Forced to Commit, but Not Forced to Love

Ch 8- Trippin on Pacts

Dedicated to trina1010 :) thanks for all the votes

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You know what you walk into a room and everyone stops talking and they all turn and look at you like some alien? Or (better yet) like you are ready to be sacrificed into a volcano for the human race? You see pity on their faces, but then they have a sense of relief that it isn't them in that situation.

My family and James' family gave us that look when we walked into the room.

Wonderful.

"Lily, we uh.." My dad started, "we need to tell you more news."

Great. Can't get any worse. "Of course dad, whatever you say," I said heading to the couch. I added a little bit of sass because I really didn't like the position that I was in, but he didn't seem to notice, and neither did anyone else.

I should have taken that as a sign, but I didn't.

Stupid naive nature.

Everyone slowly got to the couches in the living room and sat down. You know, I'm beginning to think that these couches are universal code for RUN YOUR FAMILY IS TRYING TO SELL YOU OFF.

James sat down next to me.

I slightly scooted over.

He scowled.

My father started talking, rubbing his hands nervously. "Umm, Lily, we've agreed for you to leave by the end of the month with James. You'll-"

What. The. Hell. I stood up, yelling, "WHAT?! What about my education? I still have half a semester! I NEED to graduate! Arranged Marriage is bad enough, but you can't take away my rights, my studies, everything I've worked for!!"

James's mother spoke up. "Dear, you don't need to learn anything else. You'll be married to my wonderful son and there won't be a need for learning anything."

I felt my anger grow, boiling over from her statement. No need to learn anything?? What the hell!

"I am not doing this. Look, if you want for me to get married to him, fine. If you want me to move in soon, okay. If you want anything else, whatever, but hear me when I say: I WILL NOT GIVE UP ALL THAT I'VE WORKED FOR, JUST FOR THIS STUPID MARRIAGE!"

I sat back down in a huff and avoided eye contact with any of the parents. I felt like his parents were about to scold me for being so outspoken, when I heard something that made me catch my breath.

"She's right."

I flicked my head to my side; it was James. He's agreeing with me? In front of our parents? For real?

He met my eyes. "I really think it's important that she finish what she needs to finish before doing things for other people," James then turned his gaze towards the parents, "even if it's for her in-laws or parents. I would do the same."

He leaned back and fell silent. The tension was thick in the room as James's parents- uh, Mr. and Mrs. Russell- silently communicated with their eyes. Mrs. Russell sighed, then turned to face me. "Fine, finish your college, but you are officially engaged to my son, so I expect no irresponsible behavior with this liberty."

I opened my mouth to respond, but James beat me to it. "Chill mom, we all know she's not that kind of girl. I trust her, now can we get some food?"

To say I was shocked was an understatement. Before I could recover, he got up and went to the dining room, the adults trailing behind him.

And now I'm off to an even awkwarder dining. Oh joy.

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Of course, food makes everything better. Within moments, everyone was laughing and discussing funny events that happened over the holidays. I got up to get water, and my sister came out with me. Before I could say anything, she started hugging me tightly.

"It wasn't his idea," she whispered. I looked at her in confusion. She continued, "Dad didn't want to stop University for you. It was her idea, James's mom. Otherwise she would have legally sued us."

What the hell? Sue us if I didn't agree to their agreement? This lady was clearly tripping from London if she thought that was how American politics works.

"Grandpa and his grandfather made a pact about their children, but they both had only boys, which is why you have to marry him. They signed a contract and everything." She turned to face me with a sad smile. "I'm sorry."

I hugged her again. I wasn't too pleased with this situation (not pleased a bit) but I had to be strong for her.

She went back to the dining room, and I went to the clean water facet. I heard footsteps, and turned to see James walking in. Well, at least I can be grateful to him.

"Uh, James?" He turned, with a questioning look on his face. Eyebrows raised as he took a sip of his soda. If he wasn't forced to be with me and if I had met him somewhere else, I would say it looked kinda.... attractive? But no, he hated me, and I didn't like him, right?

"I just wanted to say, thanks for defending me back there. It means a lot." I smiled, hoping to get some response back.

He definitely wasn't expecting a sincere thank-you like that, so his eyes widened in surprise before he turned his gaze away from me. "Whatever, it just gives me more time without you."

Oh goodness. I try being nice, and this is what I get? I was too worn out to get mad, so with a sigh, I silently began to walk away.

"Wait."

I stopped, but I didn't turn around. "Lily." I turned slightly to look at James who was now close behind me. But you aren't moving away.

"If you need anything else, just ask." He began to walk away, still sipping at his soda.

What was going on? Was he being nice or just playing with my mind. Being the person I am, I decided to go with the first option.

Curse my naive nature.

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A/N- Hey Guys, shoutout to all those who took the APUSH exam today! All I have to say is that I TOTALLY CALLED THE ESSAY!

Anyways, my spontaneous nature aside, how are you guys doing?

Do you like the story/plot? Any suggestions are welcome and comments are encouraged.

Also good luck to anyone else taking exams soon *raises three fingers in HG signal*

Next update at 430 reads. Stay amazing :)

P.S- Should I post when I update on Twitter? and do you guys want to follow me? @cutie_button