Notice Me

by Turley, Rebecca

  I would always have his words, the memory of his touch and my emerald green necklace close to my heart to be able to know he was real – that we were real. I ran my fingers across Robert Burns’ poem Red Red Rose as the tears fell down my face. Why was it as I read the poem it felt as if it was Charlie saying goodbye?

  Red Red Rose

  O, my love is like a red, red rose,

  That is newly sprung in June.

  O, my love is like the melody,

  That is sweetly played in tune.

  As fair are you, my lovely lass,

  So deep in love am I,

  And I will love you still, my Dear,

  Till all the seas go dry.

  Till all the seas go dry, my Dear,

  And the rocks melt with the sun!

  O I will love you still, my Dear,

  While the sands of life shall run.

  And fare you well, my only Love,

  And fare you well a while!

  And I will come again, my Love,

  Although it were ten thousand mile!

  - Robert Burns -

  I looked out towards the sea as the waves still crashed gently at my feet wishing the sea had already run dry so I could run to him. I knew I would never get my happily ever after, but deep in the bottom of my heart I wished that for Charlie. I hoped he could find a love like ours again. To finally be complete with a happiness only love could bring. I loved him enough to wish that for him. At least he could be happy enough for the both of us.

  Chapter 30

  When you reach the end of your life does everyone regret the choices they didn’t make?

  Can you really spend your whole life living a lie to your heart to protect the one thing that keeps it still beating?

  Waiting in the large white beach hut having my hair braided to fit my tiara I could hardly control my panic. I had nowhere left to run.

  My wedding dress hung over the large framed mirror staring me in the face, showing me the life I had ahead of me.

  Megan and Maisy were waiting outside for me in their pretty red flawless dresses. Mrs Gray was doing her best to calm me but the panic attacks were coming fast making it hard for me to breathe.

  It was even worse knowing I had to walk down the aisle alone. I knew it would cripple me, but I wanted the pain to take me. If my heart still hurt I knew I would never forget how it felt to love Charlie.

  I could hardly look at the face in the mirror, it wasn’t me, just a fake hollow shell. Was this me from now on? Someone who couldn’t even be truthful to her own self?

  As my last curl was pinned into place, I knew I was ready. The end of my heart, life and significance as I knew it.

  I breathed in slowly pulling the last ounce of courage into the pit of my stomach. As my wedding dress was pulled into place I felt as if all the threads were chaining me pulling me to the ground like a slave for the pleasure of the Field family.

  I touched my emerald necklace as a single tear fell down my face. ‘Forgive me.’ I whispered to my heart.

  I could feel the heat from the summer sun before I even stepped outside. The heat was moist swirling around my body as I glided towards the door in my perfect fairy tale white lace dress.

  I squinted from the sun as I stepped outside. I could hear the orchestra playing a tranquil classical tune and hear the gentle hum of the few guests waiting for me. The sea was a beautiful cool blue glistening like stardust across the horizon. Tall palm trees swayed in rhythm to the music. It was more picturesque than I had ever dreamed as I spotted the red rose petals leading the way down towards the pure white sand beach.

  Waiting staff all dressed in white lowered their heads as I glided past them as if I were royalty. I hated it.

  Megan and Maisy were waiting for me just under a small canopy near the aisle.

  “You look breathtaking my dear,” whispered Mrs Gray. She was the most wonderful wedding planner. Under all the circumstances I had to be grateful for her making my day so magical.

  “Thank you. For everything,” I whispered.

  “It is not too late to run my dear,” Mrs Gray whispered in my ear. “I just wish I was helping you marry your true love.”

  “You are helping me save him. That is even better,” I touched her arm. “Thank you.”

  “You take care of yourself, Shannon,” Mrs Gray kissed my forehead. “I am sorry I couldn’t help, I tried.” I looked at her confused. “I sent your letter to him last week.” I froze, what had she done, but as I thought about it what harm could it do? In an hour I would be Mrs Shannon Field. Charlie couldn’t fight with that.

  “Mrs Gray you really shouldn’t have done that,” I whispered with a smile.

  “I am sorry. I really thought he would come and save you. I guess the Fields are too dangerous even for true love?” I forced a smile touching her arm.

  “Thank you for trying. I understand why you did it,” I kissed her cheek. “Wish me luck,” I teased breathing deeply.

  “I am praying for a miracle for you, Shannon. Your heart deserves better.”

  I was grateful that someone was watching out for me, but miracles only happened in fairy tales.

  “Shannon, you look beautiful,” Maisy and Megan sighed together holding their white rose arrangement. Megan handed me my red and white bouquet and touched my face.

  “Be happy my dear friend,” Megan beamed as the tears fell down my face. Megan thought they were tears of joy as she wiped them away. “Don’t mess your beautiful face, Shannon,” Megan laughed.

  “We are up,” Maisy pulled Megan excitedly.

