HSC: Chapter 3

      Eunice's point of view

      "Bes, are you ready?" They're waiting downstairs.

    I took a deep breath. This is it, Eunice; face the decision you made. I stood up and gave Trish a weak smile.

      "I'm ready; let's go."

     We are now at Aunt Kim's house; mom and dad are also here. They're talking about what happened yesterday and, of course, the wedding they're talking about.

     Now we will find out about Travis' decision and mine. 

    If we both agree, we'll get married next week, This is according to what Trish told me. She heard Uncle Troy and Aunt Kim talking.

     Wow, we'll get married so soon; will I really be tied down? Can't I still do what I want? How about my dreams? Will I just be a housewife? I hope that even if we get married, I can still do what I want, especially my dream.

     When Trish and I got down, we went straight to the dining area, where our parents were waiting.

     "Oh, they're here already." Take a seat. Honey, where's your son? "He's the only one missing." I sat next to Mom, while Trish sat next to Aunt Kim.

     "That kid, he said he was going home earlier."

     "It's okay, Troy." Maybe Travis was just busy, so he was late. "We're not in a hurry." Dad said.

      "Even so, he knows how important this discussion is. He shouldn't keep us waiting. Didn't he think that you just came from America? You came straight here to discuss the wedding of your only daughter. Hey! Travis's head is getting hard." Uncle Troy grumbled. He seems to be stressed out by his eldest son.

     Trish told me that Travis didn't come home yesterday. Maybe he's still angry at his dad because of their argument yesterday and what was shown in the picture.

     What could have happened to him and his girlfriend? What's his decision? Maybe they didn't break up; maybe that's why Travis isn't here because he doesn't want to—

     I came back to my sense when I saw Travis entering the dining area. He's here. What's his decision?

    "I'm sorry, I'm late." He sat directly at the other end of the table.

     "Why are you only now? Don't you know we've been waiting for you? Aunt Erin and Uncle Ariel came back from America; they went straight here. ""They haven't even rested." Because of what Uncle Troy said, Travis turned to look at Mom and Dad. But before that, our gazes met. I looked away because his gaze was different; it was so cold. like it'll make your hair stand on end.

     "I'm so sorry, Uncle Ariel and Aunt Erin; I had too much to drink last night, so I woke up late." He politely said this to Mom.

     "It's okay, son; what's important is that you're here now." Mom replied with a smile.

     "Let's eat first so we can start the important discussion." Uncle Troy interjected. Dad nodded before we started eating.

 

 

 

    I can't eat properly. I've been feeling Travis' cold gaze; it's so uncomfortable...

     "So, Travis, have you made a decision?" I stopped eating because of Uncle Troy's sudden question. Oh no, here it comes. My heart beats faster. They're all looking at Travis, but I preferred to look down at what I'm eating. I don't know; I don't want to look at him, and I'm nervous about his answer.

    "Yes, dad. I've made a decision."

     "So, what's your decision?" Oh God, here it goes.

     "I'll marry, Aaliyah." He answered coldly.

     I couldn't believe it. I raised my gaze and turned to him. Is he really sure? Is he  going to marry me? Does he agree? What about Mayell? What happened to them? I have so many questions in my mind, but I chose to keep them to myself because I have no right to ask him. Maybe he's thinking of something else.

     "Good decision, son; I thought you wouldn't follow me. How about you, Eunice? " I turned my gaze to Uncle Troy, who was now smiling broadly. I could see the joy in his eyes because of his son's decision.

     "U-uhm... what... u-uhmm... I agree; I'll marry Travis, Uncle.” I answered awkwardly, then I glanced at my mother when she held my hand and nodded to me. It's done now; we both agreed; we're getting married. Oh gosh...

    "That's good! I'm happy that you both made the same decision. So, Ariel, the wedding is next week, right?" Uncle said it happily.

       "Yes, it's better to have it early."

      "In the church or in the judge?" Aunt Kim asked. I just continued eating because that's all my parents were waiting for. They'll take care of everything. I looked at Trish when she kicked my foot.

      From her gaze alone, I knew what she meant. She was asking if I was okay. I just smiled a little and nodded. I know she's worried about me because of this arrangement with her brother.

     "Let's just have it in the judge first, if it's okay with you. It's faster to get married there. And It's just for us to know about the wedding. What's important is that they get married and show the board members that Travis is married. If everything is okay, Eunice and Travis can get married in church. We'll make it grand; we'll celebrate their wedding. Is that okay with you, Ariel? How about with you, Erin? with you, Travis?" Uncle asked everyone with smile. 

     I prefer to just have it in front of the judge because it's just for us. My dream is to get married in church with the man I love and who loves me. But with Travis, it's just me who loves him.

      "It's okay with me, dad." Travis spoke briefly.

      "It's okay with us too, Troy." Daddy replied.

     "How about you, Eunice?" I smiled briefly at Aunt Kim.

     "It's okay with me too, Aunt." I replied shyly.

   

       "Finally! What we've been dreaming of, Erin, will happen." Aunt Kim happily said while looking at Mommy, her smile reaching ear to ear.

     "We will finally have peace of mind." Mommy replied.

      I let out a sigh and finished my meal. I let them talk and didn't want to interfere. The three of us, Trish, and I became quiet while our parents happily chatted away.

********

---

      I smiled as I looked up at the sky, it was so beautiful and refreshing, and the weather seemed lovely today. As the wind blew, I closed my eyes and felt the cool breeze on my skin.

     I was in that state when someone suddenly pulled me.

     "Ouch!" I screamed in surprise, my eyes widened when I saw who was pulling me. What was he doing here? What does Travis need from me?

     "Come with me, Aaliyah," he said coldly. Okay, this feels like deja vu. But why is he talking like that? He sounds scary, like something's changed in him.

      "Where are you taking me?" I asked, confused.

     "We have something to talk about," he replied in a cold voice. What could that be? I just let him take me wherever he was going to take me.

********