Speak To Me

(Gabriella)

I swallowed hard before backing up toward the wall, my eyes landing on Regina's cold green ones as she stepped closer to me.

"Now Gabriella..I know you might've been excited..meeting a boy and thinking he likes you..but sweetheart.." She began before coming closer and reaching her hand out, making me turn my head and flinch.

Suddenly I felt Regina stroke my long black hair, her movements gentle and slow..but I knew what came after this..

"He just wants to use you, sweet girl..he wants to use your body for his pleasure..that's what these men are like..trust me, I know. You are too innocent for this Gabriella..you are too sweet." She whispered, making my stomach tie into knots as I kept my eyes closed, too afraid to look at her.

Could she be telling the truth? Is that the only reason he wanted me?

"Gabriella look at me." She snapped, making me do exactly what she asked as I fluttered my eyes open and turned towards her.

What I saw made a shiver creep down my spine as I let out a whimper..Regina had that look in her eyes..the one that let me know I had been bad.

"Just call the whole thing off..you don't want to hurt your sister like this..you don't want to be seen as a whore like your mother right?" She whispered before brushing my hair back and sliding her cold palm across my cheek.

"I know we haven't been fully accepting of you..that we have taken out our anger on your father on you... You were such a sweet girl and we were so cruel..I promise that will change Gabriella, all you have to do is say no okay? Then you can be a part of the family like you always wanted right?" She whispered, making me nod my head as tears fell from my eyes..that's all I ever wanted..I just wanted to be a part of the family..to be loved.

"If you express that to Jamie, then we will make it happen..you will be like a daughter to me." She whispered softly, the words she spoke ones I always dreamed of hearing.

"So will you Gabriella? Will you be a good girl for Mommy and tell him no?" She asked, making me blink my eyes rapidly as I stared up at her, the anticipation so clear on her face..a face that had mocked and sneered at me my whole life.

As much as I wished her words were true..as much as the old me dreamed of this moment so many times..I knew it was a lie..I wasn't that Naive Gabriella anymore.

I wasn't the small girl doing everything she could to please a woman who would never see her more than a mistake.

I was a stain in their lives..just like Cecelia had said..I was a constant reminder that my dad cheated on Regina and made a baby with another woman..and to make things worse, I looked just like that woman.

Regina would hate me until her very last breath..

I shook my head no, making Regina freeze as those lies she just told me came tumbling down, not having the effect she wanted.

"No?" She asked, her voice cold and threatening.

I took a step back, distancing myself from her as I braced myself for the backlash.

"Now Gabriella, I want you to think about this..do you really think Jamie Sinclair will fall in love with someone broken like you?" She scoffed darkly, her face morphing into something sinister as I crossed my arms in front of my chest, standing my ground as I nodded my head yes. "You are even stupider than I thought." She laughed, her hands balling into fists before taking one step forward and leaning closer.

"If you don't cancel this wedding..you will regret it." She hissed.

"Regina, what are you doing in here?" My dad suddenly boomed before coming closer to us quickly.

"Are you okay bunny?" He asked me hastily before gripping my arms and examining me carefully.

I nodded yes as Regina stepped back, her lips curling back into a sneer as she looked my dad up and down discreetly before composing herself as my dad turned towards her.

"John, I was just congratulating our daughter.." She lied so easily before smiling warmly. She was a great actress..I will give her that..

"Well..I was just going to find you. I have decided to take Gabriella to a hotel for a few days..just to give Cecelia some space." My dad explained making Regina feign understanding as she stepped forward and placed her hand on Daddy's arm.

"Of course dear, I think that's for the best. Then once things calm down we can start planning for the wedding." My stepmother added sweetly, her face softening as that murderous glare was nowhere to be seen...dang she was good.

"I'm glad you understand..it will only be for a few nights." He added curtly, his posture stiffening as he darted his eyes towards me.

"I guess I will let you two pack, Gabriella, remember what I said." She smiled brightly, like she was reminding me she loved me or something as she kissed my dad on the lips before turning and walking out.

The moment she left, I felt like I could finally breathe again as my dad turned towards me.

"Come on, let's get you packed up..you should change into something more comfortable too." My dad suggested, his voice serious and firm as he glanced towards the door once more and sighed heavily.

I nodded and headed towards my dresser, pulling out a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and some black wide-leg stretchy pants. I quickly went into the bathroom and somehow managed to unzip my dress all on my own.

After changing and pulling my hair up in a ponytail, I glanced in the mirror...despite everything that happened tonight, there was still a big smile on my face, because not only did I stick up for myself for the first time in a long time..but the image of Jamie's handsome face would not leave my mind.

He was the most gorgeous man I have ever seen!

I did a little dance before turning and jumping up and down excitedly..I'm going to get married..like actually married!

That's when my dad knocked on the door, making me almost fall flat on my ass.

"Ready Bunny? The car just got here." He told me as I straightened my shirt before stepping back into my room.

"Sweetie, where's all your other clothes? I only found the stuff in the dresser." My dad asked while putting some of my things into a small suitcase.

"That's all there is." I signed to him, making his brow furrow as anger flashed through his eyes.

"I see." He stated tightly before clenching his jaw and closing the suitcase.

"Well, it seems we will be going shopping soon." He added, making my eyes widen as I smiled happily.

"Really daddy?" I signed, making him smile and nod before grabbing my suitcase off the bed.

"Don't forget Butterscotch." Dad reminded me as I gasped before walking over and yanking my bunny off of the bed and cuddling him in my arms.

I swear he still smelled like my mom..I know it probably was all in my mind, but it brought me comfort.

"Come on kiddo, let's get out of here..oh, and Jamie dropped this off earlier for you. He asked me to give it to you." My dad stated before reaching back into his pocket and pulling out a soft pink phone, making me gasp.

"For me?" I signed, my eyes wide and full of excitement as dad nodded.

Jamie got me a phone!

I took it from my dad's hands and opened it up, seeing there was a notification as I clicked it.

I won't lie..I wasn't too tech savvy, Regina never let me have a phone so I never really used one.

I clicked the small envelope tab and saw Jamie's name at the top.

From Jamie: I hope you like it beautiful, text me when you get this.

My heart burst, my cheeks burned red and I slapped the phone to my chest, peeking up at my dad who was now scowling.

"Come on, you can text him after we get there." He muttered while dragging my suitcase behind him.

This is like a dream come true..he thinks I'm beautiful..I can't wait to text him, I wonder what else he will say.