My Choice

This is it. This has got to be the perfect turn out for today. Walking here on the path that circles around the best park in town along with the greatest guy in the world on such a perfect day like this. The wind is gently blowing, making the grass dance around us as we walk hand in hand along the trail. The afternoon sun is shining so bright, it's like we have the spot light on us. There aren't many people around to bother us either. It feels like a scene out of a movie. Just as we walked past the swings, he stopped. "Sano?" I asked. I do love enjoying a nice day at the park, but I hope he's not considering getting on the swings. This skirt is not the best for swinging. As I got more anxious, I noticed a smile growing on his face. Believe it or not, that made me slightly more anxious. Sano doesn't always smile. Is he really considering the swings? "Misa," he started, "we've been hanging out for a while now, and I called you out today to ask if we can make this official. I really would like for you to be my girlfriend." His words were as serious as his gaze was on me. I was speechless. Did he really ask to be official? With me? "Yes, Sano, I would love to be your girlfriend!" I didn't hesitate to answer. I waited so long to say those words; years in fact. I couldn't hide my happiness as I was smiling ear to ear. This is the happiest day of my life! "You've made me the happiest guy in the world." The sun was hitting his wonderful hazel eyes perfectly as his warm smile shined just as bright. It couldn't get any better than this. "Oh, Sano, just kiss me already." I wanted to seal this moment to know it was real. I didn't want this movie to end. I leaned in as he did the same with his eyes clothes and lips puckered. But I stopped short of his face as I noticed it began to change. "Misa!" I backed away from him as I watched his face turned into a girl's face. "Misa!" He called me again. His voice pitch was higher. "Sano? What's happening to your face?" I asked. I reached out to touch it, but my hand didn't make contact in time before it disappeared. Suddenly, the perfect bright and sunny day in the park became gloomy. The world around me was getting darker and Sano was completely gone. "Misa! Will you wake up?" The voice made me jolt in my seat. When I lifted my head from my desk, I saw my best friend staring at me. "W-what? Katie?" I was still half asleep. "What are you doing dreaming? Class is over," she said, pointing to the clock on the wall that showed 3:10pm. I slept straight through the bell and ten minutes after. "I was asleep? I was sure I was just talking with Sano." Still a bit dazed, I was looking around for him. "What are you talking about? He's already at track practice." "Really? It felt so real this time." The disappointment that filled me was nothing new. That's the third time I had a dream like that in past week. "You're so delusional. Come on let's go." Katie just shook her head and turned toward the door. I gathered my things in sadness and walked out the classroom behind her. What does it take to get the guy of literally your dreams? Is it because of my looks? I'm not particularly short; around five foot seven on a good day, I have long curly light brown hair, and brown eyes. And I think I can dress pretty well, if you ask me. That is, if you consider your wardrobe that consist mostly of skinny jeans and fitted T-shirts along with the occasional skirt for special occasions dressing pretty well. But I guess Sano doesn't like average height, long brown hair and brown-eyed girls who wears a lot of skinny jeans. Although, I don't really know that for sure since I don't talk to him. At all. I've had this crush on him since ninth grade, and I'm still too shy to talk to him two years later. The only things I know about him are his incredible features. He's about six feet tall with the greatest dark brown hair, and the prettiest hazel eyes I've ever seen. He's on the track team and has been since freshmen year. He's kind of quiet, but still popular in our school despite not being the average loud mouth jock. I think that's enough to know about someone you've been crushing on for two years. "You know, Misa, you shouldn't sleep so much in class." Katie started her lectures again as I was finishing up at my locker, "Your grades are going to continue to drop, and you'll never make it out of high school with us." "Gee thanks, Katie that helps a lot." "I'm just saying that you're holding on to a crush that probably won't get anywhere. You're going to waste your whole life on someone you won't get, and you'll be forever alone, still believing and hoping-" "Katie!" I didn't want to hear such negativity anymore. "You're not helping me here! Besides, you never know, he might come around one day." And just as I said that, we left the school building and had to pass the track field. The track coach was strict. They were already in uniform standing together as the coach was talking to them. "Now you guys know we can't leave it all up to Sano again. I need you all to shape up." The coach started. I spotted Sano instantly standing next to the coach as he continued praising him. Sano is the best runner on the team and has been since he started freshmen year. His legs are small but strong and firm. I don't know how he can be so fast, but running must be his calling. Watching him as he held his head low listening to