By the time I had finished cooking the whole house was filed with the aroma of food. Nomi, my mom called to me. "I placed the dress I want you to wear tonight on your bed." I simply replied with an ok. To avoid her wrath I decided it would be easier to comply.
I went to my room to wash up and do the best that I could to look presentable. I sat in front of my mirror and combed through my hair. Then pulled it up to the best of my ability. Laying on my bed was a beautiful made emerald dress with gold butterflies embroidered on it.
After I was dressed I came out to find that our guest had just arrived. My mother and father were greeting them at the door. I walked over quietly and stood by my father. My place was only to been seen and not heard.
Naomi, a beautiful slender lady greeted my mother and pulled her into an embrace. "It's been too long Hana my mom replied." "I'm glad that you are here. Is Ren not attending?" "He had to stay back and take care of some last minute details with the trading company. He sends his apologies. I came ahead with Tori to get the house settled."
"Well come on in Nomi has finished with the food and all that is left to do is eat." Hana entered the house and behind her was the most handsome boy that I had ever seen. We had decent looking boys in the village but, none on his caliber. He was tall and lean with a allure that wrapped you into him. His gaze fell upon me when he walked by. As my face began to feel flushed, I lowered my eyes quickly. I could have sworn I heard a slight laugh leave from him but by the time I looked up again they were already sitting.
My father sat and the head of the table. My mother sat across from her friend and Tori sat beside his mother. Usually I would sit beside my mother when guest would come over.
This time was different since it was planned out shorty after I was born for me and this boy to be betrothed. I had to take my new place sitting beside him. This handsome stranger. Handsome indeed but still a stranger that I have never met up until now.
"Nomi, you did a wonderful job with the food. The flavors are indescribably delicious. I must say that I had my doubts. As we traveled here we saw some very beautiful girls. In comparison your looks are fair but, the way you cook would more than suffice."There was that sound again. I was sure it was a laugh this time. I glazed up slightly and gave him a glare. There was a smirk on his face and glint in his eyes. It's not like what his mother said was untrue. I've heard it most of my life. So what was this sting in my heart? Why did it hurt?
"You'd do fine for his first wife." His mother continued. Her voice was light and sweet as honey but her words stung my heart like a bees stinger. Why do I care weather he takes on more wives or not I don't know him. I had to make her voice stop. I'm afraid of what else her words my do to me.
"He dose not suffice as a husband for me". I said as I stood up. "Shouldn't I be allowed to have a say of who I am willing to marry. I will not marry him." I ran out the house with stinging eyes and blurry vision. It took longer to make it to my tree. Luckily I put pants on under my dress. I took one of the ribbons from out of my hair and used it to tie my dress up. I wiped my eyes and started to climb.