The Wedding Day;

Madeline's Pov:

The day was windy as I stood by Jake's stone. Rex and I agreed to get married after giving Jake, the funeral, he deserved. He did. The day explained the number of people that admired him, for his wit, intelligence, reasoning and mostly for his empathy.

It been two weeks since his funeral, and now he was resting peacefully in his ground. But here, I was standing in front of his tomb, with a storm whirling inside me.

There was a silence prevailing in the place, where the only sound was the rustling of leaves and the swaying grasses hitting the tombs standing at distances.

I wanted to be in this silence, before I jump into a complete new chaotic world. I was getting married today, to a person who falls no where among the civilians. A huge conflict has been killing me. Am I even doing a justice to Jake? Is it right by me, to follow my heart? Or, should I do, what the situation demands?

"Jake, I know you are there somewhere watching over me. You gave me the breath, I am breathing today. You gave me the wit, that helped me survive. You made me self reliant, so that I never look back. But, today, I needed you. I needed you, to point out that invisible line between right and wrong.

Jake, if you are there somewhere, watching over me. I request you, to stop me, if ever my feet steps on the wrong stone. Do, whatever the hell you want, but stop me, if I am wrong."

I kept silently seated beside his tomb, refusing to keep track of my time. I promised him and myself, to kill my demons and break free, once I leave this place. To find myself the closure that would help me survive the rest of my life.

After, almost an hour, I got up, brushed through the maroon over coat.

"Sleep tight, brother!"

And, I left for home.

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I entered my room and a gasp left my mouth.

Madeline(exhaling): When did you come?

Claire was standing there, hands across her chest. She was staring at me, with a visible annoyance. That is still an understatement. She looked super annoyed.

Claire: I never knew, you don't know how to read a watch.

I placed my phone, near my eyes. It was 4:36 pm. It was now, my time to show an attitude.

Madeline(with a bored look on her face): The ceremony is at 7:00 pm..

Claire: And?

Madeline: It is 4:30. We have two and a half hours left.

Claire(higher pitch): Maddie!! You are unbelievable! YOU ARE THE BRIDE..!! YOU NEED THAT TIME TO GET READY..!!

I clicked my tongue at her and walked past her into my bedroom, while she turned her heel and followed me. I never really bothered about getting dolled up. But, there was someone in the room, who had agreed to take up all the botheration to herself. Her level of spree, seemed like, she was the bride.

Claire: Look, I am your bridesmaid. I want to look good. Okay?

I turned my heel to see a pair of demanding eyes staring at me.

Madeline: Who stopped you from looking good?

Claire(pointing her finger at her): You!!

Madeline: Me??!!

Claire(continuing in the same pitch): Yes, because I cant look better than the bride.
(Plunging her shoulder low) C'mon, Maddie, you need to dress up well, for that we need the time.

Madeline: Have you selected which dress, I should wear?

Claire: Yeah, as you see I have taken up the job of designing the least interested to-be-bride, in here. But to be honest, he will be more interested in what's inside.

I shot my widened eyes at her. She snickered at my expression. Suddenly, I found myself failing to hide my heating up cheeks.

"Dress is Ready!!"

Raven and Rose rushed inside the room with a giant white gown plunged into a hanger.

Rose: Phew! We are here to help you get into this, giant thing. But, good luck getting out of that.

Raven: Are you a saint, Rose? That will be to the ground in no time, Duhh..!!

"Uhhhh!!"

Three of them sang in unison. I turned away from them and started to pretend to be busy, just to conceal the redness in my cheeks that was probably visible.

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It was finally the time. The wedding was happening, inside a garden, surrounded with colorful flowers, green meadows and huge trees. The white dome that stood  in the middle, seemed to be hugged by the green trees surrounding it. I stood by the aisle, which was designed with a red carpet, perfectly in contrast with the green meadow on the sides. It was beautiful. Claire stood beside with a peach long dress, complementing with mine, throwing towards me a gentle smile.

Rose and Raven came forward to help me with my huge gown, I pulled it up slightly above my feet as they held the back.

Claire turned towards me,

Claire: Let's go, shall we?

I turned towards her and nodded. I looked up at Rex, to see him staring at me, deep into my eyes, smiling to himself. Maybe, he was having the same dilemma, I was in. "Am I dreaming?" All I can imagine, as I walked down the aisle, how mom and dad must have been happy for me. I can totally imagine them standing somewhere within the crowd, smiling with pride. I know, they watch over their little girl and every step, she takes. I know they are here with me. But, alas! I couldn't she her smiling face, while she saw me, achieve all the happiness, that I once lost. I wish I could have shared it to my mom myself that I found my true love.

I was smiling so hard, that I did not realize the rolling down tears, until I stood by Rex, and he brushed away my dampened cheeks.

Mom, I found the man, whom I believe loves me to the sky and back. Who mended up my heart. I promise you, mom that I will always be grateful for the love he bestowed upon me. I will never loose respect for this man, as he made me believe in love, once again. I will stand by him in his ups and down, his falls and highs, his laughter and tears and most importantly by his side and in his heart,....

