Liana blushed a bit at the awkward moment they were having. "So..... I guess it's nice to meet you too". Sage said. A little breeze picked up, and blew past Liana, she shivered a bit. "Your much better then I thought you would be." She heard herself saying. Her fingers grew a bit numb from the cold, and her nervousness. She looked down at the ground, taking in the cracks in the concrete and the voices of the other people in the park. "How old are you?" She asked trying to get into a conversation.

"Oh, I'm sure," Benjamin said with - was that a smirk? Henrietta raised a brow, at least he was loosening up. Must be because I'm so damn awesome.

"Second," she said with a smile as she eavesdropped on the red haired boy and his little sis- Fiancee. It appeared he was quite annoyed with her first comment about the girl being his sister - Wonderful. That's my goal in life! Though he appeared to be happy with his compliment - Cocky, she thought with her eyebrow raised. They would've gotten along so perfectly if her father had decided to give her to him. Ah well, Benjamin's more fun to mess with. Cherry-head over there would just try to mess with her.

Not that he'd win.

"Why thank you. Your not so bad yourself. You both, look, stunning." Not that bad? Please, Henrietta was too perfect for her own good - clearly.

"One thing you should know about me, is that I'm not afraid to speak my mind. You have a mouth, use it," Cherry said. He must be my twin brother, she though with an accessing not-so-subtle stare at the red haired man. Mouths, mouths. They're incredibly useful for many things. Talking, kissing, other things... Turning back to Benjamin, she decided, "We should make out really loudly with very few articles of clothing right now," she tossed the surrounding couples a glance before her sapphire eyes returned to Ben, "They'd feel awkward and most importantly - you would."

"Oh no, baby! Of course we can't make a baby right nowin a park surrounded by people. It's not like I have no shame or anything! HAHAHA," she said much too loudly.

Then, gripping her flat stomach before dramatically melting into the ground with one hand raised, she panted, "I'M PREGNANT!" Henrietta gripped Benjamin's arm tightly. "I think it's Mike's. Maybe Carl's," she said with exaggerated panic before gasping, "Don't tell me it's Damien's! It was a one time thing! We were intoxicated and-"

Jumping into a stand, she yelled loudly, "I GOT SOMEONE PREGNANT! Oh my god... I'm not pregnant - my 6th girlfriend, whom I have a homosexual relationship with is. Oh forgive me, woman-who's-name-I-do-not-remember."

Running her hands down her skirt - that was still surprisingly clean and white - and tucking her smooth, long hair behind one ear, Henrietta beamed, "Okay, now I'm good. Wait. Nope."

"Of course I didn't attend the funeral," she shouted at her imaginary friend next to her with a roll of her eyes, "But I sent a letter saying I approved of it."

Sara smiled at Mimmi's response in sign language, although Walker raised an eyebrow to her saying they had met.
"I don't think so," he said, frowning, "I abandoned the McMullin family when I was five. They didn't even know I was still alive until last year."
<Daddy only accepted this because they paid for a surgery I needed.> Sara signed out of Walker's line of sight so only Mimmi could see what she was saying. <Before Walker adopted me, my daddy was a big, mean, criminal. A bounty hunter came in to take him away, and my daddy used me as a shield to stop him from shooting. The man had already fired, however, and I was left in a wheelchair after the bullet pierced my spine. Walker took me in afterwards, and made sure we were okay by hunting down other bad guys.>

Mimmi blinked curious as to why her parents had told her that, but she shook the thought off when Mimmi started to sign again. She watched carefully because Sara was quite fast and Mimmi was a little rusty. When the girl had finished Mimmi let a slight gasp of surprise, and then she felt a warmth in her chest this small girl had gone through so much and Walker being so noble had taken her as his own.

<"Well it's a good thing that he's your new daddy then. I'm glad he took care of you and maybe if your daddy doesn't mind having me around too much you might have me as a mommy."> Mimmi signed back and smiled at the girl.

She looked at Walker, "Listen I know this is all kind of crazy... but I understand if you're apprehensive about the marriage" she hung her head down at the ground. Walker had agreed to this for Sara it was all business for him, but if it helped this sweet child Mimmi was alright with it.

"I'm not expecting some whirlwind of romance, I'm smart enough to know better" she looked up at him "But if this is going to help Sara I'll work with you on anything you need for her... it sounds like she deserves to have a little happiness in her life" she said with a gentle smile.

