Chapter 1 Beneath the facade

Oh not again my darling, we've gone over this Sara, I'm your mom; I wouldn't push you into flames, Mom I know I just can't believe I'd be getting married at this age I'm only 24 I don't even know what I want for me right now, come on now baby girl I said you would marry Johnson and that's final!. I am your father and my say is final nothing else.

>>> Sara. Sara, it's Joe. Joe! I'm so sorry I haven't returned your calls. We need to talk. Can you hold on for a moment while I lock my door? "Oh damn, I've climbed through this window several times and still manage to hurt my arm each time," Joe said". "Sara giggles" So....what is it my angel what is it you want to talk about? "Knock knock!" "Open up, darling. We need to have a mother-daughter conversation." "Not now, Mom. I'm in the middle of something." Sara's mom giggles. "Since when did coming into my baby girl's room become so difficult?"

>>> "Hide, go into the wardrobe, Joe." opens the door "So, what is it now, Mom? Thought we had enough conversation earlier to last the week." "Well, now, that's why I'm here. Because I know deep down you aren't happy with the whole thing. "Mom, I don't want to talk about this now." "Are you okay, baby?" "Yes, I'm okay. I just don't want to... I think I should go to bed now, Mom." Sara kisses her mom. "Goodnight, my queen. I love you." "Uh-hmm... If you insist, I'd leave you to rest then. Goodnight, darling." As soon as Sara's mom closed the door behind her, Joe cautiously emerged from the wardrobe, his eyes locked on Sara's. The tension between them was palpable, and without a word, they both knew what was about to happen. Sara's eyes sparkled with desire as Joe approached her, his footsteps quiet on the floor. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her skin. Sara's lips parted, inviting Joe in, and he didn't hesitate. Their lips met in a passionate, all-consuming kiss, the world around them melting away. As they deepened the kiss, their arms wrapped around each other, pulling each other closer. The room faded into darkness, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their desire. Their love-making was a slow, sensual dance, every movement deliberate and passionate. They savored every moment, every touch, every kiss. In that instant, nothing else mattered. No conversations, no disagreements, no worries. Only the two of them are lost in the beauty of their love.

<<<< Next morning**

Sara's father stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock and horror. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustle of the wind through the slightly opened window. His gaze fell upon Sara, lying on her bed, half-naked and fast asleep. Her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, and her hair was spread out around her like a golden halo. But what caught his attention, what made his blood run cold, was the figure lying beside her. Joe's arm was draped casually over Sara's waist, his hand resting on her hip. Sara's father felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All he could do was stand there, his eyes fixed on the scene before him. He took a step forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sara...what is going on here?" But Sara didn't stir. She just kept sleeping, oblivious to the storm brewing around her. Sara's father's eyes flashed with anger, and he took another step forward. "Sara, wake up! What is the meaning of this?" His voice rose, echoing off the walls, but Sara still didn't wake up. Joe, however, stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He saw Sara's father standing over them, his face twisted in rage, and he knew they were in trouble. Sara's eyes flew open, and she sat up with a start, her heart racing. She saw her father standing over them, his face twisted in rage, and she knew they were in trouble. "Daddy, please..." Sara begged, her voice trembling. She threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed, standing between her father and Joe. Her father's eyes were blazing with fury, and Sara knew she had to protect Joe. She grabbed her father's arm, trying to calm him down. "Daddy, please listen to me. Don't do anything rash. Joe didn't do anything wrong, I swear." But her father shook her off, his eyes fixed on Joe. "Get out," he growled. "Get out of my house, and never come back." Sara knew she had to think fast. She grabbed Joe's arm, pulling him out of bed. "We'll leave, Daddy. We'll leave right now." But her father blocked their way, his fists clenched. "You're not going anywhere with him," he spat. "You're going to stay right here, and we're going to talk about this." Sara knew she had to protect Joe. She stood her ground, her eyes locked on her father's. "Daddy, please. Don't hurt him. I love him." Her father's face contorted in rage, and Sara knew she was running out of time. She had to think of something, and fast, or risk losing Joe forever. Sara's voice echoed through the hallway, "Mom! Mom, come quickly!" Her mother rushed into the room, a look of concern etched on her face. But as soon as she realized what was happening, her expression changed to one of shock and horror. She saw Sara standing between her father and Joe, her eyes pleading with her father to calm down. She saw the rage in her husband's eyes, the tension in his body. And then saw Joe, standing frozen, his eyes wide with fear. Sara's mother felt like she'd been punched in the guy. She stumbled backward, her hand grasping for something to hold onto. But there was nothing. She collapsed onto the floor, her body shaking with sobs. Sara... oh no, Sara" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What have you done?" Sara rushed to her mother's side, helping her up from the floor. "Mom, please...you have to understand," Sara begged, tears streaming down her face. But her mother just shook her head, her eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Sara, how could you?" she whispered. Sara's father, still seething with rage, stormed out of the room, bellowing for the security guards. "Get him out of here! Get him out of my house!" Sara knew she had to act fast. She grabbed Joe's arm, pulling him towards the door. "We have to go, now," she whispered urgently. Joe didn't need to be told twice. He followed Sara out of the room, down the hallway, and out of the house. They emerged into the cool thin air, gasping with relief. Sara's father's angry shouts echoed through the night, but they didn't look back. They just kept running, hand in hand, into the woods.