The Unwanted Bride

The neighing of the horse, the heat from the sun hitting my face, the wind moving my hair, this was my peace. Nothing but fields for miles, just bullet and me. I can't be forced into a marriage, especially if I never laid eyes on him. I know being a family member of the Tyler name has its perks, but being a female of the family has the worst end of the stick. Turning twenty one has been my biggest fear, and now that time has come. Today is the day where my father, Uncle, and grandfather go looking for a suitable husband for me. I'll have to leave my mother, my sisters Autumn and Leah, and Grandma after the wedding. I might have to leave bullet also if my husband doesn't want him coming with me. Being the eldest daughter, I have to show submission so that Autumn and Leah won't be rebellious when they turn twenty one. So for the time being, I'll ride bullet as much as I can. We were heading to my favorite spot, it was a creek that was full of life. The cottonwood seeds were falling so it made the scenery more breathe taking. Bullet and I sat down by the water listening to the frogs and crickets churp, the deer walking by in the woods across us, birds singing, this was paradise. I hope my new home won't be to far. I can't imagine losing everything. This sitting without talking with bullet and taking in all this fresh air is all the therapy I'll ever need. After relaxing for a while, it was time to head home. My temporary home that is. "Come on Bullet, it's time to go deal with grandpa before he strokes out." Patting his head I gave him a peck. I'm making sure bullet goes slow. In all honesty, if my mother, sisters, and grandmother were not there, I would most likely just turn bullet around and go. Go as far as he and I can go. What if the guy is old? My father was fifty and my mother was twenty one when my grandfather made my mother marry him. They ended up having me a year later. My Aunt was married to my uncle when he was fourty and she was only eighteen, she was the oldest from my mom. He paid a lot more for her. Even though he claimed to have loved her, he was cruel to her. She died during child birth and the baby died too. I would not be surprised if he had something to do with it. What if that is my same fate? To get a husband as old as my grandfather that could end up killing me too. I am no easy person to deal with, but I won't change that. All of these worries were beginning to make me sick. After three hours, I made it home. The iron gate with the families Cresent on it would be breath taking for outsiders. To the females here, I call it our prison. The gates of hell. Autumn and Leah were catching fireflies by the old willow tree while mom sat and watch on a blanket. I put bullet into his stable and headed towards mom. I sat down next to her and we just watched the young innocent girls giggle and be care free. As it should be. As it always should no. Them being completely oblivious to what they will endure in the future made me somewhat jealous. "Your grandmother made you a cake. The girls helped. They ate most of it but there is some left for you." Mom in her wise and sweet voice explained to me enjoying her girls play. I started to play with the grass next to me. "I'm sorry. I just.... I don't know Mamma. I guess I just really didn't want to deal with the fact that I am now here, in the house, for only a short time period now." I nervously explained myself without hurting her feelings more. Mom let out a sigh. "I understand Kaylee, but as a Tyler, especially with younger sisters who look up to you, you have a responsibility to keep our ways and not make the girls start questioning things at such a young age. Now I except you to be up early so the girls and your grandmother can make you a be lated birthday breakfast. They were already asking why weren't you here for your birthday. It wouldn't have phased them at all if you missed one or two before, but they can sense a change in you. Your attitude, your posture, your long absence mentally and physically. They see that. Soon, we will have your wedding here, they will put two and two together and may become frightened with the idea of marriage." In a stern, yet gentle tone she explained about everything. "Don't you think they shouldn't be? Look what happened to Aunt Sarah and the baby. Look at how dad treats you. Us females have no idea who we are forced into a marriage too." I started to get upset that she either doesn't see my side, or she just doesn't care enough. "What happened to Aunt Sarah was a terrible complicated birth. Uncle Fred was devastated when they both died. As for your father, he is and always has been a wonderful father to you girls. You have no right to say anything awful about him. He loves you girls more