Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Linda's POV

My head started spinning as I tried to understand the underlining message in the note. Was it a joke?

What could have come up that was so important that he couldn't tell me before sending me away like that?

With shaky hands, I checked the small pocket of my dress and pulled out my phone. It had been on silence throughout the day.

I saw a ton of congratulatory messages from my only friend, Hilda but that wasn't why I took the phone. I had to call Barney.

I dialed his number and waited for him to pick me up.

It rang for a couple of seconds but he didn't pick up.

I stared at the phone wondering what was stopping him from picking up. He couldn't just bring me here and expect me to spend the night alone?

Surely, there had to be an explanation. That note did nothing but increase my anxiety. It did nothing to calm me down.

I tried the number again, but still the same thing, no one answered.

Just when depression and negative thoughts almost swept me off my sanity, the phone blared into life.

"Barney?" I quickly breathed into the phone.

"Umm, I guess he is in the bathroom. What's up?" It was Hilda.

My heart fell.

I thought it was Barney finally calling me back.

"Linda? Are you still there or your handsome prince has stolen you away now?" Hilda asked over the phone.

"Hey, Urmm Hilda, what's up?" I mumbled, dropping on the bed in frustration.

"I am fine but with the tone of your voice, I am guessing you are not fine. Are you?"

I placed my fingers to my temples not knowing where to start. "Oh Hilda, I don't know what to feel. I really wished you were here today..."

"I wish I was there too baby but your evil half sister made sure I couldn't. How did it go? And please tell me why you sound like that?"

"I am sorry, I am sure the ban on your passport will be released soon." My half sister Susan had placed a ban on her passport, accusing her of criminal records when none of these was true.

"Where is your husband?" She asked and I could almost make out the face she was pulling up at that point.

"Oh, umm... He stepped out," I lied. I didn't want her to start doubting Barney again. Besides this was just a minor problem, I didn't have to tell anyone.

"Okay, if you say so then," Hilda trailed.

We talked about some of the tiny details of the event but I avoided talking about the murmurs. We said our goodbyes and ended the call but my mind was still troubled.

Where could have Barney gone?

Taking a deep breath, I got out of my wedding dress and luckily for me, the hotel room had clothes in the wardrobe.

I changed, washed off my makeup, and decided to wait. Eventually, he would have to return, right?

I fell asleep on the bed while waiting and I woke up hours later to the sound of the door opening.

"Barney?" I called as I scratched my eyes with the back of my hand to clear my vision.

He walked closer and I could clearly see now that it was indeed him. But his face was pulled into a frown as he went on to the wardrobe.

"Barney, where did you go? It has been hours now..." I said getting off the bed to join him by the wardrobe.

He continued picking clothes out of the wardrobe like he couldn't hear me. I looked around the room wondering if there was something I was missing out.

But there was nothing out of the ordinary.

I moved closer and touched his shoulder. "Barney why—"

My question didn't see the light of day as he snapped at me with anger burning in his eyes.

"Do not touch me you dirty pig!" He hissed.

My brain went numb and for a second I was sure I had imagined what happened.

"Barney—" I tried to start again but he pushed me to the side and moved to the bed.

"Linda, I do not have time to listen to your rambling. I came here to pick up a few clothes to go have fun. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

"Barney, what are you saying? I am your wife and this is our honeymoon!" I whispered afraid my voice would break if I spoke any louder.

My heart had resumed thumping and I was starting to believe what I heard. I wasn't imagining it.

"You, my wife?" Barney scoffed pointing a finger at me. "That should be the joke of the century. I can never —willingly marry someone as shapeless as you!"

"Do you even look at the mirror, Linda? You are disgusting to look at?!" He barked as he resumed walking to the door.

My heart tore into halves and my vision turned blurry but I refused to believe my ears. Surely it was malfunctioning.

"Barney, what are you talking about? What is this?" Tears were already flowing down my eyes but I sniffled the back and rushed after him.

Barney had his hand on the doorknob and was about to step out when he paused. He looked at me and I felt my heart sink.

The look he gave me was one of irritation. I felt so insignificant in front of him. It was the same look other people gave to me? People who only looked at my body and its thickness... people who thought Barney was making a mistake by marrying me...

What happened to my Barney?

"Linda, I don't want to make this hard for any of us. I am a very gentle man, I am sure you know. So please try to understand when I say, I can't be with you!"

"But, we are married..." At this point, my voice had broken already and I refused to hide it. It was too much to take.

"I am in the next room, having fun with a more enjoyable woman. If you have a problem with it, then be my guest and get a divorce..."