I was humming while I worked in the garden. I was planting the most beautiful red roses into the ground. The chirping of the birds, the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun kissing my skin felt like a blessing after such a dark period of my life. Never, once I thought my life would end up so darkly as it was now.I had this vision when I was sixteen, that I would marry someone who I would love with all my heart and be happy the rest of my life. I would live in a warm, cosy house, preferably close to a lake. I would have children, did not matter how much or which gender. Maybe I would be a stay-at-home mom, or I would have a job. I had many variants of this vision, but the one thing that would be the same was my happy ending like in all the stories they tell us when we were children.I sighed. Would it not be great to have such a life? I shook my head. Those stories are fairy tales. I had to learn that the hard way. No, things like that are fantasies and not reality. Reality is much,
She looked into the empty void. Tears made their way down as she could only see the glass that was part of her personal prison. Her personal hell. She could only see loneliness, emptiness, darkness as she was met by her reflection. Nothing of what was surrounding her gave her hope. She felt like a caged bird. A bird that was meant to fly the high, blue skies, but was trapped like a prized possession for her master to impress others with. She wanted to explore, venture, and observe the outside world. The freedom that was waiting for her outside, behind the glassed windows, was only an illusion. It was like offering candy to a child and right before the innocent hands would take the sweet snack, to take it away. The beautiful garden outside, on the other side of the window of her prison, was her candy. A heavenly sweetness she met every day to be only taken from her, or better, to remind her it was taken from her. The hollow and dull eyes of the
Concentrating. Incredibly careful I held my brush. Making sure the paint is brushed in the right places. Sticking my tongue out to help me. I picked up my brush one last time and... finished. My ten nails had a beautiful pastel pink color. I was quite proud of myself. I had made no mistake while painting my nails. I wanted to share my accomplishment with someone. I made my way down to the kitchen. Maybe Mary was on her brake. I entered the spacious room in the hope to see the woman who always kept me company when I felt lonely. "Mary?" I heard a thud and then the old lady made her appearance from behind the kitchen island. "Yes, dear?" "Did you hurt yourself right now, I heard a thud. I'm sorry I did not mean to scare you." I said guiltily. "It's alright dear. What is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked with the infamous friendly smile she had always shown me, no matter what. "Look," I held my fingers up, "I painted my nails." I showe
I was one week in of my horrendous punishment. It felt like the whole world was punishing me by letting time go so slowly. In the morning, my teacher arrived, and we would work until one in the afternoon. Then I would have lunch alone. When I was done eating, I would join Mary in the kitchen as our chef would teach me a new recipe. By then it would be around three in the afternoon. I would go to the library and play the piano until four and then I had nothing to do anymore. This was my routine, day in and out. I had already watched all the movies I was allowed to watch; I had done all the hobbies I was allowed to do, which were not interesting anymore, and I could not go outside of the house. I was forbidden to go anywhere outside our borders. I had never been to the movies, to the mall, to the library, or to school. I was very
Last night I moped, but today was going to be different. Today was a new day and that meant a fresh start. I could not be grieving all the time about the fact I was alone, that would only make me sadder. No, each new day needed to be faced with a new ounce of happiness. I got myself freshened up and picked proper clothes to wear for a proper lady. This meant a skirt, not too long, not too short. Matched with a blouse. I tied my hair in a ponytail and headed to the dining room for breakfast. Normally I would be alone, but now I saw my brother already sipping at his coffee. With a smiling face, I greeted him. "Morning." I chirped. "Good morning, little sister. Did you sleep well?" Xavier asked as he put his phone away. "Yes, and you
After my punishment was over, I would never take going outside for granted. I felt so much better to be outside again than be cooped up in the house. With my privilege being given back to me, my days were much brighter, especially because I knew when my brother would return home, which was soon. In a week, the party took place, of which I still had not figured out what its occasion was. I made my way to the kitchen after my afternoon walk outside. Mary was eating a sandwich, which meant she was on her break. "Hello, Mary." I chirped. "Hello dear, how are you doing?" She asked with a smile. "Really good, in a week Xavier is visiting again. Again! Maybe he will have some time to listen to the last piece I have learned on the piano." I mused.
I was in a state of shock when I heard those words and not the good kind. My breath hitched. I was lost for words. I just could not grasp the fact I would marry a total stranger. I did not know a lot about social engagement and social activities, but what I did know was that two people marry out of love, not out of a deal. At least that is what all the romantic novels and movies told me.Sure, I had read about arranged marriages, but that was in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Not in the present.I knew I was too long too quiet. I had to say something, but what?"I-I am a-afraid I-I do not u-understand." I stuttered.When the words left my mouth, a sinister smile was plastered on the young male's face of Edric. A shiver ran d
The magazines felt like heavyweights on my lap. I could not speak. Silence filled the room. Time went by."Look Ava, I know you don't know my son, I can understand this might be difficult for you. But this wedding will take place, nothing can change that. So, I suggest you quit your whining about this and pick out a wedding dress." Miranda said stern.I looked at her. Her lips were pressed in a thin line and she had a deep frown plastered on her forehead. Her eyes were cold, telling me to obey her.I looked back at the magazines and slowly opened them. Looking at the white dresses. None of them were appealing to me. Nothing about all of this was appealing to me, but apparently, I whined, and I did not want to displease her. So, I started to act like a proper lady and listened to my elders."The pages with the folded ears are the dresses that might be fitting for you." I turned to the next page with a folded ear. "Oh, this is my fav