Considering an Arranged Maraige

Chapter1 Considering an Arranged Marriage

I laughed. "You are so weird you know that?"

My best friend Michelle nudged me and said" I learned from the best you know?"

"Lady Gaga?"It was Michelle's turn to laugh. "Talk to you Monday!" We waved goodbye and I flashed her the peace sign. I walked towards my house, feeling great. It was a good day at school. Even last period! We were voting on student council and the one of the guys that was running for president, Neal, was sitting right next to me

I was doing eanie meanie minie mo between Neal and this other girl when it landed on the girl. I waited for Neal to turn around so I could circle my answer. Then I quickly flipped the paper over.. Unfortunately, he noticed the movement and started accusing me of being a jerk. It was awkward and probably would have been a painful experience except we were all laughing. Even the teacher laughed. Yup, all in all, pretty funny.

There were a few more block to go home. I didn't bother paying attention to my surroundings, I didn't need to, I knew every crook and cranny on the sidewalks. I easily stepped over the uneven surfaces and absentmindedly stepped on the cracks. I mused on which character I should audition for the school play," A Midsummer Night Dream." There was no question on whether or not I would get the part. Not to be arrogant but I always did. I was a talented actress and that was putting it lightly.

Maybe Helena. But did I really want to be a damsel in distress? Oh! How about Puck? Sure he was a male character but still, the prospect of playing a mischievous fairy was too tempting. Hmmmmm... In my head, I was already arguing with the drama teacher. I played a dozen scenarios in my mind and before I knew it, I was home. I walked in the back door and threw my jacket in the kitchen.

"I'm back," I yelled out. Then I froze. There were a few strangers in the living room with my parents. Mom rubbed her eyes and said," Oh, honey. I didn't realize it was past 3. Do you want anything to eat?" I shook my head no. I knew that I should've gone straight to my room but I couldn't resist asking a question.

"Who are they?" I asked, looking at dad. Dad wasn't known to sugar coat things. You could always count on him telling the blunt truth. The question wasn't whether or not he would tell the whole truth but whether or not you could handle it. I tried ignoring the strangers' presence and stares.

Dad coughed and said," These people are....... well....... if anything, you'll probably be seeing a lot more of them. And where are your brothers?" Real subtle dad, changing the subject like that. Well at least I knew where my acting talent didn't come from. That was odd, he usually tells me everything. I gave him a weird look that he avoided. Ok then...

"They're at practice. Then out to pizza with their friends. They'll be home pretty late so they told me not to bother waiting for them." Actually there was a huge party on the other side of town. I was invited but decided not to go. The last time I went to one... well that was a long time ago and I rather not go into details. A crisp $20 was in my pocket, a bribe. As it was, I never exactly agreed to them. I could back out at any time. My friend once said I reminded her of her father who was a lawyer.

"I'm heading up," I called out while walking to the stairs. They didn't even bother waiting until I was out of eyesight and started whispering intently. I could hear bits and pieces and once, I heard my name. What the?

Ok, they were clearly talking about me. And as far as I could tell, my parents were in the range of screaming. That or crying. I debated on eavesdropping in them but decided against it. Too much homework. I trudged up the stairs and walked into my room. I sat on my swivel chair and went swoosh. I slid across my room for a minute or two when I decided I should get to work.

Man, it's like the teachers have secret meetings to ensure we always have a heavy load. I turned on the computer and the buzz told me it was still working. I desperately wanted a new computer. My computer was a hand me down from my dad. I knew better to complain, my parents were having a tough time, what with the recession and all.

Still, sometimes I wish that we had more money. I had actually considered getting a job when I checked the school policy. Apparently, they don't want you working. They think it's distracting to school work. Weird huh?

I got on the internet and typed in youtube. I clicked on favorites and clicked the title of Rise Against- Savior. I clicked again for open link in new tab. I swung my backpack to my bed and unzipped it. I took my books out and used the beat to start writing my open ended for reading. Exactly four minutes and four seconds later, the video ended. I closed the tab and this time, I picked Sum 41- Still Waiting.

Pretty soon, the steady sound of a guitar riff spread into the room. It was followed by yelling. And it wasn't from the song either. I jumped out of the black chair and raced downstairs. The adults were all on their feet. "Mom?" There was silence. She looked at me and ran across the room. She put herself in front of me which was pretty useless since I was way taller than her. "What's going on?"

Mom screamed out, "No, you're not taking away my precious baby! Never!" A little melodramatic today aren't we, I thought dryly. Deep inside me though, I was freaking out. But it was like deep, deep, deep inside. Remember? I'm a good actor.

I tried deciphering what mom said for hidden meanings. But no, the meaning was clear. They wanted to take me. What were they- the mob? The second I thought of it, the possibility became all too likely.

There were nine people in the room that I didn't know. Just one woman, rest all men. They all looked attractive and half of them looked like they worked out a lot. Everyone, except for a guy in a suit and the woman, was wearing casual clothing. I noticed that three of them were leaning against wall while three others seemed to be holding a protective stance.

Yup, definitely mob material. The important people were the tux guy, the one woman, and a guy who looked to be in his 20's He noticed me staring and gave ma a wink. The rest of the people were all bodyguards, of that, I was certain.

"What's going on?" I said repeated softly. Not a whisper, no. More like the deadly calm before a wild storm. I stepped in front of my mother. She clenched her hands around my arm. I looked around again. I zeroed into the tux guy.

"Well old man? What's going on?" He wasn't really that old, just in his 40's.

He looked indignant. "Old man? Is that the way you should treat me? I'll have you know that I-"

"You're not answering my question."

"Clever girl. If you must know, you're parents and I are just having a little spat because of a disagreement. Nothing more."

"And I come in where?"

He looked uncomfortable this time. "Er. It just so happens to be that-"

And that's when mom wailed, her grip tightening. "HE WANTS US TO SELL YOU!"

All hell broke out then.