Engaged to a Jerkface...and I have no say in it! by Icicles (ap literature book list .TXT) 📖

teaching me how to pray beside my bed, her soothing my nightmares and promising it would all be okay, her planning my first sleepover birthday party shopping all day for the right supplies, her putting on her coral lipstick getting ready for her date with dad, and her…crying over Daddy’s casket at the funeral. I remember it all, standing there trying to be the firm rock my mother needed so much, even though I felt like breaking down and weeping too. Afterwards, it seemed she loved me even more. I was her only reminder of Dad, a precious gift from heaven as she used to say before she tucked me into bed.

“Hey…Tori?” What? I blinked twice before looking at him. He was drumming his fingers quietly on the steering wheel.

“Yeah?” He looked a little embarrassed, avoiding my eyes.

“Would you…maybe…want to visit your father’s grave? I mean, I would love to see him…you don’t have to thought if—” What the hell? Why didn’t I think of that?

“That’s perfect,” I smacked my forehead, “Why didn’t I think of that?” He smiled a little.

“Maybe because you’re not as smart as me!” He teased. I hit him lightly on his arm. “Hey! Don’t smack the driver!” He said mock-sternly. We were silent again the rest of the way to the grave sight.

Cole cut the engine and we both hopped out.

“Springrose Graves, right?”

“Yeah…” He walked beside me, heading towards the lumpy graveyard.

“I, uh, actually don’t know where he is…” I admitted. He gave me a warm smile.

“It’s alright, we’ll find him. You check that section, I’ll check this one.” I agreed and we parted. Sherry Block, Kara Dwight, Sarah Tame, Darren Rider, Taylor Winge, Grace Perlenfein…on and on. I stopped at Melody Song who had died yesterday according to her headstone. She was only six. How sad…her flowers were yellow and still fresh-looking. How were her parents holding up? Did she have parents? Gosh, those stones always leave out so many unanswered questions. I stared at her pale white grave for a while in deep thought. Then, the twinkle of the sun brought me back to reality. I thought hard, God bless you Melody. I hope you’re happy where you are. And I hope your parents, whoever they are to cherish their moments of you. I hope they’re fine and may they get over this hard time in their life. I wonder if you were like me…light and cheerful…maybe even musical according to your name. It’s really a lovely name: Melody Song. I hope you were alright.

I walked on after that, but couldn’t get her name out of my head. Melody Song…now where had I heard that name before? I racked up my brain trying to remember. No use, there was nothing but the sound of it that rang a bell. I strolled on, looking for any sign of Rob Cormela

“HEY TORI! OVER HERE! I THINK I FOUND HIM!” I raced towards the sound of Cole’s voice.

Rob Cormela

Born: January 21st, 1965 Died: October 16th, 2006

I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.


I felt tears stinging in my eyes, “Daddy…” I croaked, my voice shaking. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will make music. I will make music…This was my father’s favorite verse, he said almost everyday…I could still remember.

I had been twelve the day the disaster struck. My father on that gurney. The blood. The pants…and when they stopped. The white-netted busy-body nurses that should have; could have saved him if only they had tried hard enough. “Death happens, we’re sorry.” Bullshit. If you were, you would have tried harder. In no means, it was empty pity.

I shook my head, trying to withhold the rushing flood of tears threatening to trickle down. I knelt by the grave.

“Daddy…” I began, feeling guilty I had neglected his grave for so many years, I told him my life story picking up where he had left off, “Well…as you know, I’m in 12th grade, my last year of college. Yah, the past few months have been pretty eventful,” I gave a pathetic giggle. ‘Eventful’ didn’t cover it, “Well, you see…I’m getting married.” I heard Cole gasp from behind me, but didn’t turn around. “Yah…I guess mom wants me out of the house already,” another giggle, “But dad…sorry I haven’t been by much. I guess…I hate being reminded that you’re really gone. I still think sometimes that you’re only on a business trip…pathetic right?” I took another breath, closing my eyes, “Daddy, I just want you to know…” I bit my lip. Could I say it? “I…loveyou…I mean, I love you. Mom and I, we both do.” Tears were coming back, “Why did you leave us? You should have taken me with you!” This time I broke down sobbing, really weeping. I felt Cole rest a hand on my shoulder, a friendly gesture. I heard him clearing his throat.