the coach made me think of my dream earlier. My heart sank as I still try to hold on to the slim chance of that dream one day coming true. I must have been staring because Katie had to come and pull me away from my trance. "Look, I'm your best friend Misa. I'm just trying to stop you now before you go and get yourself hurt." "You're being over protective. I won't get hurt. Plus, I'm already sixteen and going to be seventeen this year. I'm probably the only girl who has yet to have a boyfriend in this school. Probably the whole city. You should be encouraging me to go for it," I tell her. "I understand what you're saying, but this situation isn't something you should be trying for. I've been down this road before. I was all alone, watching everyone else have fun and be all lovey-dovey while I sat back just looking at my crush go out with another woman. She put her dirty little spell on him. That backstabbing, short skirt wearing whore." Her sympathizing with me turned into anger just like that. "Whoa, Katie, Calm down. That was like, eighth grade when this happened. We're in high school now. And she was a cheerleader, so yeah, her skirt was short. Plus, you have a boyfriend now." I had to remind her. "Yeah I know. But did it make you feel any better?" She asked, genuinely thinking that would make me feel better. But it didn't. Speaking of said person, we saw the only person that could make Katie's bright blue eyes glow right after calling someone a w***e. "Hey, Katie." He walked up to us. "Eden." Katie called as they greeted each other with a kiss. Eden is one of the few in our school who can surprisingly put up with her like I can. Most people steer clear of her in fear of getting on her bad side. And not only was he up for the challenge, he's been with her for almost three years. He's on the quiet side too, which is totally opposite of Katie. "So Katie, what time were you able to go today?" He asked. "Around maybe five or so? I have to help Misa get the last of her things from my place." "Where are you guys going?" I asked a bit surprised seeing as I was not informed on couple plans today. "What, I didn't tell you? We were just going to hang out after you left since you said you had to be home by a certain time. I mean, you can come along with if you don't have to get home. We were just going to the mall." I could hear a little guilt in her tone. She had no problem inviting me along when she thinks she's cutting time with me short. "No its cool. My mom was pretty clear on getting home early." Even if that wasn't the case, I still would rather go home than third wheel after today. We set off for Katie's place. We both live a few blocks from the school so riding the bus hasn't been a thing since middle school. I was on the left side of Katie and Eden was on the right of her. No since in him leaving and coming back in a couple hours so he's coming along with us. I kind of trailed back a bit and watched them walking hand in hand making small talk about his classes. I doubt either of them really noticed I'm not next to them. Their relationship makes me jealous sometimes, but I know Katie would never let a guy get in the way of our friendship. We've been friends since first grade. When we got into high school, she cut her hair to a short brown to do that 'reinvent myself' thing. She's also known for her blue eyes, which could be used for beauty and for bad. We've always had classes with each other, and she's the one who always look out for me in my time of need. Even though she's been with Eden a lot lately, she'd drop any plans she had in a second if I needed help. We even lived together for a while due to my parents' job being far, and I didn't want to move away. When I say their job is far, I mean it's over two hours away. Recently, they've been using a lot of their vacation time and coming back home so I've been there. Now, my mom has told me to stay home for something she has arranged so I'm getting the last of my important items from Katie's place. "Speaking of parents, Misa do you really not know what your mom wants?" Katie looked over to me and stopped after seeing I wasn't on the side of her anymore. "No I don't," I said catching up to them, "she told me it's something we've talked about before, but she goes on and on about everything it's hard to remember exactly what she's referring to." "That really doesn't explain anything. Maybe it has something to do with her being able to come home so much now. You think she might be getting fired?" "Please, that's the last thing to consider. You know my mom did everything to get into that Masidone Company. She would never do anything to risk getting fired from the biggest company in the country. She'd do anything to stay there." My parents work at the most successful business around today. The Masidone company produces some of the most well-known designs and computer software. After three years of trying, my mom finally got in, and through some stroke of luck, so did my dad. "I guess you're right. Your parents even act like strangers to avoid having in office relationship problems. This Masidone Corp. must really be top notch for them to go that far just to keep bragging rights." "They only hire the best. You have to pass like four different interviews to get in there, and they apparently have amazing benefits along with amazing pay. My mom said they've even had meetings