Married To
Mr Popular
(Rude and grumpy)
Episode 25
By: Faith Lucky.
Bethel’s Pov:
“Seriously, B; how do you intend on ma-king Ryan come to school?” Nicole asked as she accompanied me to my ride.
I sighed and adjusted the books in my hands.
“I really don’t know, Nicole. Its impossible. That Blair is such a witch” I replied angrily.
“But…can’t you just ask him?” She asked.
“I can’t! He’s such a rude peac0ck. There’s no way he’s even gonna listen to me”.
“Wow! But why aren’t you on good terms with him?”
“Are you seriously asking me that after everything I’ve told you about us?” I asked and she rolled her eyes.
“Well…I get it if he’s grumpy and all that, but you also nee-d to be respectful”
“Of course, I’m respectful. He’s just the one ma-king me look the opposite” I replied and she scoffed, like I was lying.
I know I’m respectful.
We got to where my driver was and he opened the door for me.
“If Ryan doesn’t come to school tomorrow, B, it’s gonna be a disaster” she said as we stood in front of the opened door.
“Bye” I took in a de-ep breath and said and entered into the van.
*
The whole thoughts kept running throu-gh my mind as we headed home.
How do I get Ryan to come with me tomorrow?
First, He’s always too busy.
And second, He’s too pompous and with the little arguments we’ve been having, I’m not sure he’d want to help me.
I placed my head on the head rest and continued thinking about it till we got home.
I stepped out of the van and walked dolefully into the house. I met Lana in the sitting room.
“Hey Bethel” she called with a smile when she saw me.
“Hi. Good evening” I tried sounding nice, despite my frazzled state.
How was school today?” She asked, sipping from her wine.
“It was fine. Thanks” I replied and took the stairs immediately.
I got into the room and Ryan wasn’t in yet.
Well, thank goodness. I don’t think I’m re-ady to face him yet.
I plonked myself on the be-d and cogitated for a long time.
Why should I even be bothered about the ABC girls? But, it’d have really been nice if I got to prove them wrong and fix them in their place.
How do I convince Ryan?
I left the be-d and went into the bathroom to take a shower.
When I was done bathing, I found something simple to wear and decided to go find something to eat.
I didn’t even know the way to the kitchen.
I climbe-d down the stairs to the sitting room and…
Oh my! You wouldn’t believe what I saw.
I saw two of the sisters – Tanya and Judy – having a serious argument.
Lana was no longer there.
“And you’ve always been so bit-chy yourself” Tanya snapped, anger resounding in her voice.
“Wow! Really? You wanna know how a bit-ch behaves? Well, let me show you” Judy replied and started pu-lling her hair.
“Hey st©p it!” Tanya cried and also tried to retaliate by pu-lling her hair.
What the hell?
And there was nob©dy around.
I quic-kened my steps down the stairs and ran to where they were.
“Hey; st©p it” I said and tried pu-lling them out.
“Stay out of this!” Judy yelled as they finally let go of each other.
I was stunned.
“You weren’t called into this, okay? So, st©p being so poke nosive” she glared angrily at me and walked away.
What the…
I looked at Tanya and her eyes were alre-ady teary.
Aw.
I thought of apologizing to her, but she walked away immediately and I stood like a ghost at the sp©t.
What in the name of heaven?
What kind of a family is this?
I shook my head and left the room, headed for the kitchen.
I didn’t know my way, but luckily, I met a maid and followed her there and there I found something to eat.
*
*
I sat all alone by the pool, thinking about my life and wishing I could have a peep into my future.
I wondered why Ryan wasn’t home yet.
But come to think of it; what if he’s still flir-ting around?
Oh, God!
Of course!
I didn’t even think about it. What if he’s still having s3x with other ladies? What if he’s cheating on me?
I huffed and folded my hands and from nowhere, I heard a voice speak to me.
‘Have you been giving him what he nee-ds to st©p him from cheating?’
It c@m£ from my subconscious.
I quic-kly waved it off.
I was way too young for that. What am I even thinking?
But I’m nineteen alre-ady.
Hm.