Madeline: I do!

Rex: I do!

Priest: You may now kiss the bride.

....even after, eternal slumber.

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The sun was about to set, and the get together was still on, a light music was lingering in the area, as men and women in their formal attire, stood randomly across the wide spread garden, with a glass of wine, in their hands and their favorite people to talk to. While, everyone stood within a crowd. Mr. Alvarez stood at a corner, scanning through the place, slowly sipping off his glass of wine.

"Santiago!"

The address, dragged his attention towards the man, by his side.

Mr. Alvarez: Anthony, my friend! How are you here?

Anthony was a man, almost of Mr. Alvarez's age. He is posted at a higher position with the police.  He pointed his finger towards Jereff, who was busy attending the guests.

Anthony: I was invited, to the marriage ceremony of the gangster.

Mr. Alvarez scoffs, shaking his head, taking another sip of his glass.

Mr. Alvarez: Let's get out of this chaos, shall we?

Anthony: You know me, so well. Santiago!

They walked out of the crowd and found themselves two chairs at a secluded area of the ground. Anthony continued.

Anthony: Heard, now you are good with the Hawks?

Mr. Alvarez: How did you learn that?

Anthony: C'mon! It is all over the Station. People put up discussions on this. How you and Thompson, pulled up a secret mission, in alliance with the Hawks, to bring down the Wizards. The silver lining, I find, is that, the Wizards scums are dead. And, the rumors are, you agreed to not intervene in his job, further. He is free to do his business.

Mr. Alvarez: I see!

Anthony: *sigh* Santiago! Is it true?

Mr. Alvarez: What made you made believe, it is not?

Anthony: Because, I know you.

Mr. Alvarez: Nah! I won't get into his business. I am done poking my nose. I got bored.

Anthony frowned at him.

Anthony: And that's why you decided to let him go?

Mr. Alvarez: I did! But, can he go? That still remains a million dollar question.

Anthony: What do you mean?

Mr. Alvarez: The guy is too keen, to fall for tricks. But, he would never doubt someone he loves.

Anthony: Someone, he loves......??? Mad..Madeline?

Mr. Alvarez: SHHH!! He will be dead, and people will pity the killer. That sc*m, has worked under my nose for years. I won't let him survive in peace, never.

Anthony: Why on earth would she kill her husband?

Mr. Alvarez: She will. I know, she will.

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Three days before the wedding;

Madeline rushed at the knock of the door.

Madeline(surprise): Mr. Alvarez!

Mr. Alvarez stood at her door, hands tucked inside his pocket.

Mr. Alvarez: Hey! How are you doing?

Madeline: I'm good! Come in.

Mr. Alvarez nodded with a smile and walked in. Madeline followed completely blank about his reason for arrival.

Mr. Alvarez turned his heel towards Madeline who stood there straight.

Mr. Alvarez: I am really happy that you are getting married.

Madeline smiled and nodded.

Mr. Alvarez(in a meditating voice): ......to Claros....good.. !! Really good.

Madeline kept quite while she kept her eyes on him, to check his reactions.

Mr. Alvarez looked around, found a sofa and couched himself on it. Madeline walked by him, and took a seat on the sofa, placed on the opposite side.

Mr. Alvarez leaned himself forward: Do you miss, Jake?

Madeline casted her eyes down: There will never be a day, I won't miss him. He was my brother.

Mr. Alvarez: Well, in that case(clears his throat) god bless you.

Madeline frowned at him: I....don't understand.

Mr. Alvarez:Oh! that's simple. Jackson will be okay with it for a few days. But, let's not forget where he comes from. We will start having a problem. And, (shrugging) I don't want you to end up fighting and being an enemy to a gangster.

Madeline(stern voice): I respect your concern. But, I know him, better. He won't do that.

Mr. Alvarez(shot up his gaze at Madeline, who now had a subtle annoyance reflecting off her face): I will be happy, if that doesn't happen. But, don't forget, he is the reason Jacob is dead.

Madeline's eyes widened and she swallowed a hard gulp.

Mr. Alvarez(nodding): Yes, he saw it coming, but did not stop it from happening. He is probably showing you sympathy because he wants to gain you. Did you really forget, what Corvett did to you?

Madeline(stern voice): What do you want out of this? I see you have been trying to hit all those things that you assume can break me. I won't. Just to let you know.

Mr. Alvarez: I know it won't. You are stronger than this. You are better than you assume, you are. You will meet better people in your life. A gangster is not who can give you a happy married life with kids and dogs, if that is what you are dreaming of.

Madeline shot up from her couch and thumped towards the window.

Mr. Alvarez: Madeline, I am warning you. He has plans for you. Don't do this injustice to Jake. That man gave you everything he had to deliver. Madeline, kill Claros! Trust me, I will ensure that you have a better life after this. You can go to a different country, start a new. Just do this. I swear, he won't even dream about this.

