The One Who Wasn't A Girl (Discontinued)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I scanned the crowd of my community, watching me expectantly, then looked back at her, her face full of hope and love. No, not love. Please don't be love. I can't return love. Liking, friendship, intimacy, yes but love? Never. She was my closest friend, but she wasn't more than that. Should she be? Everyone else feels that way. Why did she have to pick me? Is trying to give me the ultimate guilt trip?

She was still waiting for me to reply. But what should I say? It should be easy. I should want to say yes. But I don't.

That was how it was in our community. Two girls become friends, go everywhere together. And then it turns to love. Having a bff, who was just a friend wasn't allowed. As soon as you were a teenager, everyone started to assume your friendship was love. There was no inbetween. Either ready for matrimony, or not friends at all.

The pastor cleared her throat, "Teresa, I need your answer."

What do I say? I don't want to be Lia's wife. I want to be her best friend.

"Um..." I looked round. I needed to say yes. If I didn't see yes, who was I going to marry? I wasn't in love with anyone, I didn't think I could. Why not? I remember that woman Bertha. She didn't marry anyone. I don't know why. I just remember her being carried out one night, screaming. Something about not be able to loew woman, a need for another race. But what other races were there? There's only us in this world. She wasn't heard from again.

"Yes, I will marry Lia," I say, my voice shaking. The crowd explodes into celebration. Lia's face breaks into a glorious smile. I don't know why they seem so surprised - they couldn't of thought I would say no. It's not like I ever had a choice.

The pastor's voice rings out, "I pronounce you betrothed!"