Am I really too young for it?
I hit my head immediately. Why am I suddenly thinking about such things?
Gosh, Bethel!
Not long after, I saw the gates opening and three black jeeps drove in immediately.
Hah! It was definitely Ryan!
I adjusted on my seat and watched as the cars drove into the parking lot and guards from the third car hurried down to the second car and opened the door.
And there was Ryan.
He c@m£ out of it, dressed in an all black outfit and started walking into the house, gracefully.
Hm. Always acting like a god.
I wasn’t sure he had seen me because the pool lights were off, ma-king it pretty dark.
I took in a de-ep breath and leaned back on my seat.
Oh God!
How do I talk to this guy? What if he ignores me?
And to be sincere, I can’t sound beggish. So, I had to place it in the form of an option.
I spent some more time by the pool and after gathering enough courage, I stood up and walked into the house.
I climbe-d the stairs and got to the King’s be-droom. And I took in one more de-ep breath before going in.
As expected, I found him on the be-d, taking off his shoes.
He was backing the door and turned to spare me a glance as I walked in.
He took his eyes away immediately and concentrated on what he was doing.
Okay, Bethel. Let’s do this.
I swallowed ha-rd and went closer to stand behind him.
“Hi” I said and folded my hands and surprisingly, he scoffed.
“You’re talking to me?” He asked and turned his head a little to look at me.
I kept quiet and he continued with what he was doing.
“Well…” I started.
“I don’t know if you might have gone throu-gh the news or something. But I actually repres£nted my school in a Mathematics competition and luckily, we won. And…tomorrow’s the award giving day. So, I was wondering if you might wanna attend – if you’ll be interested” I said, batting my lashes.
Surprisingly, he didn’t say a word.
“Did you…get what I said?” I asked.
“I’m not deaf. You said if I’d be interested” he replied and I rolled my eyes and turned away.
I got to my wardrobe and st©pped. What am I even doing at the wardrobe?
Oh geez! I think I might have to beg him.
But I can’t.
I bit myl-ips and exhaled de-eply.
Then I turned to face him again. Although, he was still backing me.
“Fine! I want you to come” I finally said, re-leasing the burden off my shoulders.
Oh God
plea-se.
“I can’t” he said bluntly and left the be-d, going for his wardrobe.
What?
“plea-se, its important” I added hopefully and he scoffed.
He quietly opened the wardrobe and brou-ght out his white towel.
“I’ll be having an appointment” he finally said icily and walked into the bathroom.
*
*
I sat up on the be-d and watched the clock as it ticked.
I felt so doomed.
Oh God!
This wasn’t a dream.
I sighed and stood up weakly from the be-d, going into the bathroom.
Ryan had left alre-ady and there was no hope of him showing up in school.
That guy really turner me down.
For the first time in a long time, a guy made me feel so bittered.
I can’t believe the ABC rats are gonna make me a laughing stock in school.
I took my bath and dressed up for school, acting so slow. I was running late alre-ady, but didn’t care. I didn’t even feel like going.
After spiffing myself up, I left the room and went to the dining.
The Winthrop family were alre-ady there except for Ryan – of course. He left alre-ady.
“Hello Bethel” his mom greeted with a smile as I took a seat.
“Good morning ma’am.” I greeted perfunctorily.
I really didn’t feel like saying much.
My meal was served and I ate quietly, not paying attention to whatever Mr Winthrop was saying to them.
I ate to my fill and when I was done, I took my bag and left.
*
*
My driver drove into the school building and woah! The whole place was rowdy and covered in decorations. The p@rty was for real.
I can’t believe there’ll be no one to cheer me up.
I tried calling mum, but her line wasn’t going throu-gh. And even if it did, I was pretty sure she wouldn’t show up. You wouldn’t believe how many times she’s made me feel rejected and alone in times like this.
I dallied in the van for a short time before coming out and as I did, all eyes turned on me.
They were probably expecting to see me with Ryan.
Luckily, Nicole was alre-ady waiting for me at the entrance and she ran to me the moment she saw me.
Seriously, I just nee-ded someone to walk with her.
