1st Chapter

Are we in the right 21st century? I think so. Sometimes, I'm in doubt, you know? That's because my dad wants to make me marry a guy. Yes, it is absurd! And every time I try to give an opinion, he tells me to shut up and respect him because I'm a minor. Is there a law that prohibits this kind of thing? I would like to understand more about this...  

I was in my room in the middle of a tantrum. That's because my father had just told me that my “fiancé” was going to arrive anytime to meet me. Interesting, isn't it? To know me. I feel like a horse for sale. Where the buyer comes to assess whether the animal is in good condition. If he asks me to see my teeth, I wouldn’t find it strange.

"Daughter?"

"Hum ..." I mumble irritably. I hate when people come talk to me when I’m mad.

"Take a shower and put on the clothes I chose."

I look at the dress on the bed and make a face.

"I'm not taking a shower at all! If he really wants this damn wedding, he'll have to put up with me the way I am!"

"You love bathing, Lara."

"Yes, but not to please anyone but myself!"

"Open the door, Lara."

"No!"

"I'll get the spare key."

I roll my eyes and open that drug. Without looking at her, I sit down by the window again.

"I know you're angry, but you have to understand that this is for the best."

"For whom?" I ask sourly.

"For everyone."

"Only if “everyone” is you and Dad."

She takes a deep breath. It was very rare to my mom argue with me, in the other hand my dad did it 24 hours a day.

"Come on, my daughter. One day you will understand everything."

"Why, instead of saying that, you don't tell me what I'm going to understand one day?"

"There's no point in saying anything now. Whatever your dad or I say, you’ll reverse because you don’t want marriage."

"You're right."

"Come on, take a shower."

I get up irritated and go to the bathroom mumbling.

It took me much longer than normal. I was trying to imagine what this “fiancé” was like. All I could think of was bald, short and paunchy. Nothing else came to mind. I hope I’m wrong... But deep down, I know I'm going to hate this more than I already do.

I put on the dress my mom picked. I even like dresses, but I don't use it much, you know? I like to be comfortable and usually dresses takes away that freedom.

I sat at the window looking out. From there you can see who is arriving. I have a privileged view of the gate and the road. A luxurious car appears on the road. Would my parents be so petty as to marry me for money? Because by the car, he must be filthy rich.

"Daughter, he's coming" my mother appears in the room saying that.

"I see," I say, watching the gate open for the car to pass.

"Let's go."

"Hey Mom..."

"Hi."

"If I’m of age, my dad can't make me marry, can he?"

"I don't know. I believe not, because when you are of age, you already own your own nose. It may be, but..."

"That's all I wanted to know."

And it was the best weapon I had. I have six months to make this guy's life hell, so he doesn't want to marry me. This is going to be fun. And if others come, I will make hell too. So there's time to be eighteen and not be forced to do anything!

I followed my mother into the living room. My dad was there, and he looked me up and down to evaluate me. I rolled my eyes.

"Behave and don't roll your eyes."

I roll it again and he gets serious.

"Anything else?" I ask with mockery.

"Speak a little as possible."

"Great. I don't want to chat with anyone at all.

"Lara ..." my mother censures me.

My dad comes over and stares at me. I know what that is, he wants to intimidate me and show who is the boss. I hate it when he does that to me, especially when people are watching.

I look at my feet, and he turns away from me. My mom does my clothes and then fixes my hair.

"You look great."

I don't answer and look at the place where my “fiancé” would appear. Time passes and two men enter the place. One is tall and has dark skin. He wears a black suit and has his arms back and impeccable posture. The other is short and bald.

Great!

"Welcome, Mr. Lorenzo. I hope everything went well on your trip."

"Thanks. It was a peaceful trip. Is that your daughter?" He speaks looking at me. I don't move or open my mouth. It's to be silent, right?

"Yes. This is my dear daughter."

I resist the temptation to roll my eyes when my dad says that.

'She's a beautiful girl. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"Can we talk in a more reserved place?"

"Sure. Follow me."

They leave the room, my father and the short man in the front and the tall brunette in the back.

"Is that a bodyguard?"

"Yes."

"It can only be a joke, " I mumble and throw myself on the couch.

"Lara! Sit up straight!"

"I can't do anything! I can't say anything! And I can't sit as I like! What a boring thing that is!"

"Keep your voice down, Lara..."

" I'm tired! I don't want to marry anyone! Even more that guy! Mom, I'm taller than him!" I speak indignantly.

"It does not matter."

"Only if it's for you," I say grumpily."

"Everything will be understood later."

" What else is there in this story that I don't know?"

"Nothing."

"Looks like it has."

"There's nothing, Lara. You need to obey your father and control your impulses. It is best for you to do everything as he says."

"I'm a puppet."

"Daughter..."

"Do I have to stay here waiting?"

"Yes." She sighs.

"Great!" I say with irony.

It seems like hours have passed since they entered my father's office. I was already dozing on the couch when my mom shook me and pulled me to my feet. It took me a while to compose myself and the three showed up. They were smiling and I didn't like it.

The security guard was serious, but the two were just smiles and laughter. I wish I could laugh like that...

"Agreed, then. I'll be back in a week."

I look at my father and he ignores me.

"We'll be waiting."

"See you, Miss."

"See you." I answer smiling forced.

The two leave the house and I throw myself on the couch. One week? Is it to take me away? Must be.

After being married, can the husband return the bride? I hope so, because if I'm going to live with him, I'm going to make hell, and he will hate me. I hope he sends me back home.

My father appears with a wide smile on his face. Since there’s no longer short and bald here, I roll my eyes when I see his happy face.

"So, how was it? Do you feel good about negotiating your own daughter?"

The smile disappears instantly.

"This is not a business. It’s your future."

"I thought my future belonged to me and not to you," I reply sullenly.

"You don't even know how to control your attitudes, the more your future."

"There is no future. What exists is here and now."

"That's why I take care of everything about you."

"I'm not your object!" I say a little loudly. He approaches and begins the intimidating look. I hate this!

"Go to your room and don't leave until school."

"Great! I don't want to see your face at all." I turn my back and go to my room.

I struggled to sleep that day. What will become of me when I am taken by that short man? I thought he was going to come here to get to know me more, and then I could put my plan into action. Not that I'm not going to do that at all, but it would be easier here than at his house.

He may get angry and throw me out on the street. I don't know where he lives, if it's close or far away. Maybe in another country! My father says nothing to me. 'I'm in charge of everything and you just have to obey'. I hate to hear that!