Confrontation

Closing the door and leaving the piano behind me, I walk out slowly, my thoughts all scrambled. I can’t believe that this has become my life. I believed that my parents always knew what’s best for me, but now I want take decisions on my own. And their decision on my marriage is huge. I can’t help but question their motive. Why do they want to bring her into this mess?

On the way back to my room, I see the door of the guest room slightly open. I guess it’s hers. If so, I want to apologize to her about my immature detour with her and for ditching her and for being a jerk. I walk to the door and lightly knock. No response. So, is this just a spare room? I push open a door further and see the lights out except for a nightlamp and see a small figure curled on the bed.

The amber lights softly illuminate her peaceful face. I stand rooted near the door and keep looking at and I can’t help but wonder whether she knows about me. About the risk she’s taking. I don’t think she knows because she said she only heard about me 2 days ago. We’ll see tomorrow at breakfast.

Her shivering brings me back from my thoughts. I walk closer to her cautiously, not wanting to wake her. I see the blanket, folded and never used. I wrap the blanket delicately around her and take a seat on the beige sofa next to the bed.

In a year or so, she will be married to me. And she already dislikes me.

Sighing quietly, I keep looking at her and thinking of how she had to put up an act because her dad was watching us. I think she wanted to convince her dad and not me. She knew she had to be real with me. Though I’m not ever used to be treated like this, people usually hate me or suck up to me of which I’m tired of. But this is different and infuriating. Even I didn’t exactly sign up for marrying her. And right now, I can’t stay angry at her because she looks so innocent and naïve, sleeping. Almost like a – Ugh, this is ridiculous. I should get back to my room.

I get ready for the breakfast and my mom enters room.

“Jaden, it’s been a while we talked.” She says sitting at the edge of my bed. I nod, adjusting my tie in the wardrobe mirror and avoiding looking at her.

“I see that you already got to know about the arrangement.” I say nothing.

“You look dashing"

“Mom, stop with the small talk. Why did you do this? Why bring her into this?” I turn to her at last and she stares at me in confusion.

“Bring her into what Jaden? You do know our family tradition.” She speaks.

I stare at her. “But Mom this is different. My situation is different. Do you not know what's at stake - "

“Jaden! Nothing is at stake! Everything is fine, dear. Nothing will ever happen.” She stands up and walks up to me.

“But you don't know that Mom! I cannot bring another person into this.” I say to her and the all too familiar fear rises through me.

My mom cups my cheek, recognising the panic in my eyes. God, I hate this. Feeling this vulnerable. Damn.

I move out of her hold, anger and shame flaming in me.

“I'll come down in a few minutes, Mom. Close the door on your way out.” I say walking away to arrange my pillows – lets be real, pretending to arrange.

I hear the door click. And I thump down on the bed, running a hand through my hair.

I walk down the stairs and into the dining room. Mom and Dad are already seated on the huge 16-seater white marble dining table. We don’t usually have breakfast together. But today was a special occasion, I’ll be meeting my fiancé whom I didn’t know existed till yesterday, and right now she’s sitting across the table with a bright smile. Too bright, if you ask me. It’s like seeing the witch waiting for Snow white to bite the apple.

I pull up the closest chair when my dad calls my name. I straighten my stance and look at him, trying my best not to glare.

“Jaden, you’re late. And it seems like, you know the reason of the breakfast.” He says, levelling his stare at me and contemplating the effect of his words.

“I met her already, Dad. Seems like you had quite the surprise for me. And I’m glad I got to know earlier than now. Or we would have started our day with regrets.” I say, taking my seat.

And there is silence. I turn over my plate and help myself with the food, with all the eyes on me. Stare all you want people, I regret nothing.

“Jaden.”

“What, mom?” I ask her sharply, meeting her concerned expression.

“We know this is sudden but- “

“Mom, I’d rather not have this conversation now” I say, turning back to my plate. More silence. Yep, that’s one of the many charming things about this house.

I finish my breakfast, ignoring the whispered conversation of my mother and her.

“Since you and Avery haven’t had a proper conversation, we have arranged a dinner at a restaurant so that you both can be acquainted.” I hear my dad speak as I get up.

I nod and walk out. Yes, now we have to bond over a dinner date. How does she put up with all of this? And where’s her father? I thought I’d be meeting that guy. A guy who is willing to risk his daughter’s life over wealth and reputation.

“Jaden!” I turn around, already done with all the reception I’m getting. And its her. She’s in an emerald green dress today. Her hair braided and she stopped a few feet from me.

Okay Jaden, apologising time. “Ms. Thompson, excuse my behaviour at the gardens yesterday. It was thoughtless of me.” I see confusion flash in her face and I continue,” We can discuss about our...er..situation tonight.” I find her looking at me rather amusingly.

“Very well Mr. Addams. I look forward to our date tonight.” She winks and walks past me to her room. It might as well be our last time we meet Ms. Thompson.

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