by Amber Heart
Aaron made it and waved at me to run over to him. He made a hand signal and counted down with his fingers. When he closed his fist I made a break for it! I could hear the paint balls whizzing past me and bouncing off the barricades near me. I made it! I screamed and couldn't stand still "Baby we did it!" Aaron laughed and scouted out the area ahead of us "We still need to shoot them! Can you see anyone?" I peaked out to see if anyone was hiding. I could see faint movements behind the barricades ahead of us, we must have been on the front line.
One by one our team was tagged until it was just me and Aaron left behind one barricade. I looked over at Aaron "We're the last two left! I can see the enemies moving around to the side to get us." Aaron looked over at me "It's the same on my side, what do we do?" I turned to face Aaron dramatically. I put on my best war voice "Lets go out fighting, partner. On the count of three, we run out guns blazing. Take as many down as you can!" Aaron burst out laughing "I love it, you ready?" I giggled back at Aaron "Baby, I was born ready. Three, two, one. Go!
I ran out of the left side and Aaron ran out of the right side. We both put out our best war face on and started firing at everything that moved. Aaron immediately got tagged in his right leg and fell to the ground. I turned around a looked at him. He dramatically put his hand out and acted like he was dying "Go on without me!" I took his hand "I will avenge you!" I turned around and started running at the barricades firing. "You'll never take me alive!" One of my random shots actually tagged someone in the arm, he shouted "Out!" and put his arms in the air.
I jumped in the air on the spot "Oh my god I got some one!" I turned around excitedly to face Aaron "Did you see?" As the words left my mouth I was pelted from behind by what felt like hundreds of paint balls. I let out a loud scream "I'm out! I'm out!" Aaron couldn't contain his laughter, he was rolling around on the floor. I ran over to him and started hitting him softly "It's not funny!" Three sharp whistles filled the air signaling the end of the game.
The referee gathered us up "Team two excellent start, team one that was shocking! Can we get a round of applause for the battle blonde over there." He pointed over at me and I sunk my face into Aaron's chest. My face turned bright red. I was loving this. "Next time when you hit someone don't jump about in the middle of a field where everyone can shoot you!" We all burst out laughing, I shouted out at the other team "Next time I'm taking two of you with me!" The teams were both starting to get into it and we all playfully teased the opposing team.
The referee interrupted us "Alright alright, break it up. Save it for the match! Go and have your lunch and we'll get started with the second half."
Aaron and I walked over to the car and grabbed our lunch. We sat on the grass to save the car from all the paint and mud. Aaron took a bite out of his sandwich "I think this is a well deserved break after our war efforts." I ripped a chunk out of my apple “It’s a lot more fun than I expected. I’m getting well into it. I’m gonna ask the ref to make sure we’re on opposite teams so I can shoot you in the butt.” Aaron smirked “Bring it on, girl!”
We finished our lunch and kitted ourselves out again. I did some stretches to warm myself up for the upcoming war. The referee made his way over “Okay guys, we’re going to switch the teams up.” I positioned myself away from Aaron to make sure I didn’t get caught in his team. The referee gestured over to us “We’ll do this half against this half.” Yes! I am going to stalk Aaron down and make him my bitch!
The referee got the ball rolling “Alright, lets make our way to the second course. A bit different this time, guys. We’re going to be playing capture the flag. Each team gets a flag, the opposing team has to steal the other teams flag and bring it back to their flag. Any questions?” Every one stayed silent and the air started to get tense. It was game time!
The course had a barricaded base for each team and in the center was a neutral wooden fort that any body could own. Obviously the team that owned it had the advantage. I didn’t care about winning, I just wanted to make sure I got Aaron. I know how he thinks, he’s going to go straight for our flag. That’s when I’ll strike!
Three whistles sounded the start of the game, most of my team shot off to the sides and a few aimed for the wooden fortress in the middle. There was only me and two guys who stayed to defend the flag. We could hear people shouting in the distance and we could hear people firing. It was only a matter of time before a few began to trickle into our base.
Suddenly, a guy came sprinting out of the bushes from the side. He was heading straight for our flag. The two guys I was defending with sprayed him into oblivion. A few seconds later my teammates were pelted from behind. The other guy must have been a distraction.