  “Okay Maisy,” Megan moaned. “You don’t need to pull my arm off.”

  “See you at the top of the aisle Shan,” Maisy winked. I just smiled nervously.

  “Keep your head high Shan. You have never looked as beautiful as you do now,” Megan whispered as she began to follow the path of petals. “You have never looked more like you belong with us!” Megan’s last words sliced me into two. I knew her words were true and soon enough I would be a Field forever.

  The music for my entrance began to play. My time was up. As I followed the path of red rose petals I imagined Charlie would be waiting for me as the rose petal trail ended. It kept me calm as the rest of the Field family came into view. Megan and Maisy had already reached the top canopy and were arguing in their red shimmering bridesmaid dresses. Will was with his father under an arch of red roses in a black morning suit. Veronica in a pink dress suit stood looking up the aisle sighing, telling Will to look at how beautiful I was. I didn’t even take in the rest of the guests. I had no idea who they were anyway. I made Mrs Gray out in the distance. I guess she would be crying so decided to keep her distance.

  Charlie was all I could suddenly think about, every touch, every word he had given me. My whole life twisted around his every breath. I even imagined him softly calling my name begging me to wait for him. I guess I had gone mad, but I suppose my head could only take so much.

  I began to step onto the aisle looking at the blood red rose petals reminding me of my slowly bleeding heart, walking towards my fate. I watched the Field’s faces grow restless. Something that was happening behind me was bothering them. Sir Philip Field called over his head of security shaking his hands frantically in my direction. Veronica Field kept her worried eyes on me beckoning me to carry on down the aisle. Will kept his eyes hard on mine, almost forcing me down the aisle. I wanted to turn to see what was going on, but I was afraid. My heart knew what I hoped for wasn’t what I would see. Perhaps some more press had gotten through the security or maybe the chef had set the main house on fire, that would be a shame. I laughed to myself, then heard my name being called louder and louder.

  “Shannon! Shannon! Wait!” The voice was becoming increasingly louder. It was definitely not in my head as I turned to see his beautiful face running towards me.

  Charlie had pushed past all the security, which was easy when you had at least ten guards or police walking on the beach with you. What
was going on, had he lost his mind?

  I stopped half way down the aisle just watching his stunning face smiling at me. My heart accelerated faster as he drew nearer.

  “Shannon,” Charlie grabbed me around the waist pulling me into him. “Thank God, I got here in time. It’s okay. You don’t have to go through with this. Everything is going to be fine.”

  “Charlie.” It was almost a whisper. I was so shocked and confused. I put my arms around him protectively as the Field family watched us.

  “Sweetheart, it’s fine Will can’t touch me. He can’t touch you either actually. Shannon, you won’t believe what…”

  “Well, this is cosy,” Will had reached us in the middle of the aisle to interrupt Charlie.

  “Will, don’t push me. I swear I will hit you,” Charlie shouted.

  “Shannon, can you please inform Charlie who you wish to be with before he gets hurt. He is beginning to ruin my day!” I knew what Will meant, but Charlie didn’t let me answer.

  “I know what you did to Shannon, Will. You can’t get to me,” Charlie gloated watching Will’s surprised face. “I also know why you did it Will. Or should I address this to your whole family?” Charlie turned his glare towards the Field family who stood closely behind Will, terror on all of their faces except Megan. Her eyes full of tears were directed between Charlie and I. Megan had obviously put it together. Why else would Charlie and I have our arms protectively around each other? I had never planned Megan to find out this way, but Megan wasn’t my priority right now.

  “Charlie, what are you talking about?” I finally asked dazed by the Field’s expressions.

  “Shannon,” Charlie turned me to face him. “We have found your mother.” I stood there confused. What did my mother have to do with any of this? Charlie could read my confusion. “Shannon, your mother isn’t dead.”

  I could feel it register gradually in my head, but still none of this made sense.

  “Charlie, I…” I was still speechless.

  “Shannon, your mother is Jennet Downing.” Charlie touched my face caressing my cheek. His touch sent sparks through my whole body. “You have been tricked, Shannon. Field Organisation have used you to gain the upper hand with Downing International. None of them were even interested in you – just your birthright.” Charlie pulled me close into his chest as I began to shake and sob uncontrollably. It was too much. I knew none of it could be true, but if it meant I could run away with Charlie I would take it. Now he was here in front of me, I could never be separated from him. “I know it’s a lot to take in. I am so sorry. I was hoping to find you sooner but I had problems getting onto this island… I am so sorry, sweetheart.”

  I carried on crying, my tears were uncontrollable. So many emotions overwhelmed me. Did I have a mother? It seemed too much to believe, perhaps Charlie was wrong. In this moment I would believe it if it meant I could stay with him forever.

  “Wonderful story Charles but we have no idea what you are talking about,” Will spoke coldly. Charlie’s arms tightened around me as Will moved closer towards me.