Around this time her parents limo pulled up behind Walker's car her father exited not even waiting for the driver. Mimmi thought it odd as her father walked up tugging on the bottom of his suit jacket.

"Ah Mr. McMullin I see you found my daughter. I was afraid she might hide somewhere when I left her here... I assume everything is coming to order" Mimmi blinked at her father the thought of what Walker had said before came floating back into her head. And now here father was speaking with him as if he knew who he was.

"Daddy I don't understand... his family didn't even know that he was alive how could we have met before?" she asked him.

Mr Ronchester pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose "Well neither one of you were old enough to remember dear, he was around four or five and you were but a baby when the arrangement with his family was made. So you did meet in a matter of speaking that is, and I was aware of his departure from the McMullin's as well. It was not long after the deal was made that he left, we were afraid that other plans were going to have to be made... but Walker happened to turn up again so everything went according to plan in the end" he glanced at Sara questioningly.

"I suppose this is the young girl you adopted... interesting" Mimmi was surprised at how dry and uncaring her father seemed to be about all this. And hearing that this had been determined just shortly after her birth made her feel almost betrayed.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow as Henrietta said all she said. His mouth formed a frown at the random remarks. "You have a crude sense of humor, you know that?" At least she's not afraid to speak her mind, which is a good thing. Better to be honest than not.

((Sorry for the short post.))

"and your voice is ever so sweet, yet your parents prefer you silent? They must be out of their mind, but what I shall tell you, is that sometimes your parents may act in a certain way, waiting for you to take the next step first. I used to do everything my father told me, but then I used my initiative and done things my own way, and they worked out".

He smirked again, "Not exactly rebellious against authority, more to stepping up to show you have authority. Can't have you saying yes all the time. You wouldn't jump into the fire if I told you, would you? So....do you have any siblings at all?" He questioned as she found it easier to break eye contact now and stare at the rose.

"I don't know... They think children should be obedient and only talk when spoken to... I-... I've actually tried speaking out before... I was grounded for 2 months...." She said as she tried to smile but just found herself feeling sad again.

Quickly shaking off the feeling again, she looked up at him and shook her head no to the fire question and sibling question.
"I'm the only one..." She stated as she started to remember how lonely she was when she was younger.
"Actually... I usually only spoke to my maid, Tsuki... She would always listen to me and taught me what my parents didn't..." She said without thinking and then her head shot up quickly.
"N-Not that my parents didn't teach me all I needed to know!" She quickly forced out as she felt she was being disrespectful of them. It was true that they didn't teach her some things, but her maid tried to fill in those gaps in her life that her parents abandoned.

"Hmm.? Who am I Waiting for? My so-called future 'husband'." Yuria Let out a Sigh, Being Disappointed about her 'Future' Husband, Little did she know that the 'Future' is standing infront of her. A Couple of Minutes Later, Yuria's Butler arrived.
"My Lady, Let me Introduce to you, Your Future Husband. Mr. Linchester." The Butler smirked, Yuria was Shocked when she knew that the Man Standing infront of her is her Future Husband."W-what?!" Surprised, she turned her back for her Rudeness earlier.

"What should I Do... He May Slap me or Punch me..." Yuria was blushing, at the same time, Doesn't have the Courage to Face Mark.

Adam Leroux

Adam was simply giving a little bit of encouragement. She already felt down by the age difference, and since she was to be his wife, then the least he could do was make her be a happy one that didn't look down at herself all the time. She needed to be stronger, and he would help her with that, while just simply being round her softened him a bit, though that was partly due to the scenery, since he is less likely to bump into those he knows in the park. Giving her his experience, he hoped that it would help her out, before it seemed she done it before, "I don't know...They think children should be obedient and only talk when spoken to...I...I've actually tried speaking out before...I was grounded for 2 months...". It seemed that despite the similarities in trying to do what their parents want, even if Adam had some selfish reasoning to keep going, it seemed that if they had swapped places, then he would have a hard time, unless it was due to the fact she was female, since parents were more protective of them.

Observing her as she spoke while looking at the rose now, he noticed he touched quite a topic, but unless he got to know about her, her parents, her family, then he would be clueless when they all meet at the ceremony. Her parents think "children should be obedient"? Yes she was 15, but they can't exactly treat her as a child as she was going into adulthood and becoming his wife of all people. It still felt a little strange thinking about it, but she did act older than she was and she had promised to be a good wife, so least they hadn't partnered him with someone that would annoy him constantly like those at work, so wasn't too bad, and since she was to be with him, she'd learn to look the age she was acting as, as he was. At first, it felt a little strange, but he got used to it, and now strolled about his business like a boss, as he was.

