Business or Pleasure

Chapter One: Youre Getting Married

I watched from the periphery of my sister's bed as she as she let loose each bouncy curl from the top of her head. The light's rimmed around her vanity was set to perfection and so was her makeup. I sat in pure jealousy and she got ready for yet another date. Something I was never allowed to do.

It was one of my favorite hobbies—watching my sister, as she got ready. But, tonight was different, according to her.

"Tonight, is the night!" She squealed with glee. "He's finally going to propose to me!"

I stood up in shock, as my eyes lit up with excitement, "Are you serious?"

"Yes!" She exclaimed as she got up for her seat and began prancing around in her room adding random items into her purse. How much could a girl need for one date?

"How do you know?" I questioned, the jealously in me still burning. Serena was only a year older than me. But yet, she was able to do a lot more things than I was. When she turned 16, she got her license and a matching Rolls-Royce. I, one the other hand, was also blessed with a new vehicle, but I wasn't allowed to get a license. Instead, I was gifted with a brand new driver, someone to drive me anywhere and everywhere.  And that's how things worked around here. I was the youngest of three siblings and while my older brother and sister had the world at the tip of their fingertips, I had the CIA always tailed behind my back, at least they seemed like the CIA. My parent's were extra careful and guarded when it came to me. Something I never really understood until tonight.

"I just know." She slowly turned to me and blinked her glossy blue eyes. I could tell she felt sorry for me.  She knew how much I hated being cooped up at home on a Saturday night. She walked towards me and pressed her cheeks gently against mine. It was her way of saying goodbye without getting her lipstick ruined. "I'll tell you all about it when I come back."

Before I knew it, she was gone. And there I was, alone in her Italian-decorated boudoir, with nothing but jealousy to accompany me. I got up and walked into her closet, I always liked to admire her clothes when she left. Not that her clothes were any better than mine. We both were allowed to purchase practically anything we wanted. But, when I looked at my sister's clothes I saw elegant dresses that were worn out to dances, skirts that had be out on dates and shirts that were once stained from a party that got a little too out of hand. When I looked at my closet, I saw nothing but expensive cloth.

"I knew I would find you here." My mother said as she placed her hand on my back. Her voice was sympathetic and her touch was soft. She knew I hated being the baby of the family and never being allowed to do anything. I never argued against my parents anymore, because when I did they would just sternly say no and shut me out. My mother knew to be careful around me on nights when my sister was out and I was stuck at home. "Your father and I have something to discuss with you."

She wrapped her graceful arm around me and led me to my father's office.

"Take a seat, Sophia." My father called as he placed his burning cigar down. His room always smelled like cigars and old books. I knew they were about to tell me something serious, I could tell by the look on their faces.

My mother stood behind my father and they both looked down on me with dubious expressions.

"You're getting married." The grimiest of words my father had ever spoken to me.

My mouth fell open ad my mind grew cloudy as I waited for them to explain. Unable to decipher anything, I was lost in my own thoughts. I sat in confusion as parent's explained to me how I had been 'promised' to another man, long before I was even born.

"I-I don't understand." I stuttered.

"Soon, our company will be merging with the Walden's and you've been reserved to marry their first born." My father said it as if he had no heart. Reserved? What was I, a business deal?