of love was there but the words were lies.
“I don't love you Brian, I love Oscar. Leave me alone and let me get married. Please” She dropped her head, a tear falling carelessly from her eye. Her heart, her body, her mind was aching with regret and hurt.

“That's a good girl, now come here.” He motioned to him, waving the gun still. Drawing her eyes off Brian, she composed her face and took in the sight of Zacky and Matt sneaking up behind Oscar. Her smile brightened, as did Oscar's, thinking the smile was for him.
“Come on baby, let's get this done.” He was about to pull her into his arms, when Matt took a hold of one and Zacky the other. The struggle was brutal.

Colette went sprinting towards Brian, a look of fear and relief on her face but before she could make it, the most gut retching sound echoed through out the small garden. Bouncing off the walls and vibrating in their ears. Brian watched as Colette slowed her pace and fell forward into his arms.

Looking at her confused, he felt the warm dampness on his shirt. All three struggling men stopped in shock.

With Cole in his arms, he shifted her slightly and looked at the crimson pool of blood soaking through his white shirt. Looking at her face, with his eyes wide, he took in the pained and shocked Cole. Her face grey and eyes dull.
“No, Oh my god, no.” He fell to the ground, with Cole laying across his lap, her head hanging loosely in his arms.

“It was an accident. Oh my God it was an accident.” He could hear Oscar chanting as Matt let him fall to the ground on his knee's.
He felt the tears come to his eyes as he watched Colette lull her head back and try to stay conscience. Her white dress now and awful shade of bright red and her skin an off grey.
“Well, this wasn't how I wanted to my wedding to go.” She laughed but stopped when she saw Brian shaking from the hysterical tears racking his body.

“Hey hey, don't do that. You're going to get me going.” She lifted her arm the best she could and swiped the tears away from his eyes.
“Please don't leave me Colette, I need you here.” He said whispering down at her. The tears occasionally falling on to her dulling face.

“I was going to leave you at some point Bri. I'm just leaving sooner that expected by the feels of it.” Coughing, she felt her insides slowly die. A feeling she was suppose to get use to. This was it.

Everyone had came out of the church, Rosie's head buried in Matt's shoulder as they neared the dying women. The sound of sirens in the background.
“I knew you'd be here when I died. I just didn't think I would be this uncomfortable.” Laughing again, Brian joined in. Accepting that he was the one holding her...was enough to make his heart swell.

Sweeping the hair out of face, her eyes began to droop and the small droplets of blood began falling from her mouth and nose.
“I love you Colette. I love you more than anything.” Brian sobbed into her hair. His body leaning awkwardly over her body, as the weight began to get heavier on his legs, realising she was slipping.

“I love you too Brian. You were the greatest thing to happen to me. Just remember that.” She smiled for the last time, before the roll of her head indicated she was gone.
Moving his hand on her neck, soaked with blood, he pulled her body up, forehead to forehead as he wept loudly, crying out as she got colder.

Rosie dropped to her knee's in a state of shock as the scene unfolded in front of her. Holding out her hands to Colette, she moved forward and lay her forehead against the other side of Cole head. Listening to the agonising sobs of Brian, she realised she had lost the greatest thing that had ever happened to her.

Matt watched on in sorrow, not sure whether to comfort his best friend or his wife, he stood back and let them help each other. The cries and sobs from the guests were nothing compared to Rosie and Brian's.

It was a sound that he'd never be able to forget.