Akiko then told him that she was "the only one", meaning she wouldn't of had an annoying brother as he had, so he didn't have to worry about anything like that from her side, meaning it was just his brother he had to put with, and he had no allies which was good. He never had a sister, and now he found himself in the position of having a wife. Quite the step up, and though she was the only one, she was not alone now. In a sense, he too was alone since his brother was always the tease and then competing with him all the time to annoy him, so they had each other now.

"Actually...I usually only spoke to my maid, Tsuki...She would always listen to me and taught me what my parents didn't...N-Not that my parents didn't teach me all I needed to know!". Adam couldn't resist smirking then, "Well, you have me now, and I am all you need to worry about. Not that I am worth worrying about. Speak to anyone back home and they'd all tell you that I tend to do things myself, whether it's the hard way or the easy way. Sometimes we just need to stick our head out the sand, and if we make mistakes, we learn from them", before he heard the blonde girl from before yelling about a baby, "How about we take a stroll?", he asked, getting away from Little Miss Drama Queen, and before she starts yelling again. Maybe the guy with her should invest for some earmuffs when she starts yelling about things important. Afterall, it was the males that wore the trousers. As he stood, he offered his hand as he begun to walk about the park, before he asked, [b]"Am I anything like what you imagined? I admit when I came, I didn't know who to expect. I've met quite a few females in my time, not in a relationship at all but just know, and some I just can't stand, but you, well you're quite the angel aren't you? and sure we will get along fine"[/b[, giving a warm smile, before giving her the window to reply, and ask anything on her mind. Adam sometimes spoke too much, and always liked to keep moving about, something she may already tell by the fact he had wished to move away from the bench.

"Well that's okay." Scarlen says reassuringly. "Remember what I said if you can lay on your back then you can swim." He says as he begins to walk again this time heading to the changing rooms. "Besides putting on a swim suit is like putting on clothes. No difference really." Sermon goes after them handing Scarlen and then Scarlen hands Eris a clean towel and a blue two piece swim suit. "This direction is to the women's locker room just change out and put in a locker with a key inside. No one will touch it." He smiles at Eris.

"Well, you have me now, and I am all you need to worry about. Not that I am worth worrying about. Speak to anyone back home and they'd all tell you that I tend to do things myself, whether it's the hard way or the easy way. Sometimes we just need to stick our head out the sand, and if we make mistakes, we learn from the. How about we take a stroll?" She nodded and took his hand as he helped her up and she walked with him away from the noisy girl.

"Am I anything like what you imagined? I admit when I came, I didn't know who to expect. I've met quite a few females in my time, not in a relationship at all but just know, and some I just can't stand, but you, well you're quite the angel aren't you? and sure we will get along fine." He asked as she smiled slightly.

"You're better than I imagined. Truthfully, I thought I was gonna get stuck with someone obnoxious or some jerk... but.... I have to say, I'm quite lucky. I'm happy to be with someone like you. You're strong, you know what you want and your nicer than any man I've ever met. All my father's friends are annoying politicians who just stab each other in the back when they get the chance... You're... Amazing... You're nice... and considerate of my feelings..." She smiled as she answered.

"If I may ask... What do you like to do? Any hobbies? Brothers or sisters?" She questioned, hoping she was going out of bounds.

Scarny disregarded the comment about her being beautiful. She had been told to many times she wasn't for one person to say she was and it affect her. She looked over at her parents who nodded to him then gav a thumbs up when he looked at her. She nodded. "Sure I dont mind." Then she turned to the dog. "Come, Mr.Teabottom." She commanded and started to walk slowly waiting for him to catch up with her. She folded ehr hands and imagined she was a girl on the prairie being given away my her family to a stranger so they could have money to get a bigger house. She imagined all the things around her were on the praire.

"Yes actually I can." Sje said a little shy. It vanished quickly though. She wanyed to ask Lodan if he had any pets her mother haf no idea of her meeping Ash necause Ash was kept hidden in her room nwcIsr jer mum hated animls unfortinately for her mother she loved animals espically cafs and dogs. Holli smiledit suddenly hit her now she was mobing Ash would finally be alloadf oht her room. "Oud lucky day Ash." She fhought.She looked around hsrzslf ag the beajtidul houzr her smike only got biffsr nkt everything was bad yhen. Shw remibded hwrself.