with some famous people." I sighed wishing I could know more than that, but they aren't allowed to talk about the people they meet with. "Let's not forget the special apartment rates for employees at the complex he owns which is what sealed the deal for them. You know I would've been long gone if your mom hadn't been cool with me staying with you." "My mom applied once. Didn't make it past the second interview. She said it felt like she was being interrogated and couldn't handle the pressure. I bet it wasn't that bad." Katie said with a straight face. This is coming from a girl who stared down the principle who almost suspended her after she threatened another girl with her own notebook. "You probably would have intimidated the interviewers." I laughed at the thought. "I would not! I'm perfectly capable of being nice when I need to be. Right Eden?" She turned to him and he looked away. "Of course, Kay, you're always sweet." "See?" Katie said. "Well, aside from the other day when you yelled at a girl for bumping into you in the hallway, and last week when you weren't feeling well and told Mr. Hallens he was talking too much when he went off subject again. There was also that day when I was coming to get you, you were about to yell at someone else who accidently stepped on your book you had on the floor. Not to mention—" "Basically, he agrees with me." I stopped him before he ended up saying too much, even though none of that was a lie. "I can't believe either of you. I'm the nicest person ever and could pass any interview with no problem. Besides, I'm sure you'd want to give that place a try when you get old enough since your mom and dad got in." She said. "No thanks, I don't want anything to do with that place. It's making them crazy, so I don't need to be a part of that. I'm perfectly fine with living my normal life without being a part of the Masidone company." Even if I wanted to, someone with my grades would be laughed at for applying, but I don't need to remind her of that. We finally reached Katie's house and I went straight for my already packed bag I left on the floor next to her dresser. I hadn't forgotten about these couple plans and didn't want to stop them from being together by adding me in. "Misa, you really don't have to hurry. We still have all evening to do stuff." "No, it's really okay. Plus, I told you, my mom wants me home. I'm surprised she hasn't called me yet even though its only been about forty-five minutes. Let's plan something for this weekend if you two don't already have plans." "That works. He has a family thing, so it'll just be you and me." "Sounds good." I told her. I grabbed my bag and threw it on my shoulder with my bookbag and said bye to everyone and headed to my house that was only two blocks over. Leaving Katie like that happens sometimes. That's what happens when your best friend has a boyfriend and you're stuck dreaming about a boy who probably doesn't even know you exist. I guess I can only dream until it's my turn for cupid to shoot his love arrow. Someone like Sano doesn't come around often. One of these days I have to work up the courage to talk to him. I mean what's the worst that could happen? With each step I took, I found myself thinking of all the ways it could go wrong I found myself walking in my house and noticing something different. "Mom, I'm home! Do we have company over?" I yell to her seeing an unfamiliar coat laying neatly on the couch. "Misa, if you know we have a guest, why do you feel the need to yell?" She asked coming from the kitchen. I suppose I could've been a bit calmer about it, but I was still lost in thought about Sano. "What took you so long? I said to come straight home after school today so you can meet Ken." We both stood face to face in the living room as I looked at her wondering why I was supposed to know that name. "And who's that?" I finally asked. "Your fiancé." She told me. If I didn't know any better, I swear the world stopped spinning in that moment. There was a sting in my eyes from how wide I was staring. "My fian— what?" I asked after she didn't c***k a smile or burst into laughter about the joke that is apparently not a joke. "When and where did a fiancé come from? I don't even know anybody that could be a fiancé and way too young to get married to someone I don't know!" She just sighed, "Misa, we've talked about this already. No one is getting married now, but it was decided that you got to know Ken for that possibility. Don't you remember?" I traced my memory of a possible conversation about this. Then a short conversation from last week about the idea of love and marriage and "how would you like to marry into a successful family?" played over in my mind. "You mean you were serious about that? Mom, I'm not marrying some guy you just found for me. What are we, village people?" "We didn't just find him. He's the son of the Masidone family. You know, the people we work for? You know, some of the richest people in the country? And he is as sweet as can be, I have high hopes for you both. He just had to go to the bathroom. You'll see him in a minute." I can see the hope glowing in her eyes as she completely believes this is something I should be a part of. I don't know if I accidently fell asleep again at Katie's place, but I want out of this dream. "B-but, Mom, I have someone I like already," I blurted out to her. "Hmm, are you talking