Married or Not, You Don't Own Me

Chapter 1: First Impressions

Here I am in my father’s office, waiting to find out what was the emergency. I’m Mia, I’m seventeen and I’m a brunette. And I’m an only child. My mother passed away two years ago because of a heart attack and my father remarried. It sounds like Cinderella’s story but trust me, it’s far different. Ever since I had a step mother, my life hasn’t been the same.

Technically, I have no freedom anymore. My new mother Rachael has been nothing but a control freak. She even enrolled me to one of the best and most expensive school in the country, which is Jackson’s Academy. Oh and there’s something you should know, my father owns an oiling company off the coast of Coasta Rica. Yes he makes a lot of money and as you probably know, we’re rich, not that I like to brag about it but yeah, we’re rich. And Rachael is having a lot of fun in wasting every penny we have by buying designer bags, clothes and jewellery. And dad is too busy and blind to see. He’s just convinced that she was only doing that for my benefit.

I don’t have a choice in what I eat, where I want to go or what I want. But luckily, she didn’t have any control over what I wear. I would have committed suicide if she told to wear all those short tight and revealing dresses, not to mention the high heels. Now look, I may sound like a tomboy for not liking short dresses and high heels but no. I’m completely 100% female, I love heels and dresses but not to the point where I have to wear it every day and everywhere I go.

I just got back from school and I was called to my father’s office. I haven’t talked to my father for 4 months now. He’s been really busy with his overseas trips and business meetings. Sometimes I think I’ve lost him to his work.

My skirt vibrated as my phone rang in my pocket. I checked it to find out that it was Ally. Ally was my best friend and the only person that I can actually have fun with lately. I still remember my first day in Jackson’s Academy when she was trying to put some flyers around the school. It was like we were friends before we even met. We’ve been like sisters ever since then.

I clicked on the answer button and straight away, Ally was shouting from the other end.

“Where the hell are you?! I’ve been waiting in the parking lot for 20 minutes now” I held the phone away from my ear for a second. I actually forgot about going to her house after school.

“Sorry Ally, I had to leave and I kind of forgot. Something just came up with dad”

“Oh my god, is he ok? Did something happen to him?” I shook my head at her sudden panic and laughed a little. “Why are you laughing, I’m panicking here”

“Calm down, he didn’t die. He just wanted to see me”

“Phew, you nearly gave me a heart attack there and it wasn’t funny” Even though I couldn’t see her but I could still imagine how serious her face would be.

“You’re such a drama queen” I said sniggering.

“And you’re such a bitch”

“But you love this bitch, so too bad”

“Whatever, I’ll call you back later since you’re busy. Bye bitch” I could hear a faint laugh form her, as she said her goodbyes.

“Love you too Ally” and then I ended the call. I sat there for another 20 minutes and I was getting impatient. I was about to go change my uniform then come back but that’s when he decided to show up. He looked flustered, tired and frustrated. He also had dark under eyes which means that he hasn’t slept for a while now. And it worried me. He wasn’t getting any younger and he shouldn’t be working too much at this age.

“Hey dad, you wanted to see me?” I said trying to smile as I stood up from my chair. He returned it when he looked at me.

“Yes sweet heart, I have something very important to discuss with you” he sounded a bit unsure of what to say. I sat back down when he sat behind his desk.