“Hey B” she called in a whisper and looked behind me.
Then, she itched her head.
“Uh…where’s Ryan?” She asked and I stared down at the floor.
“Oh girl” she sighed and placed her hand on my shoulder.
“Well, come on; the program’s about to commence” she said and held my hand and started walking in with me.
I tried to ignore the eyes staring at me as we walked along. I could imagine what was going throu-gh their mind.
We got to the main hall where the event was to take place and I was startled at the population.
Wow!
Well, of course it was the entire school. I just never knew we were this much.
“Bethel!” I heard the devil’s voice and turned to see Blair coming with her crew.
Smiles were all over on their faces.
“Oh my! Look whom we have here. You’re looking good” Alma tea-sed.
“But hold on; where’s Ryan?” Cheryl asked and Blair g@sped.
“Oh, my God! That’s completely true. Where’s your beloved husband?” She asked and I felt detest building up in me.
“Oh, my dear Bethel; don’t tell me he didn’t come. Did you guys have an argument last night?” Cheryl asked and chuckled.
Immediately, three students around c@m£ up to us.
“Yes Bethel, tell us what happened. Didn’t you say you were gonna make Ryan come to school?” One of the students asked.
For the first time in my life, I was speechless.
“Come on Bethel; let’s go” Nicole said and tried walking away with me.
“No! We aren’t done with her” someone else said and stepped in the way.
“You wouldn’t believe how much I had to spend in the salon trying to fix my hair just so I could look good for Ryan. You made us believe he’d show up” another lady said.
“Yes. You lied to us. You probably mean nothing to Ryan and that’s the reason he couldn’t even honor you” someone else snapped.
I looked at the ABC girls and they were smiling fatuously. This was what they wanted right?
All of a sudden, we heard someone scream.
We turned immediately and someone else screamed again.
What was that?
It was coming from the entrance.
“Ryan!!” We heard a distant voice cry out.
My eyes fli-ckered.
Securities filled the place immediately as all the teachers started running to the entrance.
Whats going on?
Immediately, everyone started screaming and I looked at the entrance again to see him walking in with his guards.
I g@sped as my legs wo-bbled.
Oh my God!
Ryan!
Its him!
He c@m£!
Married To
Mr Popular
(Rude and grumpy)
Episode 26
By: Faith Lucky.
Bethel’s Pov:
I stood, gobsma-cked and stared at him as he walked in with his guards and the school teachers hovering all around him.
The students were still screaming and taking pictures of him and if not for the pres£nce of the armed guards around him, they’d have succeeded in jumping on him.
“Its Ryan” Blair said lowly, placing her hand on her che-st.
“For real” Alma added with a g@sp.
“He really did come for her after all” one of the students around also said.
I listened to them and at that moment, I smiled.
He finally got to where I was and one of the students beside me pas-sed out.
What?
I turned to look at her on the floor as two teachers attended to it.
And by the time i turned back to look at Ryan again, he was alre-ady standing very close to me.
Oh, my!
His sparkling eyes stared into mine, almost leaving me speechless.
“Ryan!” I heard Blair squeak, but she couldn’t t©uçh him.
He didn’t even mind the ovation he was pu-lling, but just concentrated in staring at my face.
“You…You c@m£” I finally found my words.
“Bethel Winthrop” I heard my name from the stage and turned to see the principal standing there with Kyle and some other teachers beside her.
“plea-se, come forward immediately. We’re about to commence the program” she spoke into the mic and I turned to look at Ryan again.
He didn’t say anything and gulping really ha-rd , I ran off to the stage.
The students cheered happily as I did and I wondered if they were actually cheering for me or for Ryan who was being ushered to a special seat at the front row.
I took in a de-ep breath as I stood beside the principal who was standing in between Kyle and I.
Oh my God!
I can’t believe Ryan c@m£ for me.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen; fervent teachers and our adorable students” she started without faltering.
“First, I want to appreciate you all for taking out time to honor this glorious day of ours. Thank you for ma-king us feel special. I want you to know we’re really grateful.