"Yes actually I can." Sje said a little shy. It vanished quickly though. She wanyed to ask Lodan if he had any pets her mother haf no idea of her meeping Ash necause Ash was kept hidden in her room nwcIsr jer mum hated animls unfortinately for her mother she loved animals espically cafs and dogs. Holli smiledit suddenly hit her now she was mobing Ash would finally be alloadf oht her room. "Oud lucky day Ash." She fhought.She looked around hsrzslf ag the beajtidul houzr her smike only got biffsr nkt everything was bad yhen. Shw remibded hwrself.

Adam Leroux

He wasn't lying at all when he told her how he done things himself, even if he went the hard approach which he had. Some view him as a control freak which may only be partly correct since he did take pride in his work and wished to make sure it was right, so he was sort of a perfectionist and if it weren't good enough, then he'd have a go. Afterall, if they failed, the business failed, he failed, then father wouldn't be happy, he'd get the blame. Growing up as fast as he had, had led him to the way he acts which quite a few dislike. However, the way he operated was simply to reward what was given, so if a bad job then rewarded with grief, if a good job then a more kind reward would be given. Adam wasn't an easy man to please, unless of course he was coerced in having to do something, or actually did something good, both categories which Akiko fell into.

Adam didn't really care what people thought of him, as long as something was achieved at the end of the day. Infact, he never really saw himself with a girl, yet Akiko seemed patient enough, willing enough, though perhaps her tune would change when he put his managers' hat on, metaphorically speaking. The question was if her angel wings can take away his demon horns, though he's had no need to use them so far, which he would of if the girl he had was one of the rebellious type. The only downside was her age compared to him, but with a few adjustments, she'd look perfect. The blonde girl had noticed it, so others will also unless he changed that, either by changing her or installing fear and respect. Whichever way came out he supposed.

It was then after walking a little and after asking about what she was expected, that she then revealed her thoughts, "You're better than I imagined. Truthfully, I thought I was gonna get stuck with someone obnoxious or some jerk...". Well, he has been referred to as a jerk before, though again, it all depends on how they acted, and how they acted towards him, if they wanted to annoy him, then he will be just as annoying back. "I'm happy to be with someone like you. You're strong, you know what you want and your nicer than any man I've ever met". Well, if he was the nicest man she has met and she was one of the nicest gals he's met, then the world truly lacked truely nice people. Ah well, no one was perfect, were they? as she described how amazing and nice he was, seeing that he was in his friendly mood.

There is the saying that love conquers all, that love is all anyone needs. He wondered for some time what all that meant, why it was needed, and now it was beginning to fall into place, before her sweet voice was heard again, "If I may ask...What do you like to do? Any hobbies? Brothers or sisters?". Adam smiled, "I have no sisters, except for a pain in the neck brother, Brent, and as for what I like to do...", not wishing to dwell too much on talking about his brother. Brent was alot more of a charmer than him for one, and constantly competing with him, and it's due to this that Adam must keep on working on order to keep him away from his prize. Afterall, he was the eldest, but the way he's always round father and then bragging out being a success once he comes out of college, he need to show that ht was work material and that was why he was harsh sometimes, as he hated losing.

"....not alot really, I must confess. When I can, I enjoy going out when I can, and love playing games, though tends to bore me sometimes when I'm too good. Was thinking about playing sports, but then again, I have my part in my fathers' business to continue...though I'm quite open to trying out new things....", before he then asked, "What do you like doing?". Maybe father saw how much of an outcast he was being by just constantly working, and now he had an excuse to get out more. Afterall, he was going to be a husband soon...

"I have no sisters, except for a pain in the neck brother, Brent, and as for what I like to do..." He said as she nodded back. She thought he was lucky to have a sibling, but maybe she was wrong.

"....not a lot really, I must confess. When I can, I enjoy going out when I can, and love playing games, though tends to bore me sometimes when I'm too good. Was thinking about playing sports, but then again, I have my part in my fathers' business to continue...though I'm quite open to trying out new things....", he answered to her question.

"O-oh, I see." She said with a smile back.

"What do you like doing?". He questioned as she looked up at the sky, thinking.

"W-well... I like cooking and drawing." She said with a smile. They were fun. "I also like to play the piano."