Before I could even process what was happening, I started to hear screaming coming from the other side of the course. It was hard to tell, but it sounded like “We’ve got the flag!” over and over again. All I have to do is hold these guys off and we’ll win!
I didn’t fire at the lone runner, so I should be safe wedged under this bush. Moments later I saw someone scrambling their way to the flag. It wasn’t Aaron, I could tell by the way he was moving. Without hesitation I lit him up, covering him in paint. He stood up and put his hands in the air. I got another one! Two tags I can’t believe it. A few seconds passed and then it happened.
“I knew you’d be hiding in here!” I froze on the spot. That voice was way too familiar. Aaron slapped me on the butt “Found you!” I waited for the inevitable paint shot but he didn’t fire. I could hear him giggling under his mask “Give me a five second head start and try not to shoot me in the butt!” Before I could take in what he just said, he bolted out of the bushes intercepting our flag carrier. Aaron put two paint balls into the flag carriers chest and the flag fell to the ground. This was it, this was my moment of glory. Aaron ran straight to our flag and I jumped out of the bushes to get the enemy teams flag. As I picked it up I fired two shots at Aaron. One missed him by miles and the other tagged him perfectly on his right butt cheek. He fell to the ground and pretended to scream in pain “My ass! The agony! You shot me!”
Paint balls started to fly at me from behind a tree, I ran and dived behind a tipped over barrel. I could hear the paint balls smashing into the metal barrel, making a loud echo right in my ear. I could still hear fighting going on over at the wooden fortress, so I knew others could be around. It was a risk I was willing to take. I stood up and ran as fast as I could to a tree for better cover. I was spraying at the guy behind the tree and one of my shots managed to tag him on the shoulder.
I did it! All I have to do is take the flag to our flag and we win. I set off as fast as I could, Aaron was crawling about next to the flag screaming in ‘pain’. When I reached the flag, I started to walk dramatically. I looked over at Aaron who proceeded to move onto his knees, he screamed out “Please, have mercy!” I could hardly contain my laughter, it was so funny the way he said it. Without hesitation I looked him in the eyes “See you in hell, Aaron Maxfield!” Immediately after I fired a finishing shot into his chest and he flopped lifelessly to the ground. Then I ran over to our flag and wrapped the enemy teams flag around it.
The three whistles sounded and the game ended. We did it! Our team won! The referee comes running over “Team one are the victors. Battle blondie and her chap put on a hell of a show and fought till the end. It was full of drama! I hope you all had fun guys, take of your gear and hand it in where you found it. See you next time!”
Aaron takes his mask off and I do the same “What do you think you’re doing? You shot me in cold blood! Murderer!” I jumped into his arms and we both burst out laughing “I think I got a little too into character!” He put me down and we made our way to the car. “That was so fun, we have to do that again.” Aaron smirked “I knew you would love it. We needed a break from all the wedding stuff.” We stuffed ourselves into the car and headed home. What a bizarre day!
Chapter 18
Four Weeks Later
Cassandra
Jama
ica is beautiful. The sea is everything we imagined, the palm trees are phenomenal, and the beach! Don’t get me started, I could go on for hours. This place is truly heaven, we picked the perfect location for the wedding.
Speaking of which, it’s only a few days away. Aaron and I flew out here early so we could enjoy some peace and quiet before everyone arrives. Today is the day though. Friends and family from all over the place meeting in one spot to celebrate us. Can you think of anything better?
It’s going to be the first time our families meet as well! Aaron has met my family and they hit it off great. There was a bit of tension between Aaron and my brother, Rick at first. It was mostly Aaron sticking up for me about the water incident back when we were kids. I can’t believe Aaron would go that far to defend me. I know I’m safe with him, it’s perfect. They’re both cool with each other now.
When I met Aaron’s family it seemed to go well. He says they love me and I really hope they do. I’m sure our families will get on together, at least for our sake. Hopefully they’ll be too busy partying and having a good time to get on each others nerves!