then anything in this whole world and he would not just hand you over to some guy with a criminal record or any record for that matter. If you do love your sisters as much as you say you do, you'd drop this before they hear us." She stands up brushing her dress to get any grass or dirt off. "You forgot to mention one thing, you say he loves us girls, which I agree with, but not once did you say that he loves you." I look up at her with a serious look on my face, proving my point. Mom calmly demands the girls to go inside and wash up before bed. Once I'm alone, I lay down looking up at the stars. The stars were so bright and beautiful. There must to have been trillions just above me. Once I got bit by the hundredth mosquito, I knew it was time to head inside. The echo from my shoes stepping on the dark cold cobblestone steps carried all around the house. I opened the front door to see my father on his computer in his study across the livingroom. "Kaylee. Here." He called out. I closed my eyes and sighed as deep as my lungs could handle. I was into his office and he points to the chair across his desk. He gently closes his laptop and loos at me. "Happy birthday. Well I mean be lates birthday." He sounded disappointed. "Care to explain where you have been all day?" He leaned in his chair. "I took bullet out for a ride. I lost track of time." He places his fingers on the bridge of his nose. "It's a strange situation here. Out of all the birthdays you've had, not one have you been absent for besides this important one. You know your grandmother has always prepared the twenty first birthdays for the family since your mother's birthday. It's her way of giving well wishes onto the next chapter of your life. She may act like it didn't bother her, but I know better. The girls also. You are an adult now, it's time for you to stop acting like a child and be ready to become a wife and if it's meant to be, a mother. Now tomorrow, Your grandpa, Uncle, and I will finish our search for a good husband for you." All I can do is sit there, holding back the tears and the burning lump in the back of my throat. I hated it whe I upset my father, mainly my grandmother and sisters. "Look Kaylee, I promise you I will look for a very good, kind, and an animal lover male that I think you will eventually learn to love and respect." He tried to be sympathetic. I scoffed. He raised a brow to my remark. I stood up. "What if I don't want the man you choose for me? What if I want to get a job, get my own home where I can bring bullet without the fear of upsetting someone and have to get rid of him? What if I want to go to college? Why can't I have these things dad?" I had to raise my voice because that lump was making it hard for me to catch my breath. My vision was going all fuzzy from the pile of tears trapped on my eyes. If I blink once, my cheeks will be drenched. He looks at his wrist watch, leans across the table, looking at me right in my eyes. "It has been the Tyler family tradition for hundreds of years. To have the strongest and most intelligent genes stay in the family bloodline. Even if we have to buy them from their parents. I love you but you are no exception. Now tomorrow, you will start looking for a wedding dress with your mom, grandma, and sisters while the rest of us looks for a suitable husband. Now good night." He points at the door not giving me a chance to argue back. I stomp up the stairs and get in my room. I throw myself on my bed and bury my head in my pillow. I was so hurt and angry that my opinion about my own future was not valued, no matter how hard I expressed that i I hated the family tradition, they didn't listen. I started to have a stress headache so I decided to go to sleep before it becomes to unbearable. I was waken by the sounds of the family of birds on the tree out my window. The sun was rising slowly above the fields across from the property. I sit up and brush my fingers through my snarled curly black hair. I usually have a few minutes yo wake up and prepare myself for the day, but not today. My family must to have sensed that I woke up. There was a knock on my door. I called out for them to come in. My grandmother walked in. She wobbled into my wardrobe as I was still in my bed. "Grandma?" I was a bit concerned. She was quiet. I sat there as she was going through my clothes. Then she stopped at my emerald green dress. She pulled it out to examine it. She then gently shut the wardrobe door. "They found you a husband my dear." She said in a sympathetic tone. I let out a small gasp. That was all I could do since I felt my throat close up. She turned to face me. Her face was the look of complete defeat. "He will be here for dinner Kaylee." She walked over to me placing the dress on my lap and sitting