Crimson marrige

Mark

"Oh!  You came back!  Crimson, this is Mark.  He's designing your wedding dress!  Come here.  Should we go with a blush color, a light sea green, or completely white?" my mom squealed.

            I glared at both of my parents for awhile before heading upstairs.  Before I could reach the first step,  I heard someone say,

            "Where are you going?  Aren't you excited?"

            I looked over and saw Mark smiling at me with his bright shiny teeth.  I ran upstairs into my room, and slammed the door.  Then, I heard soft footstep come up the stairs, and a light knock on my door.

            "Sweetie, is everything okay?" Mark asked.

            "Go away." I yelled through my pillow.

            The door opened and Mark was standing there with a side smile.

            "What part of "Go Away" did you not understand?" I snapped.

            "Listen honey, your parents are really excited about your wedding, and want you to look your best.  Aren't you excited about your own marriage?"

            "They didn't tell you?  I'm stuck in an arranged marriage and after my boyfriend found out, he killed himself.  I want nothing else to do with this wedding."

            "Oh sweetie.  I'm so sorry." Mark said as he sat beside me.  He rested his cool hand on my shoulder and said,

            "Going through an arranged marriage... that must be really tough for you.  Not to mention your loss.  I could never imagine what you're going through.  I'm really sorry."

            "I-It's not like it's your fault.  You're just doing your job."  I paused.  "Also, I'm sorry for barking at you.  I... I just..."

            "Shhh..." he whispered.  "I know you've been going through some tough times, and I completely understand that you're feeling this way.  Would you like to talk about it?"

            I nodded as he put his giant book on the side of my bed.  We talked for a bit, which turned to a long while.  I started to get deeper into my personal life, and how I really feel about this marriage.  I even told him about Seth.  It felt good to let all of this out of my chest.  After our conversation, I realized that I was breathing heavily.  To let it all out at once was overwhelming.

            "My goodness!" Mark gasped.  "You are seriously going through so much right now!  I just want you know how important you are, and how valued you are, no matter what you think of yourself.  You are such a sweet girl, and I would NEVER wish to see you get hurt like this EVER again."

            I smiled as I added him to my list of people who care.

            "So," he giggled.  "Why don't we start designing your dress!  I would give you more time to compose yourself but if I don't do my job your parents will bite my ass."

            I laughed as Mark grabbed his giant book.  While turning to a blank piece of paper, he took out some colored pencils.  I was amazed by his art skills.  He drew a quick figure, and asked,

            "So, where do you think the wedding is going to take place?"

            "Well, I really want it to be in the Green Lake flower fields.  I've been there so many times, and it's really gorgeous there."