CHAPTER 20 - THE AFTER MATH
It was around eight in the morning when Courtney woke up and felt something wrapped around her. She followed where the weight is coming from and found that an arm was wrapped around her waist. She moved a little to give a short glimpse of the man she was spooning her. To her shocked, it was Ben who is almost half awake by her movement. She pulled the duvet closer trying to cover what is left with her as soon as she moved her legs, she felt sore then the last night episode came rushing into her. She was still taking the situation in when Ben opened his eyes.
"Morning." Ben pecked her lips after his greeting.
"Ben.” She acknowledged with a bit or hesitation.
“How are you feeling?” He asked making sure she is okay.
“Did we just---" Courtney wanted him to confirm it.
"I think you know the answer." Ben implied but she knew exactly what he meant.
"How did this happen?” She tried covering herself.
“Let me show you.” Ben tried to move closer but Courtney stopped him.
“Stop! Oh God!” Courtney is now in panic.
“You are not stopping me last night.” Ben is a bit pissed but tried to keep cool.
“I was drunk Ben why you didn't stop me-- us?" Courtney asked in full horror.
"In my defense I was also drunk Courtney." Ben realized that Courtney regret what happened.
“This was not supposed to happen!" Courtney shouted.
"Don't act like you don't want it.” Ben got out of bed in all his naked glory.
After last night Ben thought she will not regret it in the morning because they confessed about their attraction towards each other but Courtney’s reaction is not what he expected to get.
“How could you take advantage of my drunken state?!” Courtney hits him with pillow.
“I can’t believe you're blaming me for fucking you!” Ben couldn’t hold his temper.
He knew the words he said might hurt Courtney but he doesn’t care anymore. All he wanted is to get out of the place and think of another bride to hire for his plan.
“You had me drunk just to get what you want!” Courtney hysterically said.
“Better get your head straighten out because clearly you don’t remember a thing!” Ben replied angrily.
“How dare you!” Courtney began throwing things his way.
“No, it’s how dare you shout at me as if I’m the one who is at fault here huh?!” Ben found his shoes and out it on.
“You have the audacity to say that after taking my virginity?!” She is now fuming.
“I fucking asked you Courtney and you said fucking yes!” Ben snapped.
“So you’re blaming me when I’m literally not in the right mind!” Courtney followed him all the way to her front door.
“Don’t fucking blame me!” Ben began walking towards the door.
“Why you piece of crap!” Courtney made sure her duvet is covering her body.
“Yah this craps is the one that gets you screaming all night!” Ben is now putting his pants.
“Leave." Courtney is now glaring at him.
“My damn pleasure!” Ben grabbed the door knob with a grunt.
“Out!” Courtney is holding the blanket that is still wrapped around her.
“Damn fucking right I will!” Ben spat back.
“Go!” Courtney gave her last word.
“You know what forget the stupid deal!” Ben final words made Courtney froze on her tracks.
Before she can call him again he was out of sight and never looked back. As soon as she closes the door, she began crying that felt like hours until there were no tears coming out. She cried harder when she looked at herself and how she lost her purity to the man she made a deal with. In all honesty she didn't regret it but her concern was what Ben told her that she was just a quick lay. An easy woman and that is something she can’t tolerate.
“Oh God! I’m so stupid! What would I do?” Courtney saw how messy her room
All her clothes were scattered all over the floor and she couldn’t help but contemplate if they used protection. Courtney knew the possibility of it but she prayed that it will not happen. Her feelings towards everything finally had made a full arrival and she knew there would be more tears but for now she needs her friend’s advice. Just as she was about make a call, her phone starts ringing with full nervousness.
“Hi Tesoro, how are you?” It was Courtney’s mother on the other line.
“Hi Mamà, I’m okay and you?” She asked trying to act cool.
“You’re voice seems off or did you just wake up?” Her mother was able to detect her tone.
“I just work up Mamà.” She replied while clearing her throat.
“My intuition is right.” Mrs. Montini commented proudly.
“Mamà, is there any reason why you’re calling me this early?” Courtney pretended yawning.
“Oh right, I’m calling to ask what food we should not serve since I’m going to call the restaurant to reserve for tonight.” Her mother seems to be speaking to their house hel.
“About that, well you see…” Courtney doesn’t know what to say at all.
“I don’t want to cause any chaos if the Chef serve a menu that he will not like or eat… so, tell me is there any food I need to avoid?” Mrs. Montini keeps babbling without even taking a pause while talking.
“How can I even speak Mamà when you won’t let me?” Courtney finds an alibi while thinking a way to cancel the dinner.
“Please tell me you’re not stalling.” Mrs. Montini got her on that,
“I am not.” Courtney defended.
“So, tell me what he doesn’t eat?” Mrs. Montini sensed something but was not sure what it is.
“He hates olive and love to eat mild spicy food, that’s it.” She informed her mother.
“Fantastic Tesoro! Oh I’m so excited!” Mrs. Montini is on hype.
“Mamà –” Courtney find it hard to cut her mother from talking.
“You know how punctual your father is, better make sure that you’re both not late, alright?” Her mother gave a soft reminder.
“But—” Courtney tried harder to get her mother’s attention.
“I better get going now and shop with our house help.” Mrs. Montini called one of the maid’s names.
Courtney didn’t have a chance to say anything since she heard the line went dead. She is now in despair how will she be able to tell them that the dinner is probably might not happen tonight or ever again. Because of her stupidity, her problem gets worse and not to forget that Ben cut their deal. She needs to have a good reason to her parents otherwise the only choice is to accept her fate and tell them the truth. Courtney hates to be wedded to a total strange but what choice that she still has? Unless she talk to Ben and ask for an apology that she acted hypocrite after she lashed out and accused him of taking advantage of her. She is confused as hell and wish her friend is back in town to give her a piece of advice.