“And most importantly, before we proceed, I’d want us all to recognize the pres£nce of our World Famous superstar – the country’s pride.
“plea-se, make welcome to Ryan Winthrop” she said and it litted the hall on fire as what seemed like an unlimited ovation began.
“Ryan!!!” All the students screamed and cl@pped.
The teachers were also smiling and cl@pping.
I looked around and couldn’t believe that was actually my husband – pu-lling such crowd.
He – come to think of it – we were married.
“I love you Ryan!” The ovation continued even after the principal signalled them to keep calm.
It took her a lot of time Before she was finally able to put out the noise.
Ryan didn’t even make a move or act like he was the one being referred to.
He just kept tou-ching the lower p@rt of hisl-ips with his thumb and index f!nger.
“So,” the principal continued.
“Once again, welcome to our institute – Mr Ryan. It’s really an honor”
She paused and let out a small smile.
“And now,” she continued.
“Without dallying any longer, we’ll be going straight to the order of the program.
“As you all know, we’ve emerged victorious in the recent Inter School Mathematical competition and of course, it is a thing of joy because, it has just increa-sed our standard in the state.
“And for that, we’ve deemed it fit to award our lovely students who repres£nted us in this great task”.
She paused and looked at one of the teachers beside her and he went to her, holding a decorated box.
The principal opened the box and brou-ght out a pretty medal.
Wow!
“Kyle Donovan, plea-se step forward” she called and Kyle got to where she was.
“Is there anyone to take ph0tos with you?” She asked and his mum rushed out of the crowd.
“I’m right here!” she said happily as she climbe-d the stage.
The principal nodded and wore the medal on him and giving him a handshake with his mom standing beside him, they took a sh0t while the students cheered and applauded.
“Congratulations” she told him and also gave his a mum a Handshake and they got off the stage afterwards.
I noticed he kind of looked broody.
The principal di-pped her hand into the box again and brou-ght out another pretty medal.
“Bethel Winthrop, plea-se step forward” she called and I took in a de-ep breath and walked to where she was.
Hold on; they just addressed me as a Winthrop. That was when I actually realized.
“Is there anyone to take pictures with you?” She asked and I bit myl-ips.
Oh God!
The only person I had here was Ryan. But will he…
I saw the principal’s eyes beam and I turned to see Ryan on his feet.
What?
He ambled to the stage and stood beside me and as he did, the students couldn’t st©p screaming.
I swear, this was the biggest shocker of the year.
He stood very close to me and tried wra-pping his hands around my shoulders. But just as I he changed his mind, he took them to my w@!st instead.
Oh, goodness!
Ryan’s holding my…w@!st!
I felt my systems shiver and I turned to shoot him a stare in the face. But he wasn’t looking at me.
The principal wore the medal on me and giving me a handshake, we took a sh0t.
“Congratulations Bethel” she smiled.
“Thank you ma’am”.
The students were still cl@pping and cheering – unlimited.
I turned and faced Ryan and immediately, I heard his phone beep.
He left the stage immediately and signalled his guards and they started following him out of the hall.
Oh, my!
He was leaving.
I slowly got off the stage and Nicole was the first to run up to me and embr@ced me.
“Oh! Girlfriend, you were amazing” she said ecstatically while holding me.
“Thanks” I smiled back at her.
As expected, all eyes were on me.
I suddenly thought of Ryan.
Immediately, I left Nicole and hurried out of the hall.
I jostled my way throu-gh the students and finally got outside, but unfortunately, I arrived a bit late as Ryan was alre-ady driving out in his black limo.
Oh!
I stood and watched as they drove out the gate and a smile hovered on myl-ips.
And I wasn’t just the only one staring. Other female students ran out as well and watched him leave.
“Is he gone?” I heard Nicole ask and turned to see her standing beside me.
“Yeah” I sighed.
“Oh, my! Bethel, you’re so lucky. How did you get Ryan to come to school? Didn’t you say…”
“I don’t know, Nicole. He told me he wasn’t coming” I replied, still staring at the blank gate.
“Hmm well, I guess he isn’t such a fun killer after all. And I also guess you have a lot to thank him for because he just saved your as-s” she said and smiled.
