When We Are Older

Chapter 1 - Arranged Marriage

MarinaI don’t want to get married today.Pure discomfort is radiant in my reflection as I sit on that damn chair in front of the mirror while my mother is standing behind me. She is humming to herself and braiding pearls into my hair to create that perfect Victorian hairstyle.She is calm and collected. And I hate how she is acting as if it’s perfectly normal to marry off your teenager to some random guy from another tribe before she has even turned eighteen.His name is Rain. I haven’t met him yet. My mother says it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, but I had hoped to at least see his face before our parents had arranged this wedding.My mother, however, called me shallow when I asked to see his face. Apparently, I should be grateful that my family has found me a husband. It’s a privilege to get married, my mother has told me.Unfortunately, I don’t share her opinion. At least