CHAPTER 4: NOT LIKE OTHERS

By Monday, everyone at school knew I was getting married, or to be more precise, that my wedding was arranged. But, of course, no one knew it was planned. It's like that first rule in Fight Club: don't talk about how things turned out.

On Sunday, we took engagement photos after breakfast. We took the pictures strategically, making sure not to reveal the ring, or rather, the lack of one. At least not until Wednesday.

We posed with him on one knee, holding a small box. To be honest, it all felt surreal. I pretended to cry to make it seem more authentic. We also took a picture with his face nestled in my neck as we hugged. They looked incredibly real. Most people think they're genuine.

We're in this situation because John informed the newspaper about our engagement. Nice, it made the front page. John also insisted we post on I*******m and F******k. I get I*******m, but why do we need F******k? Sorry to say, but everyone on F******k is the same age as my dad. They've read it, so problem solved. I did it anyway.

On Monday, when I arrived at school, everyone bombarded me with questions about Mark. How did we meet? How long have we been dating? It was the usual stuff. People were curious. Since I didn't have a ring to show, I said it wasn't the right size and we had to get it fitted.

Of course, there were also the typical mean comments and whispers at school. I like to call them the "mean girls." During lunch, they gossiped behind my back, suggesting I might be pregnant. I paid them no mind. I never do.

Tuesday was almost back to normal. My best friend at school is Maya, but since she was on vacation with her parents, she was upset that I hadn't told her about my relationship. She thought we were deeply in love based on the photos.

So, I invited her over that night, spilled the beans, and asked her to be a bridesmaid. She gladly accepted. She won't tell anyone. We've known each other our whole lives. She wouldn't betray me or my dad like that.

Maya loves dressing up, and now she has a reason to do it. She apologized for getting mad, and we went back to being best friends. Well, we're not exactly like that. We have our fights, but after a day or two, we make up. Never longer than three days. We don't just end friendships like some people.

Now, it's Wednesday. My work is almost finished. Unfortunately, my phone is dead, and all music websites are blocked on the school laptop. 

When I finally wrap up my work, I start drawing and lose track of time. Everyone is staring at the door, but I'm so absorbed that I don't even notice. I haven't paid much attention to the door yet; I'm busy scanning the room.

Then, I glance up and there's Mark Hernandez, my so-called "boyfriend." I say his name and ask, "What brings you here?"

He raises his hand and points to his ring finger. I immediately realize I should have left five minutes ago.

I quickly grab what I need and head towards Mr. Martian. I'm a bit shy about this.

Mr. Martian was engrossed in reading and didn't notice Mark yet. I muster the courage to say, "Um, Mr. Martian?"

He looks up, clearly annoyed by the interruption. He was deep into his book, and I've disrupted him. He asks, "What?"

Mark just smiles and waves to Mr. Martin while I point to the door and say, "I have to go." It's clear that everyone in the room is looking at Mark and me, and I can feel their gaze.

Mr. Martian inquires, "Go where?"

"Um," I hesitate. Should I tell the truth? "I'm going to pick up my ring. It needed some adjustments because it didn't fit."

He questions me further, "Why can't you do that when you get home?" He puts his book down, giving me his full attention. Even when I told him I was interested, he didn't react. He probably read the newspaper or checked F******k. I chuckle a bit at that thought.

I explain, "Mark has a meeting, so I'm saying goodbye." I barely managed to escape. I can sense everyone's eyes on me as I walk towards the door. To make it look genuine, I put my arm around Mark.

After school, once we're in his car, he asks, "What was that all about?"

"What?"

"Are you trying to get close to me?"

I decide to tease him a bit. "Wait, can't I put my arm around my fiancé?"

He makes me laugh. "Well, I suppose that's alright."

After about 10 minutes of driving, I still have no clue where we're going. So, I ask. "Where are we going?"

"The mall," he responds.

"What? I hate going to the mall!" I say, but in reality, I just cross my arms and act as if I don't care.

He looks at me, surprised. "Really? I thought all girls liked going to the mall."

"I'm not like every girl," I reply, adding, "I'm just taking a break from pouting."

Mark remarks, "I'm starting to figure that out."

When we arrive at the mall, our first stop is Kay Jewelers. I sigh audibly. I'm quiet and reluctantly admit, "I'd rather not be here."

"Don't worry, it won't take long. We'll pick up the ring and then go to an early dinner. It'll be our first date." He smiles at me as we approach the counter. The clear glass counter looks like it's rigged with alarms that will go off if you touch it, summoning security.

I glance down, and Mark tries to get the salesman's attention by clearing his throat. The salesman says, "I feel terrible. I'll be with you right away, sir." His voice sounds oddly familiar, as if I've heard it before.