Adam Leroux

He never really spoke to anyone that actually listened to him and acknowledged him before. Most the time, they show signs that they are listening, though they looked bored more than anything which annoyed him, even if he was trying to help them out, help the business out, and most importantly, help his father out. Despite it all, it seemed he wasn't getting no-where, since there was still more things to do, like this whole marriage arrangement.

Though he couldn't really complain, since the one he had was quiet, sensible, does her told, also has to follow what her parents say, rich, sweet, kind, though he wasn't sure if she'd always be that way if she was ever found out by those he works with or his brother to stir up stuff, and how strong she would be. She had quite a smile, and understood what he was saying, even if he sounded boring, doing the odd sport or game while rest of time he was working, yet perhaps he could do more.

After asking what she liked, to see if he could do any of those things, she then responded with a smile and said, "W-well...I like cooking and drawing...I also like to play the piano". All of which required patience, but then again, so did playing chess, though that required alot of brainwork and he was good at it. Cooking was the maids' job so he didn't bother with that. Drawing, well he always saw that as a child's thing, except the work you see in frames, so maybe she was aiming for that perhaps, and as for piano, maybe something he could try, though the thing was, he wanted to try and go out more.

Look at today for example, as the sun was shining, and here they were having a nice walk in the park. Something he would never do, but it was doing something, he was moving about, and he was away from those that could anger or mock him. "Piano sounds good. Is it easy? I've always enjoyed watching the mad pianist with his fingers pressing hard on the keys as if there was a monster behind you, though he looked more like a monster with his teeth clenched and then his mad scientist look with his hair!", he exclaimed, as he laughed recalling an image.

Thinking of images, he then retained his smile, and turned to Akiko, wondering what she would like if she too became a redhead, though then again, redheads were pretty rare as she had said. Striking, yet charming, and wonderful to see since it was a rarity. Well, seemed he was a.....endangered species. The thought made him smile, before asking, "Is there anything you've fancied doing, but you couldn't do it before?", he asked. Maybe he could make her dreams come true, since he was in his good mood, and was her knight in a shining suit.

Sage smirked as she spoke and leaned in closer to Her. "Your deffinitly cuter then I thought you'd be" he tilted her chin up "by the why 17". He let go of her chin and steped away, no longer leaning in closer to her. "What about you your age I mean? 16,17? Or maybe older?". He stuffed his hands in his pockets,looking at her still with a slight smirk.

"Piano sounds good. Is it easy? I've always enjoyed watching the mad pianist with his fingers pressing hard on the keys as if there was a monster behind you, though he looked more like a monster with his teeth clenched and then his mad scientist look with his hair!" He exclaimed and then they both laughed together.

"It was hard in the beginning, but once you learn it, it's a lot easier to do and a lot more fun." She said with a smile.

"Is there anything you've fancied doing, but you couldn't do it before?"

Akiko blushed but quickly shook her head no. It was childish, but a thing she really wanted was a marriage of love and a kiss from that love but there was no way of that coming out of her so she kept it hidden inside.

"You have a crude sense of humor, you know that?" Benjamin asked rhetorically.

"Oh, yeah?" she returned with a smile, "I'm afraid you'll have to get used to it, Ben. You're going to have to live with a lot more of it. A lot more of me," she whispered the last line against his ear. Then, in a breathless voice she teased, "I can get a lot more down and dirty... If that's what you're into."

Placing a soft kiss on his cheek, Henrietta pulled back and glanced briefly at a clock tower near by before looking at Benjamin, "Looks like it's Cinderella time to prepare for the formal baby-making. The pastor's probably waiting for us at the church right now," then, she jokingly asked, "Why'd you pick the church, anyway? You one of those pastor-wannabes? Because I, for one, am very much an Atheist. I've always wanted to walk down an aisle, though!"

Strolling towards her red skateboard, she flipped it over and stepped a stiletto clad foot on it. She waved Benjamin over, "I hope you bought a ring, sweetheart. I expect something lovely to match my amazing fingers," she grinned, wiggling her ring finger at him.

Pulling her hair back into a pony tail, she wrapped a strand of pearls from her dress around her apricot hair to hold it up. Henrietta's soft strawberry waves were much more beautiful when it was left down to fall over her soft shoulders but she wasn't sure what Benjamin preferred - certainly not me. Why did she care what he wanted anyway?

Tugging on his crisp shirt, she leaned forward and said seriously, "I apologise for not being the woman you wanted. I know I'm... Difficult. But I really will try. Please be patient with me, love?"

