Chapter 11

Alexis

Trauma has a way of coming back to haunt you when you're unaware. Post traumatic stress may be the cause; but getting over something that altered how you live,doesn't happen overnight.

No amount amount of pills, alcohol, distractions or episodes of anger outbursts can be enough. The fruit of my trauma is; my inability to stay stable, trust anyone, go into shell shock, and above all the most viable evidence of my audeal is the post traumatic stress and scars .

Any banging sound , scenes of violence, unexpected surprise greetings , sudden shocks, knocks you off kilter.

For someone who doesn't understand ; they may think you are troubled , have issues , or my favorite term she's weird.

Fact is that I am not weird. I have visible and invisible scars that are trying to heal. The most noticeable ones are the laceration stitches that are on my tummy . The scars serve as a reminder of what I've lost. I am still reeling even though I look like I have it together . Parts of my shell are regenerating ... in order for regeneration to happen something has to be broken. What's new makes way for relevant changes to take place.

There is something that just feels right about being with Aaron. I wish we had time alone together, that can't be ; because Tina will wring my neck if I skip her last dinner as a bachelorette and I still need to give my brother an earful about not giving me fair warning . He disturbed my sexy time with Abro...

Aaron and I walked in the dinning hall . He went to the far end of the room and I was seated far from him next to Bryan . As soon as Bryan saw me he stood up and pulled the chair out for me to sit . The main course was dudue to be served and I was not as off balance as before . While the meal was on its way my phone vibrated and it was a message from Abro it read;

"You look really beautiful in blue."

I texted back

" You look like Orion with your hair like that "

"You like my new look? "

"Sexy "

"Skip desert?"

"I can't ."

"Dance with me then?"

" Yes its rude to talk so I will see you on the dance floor. "

I switched the phone off and looked at everyone at the table.

Bryan was looking at me.

"Bryan are we okay?"

"Ali we are. I just don't want you to get your heart broken by Ron. I've seen him pull women in and discard them once he is done... he's changed though..."

"You're not a saint either. "

"I know but you are my assistant and friend ;since Gavin will be going on honeymoon , Aaron will be working at the office with me. You do know we do their marketing and communications."

Bryan placed his hand on my bare shoulder and we both locked eyes with each other.

"Yes . I will keep things professional."

Bryan bent down to give me a kiss on the forehead and smiled at me .

"Okay. I care about you."

"I care about you too."

I smiled back and Tina cleared her throat.

" Guys your food is getting cold. Bryan control yourself. "

Gavin a chuckled and cut in.

"Tina they are not a thing. "

We started eating.

"I know and I don't want a scene. Brooks is shooting daggers towards my direction. Ali since when did brooks and you become serious?"

I giggled and looked at both Gav and Tina .

" After the conference. He saved my life twice."

I took a sip of my red wine .

Tina spoke again

" David respects you. He speaks about you like you're his friend. "

"We are friends . He is easy to talk to."

"He is smiling again. "

I looked across the room and Caleb was having a conversation with Abro. I could sense the tension from where I was sitting and just when I was about to look away and finish what was on my plate he looked at me and his face registered sadness. My blood wasn't drowning in alcohol but I was pretty sure he was tipsy ... he was emotional and the empty bottle of red wine was a clear indication. Aaron isn't the type to show emotion he shows calmness ans surity.

After desert David called it a night he hugged his father and walked to our table. I could see everything from where we were seated. Dave was the ring bearer. He gave me a hug goodnight; handed me a note and went upstairs. I opened it. It simply read ;

"Please switch your phone on."

When I switched it on it started to ring. Just when I answered it the lights went off and music started blaring from the speakers. Everyone made their way to the dance floor and started dancing. I gave everyone at the table a thumbs up and walked outside to the patio where it was quiet . I answered my phone and he spoke.

" Hey Lexi where did you run off to?"

"I was outside I was in the patio but I decided to take a walk in the garden. Where are you Abro?"

"I'm on my way stay put."

I took a seat by the bench near the water fountain. I took a deep breath and just relaxed . My dress was the ready for tomorrow's wedding and all I had to do was get some rest. The bride and groom were in good hands. The wedding was at noon tomorrow . My eyes wer still closed when I felt someone hugging me from behind and kiss my neck. He smelt of rum and chocolate... mixed with his citrus cologne and musky scent .

"Hmm you smell yummy ."

"You smell incredible."

He took off his jacket and draped it around my shoulders and pulled me towards him.

"Sorry about Caleb."

"No sweat. He likes me ."

"He does?"

" Yes . Why didn't you tell me about your dad? "

"It's too traumatic . I can't go back without crying like a whale."

"How do you keep it together?"

" I do other things to cope. "

"Like?"

I stood up and took his hand.

"Follow me ..."

"Okay where are we going?"

" you'll see

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