Tonight I have my bachelorette party and Aaron has his bachelor party. I am so excited! All the girlies are coming from Avery’s wedding. I haven’t seen them in ages. It’s going to be so much fun! I know I don’t have to worry about Aaron all night. I trust him one hundred percent. I hope Quinn and Mark have organized a fabulous night for him.
No doubt we’re both going to be drinking, dancing, and having the time of our lives. I can’t wait and neither can Aaron! Aaron and I are going to head on over to the hotel restaurant and have a delicious lunch, then we’ll get ready to greet every one. After wards we’ll get ready for the best parties of our lives! I’m going to try the jerk chicken today. I’ll make Aaron try it as well, he’s a bit of a girl when it comes to spice but I’m sure he’ll be able to handle it. I forgot to mention, the resort is all inclusive as well. Whenever we fancy a real drink, all we have to do is go to one of the twenty bars and ask for one. Simple as that… This is going to get messy!
Kenneth
I boarded the plane and took a seat. First class, of course. I wouldn’t be caught dead with those apes in the other sections of the plane. Still the people in first class aren’t much better. Bunch of pompous simpletons. I’m so glad I function on such a higher level than these fools.
I’m already pissed that I’ve got to fly all the way out to fucking Jamaica. Why do these idiots insist on getting married here? Do they have to be different and special? Just get married in Seattle like every body else. Still though, it gives me a few hours to iron out all the details of my plan. I am going to ruin both their nights and break them up. Manipulating these morons will be a walk in the park. They don’t have a brain between them.
The key is Aaron. Men that think on a lesser level, such as Aaron, are very easy to figure out. I’ll hire a proper escort, unlike that dumb bitch Cassandra, and shove a few drinks down him. He’ll cheat, Cassandra will cry, I’ll step in and be the shoulder to cry on. Bing bang boom, she’ll be mine in the hotel room. It’s actually unfair how smart I am. She should count herself lucky. When she realizes my greatness she’ll be over the moon with the way every thing turned out.
Cassandra
Aaron and I finished getting ready. We both put our smartest looking holiday outfits on. I am wearing a beautiful orange dress that hugs my figure perfectly. Aaron is wearing a smart dress shirt with some shorts and pumps. We are in Jamaica after all, we can’t be sweating all over the place!
Everyone will be arriving shortly. We make our way over to the entrance to greet them all. Most of them should be on the same flight, it’s just a case of getting here from the airport. I hope no one gets lost, that would be a disaster! Ah, who cares. I’m not going to worry. I refuse to be the devil bride who freaks out over everything. Stuff happens!
Aaron went over to the bar and I took a seat in the lobby area. He made his way over with two cocktails, fruit decorations and tiny umbrellas included! He put them both down on the table and sunk into the seat next to me “Two sex on the beaches! Hint hint.” He nudged me playfully on the arm and a grin came across his face. I slapped him softly on the arm “Those are for me, did you not get yourself a drink?” He pulled a funny face and mimicked me. God I love him. He’s only ever silly around me. I love that side of him. I love that I am the only one that gets to experience it.
Twenty minutes later, the first group arrives. It’s Aaron’s family. We both walk over to help them with their bags. Aaron is an only child, his parents are really lovely. David and Pauline, the devilish duo! Aaron rushes in for a hug with his Dad, and his Mum attacks me with a loving hug. Pauline is the first to speak “My babies are getting married! I can’t believe it. Are we the first here?” Aaron switched over and gave his Mum a big hug. David opened up his arms for me and I got a big hug as well “Yeah, no one has arrived yet. Cass and I have been enjoying the quiet while it lasted! Now that you two are here I don’t think we’ll have a moment of peace all week!”
David let out a hearty belly chuckle “We’ll be on our best behavior! We can’t wait to meet your family, Cassandra. Have you heard from them yet?” I looked over at David “They sent me a text saying they landed safe, god knows how long it will take them to get here. My dad is too stubborn to ask for directions!” We all laughed and made our way over the bar.
Another car pulled in “Mum, Dad, we’ll trust you with free reign at the bar while we go greet the next group. Don’t get into trouble!” Aaron has such a good relationship with his parents. I have a good relationship with mine too, don’t get me wrong. I just feel like I have to behave around mine, you know?
