Arranged Marriage

2005, January 4

"Mother, she's practically a child," I protested loudly, chucking the cream coloured file onto my mother's desk. She exhaled in irritation as she spun her chair around, facing me.

"She is not a child. She is a growing woman Derek," she opened the file and skimmed at the picture, smiling as if she was admiring an angel.

"Mother," I pleaded.

"Enough said Derek, you are to marry her whether you like it or not. Trust me, you'll learn to love her if you don't love her already," without another word, I stomped out of her office, slamming the door shut behind me. Descending down the white marbel stairs, I hurried to the grand living room where Dad was reading his daily newspaper.

"Dad!" I yelled in agitation.

"Calm down Derek, just listen to your mother. I've meet that child a few days ago - such a smart and bright young lady," he chuckled as he flipped a page.

"Not you too. You've got to help me dad, I'm not marrying a child, she's 8 years younger than me. I'm 21 for crying out loud," I dropped myself down onto the white leather couch opposite of Dad's.

"She'll grow up to be a beautiful woman by the time marriage comes. In addition, her level of maturity exceeds her age, I hear she is quite obedient - doing things her parents asks her to do. Not only that, she has a good grade and is assured a bright future," Dad complimented.

"Ugh," I groaned, "Both of you will be the death of me,"

I got up hurriedly, storming out like an angry child.

"Don't forget you have to be at the office early tomorrow," Dad called out, his attention still on the newspaper.

I got in my black Jeep parked just outside and slammed the door shut. Rummaging through my pocket for my phone, I dialled Josh, my room mate and best friend.

"How'd it go?" the first thing he asked.

"How did you think it went?" I retorted sacastically.

"From my experience with your parents, you'll have to marry her whether you like it or not," he laughed.

"You know what the funny thing is?" I asked, "That's exactly what she said,"

"Now that's scary dude," he joked.

"Ugh!" groaning in irritation, I ran my hand through my black hair.

"How are you going to break it out to Milly," his tone changed serious as Milly was brought up into the subject.

"I don't know, I think I should just tell her and she can decide what she wants to do I guess," I exhaled heavily.

"You're screwed!" Josh teased.

"You think?" my head ached, "I think I need a few drinks. Meet me at the usual,"

"But what about the assignment due tomorrow?" Josh sounded worried.

"Shut up, we can do it later," I hung up and threw the phone onto the passenger's seat before speeding off.