Nikolai,
Rubbing circles around my temple, completely annoyed at the whole situation; I burst out "Why does that matter? Why did you request to meet with me?!" My chest is fuming.
"You seem to be getting irritated." Javier continues cautiously with his hands up in the air as if trying to calm me. "I'll just get to the point then" sitting down across from me he leans back in his chair. Taking a sip from his glass.
"Look I have a daughter you'll be perfect for. I would like for you to marry her." Alexi is watching me as I stare at Javier. Completely shocked, not sure what to do let alone respond. Although arranged marriages aren't uncommon. I just never Imagined anyone would propose something like this to me. What about me gives him the impression I'll be a suitable guy for his daughter? I imagined fathers would hate me around their daughters let alone marry them. I'm questioning how I should reject this idea without offending him.
"You don't have to give me an answer right away." He takes another sip of his glass in an attempt to seem casual, in a strangled voice he continues, "just go, think about it for now." He waves his hand towards the door, I stand up from my seat, ready to shake his hand. "I'll think about it"
Grabbing a hold of my hand, he pulled me in a little. I can tell he is trying to assert his dominance. "Don't forget, I will be waiting for a response." He tries to warn me. I can hear a shake in his voice for it to actually be convincing.
I head out as Alexi follows closely behind; dusting off his hands, "Well that settles that." He says as soon as we exit.
"What do you mean by that?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
"You're obviously going to marry his daughter so this whole matter is settled"
"I'm not planning on it. I've decided to reject the offer. I just need to figure out how I'll get out of this."
"What? Why? This is good for everyone. Our relations with the Reyes family would be stronger." Alexi Looks at me in confusion then he starts to chuckle as he elbows my arm. "On the plus side you don't have to worry about women not liking you anymore."
"I'm not interested in women right now if you're wondering why I haven't been with anyone" I explain as he raises his eyebrows at me with a frown. "Fine, then what will you tell Abrahm.
In this afternoon meeting he will expect us to brief him on what happened here. I'm also certain he will advise you to marry."
"Simple, I just won't tell him. I'll say the meeting was about a trade he wants to do with some weapons or something. I'll think of the details later."
"Want a ride to the meeting?" Alexi grins in my direction. He seems amused for some reason.
"No way, you're such a bother." I say shrugging him off
"I doubt you actually think that. We are almost like brothers. I've known you for almost 14years now." He continues to insist.
"We aren't even friends let alone brothers. Hurry and take me home. I actually have things to do." Alexi gives me a disappointed look, but I pretend not to notice it. Ever since we were kids, he has managed to wiggle his way into my life. There are times where it is nice having him around. Don't get me wrong, he seriously annoys me but sometimes I need someone to keep my mind off my problems.
Gabriella,
I'm anxiously waiting for my father to arrive from the meeting. Pacing back and forth in our entrance hall; Watching out the window for his car to pull up. It feels as if I've been waiting forever but it's only been an hour. As soon as I'm about to give up; I see his car pull up.
I find myself rushing out the front door to meet him. In hopes not to look too desperate I slow down my steps and fix my hair. I realized I've failed when my dad sees me and chuckles, "Too excited to wait, Mija?"
I smile, 'What has been decided?"
"We have a wedding to plan!" He beams with open arms.
My heart falls to my stomach, "Oh wow, so he agreed?'
"He hasn't yet, but he will. When he does, we will have everything ready for you two to marry."
I breathe a sigh of relief; my nerves are soothed for now.
My father hugs me while asking "Are you ready?" giving me an extra tight squeeze.
"For what?" I look up to him in confusion.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, we are going dress shopping today. I've already made all the arrangements. All you have to do is decide."
My mouth widens in shock. He actually did mean it when he said we will get everything ready. I didn't think he would start so soon. My father looks at me with a sorrowful look, "I know this is something women usually do with their mothers. it must be hard for you because of your mom being gone but don't be sad I'll be here for you the whole way."
I didn't even realize or think of mom until now. I was so focused on not wanting to get married and wishing for a different life than hers. I realize how this would be something she would not be a part of.
My mother died when I was 9. I was old enough to remember her but also young enough to have healed. You never truly heal from losing a parent, but the nightmares did stop. She was picking me up from my private school when she was shot. I was lucky to not have been touched. Not lucky enough to watch my mother die at such a young age.
I hop into my father's car thinking of my mother and how I'm following her footsteps. Would my life always be this way? Would my life be exactly like hers? She always silently obeyed my father. Only went out when he allowed her; only spoke when he allowed her. I try not to drown myself in my misfortunes when I notice we`ve arrived at the bridal shop. Now I see how he could set up an appointment so soon.
We are at my aunt's boutique. It was actually just a front for Uncle Pedro, my father's brother. Aunt Lupe just fell in love with it when they married and has not stopped working here. "Hola Tia Lupe, how are you today?" I greet her with a kiss.
"I'm excited. I'm sure you're the same since I heard the great news!" She hugs me tight almost lifting me in the air. Putting me down she kisses my forehead.
"Oh, of course but it's not final-"
"Show us your best dresses Lupe. I'm eager to see my beautiful Gabriella" My father interrupts, motioning to the dresses up on display.
"Come, I collected the best for my niece." she says as she leads us to a private room filled with dresses. My throat tightens at the sight.