Then we turned around to go into the hall and surprisingly, we found the ABC girls standing in front of us, looking like ghosts.
I sm-irked and folded my hands.
“Hmm. And the cats are here” I taunted.
“What were you saying a while ago? Hope you had enough time to drool on my husband? Too bad, I’m the only one who gets to t©uçh him. You know, if I were you, I’d dig up a pit and bury myself”.
Nicole beside me had to chuckle – together with few students around.
The ABC girls remained speechless.
“Hm. Since you’ve lost your ton-gues, I’ll just let you look for them” I added derogatorily and left With Nicole.
*
*
*
As I sat in the car heading home, I thought of Ryan. What will I say to him when I get home?
I guess I’m just gonna have to thank him then. I still couldn’t believe he honored my invitation.
I felt so happy and relaxed. I wondered what would have happened if he had failed to come. The ABC girls would have turned me into a laughing stock in school.
Geez!
We finally got home and I c@m£ out of the van immediately.
I took in a de-ep breath and approached the house.
Surprisingly, when I got closer to the sitting room, I heard some starting noise.
What’s going on?
I quic-kly barged in and saw the house in a complete mess – in a chaos.
What?
Ryan and Royce were fighting!
“That’s enough. St©p him!” Mr Winthrop said to Royce’s mum who was trying to hold him.
What the heck?
“Ryan, plea-se. St©p it” Ryan’s mum cried, also trying to hold him.
My eyes were bulging out in shock.
There were broken glas-ses on floor and chairs and tables were turned over.
Royce alre-ady had a cut on his head and was bleeding.
“You’re nothing but a worthless brother!” He said raucously, trying to free himself from his mother’s grasp.
“And you’re not even my brother!” Ryan retorted and tried getting at him again, but his mom st©pped him.
He looked so angry and violent. And obviously, he was the cut on Royce’s head. Blood was gushing out from it.
Oh my! Was this how he gets when he’s angry?
Royce’s mum and sister were able to get him away from the sitting room and immediately Ryan fred himself from his mum, he headed for the door.
There was so much rancour in his eyes as he got to where I was and without even looking at me, he stormed out of the house.
*
*
I walked into the be-droom and sat quietly on the be-d.
The fight between Ryan and Royce really struck me to the guts and left me speechless.
What could’ve been the cause anyway?
That Royce is so annoying.
I overheard the maids saying Ryan wouldn’t be coming home tonight.
It was stated that each time he got that angry, he leaves the house for days and stays in one of his mansions. But hopefully, he might return the following day.
I sighed and la-id flat on the be-d.
Geez
That was a terrible state. I never knew the Ryan who talked and acted so calmly could be that violent. No wonder Hannah had advised me not to get on his bad side.
I spent a long time alone in the room, thinking about the whole thing.
We were supposed to go for marriage clas-ses today, but with the look of things, I don’t think it’s gonna be possible.
What a good way of spoiling my plans. I had really wanted to thank him.
I continued staring at the ceiling and didn’t realize when I dozed off.
*
*
#Next_morning
I clumped down the stairs, fully dressed for school.
I got to the dining and met the Winthrop family alre-ady having breakfast – except for Ryan of course. And Royce wasn’t there either.
“Bethel” Ryan’s mum called as usual when she saw me.
“Good morning ma’am.
Good morning sir” I greeted she and her husband before taking a seat.
“Good morning dear” Mr Winthrop replied, taking a plantain into his mouth.
“How was your night, Bethel?” Ryan’s mum asked.
“It was fine. Thanks”.
The maids served me my meal and I started eating.
“By the way, Bethel” Ryan’s mum said again.
“I really want to apologize for what happened yesterday. I un-derstand you had to be lonely. That’s what happens when you’re living with animals rather than humans. But not to worry, my son will be back before evening. I’ll make sure of that”.
“And who exactly are the animals?” The third wife – Royce’s mum asked.
“I’m sure they can identify themselves. I don’t nee-d to point them out” she replied and sipped from her glas-s of wine.
Geez!
