Roaring Through Life

One

     When we are first born, we do not have a choice as to where and what place in life we are born, it is already preordained. Some would call it destiny. Though we can at times attempt to change that destiny, we never can really leave our past since it is a part of an endless timeline of the history of the world. Though some are born into greatness and some rise to it, the fall from it can have different varying degrees depending on where you started from. At times I wonder, "what if?" "What if I wasn't born to a wealthy family?" "What if, instead I was born to a middle class or even a poor family?" "What if I wasn't even born in America but instead England or Germany or India?" On the contrary, my Grandmother always says, "You must always be grateful for what you have and where you were born in life. Not everyone gets to be as privileged as you, my dear."

I was privileged, sheltered and among other things utterly bored. I am grateful for having all of these privileges and life that is better off than most people but, I cannot help but think about the other aspects of life that are happening around me every day all around the world. My free spirited ways have been the brunt of many arguments within the walls of our house. It is 1922, the beginning of new era and my parents, especially my Grandmother, just do not understand that times are changing. I do not want to sit back and let the world change without me. I will not be stuck in the old predictable ways any longer. I will gain my courage and let my inner true spirit free. I will....

The chiming of the clock interrupts my thoughts, making me place my pen down on my nightstand. Closing my diary I stretch my arms above my head and look out my bedroom window. The sun is shining exceedingly bright today, it's light coming through my open window and onto my bed and glistening off of the clock that rests on my night table. Glancing at the clock I see that it is half past seven in the morning. My lacy curtains danced as a cool summer breeze blew through my bedroom window.

Today of all days had to be a beautiful day. Why couldn't have it rained like yesterday, why God? I let out a deep breath looking at the pale pink dress that I was ordered to wear by my mother. It wasn't my favorite dress but, "It compliments your skin beautifully though and it's perfect for the garden party. Why don't you wear it tomorrow Mina?" Ugh, mothers, always pulling the guilt trip on you. If I did not wear the dress she would more than likely state that I was not trying hard enough and supporting her, which is something she has done to me in the past. The dress wasn't so bad, at least it was not a bright pink but. it wasn't quite my taste.

I picked the dress up and changed into it, my white shoes and a long string of pearls. My maid came in to help me fix my long hair into a fashionable low bun; I refused to bob it like the other girls. I am all for the new hair styles and cutting it short but, a part of me does not want to cut it just yet. I love my long hair, it was one of the few things about myself that truly captivated me, besides my eyes. With one last quick glance in the mirror, I notice that even for a lack of trying I did look exceptional. I walk out of my room and head downstairs to the dining room where my father is more than likely drinking his coffee and reading the paper.

"Good morning, Mina. How did you sleep?"

It was the same old start to every day, one that was used out of habit and properness instead of genuine interest. "Besides dreaming of the nightmarish event today, fine."

"It won't be so bad..." He reaches over and grabs the pepper that was in the center of the table.

I slam my coffee cup back onto the saucer and stare at my father. "Not so bad!?! How can it be not so bad if he is going to be here."

"Mina," He sighs at my behavior, "Please try to be polite. It would mean so much to your Mother."

I knew he was right, she has been planning this event all winter long and she would be devastated if I ruined it for her. I just could not help but not ignore the ever looming anticipated appearance of Michael Edwards, the bane of my existence in recent months.

Sighing I sat down in my usual seat at the table, whose freshly polished surface reflects my unimpressed face. "What is for breakfast today Mr. Ross?"

The elder head butler, who was always dressed immaculately, sets down a plate with a silver lid in front of me. "Well, cook prepared a fine and hard meal for you today miss, seeing as you will be needing a lot of energy for the party today," he said as he removed the lid. Bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast was placed on my plate.

I start to butter my toast as my Father continued on with the conversation from before, "I do not see any reason why you and the Edwards boy don't get along. You two seem the very handsome couple."

"Handsome couple! Are you out of your mind!?!" I cough, choking on my eggs in anger. " He's rude, conceded, hot-tempered..."

"Just like someone who I know". He says calmly as he takes another sip of his coffee.

I ignored his comment and continued on with the list that I had made describing Michael "...Overbearing and overprotective, and has an ego the size of the whole country. And let's not forget that he is also the biggest rake I have ever met!"

"Mina, that language was not very becoming of you," A powerful voice bellowed into the room followed by the clicking of a cane against the hardwood floors.

I look up from my food and saw Grandmama walking in. The tall imposing figure of a daunting woman who was the reigning matriarch of our family, what she says is rule. Her graying hair was neatly coiffed without a hair out of place. The beading on her dark green gown was catching the light from the windows adding an extra allure to the natural one she already possessed. It was times like these where I was enamored but also terrified by her presences because you knew she was on a mission.

I smile softly at her as she approaches the table. "But it's true, I wouldn't have said it if it wasn't true."

Quirking her eyebrow she tilts her head to the side studying me. "How would you know? Have you been seduced or taken advantage of by him?"

Out of pure surprise and shock, father and I yelled at the same time. "Mother!" "Grandmama!" Leave it to my dearest Grandmama to ask such an absurd question when in truth, she knew I was still a virgin.

"A better choice of words would have saved you the embarrassment." After fixing her cup of coffee with two sugars and no cream she walks out of the room, probably going to hunt down Mother or Mrs. Smith our housekeeper.

"Talk about impeccable timing," I muttered.

"Try growing up with her.", my father said in an endearing tone.

Breakfast continued on in a quiet manner, neither one of us trying to continue on with the conversation. In the silence, I had time to contemplate everything that father had said. Us being a handsome couple indeed! That must have been the biggest joke of the season. There is no way that Michael and I have anything in common, besides the fact, my dearest older brother is his best friend. Just as I finished eating mother came into the room to fetch me.

"Did you already have breakfast mother?"

"Yes. I woke up earlier today and had it then. Are you finished? Good, I need your assistance with a few final touches. Now I want you to take good notes on these decisions because one day you will be in my shoes hosting an event and will need to know these things." My mother continues talking as she drags me off to wherever she needs my assistance for the next several hours.

Well, this is the first chapter. Tell me if you like it and if I should continue. Any constructive criticism would be much appreciated. Comment and Vote! I would like to get to 10 votes before the next update. Next chapter will be longer.

I am also looking for an editor besides myself to look through my chapters to catch any mistakes and plot holes, please let me know if you are interested.

With Love,

YoursFaithfully01