A Genuine Infatuation and A Theorem for Love

Chapter 9 (part-two)

Miranda tapped my back with her subtle fingers, soothing my ache away. I did not know whether I would be capable of coping with the situation any longer, my bubble of depression was bound to burst in a matter of seconds away.

"Hush, it's okay. We'll find an alternative or a savior-plot that'd relieve you from all this burden," she spoke soft, warm words and led me towards the sofa, pushing me down, gently.

"It's not going to be alright, Miranda. What will become of me, of my passion for studies? Am I to throw them all away?" I spoke dejectedly, "And... and... I don't know a single matter on being a wife. I may... be an all-rounder in almost every other field, but this..." I said, desperation gaining an upper-hand, "This is a life-time ultimum sacrifice and devotion that I'm not ready for; I'm barely an adult, merely sixteen years of age. What would I know regarding... regarding wifely-responsibilities?" I cried my heart out to her and placed my head in my palms. I did not prefer becoming emotional, it brought on promising headaches that were hard to subside. Miranda's features softened, she was the over-protective sister I had forever yearned to have, though our intimate acquaintance began three and a half years ago; I felt an ulterior motive of knowing her ever since, our bond growing with each passing day.

"What brought this on, Linda? Why you, there must be tons of girls in this village who'd be more than willing to replace you, why not them? Surely, Uncle Alex and Aunt Ellie must've mentioned it somewhere in the conversation?" she asked, occupying the space beside me and prying my hands away from my face.

"They did mention it; the Northern ruler has been apparently searching for a 'homely' bride and the prosopals received were in contrary to his requisites. Hence, my parents thought I'd be good for the job," I said, my jaw clenching slightly at the thought of being sacrificed by my blood and flesh; my kith and kin.

Miranda immediately stood up with a confused frown on her face and brows drawn together. "This doesn't seem right Linds; a wealthy ruler in search of a homely bride? We need to gather more information on this Samuel-guy," she huffed. I sighed alongwith her, my life had taken a roller-coaster ride in the span of a day. It was despairing. Suddenly, another thought occured to me. Miranda had began her pacing again.

"Miranda?" I called out, to gain her attention. She raised her eyebrows twice in the means of questioning my inquiry. "I thought you were right behind me after History had concluded?"

She laughed shortly and ran her fingers through her blond tresses, "Oh that! Mr. Bald-head had some errands for me to run. I lost track on Mrs. Stacy's whereabouts; I was supposed to give her a couple of books. My apologies for not saving you from that jerk," she smiled.

"You came right on time. But seriously, 'pee in your pants'? You missed his horrified expression. It was completely hilarious," I laughed away, forgetting my blues for a while.

"What about the two of you? According to him, I was interrupting an important 'session'... As in... make-out session?" she wiggled her eyes at me. I coughed back a laugh.

"He's insane! I dozed-off and the first thing I saw was his face and not yours. I panicked and debated on defending myself; I don't know what he wanted, anyways," I shrugged. Just then the bell rang and we hurried away to the canteen. I decided to heed to Miranda's words; by veiling the unknown and to abide in the present. I smiled, glad to have met Miranda who had made my 'Loner' life, an absolute bliss of sunshine.

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Miranda called for a cheese-burger and a tin coke while I was caught up in the line of students who began pouring out from every class and corner. She promised to reserve a seat in a secluded corner. A minute would not have lapsed when I felt a commotion behind that pushed me forward, in the process of which, I had bumped into a tall, burly and formidden-looking football player. I gulped and stared wide at him. However, after a menacing stare, he relented to an amused smile and turned away. I sighed in relief, searching for the source of activity. Clearly to my right, a few paces away, Paul and Zach were brawling over a certain affair. I shrugged and waited next in cue for a tuna-sandwich and a glass of orange shake. I did not favor greasy, oleaginous meals that were submerged in unhealthy substance.

A while later, when Miranda and I were contemplating different strategies to handle my situation, Zach appeared at our table. At a distance, I could discern Paul's silhouette in a shadowy corner, beside the door leading to the Arts and Crafts class-room. 

I hoped he was not hurt by our earlier encounter.

"Well hello, ladies! Would you care for a minute of unadulterated 'chit-chat'?" Zach grinned at us and pushed me aside, to make room for him on the white-washed bench; I braced myself for the worst.