“…hello Mr. Cormela,” Cole started uncertainly, “I’m one of Tori’s friends, Cole. How is it up there?” He glanced up in the clouds as if receiving an answer. He resumed after a minutes pause, “Well…life down here is…normal. Apparently your daughter is getting married; I assume you are very proud. I was not aware of this, but I’m sure she picked a nice man. I’ll check to make sure though.” He winked at me, and through my tears I gave a wobbly laugh. He continued, “I haven’t met her mom yet either, but she sounds like a nice lady…” Awkward pause, “I really like your daughter, I hope you’re ok with that. She’s really a good friend and I like being with her. Although she’s getting married, I’m sure her fiancé won’t mind…I hope. I’d hate to lose a friend like Tori.” Ok, blushing now. Cole flashed me a smile. He finishes, “Well…it was nice meeting you Mr. Cormela. I truly hope we’ll meet someday. You sound like a good man, if you could raise such a good daughter like Tori.” He stood up, running a hand through his hair. I began to stand too, flicking the dirt off my jeans. I pulled my hair into a pony as we walked silently back to his car. As he reached over to open the car door, I grabbed his arm. His blue eyes flitted up to meet mine. Catching his gaze I whispered, “Thank you.”
BREAK - Gameshow with your lovely hostess: ICICLES

~Break: Game show~


Icicles: Hello everyone and welcome to ‘iChat’ with me your hostess, Icicles!

*Applause*

Icicles: Well, without delay, our latest guests: Vic-uh, Tori Cormela and Jake Sanders!

*Tori and Jake walk over and sit down next to Icicles*

*Applause*

Icicles: So…welcome to ‘iChat’. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tori: If you would please…Jake! You’re hogging the seat!

Jake: Oh I am, am I? Well, what’s wrong with sitting next to my soon-to-be wife?

Tori: Next to me, my ass! You’re practically on top of me!

*Jake chuckles*

Jake: Well, there’s not much I can do, unless you want me to fall off the seat!

Tori: Actually, that sounds like a good idea, I think you should—

*Icicles clears throat*

Icicles: Um…

*Tori and Jake look up, startled*

Tori (abashed): Sorry…*elbows Jake*

Jake: Whatever…*stares off into space*

Icicles: (clears throat again) Let’s try that again…well, I’m going to ask you guys some questions about so far in the story. Answer as best you can.

*Tori and Jake nod*

Icicles: Ok, so…how do you feel about each other so far?

*Tori and Jake exchange glance*

Tori: Seriously?

Icicles: Completely.

Tori: He’s a complete asshole with a prickly rose stem stuck up his butt.

Jake: Excuse me? Quote: ‘prickly rose stem stuck up his butt’…that’s harsh. *fakes hurt*

Tori: (slaps his shoulder) It’s the truth, deal with it.

Icicles: Jake, what about you?

Jake: (thoughtfully) Well…she’s a bitch with something stuck up her ass. Preferably my dick.

Tori: (screams) ARE YOU SERIOUSLY KNOCKING AT DEATH’S DOOR TONIGHT? *kisses clenched fist*

Icicles: (coughs) Back to topic. This one’s for Tori.

*Tori looks up*

Tori: What?

Icicles: I said this one’s for—

Tori: No, I heard that. I mean, what’s the question. Hurry before I kick his sorry ass.

Jake: I’m trembling. But, do so Icicles…I don’t want to lose a limb tonight. I have a date with Naomi.

Icicles: (raises eyebrows) I see. Well, Tori…how is your emotions about Cole? Too bad he couldn’t come tonight.

Jake: That bastard? He’s a freak-job.

*Tori looks murderous*

Icicles: I’d stay quiet, if I were you. Tori?

Tori: (blinks) What? Oh yeah…uh, well, he’s nice. He is a good friend. No special feelings.

Icicles: Is that so? Well…alright. Jake, anything to add—

Tori: Are you honestly asking him? Did you hear what he said before?

Jake: Shut it Tori—

Tori: Don’t tell me to can it Jake Sanders. It’s no one’s trap but yours yapping.

Icicles: Alright! Both of you CAN IT!

*Both turn and blink, astonished*

Icicles: (brushes hair away from forehead) Ok, back to script, Jake…so do you feel any emotion when you’re with Naomi, after knowing you’re engaged?

Tori: (mutters) Obviously not.

Icicles: Why is that Tori?

Tori: He has a date tonight. What do you freaking think?

Jake: (laughs) Chillax Tori. Quit being a jealous freak. It doesn’t help add to your hotness.

*Tori whaps him in the back of the head*

Jake: (rubbing head) Ow…

Icicles: As entertaining as it is, we’re running out of time. Jake, your answer?

Jake: Well…not really. I mean, I still have freedom to do what I want. My parents don’t control my life, and sure as hell this marriage won’t.

Tori: As surprised as I am, I agree with you. This won’t stop me from staying away from Cole either. I didn’t ask for this marriage, and I am rebellious…

Icicles: (laughs) That’s right. You do have a rebellious streak in you. Well, that’s all the time we have…(turns to audience) Thank you all for tuning it! You will see the next chapter of Engaged to a Jerkface…and I have no say in it very soon! I promise!

Tori: You’d better not put anything bad about me in it!

*All three laugh*

Icicles: Well, thank y’all for coming. That’s a wrap for iChat! See you all after the break!