Henrietta pulled back from Benjamin and shook her head - that was incredibly uncharacteristic of her. I must be going mad. "Are you driving to the church?" she asked, looking over her naked shoulder at Ben. "Would you like it if I came with you? I can zig-zag across the roads in my skateboard and arrive without a sweat on my pretty little head, don't you worry. Your bride won't look like she ran a marathon," she said with a laugh.

Her fiancé with his light hair was attractive - somehow she only just noticed that. He was quite tall, handsome and, well, kind-looking. His face with its chiseled jaw and intense gaze was one she wouldn't mind looking at for the rest of her life. Not to mention, he was incredibly patient and caring. Henrietta looked sadly away, a heaviness sitting in the pit of her stomach. She actually felt sorry for the poor boy. What was his father thinking? Pairing him up with someone like her?

He's too good for me.

Liana was shocked and flattered when sage called her cute. And her face turned a light pink when she felt the warm press of his fingers lifting up her chin. "By the way 17." He said. And let go. "What about you your age I mean? 16,17? Or maybe older?". He said putting his hands in his pockets. "Oh I'm 16, one year younger then you." She said with a warm smile. "Hey do your mind sharing your pocket with me?" She said rubbing her icy hands.

Benjamin did not know what to make of the kiss he received on the cheek, yet he only showed a calm demeanor. Well, it looks like some color has been added to our lives. We're clearly opposites. Quite frankly, I don' know if it's good or bad.

"Looks like it's Cinderella time to prepare for the formal baby-making. The pastor's probably waiting for us at the church right now," then, she jokingly asked, "Why'd you pick the church, anyway? You one of those pastor-wannabes? Because I, for one, am very much an Atheist. I've always wanted to walk down an aisle, though!"

He just shrugged. I don't know. Maybe it's more meaningful that way? Could be a number of reasons.

"I apologise for not being the woman you wanted. I know I'm... Difficult. But I really will try. Please be patient with me, love?"

Benjamin nodded. She didn't really have to apologize, but whatever.

When asked about whether he will drive, he said to Henrietta, "Yes, I have a truck."

While driving to church, the brown-haired young man could not help but wonder if there was something intimate forming. What reason would there be for him to respond to some of what his bride said or did towards the end of the conversation? Benjamin shook his questions off, deciding to focus on the road before he ends up in a car crash. I seriously doubt we'd want to spend the first days of marriage in the hospital.

Adam Leroux

The mental image of the mad pianist still in his head. It seemed to make her laugh also which was nice, she had such a sweet laugh. "It was hard in the beginning, but once you learn it, it's a lot easier to do and a lot more fun", she replied with a smile. Well, he certainly looked the part of a pianist with his wavy hair and his silvery-white suit, and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. It was something that he could possibly try out.

When he asked if they was anything she had wanted to do, but not had the chance too, he turned to her and saw her shake her head almost instantly but didn't say a word. Adam smirked, as it remained silent, until he broke the silence between them, "You gone quiet on me", merely stating the fact. Usually when he went quiet, it was usually because he simply wished to rebel and not talk to that certain person, or he wished to not say what was on his mind. Using his own experience, he saw it as possible the latter rather than the former, after all she had said about him, she didn't seem like she didn't want to talk to him.

She truly was angelic. With that in mind, he then spoke up again, "It's okay", as his free hand then touched her forehead and then her cheek, and that's when he smiled, as he felt the heat from her cheeks rising. Ever since being told about this whole marriage ordeal, he wondered to himself who he'd get, and here he was with her, so innocent, so kind, his opposite, though seemed to be doing well so far.

Then that's when he got an inkling of a plan, as he let out a sigh, "Seems you are way too good for me", as he continued their walk, but moving away from the pad and instead onto the green. Afterall, it was him who told her earlier to speak her mind, and right now he was following his own advice, to stick his head out the sand, see what happens. "In my line of work, we learn to pounce on every opportunity. When opportunity knocks, we must be the first to pounce and take it, before it is lost. Like I said before, ask anyone that knows me, and they'd tell you how I do things myself, and it's mostly the hard way, but I get by and get, what I want".

He then let go of her hand as he walked forward a little more, then turned round to face her, "What is it what you want, Akiko?", pausing for a brief moment, stressing on the "you" part, "Tell me, and I'll see about making it happen", stretching his arms out, before adding with a smile, "Besides, no secrets between a man and his future wife, eh?", as he awaited her response. Yes he was here to do his fathers' bidding, and it was odd to pair him up with someone 4 years younger, though she did seem sweet enough, the only problem being too innocent.