next to me. She started to brush the straggler hairs away from my face. "I tried to stop them my love. I was unsuccessful. Your grandfather met with him this morning. It is done. He will be here tonight to meet your father and mother, and tomorrow.... you will be married before the days end." She places her soft, gentle, warm, and worn hands on my face using her thumbs to wipe away the few tears that managed to slip by. I was completely speechless at this point. My freedom was flashing before my eyes. I looked at her, "Do you know anything about him?". My concern was bullet. Was I able to bring him with me? Would I still be able to ride? Grandma slowly shook her head no. She slowly gets up and opens my door. Before exiting she turns to me, "I am so, so, so sorry my dear. Everyone is waiting for you down stairs. Autumn and Leah are outside. I love you, my flower child." She gently shuts the door behind her. I sat at the same spot for what seemed like hours. My blood was ice cold, but my face felt hot and flushed. I felt like I was close to fainting. I look at my dress that grandma picked out. This, this green once a beautiful color, seemed more dull. The sun peaking through my curtains seemed more blinding. I hear grandpa call for me, which snapped me back into reality. "Hold on". I yelled to the best of my ability since my throat still felt tight and i had cotton mouth. I got up and almost fell over instantly. The adrenaline that was at full force wreaking chaos all inside was now gone, which has made me feel weak. Once I took a quick shower and got dressed, I slowly walked downstairs. Each step I took echoed through the halls and my head piercing my heart. Accepting the fact that I have lost the battle. I am to be married tomorrow. My fate now rests on a complete stranger, my soon to be husband. I see everyone in the family room looking up at me. My mom's smile was a mile long, my grandas frown was a mile down, my grandfather was as emotionless as usual. My father was the same. My Uncle had a grin of victory on his wrinkly old face. Once I was in the room with everyone, mom got up to hug me. "I am so happy for you me dear! You will be okay." She whispered I my ear. Her acceptance of this made me angry and sick to my stomach. My father pointing his arm out stating me to take a seat. I sit down on the hard cold leather chair. Grandpa sits on the other side of the desk and starts getting on the laptop. "As you were made aware, I've chosen you a suitable husband. Believe it or not, I know this family very well. His grandparents and my parents use to be friends." I am still speechless. "His father owns the Greenway oil company so you'll never have to want for anything." He said proudly. "Just because he is a family made of money, that this will all make it worth it?" I demanded answers. That made my grandfather angry. "Listen here you ungrateful brat, be thankful that I chose this one and not the other man who asked to take your hand!" Everyone gasped. Myself included. There was another? I felt like I was being watched. I turned to see my Uncle staring at me like he was mesmerizing me. Then it clicked. "No!" I called out. When my mom, grandma, and father realized what was going on my grandmother jumped up. "No! You are NOT marrying her!" She yelled in ny defense. My grandfather stood up slaming his fist on the desk, "WILL YOU SIT DOWN YOU MORON!" He fixed his greasy hair pushing it back. "No. She is not marrying him, but, he is the one who asked for her hand." My uncle stands up to stand behind my grandfather for what looks like to show his power, but it was because he was scared of my grandmother and wanted his protection like the cowardly ass he is. "She is your niece you monster!" My grandma snarled at him. "By marriage. Not blood. Which would make more sense since he already knows her and she was always whining about not knowing her future husband, but sadly, we all know how our stocks haven't been producing well, so the man I asked agreed to,in away, pay for her hand." M grandpa tried to justify his actions. "Wait, so in other words, you sold me?" I was in complete disbelief. Without any shame or sympathy, "yeah." He answered. He shook his head yes with no remorse. The silence was broken by the girls running in with their hands cupped. They probably caught another bug or something. Grandpa stood up, "we will finish this later." Grandma rushed to me, helping me walk into the kitchen holding me tight. She sat me at the table and went to get me a glass of water. I was dumbfounded with it all. She understood i wasn't ready to talk yet. I've been awake for only three hours and I find out that not only am I getting married, I was sold by my grandfather, my uncle wants me as his wife, and my grandmother