Next up was my family. It took me ages to convince Aaron to call my parents by their first names, Steve and Lorraine. He insisted on being polite and proper. My Mum was the first to run over giddily, followed by my Dad, then my brother, Rick. As soon as my Mum had me in her grasp, she burst into tears “My angel is all grown up! I’m so happy for you.” As my Mum was smothering me to death, Rick and my Dad shook hands with Aaron and gave him a quick pat on the back. They’re too manly to go in for a hug, pfft.
My Mum released me from her bear hug and jumped over to Aaron “Hello, son-in-law! Looking as good as ever.” Aaron hugged her back and played along “Same to you, second Mum!” My Dad opened his arms for a big hug and I went straight in there “Hello darling, only a few days to go!” I squeaked with excitement “I know! I’m so glad you’re all here.” I swapped over to give Rick a hug “I haven’t seen you in forever! Mr big shot FBI agent.” Rick laughed “I know it has been too long, work has kept me on my toes. I’m here all week though!”
We guided my family over to the bar where Aaron’s parents were standing. Aaron was the first to introduce them “Mum and Dad. Let me introduce you to Cass’ family. We have Rick, Steve, and the lovely Lorraine.” Aaron’s parents were not shy, they got stuck in straight away. David was the first to speak “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all!” Pauline followed shortly after “Do you all like drinking and boogying?” My Mum bursted out first “Ofcourse!”. Rick and my Dad laughed and nodded. Pauline lifted her drink into the air and David lifted his up as well “Then we’ll get on perfect. Here’s to our wonderful children!”
David turned to face my family “So what’s your poison? I’m buying!” Aaron burst out laughing “You’re only buying because it’s free!” David shrugged and pulled a funny face, I can see where Aaron gets his silliness from.
A horde of minivans pulled up and we could already hear the carnage they were creating "It looks like trouble has arrived, we'll give you chance to get to know each other. Try not to get too drunk!" Aaron and I strolled over to the party animals, every one was in high spirits and in a party mood. Avery and Quinn were the first to scramble out. Avery went straight for me screeching with excitement "Look who it is! What did I say, eh? I'm a fortune teller me, Cass. How did I know you two would get freaky!" I gasped at Av
ery shouting that loud "Ave, our parents are over there! Shut up you loud mouth." Avery was having none of it "Oh give over! Your parents know you two are at it like rabbits and we do as well!" I blushed "You haven't changed a bit!" Avery screeched again "Besties!".
Quinn shot straight for Aaron with open arms. They shared a quick a quick hug and gave each other a pat on the back. "Is that Bad Boy Maxfield? You are looking well, my friend. How does it feel to finally be settling down?" Aaron looked over at me and smiled "I couldn't be happier, mate. I just needed the right girl to come along and I found her." Now that the semi-serious introductions were out of the way, it was time to go wild. Aaron shouted to the group "Everyone, before you go crazy, the parties start at eight. They're being held near the lobbies, just follow the music later on. In the mean time, have fun and get settled in."
Kenneth
It looks like I arrived later than every body else. I suppose that's what I get for waiting for a real car instead of some cheap taxi. No one is here to greet me either, typical. Still, at least the hotel looks pleasant enough. I whistle and point at a worker who was wheeling a trolley. "You. Come here and get my things. I'm staying in room 108, make sure my luggage is there before I am." The silly worker limped on over and handled my luggage without saying a word. Thank god I'm not slaving away like this loser.
I walk over to reception "I'm part of Aaron and Cassandra's wedding party. I've arrived a bit late, which rooms are the parties in for tonight?" The receptionist looked up at me and pointed across the lobby "They'll be hosted down that corridor in one of the rooms. The parties are starting at eight, just follow the music." I looked her up and down, she had a banging body but that face could use some work "Splendid, my name is Kenneth James. Where is my key?" She looked me up on her system and then handed me the key "Enjoy your stay, Mr. James." I snatched the key from her "I'll try, I've stayed in nicer hotels though. This place is a bit tacky." I turned around and made my way to the elevator.
