Marilyn, The Substitute Bride

"Honey, I cannot find Sally. I have searched everywhere and I can't find her, I just wonder where she would be at this time of the night, and it's just few hours to her wedding" I heard my mum say in a panic.

"I don't understand, just tell me you are joking. What do you mean by Sally is no where to be found? I spoke with her few minutes ago in her room, how is that even possible? Have you checked the garden, that is where she usually goes to at night" I heard my dad say.

"I'll go check her out myself " my dad added as he walked down the stairs and headed for the garden and my mum followed.

Few minutes later, they returned and then went to her room, I heard my dad knock on Sally's door but there was no response. They pushed the door open and my dad's exclamation made me rush down to the scene from the kitchen, where I was doing the dishes.

I discovered that she had packed all her bags, I was so confused and disappointed. My mum asked me to leave immediately to continue washing the dishes. I could see the pain in my parent's eyes, especially my mum who loved her so much and did everything for her, they were dead disappointed, confused and sad.

At this point, I could feel the tension in the atmosphere too. Where could my sister be? And the next day would be her wedding, guests from all over the country and outside would be around for the wedding ceremony.

How would my family pacify the Dwen's? What would we tell them? It would be a slap to our face and a huge disgrace. I was so sure they wouldn't take it, they were the most dreaded and influenctial family in the state.

"But why did you do this to us Sally? You always talk about how you were going to be the wife of the only billionaire heir, drive exotic and expensive cars and sleep in a cozy bed, asides other benefits. Why would you do this? Why would you disappear a night to your wedding?" I practically asked myself these questions, but no answer was forth coming.

You see, my elder sister Sally could pass for a super model, she had the nicest body and curves I have ever seen, cute smile, fair snow white skin, blue hazel eyes and long blonde hair. She was also tall and wore very fashionable dresses, showing off her curves. She also attracted very rich and handsome men and they were always all over her.

Sally was not just pretty, she was very brilliant as well, this was why my mum loved her so much.

On the other hand, I was plump, not too tall, had caramel skin and black hair. I didn't even know if I was pretty or not, I also didnt give much concern to fashion since no one cared about me. So I dressed like a male at all times, even to work, since it was a male dominated industry, I worked in a mechanic workshop. And my mum detested me because of my looks and my choice of work.

"Honey, let Marilyn marry Lionell Dwen in place of her sister, let her be a substitute bride. And thank goodness that neither him nor his family has met Sally before, they only talk on phone. So it will be easy for us and our reputation will be intact" I heard my mum say, for some reason i stood at the door when she asked me to leave.

My whole system turned upside down and my eyes stung with tears, I was in for a big one and my brain struggled to assimilate what I just heard.

"Are you out of your mind? How can you suggest such evil against your own child?" My dad cautioned my mum.

"Well, that's the only option and the only way out, unless you want us to be disgraced and dragged in this city" my mum added.

There was silence for a while, and then my dad spoke.

"I will try and speak with Marilyn, I know this will be very difficult for her, she never planned to get married tomorrow, and to her sister's fiance? I just don't know why Sally would do this to us" my dad finally broke the silence.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen. I know Marilyn will accept, she won't want to put her family to shame" my mother uttered.

"Our family cannot be disgraced, your daughter should even be happy that an ugly duckling like her is getting married into such an influential family, and to a very handsome man" she added.

I know Marilyn, I know she doesn't care about the Dwen's wealth but I will make her see reasons why we have to do this" my dad said.

I ran as far as my legs could carry me to my room, I didnt need to hear any more of their conversations and I didn't want my mum noticing I was at the door. I practically dreaded her and sometimes, I wondered if she actually carried me in her womb for nine months.

I was pained and heartbroken.

Not again. For a very long time, I have actually existed and functioned under my sister's shadow. And now I had to take her place at the altar, it felt like I didn't have my own identity or a life of my own.

Few minutes later, I heard a knock on my room door. I knew it was my dad.

"Come in" I said, feeling devastated.

"Hey Marilyn, how are you? Are you okay?" My dad asked, concerned. My dad was the only one who at least cared about me, he was greatly influenced by my mum.

"Yes dad, I am fine" I responded, forcing a smile.

My dad sat close to me on the bed, he placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled at me.

"Your sister has disappeared, and we cannot afford to fall into the Dwen's trap. They will not hesitate to disgrace us" my dad uttered, desperate.

"Yes dad, I am aware Sally has disappeared. What are we going to do now?" I uttered, I already knew what my dad was going to say.

"You need to help us Marilyn. You need to stop this family from being humiliated" my dad said, looking straight into my eyes.

"How?" I asked, calmly.

"Please marry Lionell in place of your sister tomorrow. Please be her substitute" he said, trying to convince me.

At this time, I bursted out in tears.

"Are you really going to accept this dad? Do you really support this?" I asked my dad.

"Its the only way to avert this shame and disgrace that Sally has exposed us to, please do this for us, I am pleading" he requested.

I looked at my dad and felt for him.