The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Eleven: For Venice

I sighed in fighting to control my temper as we go out of the shop. I can't eat this thick-faced jerk's attitude. He was so rude towards Lloyd, but he forgot his cash and credit card! Good thing Lloyd was my friend. He agreed that we would pay him on our second visit.

'I can't believe you!' I began. 'How could you forget your credit card?!'

'I know. I'm sorry. Can I say sorry? It surprised me as well. I never experienced anything like this before.' He said as his eyes softened.

'Well, I never experienced being embarrassed like this in my life, Paris!' I retorted.

'So am I. I was so excited about this shopping date–' He murmured and sighed.

'This is not a date! You–' I paused as I felt like the world was turning. Everything became blurry. I fell with a thud.

'London!' I heard Paris shout.

I could hear loud and quick steps. I could feel strong arms carrying me. I could smell the same scent of the blanket from the treehouse. But I can't open my eyes. Why was everything so dark?

I woke up. Now everything was white. The sound of a beeping machine echoed. Two people arguing in front of me. They came. They became silent the moment they noticed I was up.

'Who was that guy outside, London?' Dad asked.

My eyes widened knowing some jerk stayed here after taking me to the hospital and calling my dreadful parents to come here.

'A friend.' I answered in a rough voice.

'Make sure he's just a friend. We don't want any distractions, because next month you will meet your fiancé. We don't want you to choose to marry some jerk who would waste the money we worked hard to raise for you.'

For me? Don't make me laugh. And please I am smart enough to choose not to marry someone who would waste the money you love so much.

'What?! A fiancé?! Are you out of your mind, Dad?!' I fumed.

'London, don't talk like that to your father.' My mother rebuked.

'I'll call the doctor.' He said ignoring me and left.

Father? I may call him "dad", but he will never be a father to me. Not in his actions. Not by blood. Yes. He's not my biological father. I won't wish for him to be. If I would be his real child, I would strongly reject him as my father. If I know, they only came here just to show to others that he cared for his fake daughter. Because Paris called them it would be suspicious if they won't come. Because normal parents would come if they heard their daughter was hospitalized. But the thing is they are not normal. The other was abusive of his power, while the other was being submissive foolishly, thinking that this family would be happy if she succumbed to such abuse.

'Mom, I don't want to marry a man I don't love.'

'Honey, I'm sure you will learn to love him.'

'Learn to love him? Then what? Let him abuse me?! I've been beaten enough to realize that some people would never learn to love a stranger!' I cried out.

'I'm sorry, London. Your father had already decided on this matter. We already met the parents and they agreed to meet with their son next month.' She reached for my hand, looking at me ruefully.

I sighed, fighting back the tears. 'How could you do this to me, Mom?! Why can't you just leave that man?!' I screamed.

She shook her head. Her tears were falling. The usual reaction my mother makes every time I beg her to leave.