about that Sano person? I'm sure you don't need to worry about him, honey." "How do you know about him? You looked in my journal, didn't you? How could you?!" "It's not like you got anything good in it," she said almost disappointed. "Why do you always invade my privacy!?" Anger started raising in me. "Ah, so noisy down here," Just as quickly as my anger raised, it faded and was replaced with shock hearing a deep voice coming from upstairs. I couldn't help but stare. Coming down the stairs and walking to join the family quarrel was a tall, nicely dressed guy that looks as custom made as his clothes. His hair was dark and styled up with fresh finger waves. He was wearing a white and black button up with a black shirt underneath. I don't know what it was about it, but I was pretty sure it was personally customized to fit his broad shoulders. He was rubbing his ear as he continued walking toward us. "Oh, Ken, you're back," my mom says as if there's nothing wrong when everything is, "This is my daughter, Misa. And Misa, this is Ken Masidone," she introduced us. I'm pretty sure I was still staring at him. "Ah, so we finally meet. It's so nice to meet a loud mouth such as this one. I was under the impression someone was talking through a bullhorn," he said jokingly. His comment snapped me back to reality. "And you expect me to like a guy like this? That's so not happening." I crossed my arms and turned away from him. I know I'm a bit loud at time, but he didn't have to make that the first thing he says to me. Talk about a bad first impression. I was about to walk away when my mother said, "Now Misa, show our guest some respect. He came all the way from the comfort of his home to see you." "Yeah, I came all the way here to see miss temper head," He said still making fun of me with a grin as if he's having fun. "You'll have to excuse her. Misa gets a little excited sometimes. Now, I'll leave you kids alone. I'm sure you'll get along just fine. I'm going to finish making dinner while you two start getting better acquainted," my mom said winking at me, and leaving the both of us standing alone in our living room. Our living room was a little spacious. We had a recliner, a love seat and a couch in the middle of the room with a small coffee table and TV in front of it. But as we stood face to face between the couch and table I could swear the room was closing in on us. He just stared at me for a minute and started to smile again. "Wh-what?" I asked a little creeped out. "So, Misa, is it? Can I call you Mimi?" "No! I don't like people giving me nicknames." "Aw, you're no fun." "How long is this meeting supposed to last?" I asked flat out. "Well, since I came out here for this little matchmaking game my father is having me play, I'll be staying here for a little while, so we can get to know more about one another." "Wait, staying here, as in my house? Like, living here? You're joking, right?" I didn't bother to hide my shock. Now I know I have to be dreaming. "Yes, how else will we get to know each other? I live in another city 150 miles away. Not particularly a walk around the corner if you ask me." He tried to make sense of this nightmare. What else could be the reason for letting a complete stranger live in my house? "Maybe you should find yourself another girl a little closer to you and tell your parents they made a mistake." My mom really has gone crazy to want a total stranger living in her house. He looked at me and thought for a moment before he replied, "Mm, nah, I think I'll stay here with you. You're kind of cute when you're angry," he said with a smile that struck me harder than it should have. I felt the heat go straight to my face. "Do what you like. I have nothing to do with this and I have homework to do." I ran off into my bedroom upstairs and shut the door and left it at that. My room was my safe place. The only thing I was missing was a lock to my door that both my mom and dad has said no to at least fifty times. If he's telling the truth and really is staying here, I need to ask a fifty first time for that lock. I know my mom loves the place she works, but to go this far and bring the son of the people she works for to our house to hook us up is crazy. I mean, I'd be lying if I said he wasn't cute and all, but his personality is anything but. "I'm sorry, Ken. You'll just have to give her some time to warm up to this," I cracked my door back open and heard my mom talking. "It's understandable. Having a stranger come into your home is something anyone would need getting used to," he said it so smoothly to her, "I've become very excited with this new little adventure." 'New adventure' he says. Is this what rich people call a hobby? Moving in to people's homes and hoping to find their marriage partner from it? I don't like this whole arrangement situation they've got me in. I already have someone I like anyway, so shouldn't this game be over already? Seeing as he's here, the answer is obviously no. Sure he isn't so bad looking. I have to admit when I first saw him, I did get this strange feeling, but that's probably just my teenage hormones. An hour ago, I was dreaming about Sano. Never once have I ever dreamed of this happening. I want absolutely nothing to do with him. And I definitely don't need this following me to school. I've managed half of my junior year rumor free. I don't need one started because of him.