The church stood imposingly, its majestic structure reaching towards the sky as the sun set behind it, casting a heavy shadow over Benjamin and Henrietta. The sky was painted a red the colour of blood, blending into the deep orange of warmth, to the colour of Henrietta's hair and finally, a burning yellow fury. She had to admit, Benjamin or his father - perhaps both - had chosen an utterly breathtaking wedding place. She wasn't quite sure where all the other couples would wed but all she knew was that at that moment, she didn't mind marrying an almost stranger if it meant she would be wedded in as breath taking of a place as this.

Her stiletto heels tapped gently on the clean pavement as Henrietta and her husband-to-be walked towards the double doors, a woman dressed in bright yellow, her hair pulled into a severe bun had a single sunflower embedded into the side. The young lady ran towards Henrietta, wrapping her in a tight hug - who the hell is she?

"Henrietta, you're finally here!" she gushed as if she were the bride's best friend, "I'm Preeya, one of your bridesmaids. Hey, Ben!" she said with way too much enthusiasm, staring at my husband over Henrietta's shoulder. Without giving Henrietta a second glance she said, "Ben and I are good friends. We got to the same church. I know him very well," she said, as if to prove to Henrietta she was better fit to be his wife. "How long have we been together, Ben? 6 years now? My father's the pastor."

Narrowing her pure blue eyes with its thick and long lashes, Henrietta gave Preeya look a warning glance. Preeya had a perfectly straight, short brunette bob with bleached highlights. She was on the thin side, with dark, nearly black eyes and really long, tanned legs. Henrietta pressed her ruby lips together, unsure of what the stabbing pain in her heart was. Whatever the clenching feeling was, it most certainly was not jealousy. The strawberry blonde bride ran her fingers through her soft, wavy, light hair - suddenly conscious of how she hadn't styled or dyed it. Get a hold of yourself, girly. You're turning into a vain bimbo.

Forcing her hands to drop to her side, she said firmly before taking Ben's hand in hers and pulling him to her side, "We are delighted to have you at our wedding. My fiancé and I would like to go in now. It's nice to meet you, Preeya. Any friend of my Ben's is a friend of mine." Striding past Preeya, she suddenly found herself being pulled away from Ben and ushered to a room filled with girls dressed in the yellow dress of the bridesmaids'.

"Oh, isn't she a beauty?"
"It's nice to finally meet you, Henrietta."
"You have the most beautiful colouring!"
"I see you're wearing the dress Mr. Ephraim chose."
"Ben must be a really lucky guy!"

Henrietta forced a strained smile - at least they're nice. The women ushered her to sit on a stool in front of a floor length mirror as a woman began brushing out Henrietta's hip-length apricot hair. Two others dabbed makeup to her face, curling her already thick eyelashes with mascara and coating her soft lips in a layer of dark red as they powdered her cheeks with blush. Finally, they wrapped a strand of pearls around her head so a dipping pearl hung itself on the very centre of her forehead. When Henrietta saw their finished product, she couldn't help but drop her jaw a little.

When did I grow up?

The bride in the mirror was beautiful, her skin a smooth ivory with bow-shaped lips like blood. Intense eyes of sapphire oceans stared back at her as she noticed her slim, upturned nose. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, framing her oval-shaped face. To put it simply, Henrietta looked like a Fairy Queen or a Goddess.

In a state of shock, she barely registered the bouquet of white roses a bridesmaid placed in her hands. She stood behind two large mahogany doors, clutching the beautiful flowers in her hands, her head covered in a translucent white veil. Suddenly, the large doors opened to the sound of the string orchestra playing a familiar wedding song. Everyone in the crowd stared at Henrietta and yet she didn't quite register any of them. Her eyes stopped at Ben's, unable to move anywhere else.

Pushing her eyes away from Ben's strangely warm eyes, she searched for her father but found him nowhere.

"Psst," whispered the bridesmaid behind her as a flower boy and girl sprinkled white roses on the red carpet ahead of her. "Walk."

The bride with her cascading strawberry blonde hair did as she was told, her waves fluttering as her body, clad in white, drifted over the red carpets. Henrietta couldn't even feel her feet touching the floor. Everything seemed to pass by in a blur until she found herself standing next to the light brown hair of the man she would very soon belong to.

