Eirena
several weeks before
"Eirena will you please stop fidgeting with that? We are about to go to your father's fundraiser. You will be meeting Charles's parents tonight and I expect nothing less than perfection is that clear?"
With a deep breath, I stop fidgeting with the curtain, to the window, I was looking out of. Straightening my posture, shoulders back, head held high, just like the perfect women is supposed to, I turn around to the unapproving face of my mother.
"Yes mother. I understand," I say with a submissive tone and a heavy heart.
I have been taught from birth how to be a proper woman of society. Coming from one of the wealthiest families this side of the Mississippi. No expense was wasted. The best of everything, privet school, teachers, lessons, to walk, talk, act like a proper lady of society. I want for nothing expect for a life of my own.
"I don't understand why you say it that way Eirena, Charles is a wonderful young man. He will make you very happy and give you a comfortable life. He is cute and charming and will make a perfect husband."
"He is also an entitled spoiled ass and flirts with anyone who will give him the time of day."
"Eirena-"
"It true."
"That is quite enough. A lady does not speak that way. Now get your coat it is time to leave."
"Fine mother I will go tonight and act the part, but I still don't like it."
"You don't have to like it you just have to do as your told." Mother says as we put on our coats.
I quickly put on my coat and head down the steps to the awaiting limo like mother told me. We are on our way to another dog and pony show to raise money for one of my father's charities, and according to mother the "perfect opportunity" to meet my future husband's parents. With every passing day I despise my life and wish more days then not that I had left when my brother had.
Mother got into the limo and I followed just like the proper lady I had been taught to be. The door closed shortly behind me, sealing my fate of going to this drag of a night.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Another fundraiser finally over and done with," I say to the darkness of my bedroom as I stride over to my dresser to prepare for bed.
It went well of course. The food was good as always and the music was not too horrible this time. I went and was on my very best behavior. Met with Charles and his parents. They were nice enough, a little stuck up, but what did you expect from the richest and oldest family around?
I danced with Charles pompous ass and ignored every time I saw his eyes wonder to other women or his hand "accidentally" slipped down to my ass.
I can't stand him but what choice do I have? I don't. He was chosen for me. My parents decided I was going to marry him regardless of what I wanted. I had never met the man until a few weeks ago and I thought it completely absurd. In this day and age, who ever heard of arranged marriages.
Finally, ready for bed I slide into my bed. I curl up on myside and close my eyes. Hopefully sleep will come quickly tonight so I can forget about this whole day.
An hour later no such luck.
I toss and turn, wiggle and worm myself in different positions.
Nothing.
Frustrated that I cannot relax long enough to fall asleep again, I grab my tablet off the night stand trusting a little reading will relax me. I open it up to the new book I just started reading.
"After the night that they shared Haven knew there was only one thing she could do. She had to leave."
"Maybe that's what I will do?"
I put my book down, finally both physical and mentally tired enough to go to sleep.
As I fall asleep the idea of me running away keeps floating around in my head.
