Set me free - Episode 7

 

William:

 I sit on the front seat of the huge church as I fidget with my hands. The opening of the huge cathedral's door make me jump in my seat. I crane my neck to see who is coming in. It is a white man in priestly robe. Coming to send me out? I get off the seat and walk towards him. Why is he smiling at me like that? Oh lord, does he know that I'm a big fat liar?
"she's here." he calls on to me. Oh, he must know Dawn then . He reach where i am and pat my shoulder lightly. That secret smile still on his face. I'm about to ask something when the doors open again and Dawn walks in.
"Da-" my voice catch in my throat as I gulp down saliva. She's looking otherworldly in a white dress, reaching a few inches above her knees and she's wearing a big smile.
"you look beautiful." i gush and she blush a little.
"Take my hand, William." she says with her hand stretch out to me. I take the hand without hesitation. She's a bit shaky but I'm a bit assured with the smile she's giving me.
"We don't have much time kids. Come on." the priest calls and I notice his position in front of the altar with a book in hand. My smile falter when my brain begins to register what this looks like but the words are too absurd for me to get out, lest Dawn flat out laugh at my absurdity

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/set-me-free

. Before i can get my thought in line, Dawn pull me by the hand towards the altar. I feel like I'm outside my body. My limbs are just moving on their own accord. I'm just open-mouthed, staring at our entwined hands.
"I always feel elated when i see people in love and this gladens my heart that two young adults who found love early is willing to pledge forever before the almighty God." the priest says in a chuckle. My brain is slow to register these words but when they do, they are enough to snap me out of my daze. My eyes snap to the priest then Dawn.
"ple--d-ge?!"
"Hey baby, calm down. I'll explain after the ceremony." Dawn whispers while the priest drone on and on.
"ceremony? Are we making a blood oath or something?" there I said it. A blood oath is something I can't and won't condone.
"what?! Blood oath? Don't be ridiculous." she whisper harshly. My shoulders sag down in relief but not for more than a second.
"What is going on then?" I ask
"Anything the matter there?" the priest inquire. I had forgotten all about him. 
"nothing's wrong. Go on with the wedding, priest." Dawn grind out.
"wedding?!"
"William---"
"Are you out of your mind?!" I snap my hand out of hers as I take various steps away from the altar.
"Dawn--"
"Can you wait for us outside please? We'll be ready to continue in few minutes time." Dawn give an apologetic look to the priest who nods.
"There's not going to be any wedding!" i call after the priest's back.
"what has gotten into you!" i hiss at Dawn once the priest is out of sight.
"You said you love me. You said we will love each other for eternity." 
"i know but---"
"but what William? What's wrong with starting our eternity now?"
"we are just kids!"
"we are adults, Williams! Adults who love each other. Doesn't that count anymore?" she manages to take my hand and press it to her wet face. My head is pounding as fast as my heart, I'm feeling nauseous with the turn of event.
"Dawn, you can't be serious. How bout our dreams to go to the higher institution. You want to be a TV star remember?" i try to reason with her.
"no, you don't understand. We can achieve that together as a married couple."
"I-I-I can't, Dawn." I pull my hands away slowly. It feels like ripping off a bandage. Hard.
"Don't do this, William. I love you." she sob out.
"you don't know me. Thats what i came here to tell you, Dawn. Everything is a mirage."
"What's there to know?! My father is going to force me into marrying your elder brother"
"I'm not who i say I am." Dawn and I say at the same time.
"what do you mean?" Dawn asks but i shake my head.
"what do you mean my elder brother?" I ask instead of answering.
"your elder bro. In the states. He's coming back soon and there'll be a wedding as soon as he gets back. My dad and yours wants a merger and they are willing to tie me to your brother for life. You don't want that, do you?"
"Jesus Christ." i breathe out the words as the wind is forced out of me by those words. I stagger backwards and nearly land on my ass.
"William? Talk to me, baby." Dawn make a grab for me but i flinch away from her touch. Images of my father's wife tearing up my scholarship form and laughing in my face about not ever getting what her son has invade my mind. Memories of going over to the mansion when mother told me i was a William and getting stopped at the gate by that evil woman while my father paid attention to her son. He has everything. Why my Dawn? This can't be the cruel hand of fate writing this horrid story.

Read " Star-crossed " by the same author ( Ameh juliet )

. It is just too much.
"baby--"
"he is going to have you too?" i whisper all to myself.
"no. You are the one i love." Dawn defend. My dull eyes peruse her face for sincerity.
"Are you sure?" i ask
"ofcourse i am. You are the only one for me." she pledge.
"if i wasn't a William, would i still be the only one for you?" i ask again.
"uh ofcourse." that hesitation makes me wince.
"you are willing to marry me not for what family I'm from but for your love for me. Right?"
"I don't care about all the money in the world baby. I want you."
"alright then. A wedding we shall have." i declare. The smile Dawn gives me makes my selfish heart hurt more but i can't let them have her as well. He has our father, wealth, affluence and all that. I deserve this much right?
 The priest comes in seconds later and i nod my accent.
"i am sorry, Dawn." I whisper as i sign the papers.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." the priest enthuse after we say our vows.
 I pull her lush body to mine as i kiss her with all the passion in my body. 

  I've never tried to fight for my father's wealth but I'll fight till the last breath for it from now on, because of you Dawn.