Him & I

Chapter 7.

Hazel's POV:

Grasping my head in resentment, I sit on the bed. How can they put me in this situation? They are my parents and I love them and I would do anything for them but marrying someone is a whole new thing especially someone I hate. I can't even stand him and even if I liked him, marriage is not an option.

I know they said they'd pull me out of this in one year but it isn't about the time; it is the lifetime regret, the memories. I don't want my first marriage to be a business deal and when I will marry the person I'll love, no matter how hard I'll try that won't be the first time.

I would happily say yes if they'd also promise to eradicate the time I'd spend with him and the memories.

Sighing in frustration, I lay on to the bed. I can't say yes but can't say no either. The hope and confident in my parents' eyes, I can't forget it.

My phone's vibration pulls me out of my thoughts. It's Ava calling, she always knows when to call.

"Hello," I say weakly, picking up the phone.

"I know you are mad but I can explain," I frown and the realization hit me. I forgot about what she did last night because I have bigger problems to worry about now.

"Forget about it. There is something really important I need to tell you. Meet me at Rosa's in ten minutes,"

"Uh okay," she says hesitantly and I end the call.

Changing into jeans and t-shirt I quickly take by bicycle and ride myself to Rosa's diner. A small diner on the corner of the town's busy street. I open the door and the bell rings. It is a usual diner with booths in the line, alongside the large window and a counter in front of the door.

The diner is quiet and less crowded as usual. Just two spots are filled from which one of the spot is occupied by Ava, her back facing me but I can easily recognize her dark brown wavy hair.

I go and sit with her. She turns her attention from her phone to me. "Before you say something, I am sorry for last night and I can explain," she says vigilantly.

I gulp. "Forget about it. I have a bigger problem," I hastily say.

"What?"

I open my mouth to explain but she raises her hand to stop me. I frown in confusion.

She slowly moves a drink in front of me. "Your favorite orange slush. It'll help you calm down,"

"Not even this will work this time," I tell her and her shoulder tenses.

"What happened?"

"My parents want me to get married," I blurt out.

She stares at me in utter confusion and after a while let out a laugh. "You know this one has gotten old,"

"I am serious Ava," I say grimly.

She widens her eyes at me. "What, really?"

"Yes," I sigh, feeling a heaviness in my chest.

"How? Who? Why?"

"You won't believe who?" she shakes her head questionably. "Jonah Marais,"

She widens her eyes looking at me with a horrified expression. Her jaw drops. "What?" she shrieks. Her face falls. I shouldn't have said it like that, knowing that she likes him.

"Yes, it is because of some stupid business deal my parents have with his father and it is very important that they are willing to give up my future for it and apparently I am the only one who can save my parents business and I'll be responsible if something bad happens," I let out my frustration.

We stay quiet for a while. She is probably sinking in the news. I take a sip of the orange slush.

"It is just like some romance novel," she speaks breaking the silence.

"Yeah, but it is not a romance novel Ava. This is real life, my life and I can't give up college for this,"

"Tell them!"

"I did. They said they will try to end the marriage in a year. It will just be a business deal but Mr. Wood doesn't know that,"

"It is just a year thing,"

"But you know it won't change the fact that Jonah is an asshole," I say angrily. One moment I want to cry and the other I want to break everything around me.

She shrugs in agreement. "That is true but you know I can marry him," she wiggles her brows playfully. "Or if you marry him, I'll have more chance to be around him. Isn't it great?"

I give her an 'are you kidding me look?' and she raises her hands in defeat.

She taps her finger on the table for a while, thinking deeply. Ava is quite clever. She can definitely come up with something that can help me.

She snaps her fingers blissfully. "I have an idea,"

"What?" I ask hopefully.

"Let's talk to Jonah," she says and I roll my eyes. "No, seriously. Let's talk to him. If your parents have talked to you about it, his father probably has too. You talk to him and tell him to say no. In this way, there won't be a refusal from your side,"

I nod slowly, taking in what she says. I give a bright smile. "There is a reason you are my best friend. I love you," I squeal happily. "But how will we talk to him? He is so damn arrogant he won't talk,"

"When it comes to such a life-changing decision. He will," she confidently says.

"But how to talk to him? Go to his house? Call him?"

"Yea,"

"But we don't even have his number. Ask Elijah?"

I have someone better," she says proudly.

"Who?"

"Corbyn, Jonah's best friend. He gave me his number last night," I don't know what I'd do without her.t

"Call him now," I say hastily.

She nods and picks up her phone. Dialing his number she quickly connects the earphones, giving one ear pod to me so we both can listen.

Here is this weeks update. It is the longest chapter I have written so far.
Dont forget to vote and comment. WILL HAZEL BE ABLE TO TALK TO JONAH?