No wonder Ryan is so rude. He completely takes after his mum.
“That’s enough” Mr Winthrop interfered before it’d turn into something else.
“I don’t want a single more word to be said on this table. Have I made myself clear?” He said and Ryan’s mum rolled her eyes while the third wife didn’t say anything.
Goodness.
*
After eating, I took my bag and left the dining, walking out the door.
Approaching my phone started ringing and I checked and discovered it was mum.
What?
Mum?
I scoffed and picked the call as I entered into the van.
“Mum?” I called on the phone.
I felt surprised she was calling me.
“Hi Bethel”,she said breezily.
“Um…good morning”.I greeted.
I was kind of surprised she was calling me.
“How are you doing?” She asked.
“Um…I’m fine – of course”.
“Okay. You’re on your way to school, Right?”
“Y..yes”.
“Okay good. When you’re done from school, I want you to come over to the house immediately”.
I pu-ll-ed a confused face.
My driver was alre-ady driving.
“Why?” I asked.
“What do you mean why? I want to see you”.
I paused and tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Okay. I’ll…I’ll be there” I replied, still feeling dazed.
“Good. Bye”, she said and ended the call.
I huffed and shook my head. Why does mum want to see me? What is she upto this time around?
*
*
School had been kinda boring as all we did was receive lectures.
The ABC girls didn’t even show up and it was more of a relief since I didn’t have to tackle them.
“So, Ryan didn’t come home last night?” Nicole asked as she accompanied me to where my driver was.
“Yeah.” I replied.
“Aw. That’s so bad. That family’s really one of a kind. Don’t you think it’d be best if Ryan just takes you to one of his mansions so you two can live alone?” She asked and I gawped at her.
“What? Are you crazy, Nic? Of course that’s not happening. How can I live alone with Ryan?” I asked with a crumpled face.
“And what are you talking about? Besides,you’re married.” She replied and I just shrugged it off.
We finally got to where my driver was and surprisingly – like really surprisingly – I found mum there.
What?
“Isn’t that your mum?”, Nicole asked, surprised.
What’s she doing here?
“Mum?” I called, abacked.
“Yes, dear. I c@m£ to surprise you. I wanna give you a ride home” she said with a smile.
“But…you asked me to come over to the house, right?” I asked.
“Yeah – I changed my mind. Come on” she replied and went for her car.
She was putting on a white trou-ser suit – looking so…
“Hm. Good luck with your mum,B. Bye” Nicole said and left and after a little hesitance, I joined mum in the car.
“So, how’s the Winthrop family?” She asked as we set out on the road.
“They’re amazingly great” I scoffed and replied, recalling everything that’s happened.
“And how’s Ryan?” She asked and I lowered my gaze to my legs.
“He’s fine” I muttered a reply.
“You’ve started marriage clas-ses with him, right?”,
“Yeah”.
She didn’t say any other thing for a while.
“Bethel” she finally called after a long silence.
“There’s something I nee-d to ask.” She said and paused.
“You and Ryan…have you guys been inti-mate?” She asked but I didn’t get a zilch of what she meant.
“inti-mate?” I repeated, confused.
“Have you had s3x?” She spelt it out and I re-leased a light g@sp.
What the hell?
“What? No! Of course, not” I replied and immediately, she st©pped the car.
Huh?
“What do you mean no?” She snapped.
“Are you trying to say since you got married to Ryan, nothing has happened between you two?”
Okay; what is this woman driving out?
“Well…he hasn’t made a move yet…”
“Then you make one” she cut me off and I flin-ched in shock.
What?
“Listen to me, Bethel; this is the more important p@rt of the deal. You and Ryan nee-ds to be inti-mate” she said.
What deal is she talking about?
“But mum…”
“There’s no way Ryan can reject s3x. Who knows if you’re actually the one giving him a ha-rd time?” She cut me off again and I scoffed.
“Of course, I’m not. We…” I paused and sighed, running out of words.
The whole thing sounded absurd.
“Listen to me, Bethel” she said sternly.
“No matter what, I want it done tonight”.
Whaat?
TBC.