Star Crossed

Chapter 4

I was scared not knowing what my father was going to say to me.
"Son, you have to understand that one day you will be married."
"Do I have to I mean I could grow old and never have a child." The thought of that exited me. The fact I would never have to live by someone else's rules. I could alway be myself and never have to change.
"You will see that you will want to have children and get married. Even though you can't see far into the future now I can tell you that you will move on to greatness." I wanted to be sick. How could he say those things to me. I just want to be by myself my whole life. Sophia could rule. I would be her adviser. She would have children and grandchildren. I would be the loving uncle and there most favorite person ever. It sounded perfect.
"That's not your choice to make Roman. You need to get married for the Atrians, our people. I know you hate the idea but you will come to live with it." I wanted to yell and scream. I knew there was no point in it though. It wouldn't change the fact that I would have to marry someone who I just meet, one of my best friends, or Teri. I thought of ways I could get out of it. Run away and never come back. Live out in the mountains by a small river. I would never have any responsibility. Would never have to worry. Sophia could come and see me. She could never tell Mother or Father though .
"Does it matter if I don't want to?" My last strand of hope. Just wanting to hear.  Yes of course it matters. You don't have to. You can do what ever you want in your life and never get married at all.
"Yes and no. Yes it matters, we will try to pick someone you like. If you say no to everyone then no it's doesn't matter. You will have to get married one way or another. " I felt like I was getting punched in the gut. Losing every little chance I had. "Roman your also only 5 years old. You will not have to worry about getting married for another 12 years." Although my fathers positivity was uplifting. I still had my mind set for not getting married. It was customary for the young Atrians to talk to the parents about the future. Try to figure things out when you are young so that later in life we didn't have to worry. It was our way of comfort. It made it seem that growing up was ok. Not knowing worried us that's why we gain knowledge at such a young age. I was speechless to my Fathers answer. I just want to forget that whole conversation. It made me uncomfortable.
"Good night Father." Before he could even respond I turned around and walked quickly to my room. It was my safe pod. Nobody could walk in and make me upset. Or so I thought.