Madeline did not reply. Mr. Alvarez exhaled a sharp breath and left the house, "I want you think about this. For Yourself. He is not a good man."

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Present;

Mr. Alvarez supported his hands on his thighs an stood up from his chair. Anthony followed.

Mr. Alvarez: Let's see, what Madeline is up to.

Anthony nodded yet he has a skepticism towards the whole process.

Mr. Alvarez walked into the crowd, and stood by a man.

Mr. Alvarez(scanning through the place, and initiating in a lower tone): What's the update?

Man(scanning his eyes through the crowd): We have a problem.

Mr. Alvarez(shot his eyes at him): What?

Man: I can't find them, anywhere.

Mr. Alvarez shoved the half full glass of wine and held the man, aggressively by the collar.

Mr. Alvarez: What do you mean, you can't find them?

Man: There is no easy way to say...they...they must have left.. they are gone.

Mr. Alvarez smacked the nose of the man and screamed, " F*CKK!!"

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The day at Menorca;

Madeline looked at Jackson with a shock.

Jackson kept calm and just nodded his head.

Madeline: And why are you telling me this?

Jackson reached for her hand, and squeezed it gently.

Jackson: Because, I don't want any secret between us.

Madeline: You let Sarah, into this.

Jackson: No, that wasn't in our hand. And, we wouldn't let a kid into this. But, what happened after that, was us.

Madeline: How would you know, if something had gone wrong?

Jackson: We would have never given that chance. Maddie, we had our eyes, everywhere. Trust me, everywhere. And, I trusted you.

Madeline: But, that's not right.

Jackson: I had to take this desperate move, to kill Corvett.

Madeline: Okay, I may sound stupid, but, you could have just approached.

Jackson(chuckles): You think that old man, would have believed in me? I know he doesn't trust me.

Madeline: Do you trust him?

Jackson: No!

Madeline gulped and looked away towards the shiny brick walls of the small restaurant, Jackson has booked for their dinner.

Jackson continued: Maddie! I know that's hard to take in. So,....I won't force you.

Madeline looked back at him.

Jackson: Here, I am giving you a choice. I am not a good man. You need to know that. I don't go by rules. But, I love you. If you want to back out from this marriage, you can. I won't stop you.

Madeline frowned at him.

Jackson nodded: Yeah! You may decide to stay and spend the rest of the life with me, or you may leave. Go back to your life. I will never intervene, I promise. But, for that, you need to know, that I will never stop loving you, and looking out for you. If you are ever in the slightest problem, you will find me there by your side, till my last breath. Just, a small request, though. Please don't hate me.

Madeline slowly released her hands from his grip, as he kept his eyes on her, with a hint of sadness reflecting of his face. She did not dare to look into his eyes.

Madeline: I need a moment.

Jackson nodded and leaned his back towards the wooden chair. Madeline stood up and walked out of the restaurant door. He kept his eyes on her, till she was visible to plain sight. When the door shut in front of him, he supported his elbow on the table and dig his face into his palm, rubbing his face, going towards his hair.

A few minutes later, the door opened, Jackson looked up at the door and shot up from his chair. Madeline slowly walked up to him, as they kept their eyes locked to each other. Jackson kept his eyes fixated on her waiting for her response, while Madeline took her time, to calm herself down.

Madeline: I decided!!

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Present;

Jereff: The jet is ready!!

The wind blew at a higher pace, ruffling the otherwise well dressed hair, of all the men standing there. Jackson nodded at Jereff and turned his eyes towards Madeline. She confidently looked back, as loose strands of her tucked up hair, fell casually over her face. He intertwined his hand to hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Jackson: Shall We? Mrs. Claros!!

Madeline(smiling): Always!

I am sorry, Mr. Alvarez. But, I am done with revenge. You ask me to do it for Jake. But, I know, Jake wouldn't ask me to go through another dark lane. I know, Rex is not the type of person anyone asks for. But, this is a challenge, I am willing to take. To be in love with an assumed demon. Because, behind this gangster, there is a human in him. Behind, every cold act, there is love in him. Behind every action, there is a good in him. Because, this demon has taught me the definition of love. He made me feel worthy. Now, there is possibly no where I would rather be, than being with him. I am ready to accept the challenges. I am ready to accept him, in all his phases. Now, that I swore to be his, I won't let any threat linger, nowhere near his shadows. I won't let anyone get him, without passing through me.

By the time, you will be getting this message, I will be gone. But, if you ever cared about my welfare. This is a small request for you. Please don't come behind us.

(dropping a cell phone on the ground , before she boards the plane, as Jackson guides her through the stairs.)

It was a pleasure working with you, Mr. Alvarez. Without your initiative, maybe I would have never been able to avenge myself. Maybe, we will meet again. But, this is time, we close down the old book and open a new. This is the time, a new chapter starts. A chapter to be written by Jackson and Madeline Claros...

....................................................................The End..............................................................................