is the only one who has my back. We sat at the table for a little while. Then my dad calls out to me. "Kaylee, go to your room. He will be here in an hour." Grandma helps me to my room. We passed the family room, I can see that my so called uncle is watching my every move now. She sits me down on my vanity chair, gently taking down my hair and brushing it like she use to when I was younger. She hummed the same song. The tears can no longer be contained. They start falling, cooling down my hot face. She puts my hair in a braid and places a kiss on my head. Then we both hear car doors shutting. We both look out and see three vehicles out front. The tree was blocking the view of the men but you can clearly see that there are seven people there. Then you can hear grandpa calling out for grandma. I grip her arm, begging her to stay with me. She pulls me in for a tight hug. "I will figure this out my darling. I lost one daughter by her husband, and another's respect, but I will not lose my flower child!" She kisses my forehead and shrushes out the door shutting it behind her. After a minute, you can hear my grandfather chuckling with excitement welcoming him inside. My grandmother is standing in view so I can see her. She looks up at my window. Then they all head inside. I watched TV for the rest of the day, while my family besides my uncle brought food and drinks to me. I paused my video for a second, I hear unfamiliar footsteps coming up the stairs. My heart started to beat hard. The sound was getting closer, until I see a shadow under the door. Thankfully I kept the door locked so I can be left alone. The person just stood there. Like this person can see right through the door and can see me. I felt uneasy. I was about to yell hello. Then I hear my grandfather coming. "Oh no sir not this room, your room is down the hall. This way." Once the shadows and footsteps disappeared, I started to breathe again. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. It was getting late, I see mom calling in the girls for the night. I watched TV for a little while longer until my eyes burned from all the crying today. I started to doze off. Hopeful that this was all a bad dream. That I'll wake up tomorrow and nothing had happened. What felt like a ten minute nap, i was waken by being shook. "Hurry up before they wake up!" Someone said in a panic. I look at my clock, two thirty was the time. "Please baby wake up!" Then I realized it was grandma. I quickly sit up, trying to process what she was doing. She grabbed my suitcase, tossed it on my bed, and starting throwing clothes in it. "Grandma what's going on?" I whispered to her. I get up to get closer to her so we can whisper. Panic is all over her face. She grabs my face gently. "You need to go! You cannot marry that man. Here!" She places her car keys, and a cash roll of hundreds in my hand. I look at her, she was serious. I quickly hug her and help pack. "What about you? If grandpa realizes that you helped me, he will kill you!" She continues packing my purse with my bathroom supplies. "Once everything settles down, I will meet you! Go to the cabin in New York. I will meet you there." She grabs my purse and then grabs my suitcase and we quietly head down stairs. My grandpa was in the kitchen getting a drink. We quietly passed it without him noticing us. She gently shuts the door behind us and we make our way to the garage. We were just about to make it, then out of no where, two dogs on leashes started barking like crazy. Which caused the motion light on the one side of the garage to turn on. "Hurry!" Grandma demanded me. "Whose dogs are those?" I called out. "That mans!" She answered. We ran to the garage door. It was locked. "The back." I said. Grandma started to run out of breath and started slowing down. "Go Kaylee, go now!" She yelled. I started crying. Now we both know that once I am gone, which means the money is gone, which means that grandpa could kill her. The back door was locked too. I turned to her. Then to the woods. I looked back at her, she smiled. "Go." She said. Then i ran. I left my bags behind besides the money and purse. I made it to the woods. I hear my grandma yell, "I love you!" I was crying for losing my grandma and sisters, but I was also happy knowing that I will be free. I see the edge of the woods, even though I am out of breath,I ran faster. My freedom was beyond these trees. There was a ferry about a mile away which takes me far enough away. I was almost there. Then out of no where,I tripped on something. It hurt a lot. Gasping for air from getting the wind knocked out of me, I rolled over to see two strange men looking at me. Then my uncle appeared behind them. He leaned down and got close to my face, "so close, yet, so far." The two men