Chapter 2
1007 Words
Chapter 2
"I'm not sure, I'm kind of nervous; Dad's health hasn't been great lately; I just hope he's okay," I replied, feeling a little nervous.
"I'm sure he is, it takes more than that to bring uncle Daniel down, he's one strong man," she remarked as she stood up to hug me.
"Thanks Bella"
"Your welcome, now I've got to get ready for my date"
As Bella walked into her room to get ready, I took the meal from the microwave.
I couldn't help but wonder what the supper was all about while I ate...........
I couldn't help but be worried as I drove into my parents' house, or more accurately, mansion. My parents were not the type to call an impromptu supper unless it was for a significant reason. I rang the doorbell and waited patiently for the house door to open.
"Hey Sophia, it's been a while" Harper, our family maid and nanny, exclaimed as she opened the door.
"Hi nanny, it's good to see you," I remarked as I walked in to meet everyone at the table, including my older brother, whom I adore. As they stared at me, I had the uneasy feeling that something was wrong.
We began dinner after greetings and niceties, talking about anything from what we had missed so far to random topics.
"So, honey, your mother and I have something to tell you," my father cleared his throat.
"What......, Is it about your health?" I inquired, my fear consuming me.
"Oh no, sweetie, your dad is fine," my mother said, her lips extended wide in an ecstatic grin.
I turned to face my brother, who avoided my gaze and continued to stare above my head.
My mother said, "Sweetie, you're getting married."
I couldn't hear anything else while trying to make sense of what I had just heard.
Did she just say I'm getting hurried or was it parried? It sounded exactly like married to me. When I looked up, I saw three of them staring at me.
"Ahhaaaaaaaaa." I laughed so hard to the point of tears. I mean, I was always aware that my mother was a prankster, and that I was her favourite victim. That's what I liked best about her, and I have to say, this one takes the cake.
"Seriously, mum, wow," I wiped my eyes, "nice one, you almost got me there for a second," I smiled.
"It's not a joke sweetie, you are getting married" . I glanced at three of them, puzzled, and my mind began to race as I tried to make sense of the words pouring out of her mouth and what they meant.
"You're kidding, right?" I asked again, my smile gone. When I spotted their expression, I couldn't help but marvel; it made no sense. Me? Are you getting married? To who? Why? I just turned 21 and graduated from college; I'm far too young to marry.
"Honey, it was an arranged marriage," my father finally said, his face saddened.
"Why?" I managed to mumble, not trusting my voice.
"The company isn't doing well and close to bankruptcy, this was the only way." He stated
"So you're selling me off?" I sobbed, unable to stop the tears from falling from my eyes. I looked to my mother, who was in tears, and then to my brother, who couldn't even look me in the eyes.
"No, sweetie, never; if we had a choice, we would never have thought of this," my mother murmured quietly. I gently rose up, looking down at them, saddened and disappointed.
"You want to marry me off to a stranger"
"No, honey, we would never do that," my father said, standing with the rest of my family.
"You might not remember cause you were little, but you have met before when you were eight. His father was a good friend of mine till he passed away"
"Who is it."
He responded, " Zachary Jenkins."
I considered Zachary Jenkins. His name sounded familiar, but I couldn't put a face or anything else to it.
"Can I think about it, I'm tired and just want to rest," I remarked as I climbed the stairs and walked towards my old room.
"Sure sweetie, take your time"
I shut the door to my room, sat on the bed, and scumbled to sleep while more tears came from my eyes.
*
When the sun rays reached my face, I grumbled loudly and rolled over on the bed to face the other side. Today was the day I would finally meet my so-called soon-to-be spouse and his family. I've been engaged for a week and chose to go ahead with it because I know how significant this is to my family. I'm currently at my parents' house because my mother believed it would be best if I got ready here.
"Hey, buttercup, wake up," my brother said, shaking me awake.
"Five more minutes," I murmured, covering myself with a pillow.
"Breakfast is almost ready and I want to talk to you"
I sat up straight, wiped the sleep from my eyes and letting out a languid yawn before turning to face my brother. I could see he was stressed out because of the scenario.
"I know this is wrong and I wished there was another way" he admitted before continuing to speak "I just want you to know that I will always be there for you every step of the way, you aren't alone."
"I know you've always been my hero, and nothing will change that," I said as I hugged him hard.
"If it's too difficult for you please tell me"
"I will, thanks big bro," I said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Now go shower, you stink," he said as he stood up.
"Hey........" I whimpered, which was met with laughs as he shut the door.
I stood up and walked past the mirror, my hair a tangle, and I looked like I'd been hit by a train. I entered the bathroom for a brief shower.
- Writer
