Torturous Triangle

Monday

Sitting in home room, waiting for the bell to ring for a double English class. My favorite subject. Literature, in particular. That's probably where I got my unrealistic expectations for romance. That, and all the romantic comedies. It's addictive, it's enthralling, it's beautiful. The way the guy swoops in at the last moment and takes her breath away by saying all the right things. The perfect breeze, the perfect lighting, the perfect setting. Yeah yeah, I know, that's why I said UNREALISTIC.

My mind keeps going back to what happened yesterday. What did Mick mean by Zach had Tyra? And why did I see a small amount of fear in Zach's eyes? Its weird though, he clearly said he wasn't into her. This whole thing is really going to be a huge distraction for finals coming up. Maybe i should just get over him. Move on. Move forward. Forget about being in love. I should maybe focus on having the best last year at this school. This school stops at 9th Grade, so we'll all be going to a different school in the new year.

There goes the bell. We make our way to English and Mrs Matthews is handing our assignments for the day. Oh shoot! Impromptu Debate. Discussion subject : "Arranged Marriages - Yay or Nay." I hear everyone groan at the same time. It doesn't matter what your true belief is, as long as you get an A.

Mrs Matthews clears her throat "lovely topic for discussion, don't you think? The group that will be siding with "nay", Roxy, Evan, Todd and Christy, the group that will be siding with "yay", Shane, Emma, Alex and Ava. Get into your groups, 20 minutes discussing and then we begin. The rest of you, brainstorm questions. "

We group off and we start discussing." if we're going to agree on this as a team, we need 1 person who's lived with an arranged marriage couple."Alex says. Shane and Emma seem to agree because all three heads turn to me.

" what?... Oh no no no.. I am not speaking about my parents relationship with the entire class." I refuse and wave my hands out in front as if to keep their ideas away.

"it's the only way. Plus your grandparents were arranged too. You'll probably be arranged too. And you're very verbal about your opinions about arranged marriages anyway. You just fit." Shane says matter of factly. I roll my eyes out of frustration. 'I hate you guys' I mumble under my breath.

It's been twenty minutes and Mrs Matthews has called the groups to front of the class. I'm really nervous for some reason. It's definitely because of the topic. Because it will involve my parents. Because it's slightly personal. Because I do actually believe some arranged marriages do work.

"OK, so it's going to be "nay" to speak first"

Evan James, high-school athlete and voted most likely to be gay by the end of the year. By myself of course. He's the schools best athlete, no one is going to question his orientation anyway.

"how do you look at someone you don't love and expect to share a bed with them? How can you ask someone to do that?".. He begins. His also an excellent drama student. Clearly sucking in all the girls he hasn't hooked up with yet. His presentation went on for almost ten minutes.

Mrs Matthews stands up at the front

"wonderfully done Mr James, now for the 'yay'. "

"good day everyone, before I begin my presentation, Evan, that was really heartfelt and I hope you someday marry for love, and not how much money you will inherit after the marriage." I smiled sweetly at him. "as I was saying, it's easy to decline the notion of an arranged marriage but the success rates are undeniable. From India to tribes in Africa, arranged marriages are still practiced. Not because of lack of love for their children or deals made before birth. It isn't about dooming anyone's life. When a parent decides on an issue like this, it's never done with a light heart. A parent sees and hears what you don't and what you wont" I pause "many of you know my stance on this, arranged marriage is for anyone who simply agrees to it. It doesn't have to be so hard. My very own parents and grandparents were arranged, and they have grown so much in love, my grandfather can't sleep without my grandmother in his arms. When people assume that arranged marriages are loveless, you're wrong. It means living and learning about your partner starts from day 1. The adventure starts at 'I do'. The adventure continues even when you've reached old age and your partner will say something new to you about themselves. Arranged marriages are unique. It requires the most amount of love and patience and persevering and the dedication to that one person, that it consumes you and makes you crazy, but the crazy never leaves, it's addictive, it's knowing you will be driven crazy if this doesn't work. Yes, this can be said about love marriages too but what's the divorce rate on love marriages? 20 % more than arranged marriage. Why? Because with a love marriage, once you've got the girl, you stop trying, you stop writing little I love you notes in his lunch. An arranged marriage ensures that either one never stops trying. Thank you" I complete my presentation and take a seat next to my group

"well, thank you Ava, that was informative, time for questions and answers" I see Cade and a few others raise their hands "yes... Cade?" "this is for Ava, so let's say you're in love with someone but your parents have arranged a marriage for you, what then?" "well like I said earlier, you'd have to agree first, even an arranged marriage need prior agreement from both parties, if it's a question of whom the marriage is with, then that should be discussed after the first meeting, before agreeing to the actual marriage" I say as simply as possible "soo.. If you had to choose a marriage between Mick and Zach, we know the answer, but clarify that please?"

I narrowed my eyes, hearing snickering in the class and a few smirks, i had no response, my mind was blank. I lowered my head and turned around and left. I walked straight to the girls room and locked myself in one of the toilets. About 5 minutes later, I heard voices. Not wanting to be found, I stood on to the toilet and crouched down.

"cade was out of line" the one voice said

"Oh please, Ava was preaching arranged marriage, but she wouldn't do it herself" voice number 2 says.

"it was suppose to be just an assignment, cade shouldn't have made it personal" came voice number 1 again

Voice number 1, you're a true friend, standing up for me when I wasn't around.

Voice 2 just scoffed and walked out. I decided to come out and see who voice number 1 was when I hear a phone ring. I stop to listen 'hi Zach, yeah I'll be done at 2, yeah I can meet you... OK cool. " I swung open to see a shocked Roxy standing with her phone in her hand.

"Ava.. I.." and just walked out. What was she going to say? She can explain? It's not what it looks like? I didn't even know they spoke to each other. When did that even happen? My best friends. Both hurt me in a matter of an hour. Some best friends huh.