C12 Eleven

The next time I awoke, I found myself back in my room.

I was tied to my bed from all sides like a mentally ill patient.

I tried to recollect what happened earlier but failed.

' How did I get back here? ' I thought.

Then I heard the door opening and my mom's displeased face came into view.

' Did they know about my escaping? ' I thought.

" I never knew that you will still attempt to escape despite knowing the consequences of your actions, I am very disappointed in you, how could you do this? Don't you care about the reputation of our family? , How dare you to try to drag us down with you! " As she said this, her eyes were blazing red with anger.

" If not for the fact that you are getting married today, I would have given you a tight slap. " She added.

As expected.

She then moved closer to me on the bed and carefully untied me.

Then she made me take a bath in the bathroom, all this while she was watching me closely.

I felt a lot uncomfortable seeing my mom watch me bathe but well I don't have much of a choice.

When I was done, I was made to wear a plain white dress and sat at the beauty table in front of the mirror.

As soon as the clock in my room ticked 5 pm.

Soft knocks were heard on my room door followed by the opening of the door after my mom gave the permission.

The door busted upon and one of my friends, ' Ria ' came into the room.

She looked very worried for me.

" Why did you attempt to escape, Lisa? , Do you realize that you almost got you and your family in trouble with your stupid moves? " She ranted.

" ... " I just stared at her without saying anything.

" Let her be, Ria dear, Where is the fashion designer and beautician? '' my mom asked.

" They are.... "

As if on cue the door opened and two beautiful ladies walked in.

" Good Evening, Ma'am we are very sorry for being late. " They greeted.

" It's alright, you can get to work now, it's getting late already. " My mom said.

" Alright, Ma'am we will. "

My mom nodded and then walked inside leaving the four of us behind.

" Aiya, I heard that you tried to escape, Lisa, can I Know the reason? " One of them asked.

The two girls happened to be the distant relatives of The king of our village so unlike the rest of us, they didn't need to be forced into marriage.

" I appreciate your concern for me but I'll rather not say anything. " I replied cooly.

I was very well aware that telling these two ladies the reason will not only be of no benefit but I might also get myself in trouble too.

Seeing that I didn't want to share, The duo busied themselves in getting me ready.

By the time they were done with my face, I couldn't recognize myself anymore as I was completely surprised by my reflection in the mirror.

I looked more older and matured than my age due to the makeup.

" You look very beautiful with just a touch of makeup. " They complimented.

" Hm, thanks. " I replied.

I suddenly spaced out.

' Am I getting married, today? ' I thought.

" Oh, it's already 6:30 pm,6:30 time to put on your wedding gown." The fashion designer informed and almost immediately.

A red Long Designer gown with simple embroidery and embedded with simple Shinny diamonds.

" Wow, it's so beautiful! " I heard Ria's Squeal as soon as the gown came into view.

" Hm, it indeed is, " the cosmetician agreed.

" Go and change it, quick. " The Fashion designer urged, from her tone of voice I could already guess that she was the one that made the dress.

I took the dress and did as I was told.

When I looked at myself in the full body mirror in my bathroom.

I indeed looked beautiful.

It would have been better if I was getting married to the man of my dreams but oh well...

I walked out of the room.

And as expected I could see the awestruck gazes of the three women in the room.

" Wow! You look like a descending goddess! " They exclaimed.

I kept quiet not knowing what to say.

" Come sit and let's finish dressing you up. " They said.

I did as I was told.

Soon, A box was opened and some jewelry came into view.

They were in pairs.

A pair of Necklace, Bangles, Ear rings, and a nose ring were also a finger-ring.

All this was worn on Me and at 7 pm sharp I was ready to go.

My mom came and soon I was escorted to the horse carriage.

All this while everyone was quiet.

My Friend, ' Ria ' sat beside me in the carriage which I was very thankful for.

Though we didn't communicate the fact that she was there gave me some courage.

We got to the nearest Temple.

I was brought out of the car and we walked into the temple, all the while my face was been covered by a transparent red veil.

Everything had been well prepared for the ceremony, I didn't see my Dad all my siblings anywhere.

' Perhaps they are with the groom. ' I thought.

Soon, the bell of the temple rang and the groom and his cohorts walked in and then I saw my dad and siblings with them.

The groom was wearing a Red Tuxedo.

He walked towards me and then sat beside me on the rugged floor as instructed by the priest.

Soon, The ceremony began.

First was the tying of the knot which was followed by the throwing of the ring in milk, the one to find it first would be the head of the house.

As expected, I found it first but a smirk was the only thing I got.

I was a woman after all I am not expected to claim to be the head.

The next face was followed by the recitation of the wedding vows which was followed by the ring exchange ceremony and the final ceremony was the rounding of the great Iroko tree which was covered at the stem with a Red cloth.

We had to round it seven times after which we'll be declared as husband and wife.

We began rounding it, with the groom in front for the first three rounds.

Followed by me for the next two rounds.

In the last two rounds, we were to round it holding hands.

By now I was half-conscious.

I was feeling a searing pain in my heart, I felt like I was been suffocated due to which I stumbled a little and hurt my legs.

The priest suggested that the groom should carry me, Princess styled in his arms.

I shivered at the thought.

As soon as his hand almost made contact with my neck.

A loud gunshot was heard followed by several footsteps of people entering the temple.

What Happened?