The pastor coughed, giving Henrietta a soft smile - she pulled her attention away from Ben to the older man on the stage. Admittedly, it was her first time in a church in nearly 10 years. "Benjamin Ephraim and Henrietta Claes, no other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than these you are about to assume. You are entering into that holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love." Turning towards Benjamin, he read their vows.

"Benjamin Ephraim, will you have Henrietta Claes, to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?"

((I guess I should have figured you'd make it look so extravagant. lol Didn't cross my mind one bit. XD Funny! I like it, though!))

Benjamin's eye's widened when he saw Preeya approach Henrietta so enthusiastically. You'd think she'd be sad about the whole thing. I guess not. Then again, she was always enthusiastic about everything. You have to wonder if she even comprehends the significance behind the Bible's versess or even the sermons on the holy book her father would preach. In all honesty, he was not hurt by the scenario. He did not know why, for sure.

He cocked an eyebrow when Preeya said to him, "How long have we been together, Ben? 6 years now? My father's the pastor."

"Preeya, you know those days are over, right?"

The brunnette nodded, still smiling, for some odd reason. "I know!"

Just like old times, huh? Benjamin did not even notice Henrietta show signs of jealousy until she pulled him closer to her, stating, "We are delighted to have you at our wedding. My fiancé and I would like to go in now. It's nice to meet you, Preeya. Any friend of my Ben's is a friend of mine."

As he stood at the alter, Benjamin could not help but wonder how Henrietta was dealing with the whole situation. The thought of it all was brought to a halt when the bride appeared on the other side of the aisle. He could not believe how beautiful she looked. Wow... The young man watched as Henrietta walked towards her. His eyes focused on hers the whole time.

The pastor began the vows. "Benjamin Ephraim, will you have Henrietta Claes, to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?"

"I will." Benjamin did no know what the feeling was inside him. He just knew this was the moment of a new beginning, for both Henrietta and himself.

((I'm always one for drama, love :P Teehee))

"I will."

Henrietta's painted lips parted slightly at his words. Sure, she understood this was all merely an arranged marriage and that he had to marry her but his words - him promising to love her... It sent a longing through her chest and Henrietta found herself blinking back tears for some unknown reason. It just felt as if someone finally wanted her. For the first time, Henrietta was not the daughter nobody wanted or the strange girl who acted like a boy but fit in nowhere. For the first time, Henrietta belonged.

The pastor cleared his throat and Henrietta blinked her large blue eyes, feeling the anticipating stares of those around her. "Sorry?" she asked, confused.

"I said," the pastor began patiently, "Henrietta Claes, will you have Benjamin Ephraim to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?"

All heads were turned towards the long-haired bride as they waited for her answer. Henrietta pulled her eyebrows together before looking at Benjamin. Will I love him, comfort him, honour him, keep him and keep myself only for him? She searched his light brown eyes, looking for an answer, for the words she could not speak. Henrietta did not believe in the existence of such a God and she most certainly didn't think the human race was built for monogamy - after all, mother nature didn't care who you reproduced with as long as you did.

The silence stretched on - even the string orchestra stopped to listen. Henrietta parted her lips to speak but no words came. After what felt like a millennium, Henrietta dropped her sapphire eyes down to Ben's shoes, whispering in a barely perceptible voice of honey, "I will."

There was a collective sigh in the audience as the pastor gestured for Ben to take his bride by her right hand and repeat their vows. As Ben repeated his, Henrietta lifted her gaze to meet the warm hazel eyes of the man she would have to love for as long as they lived. Then, when it was her turn to repeat the words of the pastor, she turned fully towards him, her eyes looking deeply into his. Henrietta spoke softly - as if her words were only for Benjamin's ears.

"I will have you to be my husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; I will love you, comfort you, honor and keep you, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep me only for you so long as we both shall live."

The pastor continued to rattle on about rings and their significance but Henrietta no longer heard any of it. She watched Benjamin with an almost hunger, the veil between them feeling more like a suffocating wall. She fidgeted with her white gown, pressing her fingers tips to her dainty waist.

"You may now place your ring on your Bride's finger."

Before anything else could happen, Henrietta lifted her veil in a rush, pulled Benjamin desperately toward her - and kissed him. With their bodies pressed together, her sugar-coated lips pressed against his; the audience half gasping, half cheering at her sudden display of affection. It was inappropriate but at that moment, Henrietta cared about as much as she'd ever not cared about anything. Her lips felt much too cold and she needed the warmth of Benjamin's and to be bluntly honest, she didn't give a damn.