picked me up and started dragging me through the woods by my arms. They dragged me like I weighed nothing. I sew my uncle picking up my purse and the wad of money. He catches up to us. "Not only did you try to run away, but you also tried to steal from us." He said in an amused tone. Once we got to the property, the dragged me to the front of the stairs. Everyone was waiting outside for me. They let me drop on the concrete ground. My arms hurt and were bruised. Grandma was on the top steps and her left eye was swollen and red. Grandpa came up to me. He forcibly picked me up, and stood me up, and hit me hard across my face. I fell to the ground again. Being a six foot tall guy and two hundred pounds of muscle, that hit hurt a lot. "How dare you! Do you realized what you could have done to this family? No! You are to selfish. You only care about what you want and not what the family needs! Do you seriously think that nothing was going happen when I found out? This may be the deal breaker for your husband! He can come down here, see how you are acting and demand his money back and then we can go back to struggling!" His yelling was stopped by the front door opening. The door slowly opens, and out comes this man who was as tall as grandpa, and all muscle too. His hair was black and long almost like a viking. He came to the porch and turned to grandpa. "I am so sorry to have woken you sir, but sadly, your wife has caused quite a stir." He turned to look at me. He just looked at me in silence. "Lock her in the basement until the wedding. That's if you wish to continue sir?" My Uncle stepped in with the demand. He kept staring at me. "We shall continue. I wish to not be woken up again until I have to get ready." His voice was deep and almost intimidating. He turns to head back inside. Then my uncle grabs me by my hair. I call out in pain as he was dragging me in the house. Grandma was reaching out for me, "KAYLEE, KAYLEE!" She was sobbing. My own father unlocked the basement door so I can be put in there. I'm crying out for my grandma. The I started calling out for my mom. My mom, the one who gave me life, turned away from me. Then I was thrown down the stairs. Once I hit bottom, my whole body was hurting now. It was cold and damp and smelt of mildew and dirt. I see my grandpa's silhouette at the door, "you will stay here until your wedding. Maybe this will wake you up and realize that the world does NOT revolve around you." Angrily I called out, "it doesn't revolve around you either, you son of a bitch." He then slams the door shut, then the lock clicks. I can still hear grandma calling out to let me out. Then I hear grandma calling out stop. I'm yelling leave her alone but to no avail. After a while of everything going quiet, I get up to see if there's another way out. I see a small window. I quickly limp to it. I get to the window and I see all of that guy's men walking around with flashlights and my uncle. He then turns and sees me at the window. He gives me this creepy smile. I quickly sit on a chest. Then I start going going through stuff to pass the time. I have to keep busy. If I don't, ill lose my mind. I opened the chest I was sitting on since the moon light was the only light I had down here. I see dresses, some jewelry, and a journal. Property of Rebecca was on the first page. Rebecca was my aunts name. This has to be hee stuff! I may have never met hee before, but I feel horrible for her. I opened to the first page and read it. "Dear baby peanut. Today is the day I found out about you! I haven't told your dad yet, but I know he will be over the moon about you! I just went to a doctor's appointment for the flu, turns out it's just you. I wonder what you'll look like. Will you look more like me or your dad? You are seven weeks old in Tummy time. It seems like it will be forever until I can hold you! I love you so much already my little peanut. Love your mommy." "She wrote to her baby. Oh aunt Rebecca. I'm so sorry." I closed it and held on to it close to my chest. This needs to be saved from this dark cold place, and I don't mean the basement either. My back was really hurting from that fall down the stairs. To bad it didn't break my neck. I wobbled to the steps where there's more open space to lay down and get some sleep. I'll marry this guy, and once I move in with him, I'll run away then. I'll be far enough away from these people. Once i am settled somewhere, I'll get my grandma and save her from this place. She and I will live in peace for the rest of her life. This is my only plan and solution. I have no other choice right now. I'm hurting to much to run fast enough, and everyone is on their toes watching out for me. I found some sleeping bags from some old camping gear. Dusty but comfortable