  “Will, this is over. I am taking Shannon home.” Charlie turned pulling me with him, as the police watched the Field family. “You have some explaining to do with the FBI anyway. Kidnap and blackmail is a serious offence. Not to mention forcing Shannon to marry you. I really don’t think Jennet is going to take this very well.” Charlie chuckled as he scooped me up in his strong loving arms. I just rested my head against his chest.

  “Is this true?” A policeman asked me.

  I turned to look at Charlie. Was it really safe for me to tell the truth? Charlie smiled stunningly at me. I knew I had nothing to fear as I became lost in his exquisite blue-green eyes.

  “Yes it is true. William Field told me he would kill Charles Collins if I did not marry him.” I heard gasps from behind me, but I was too scared to look at them. I couldn’t face Megan’s pain stricken face again today.

  “Thank you Miss Davis. We will be in touch. We have your forwarding address.”

  “You do?” I asked confused.

  “Let me get you out of here,” Charlie glared at Will. “If I have to look at his face any longer he won’t be the only one throwing death threats around.”

  “You haven’t won this round, Charlie,” Will glared trying to get into his face. Charlie pulled me tighter against his chest protectively.

  “Will, Jennet Downing knows. I have told her. I am taking Shannon to meet her right now.” I watched Will’s face drop in defeat. This couldn’t be true. How could I be Jennet Downing’s daughter it didn’t make sense. “So I think it is safe for me to say, if you ever come near Shannon again you will be sorry,” Charlie towered over Will even with me in his arms.

  Charlie turned to carry me away to freedom when Megan finally spoke up.

  “Shannon, are you being serious? You are going to ride into the sunset with the man I love?” I turned to look at Megan, tears were falling down both our faces.

  “I love him Megan,” I sobbed.

  “Come on sweetheart. We can do this another time.” Charlie began to walk away.

  “No, we do this now!” Megan screeched following us.

  Charlie turned to glare at Megan. I was sobbing so much I couldn’t even control my breathing properly. “We can do this another time Megan! Your family have done more than enough to Shannon for one day,” Charlie began to start walking again as something crossed his mind. “Did you know who Shannon’s mother was, Megan?”

  “Yes, why else would I befriend a loser like her?” Megan screeched.

  “Megan shut up,” Sir Philip Field stared coldly at his daughter. I was stunned, had the last four years really all been a lie?

  I turned to look up at Charlie. He tried to comfort my pain by kissing my forehead. “Take me home, Charlie,” I whispered.

  “Of course sweetheart,” Charlie whispered in my ear. He turned his glare to Megan again. “Megan, I loved Shannon from almost the first moment I met her. I only stayed with you so I could be close to her.” Megan stood motionless watching him as fresh tears fell down her face. “I wrote all the letters to her. I had to tell her somehow. You have no idea what Shannon and I have. Shannon is everything you are not. She has inner beauty as well as outside. ”

  “Can’t she speak for herself?” asked Megan sarcastically.

  “She can but I want to get her to safety so if you will excuse me, I think it’s time for us to leave,” chuckled Charlie. “You are all going to be busy answering questions from the FBI and I wouldn’t want to be you when Jennet Downing gets her hands on you.” Charlie was still laughing as we walked off. I could hear Megan screaming, but for the first time I couldn’t have cared less.

  Chapter 31

  I had no idea how long we had been walking. It can’t have been very long. As I noticed the Downing International helicopter I looked up at Charlie’s face, shocked.

  “Shannon, it is true. Jennet Downing is your mother,” Charlie whispered as he set me on my feet.

  “You are being serious?” I asked amazed.

  “How else do you think I managed to find you, get the FBI on my side, and have a personal helicopter? I am only a photographer you know,” Charlie teased taking my hand leading me to the red and white helicopter.

  “I really hope this isn’t a dream,” I sighed getting in and strapping myself up.

  I saw Mrs Gray in the distance waving me off. I waved frantically at her. I knew I would get my chance to thank her one day. It seemed miracles really could happen.

  “Who is that?” Charlie asked.

  “Mrs Gray she posted your letter… and she was the wedding coordinator.”

  “You might have to explain that some other time, Shan,” Charlie laughed confused as the helicopter took flight.

  “I will,” I sighed leaning into his chest content.

  “I know you don’t want to hear this. But Shan, you look so beautiful in your wedding dress. When I caught sight of you on the beach you made my heart
weep. I thought I was too late.” Charlie’s eyes were softly pouring into mine.

  “I can’t believe you came for me,” I reached for him remembering every perfect line of his gorgeous face. Charlie rested his head against mine and closed his eyes.

  “Of course I did, Shannon. I would rather die than be without you. You are my life.” Charlie opened his eyes. Our lips were inches apart. I could feel his soft breath on my skin. “I will never ever let you go, Shannon. My heart can only beat for you.”