XENON
"man, are you serious?!"
I gave Evan an "I wish I was joking" look. He almost fell off his chair when I told him about the whole marriage thing.
"I mean, I know your dad's a tough man but… an arranged marriage? Really?"
I rolled my eyes like a girl. That was exactly my first thought when he said that. Evan, however, was enjoying this newfound information like a joke. He was laughing, even snorted at his remark of " I can't imagine you being married, man."
The shot of scotch hit my system like a bullet train. One by one, my thoughts unraveled about the woman he intends me to marry. Genevieve. Uncle Antonio's daughter. When was the last time she and I talked, anyway? I couldn't remember when.
"so… who's the lucky girl?" – Evan wasn't finished making fun of my situation and continued laughing. The people on the nearest booth shot him a warning glance.
"stop laughing, man. Your laughter's even louder than the music." – I warned.
He straightened his back and tried to hold it in.
"seriously, who are you going to marry?"
I gulped. The taste of scotch still stuck at the back of my tongue.
"Genevieve Guinzon."
A huge question mark splattered on his face. That's the point. None of us know her. Dad said she went to the same university as mine. What is she, an invisible?
"and who is this hottie?"
I shrugged. I hope he gets the point now. My dad wants me to marry a stranger. If he has a valid point for all of this, well, I missed it. I don't see why this has to happen in such urgency.
"you don't even know?"
"nope. Though I remember her from my childhood. His dad and mine has a long history together."
"oh…"
"yeah, but still."
Another shot.
This time, I let the scotch settle in my tongue a little longer before I swallowed. Evan left for a while to get another round of tequila from the bar counter. When he came back, he was alone no more. His right arm was wrapped around a brown-haired girl with thick eyelashes and glossy lips.
"do you wanna get out of here? this chic invited us out with her friends. I kind of doesn't want to miss the fun. Come on, Xen. Let's drown your troubles away with a party!"
Again, another glance from the nearby booth. Evan only responded with a peace sign.
It sounded promising. If I were to live the next years of my life being married to a girl I don't even know if I'll get along with, I might as well have this night to break loose. I nodded and got up.
EVE
I already told both my parents and all Dad said was "finally". Can you believe it? As it turns out, this pre-planned arranged marriage was all he and mom could talk about since I was in senior year. Dad said he and Tito Rusty had talked about it in the past, and said that it would be a perfect idea. Mom, submissive as always, only got along with it. Back on my car traveling to the Alisters' manor with boxes of clothes and stuff on my backseat, I couldn't decide if their concurrence to this setup made me feel better or worse.
Probably worse.
Yet, what's done is done. I already gave my consent.
And I have arrived to the place I never thought I would be invited to live in.
The security guard at the main gate asked for my identity. As soon as I gave my full name, I was granted access. I drove in and the wide estate felt chilly. Of course, I knew that was only because of my icy fingers and frantic heartbeat. As I neared the manor, the louder the drums in my chest rolled.
Until I pulled the car over and a kind-looking man approached my driver's window as I rolled down.
"you must be Miss Guinzon. Mr. Alister's expecting you in the living room."
Which one, I'd like to ask… but chose not to. Instead, I gave him a little smile and opened the door slowly. With heavy feet, I got out and had my first breath of the Alister air.
"are these your things, ma'am? We were tasked to bring them to your room." – the man said, pointing to the sealed boxes on my backseat.
"yes, please. thank you."
He nodded and then three more men appeared to help him unload my car. I watched as the three men carried my things inside the house and the man I was talking to led me to the living room.
I stepped inside and the interior of the manor was a treat to the senses. The colors were warm and rustic with elaborate column designs. The main chandelier was made of sparkling crystal and the carpeted floor looked too comfortable to sleep in. Not that I was planning to but you get the point.
We rounded a corner and with one last turn, we reached the living room. I saw the familiar face of Tito Rusty sitting with his legs crossed on a long velvet couch and another one, the younger Alister, on a separate chair, both his elbows on his knees with his legs open.
For the first time in what felt like a million years, our eyes met. I smiled. He didn't.
"Genevieve!" – Tito Rusty exclaimed and stood up to meet me halfway. After a quick hug, he escorted me back to where they were sitting, his right hand lightly placed at the small of my hip.
"it's nice to see you again, Tito."
"me too. anyway, I'm sure you remember my son, Xenon?"
I nodded, braving another eye contact with the man I was secretly admiring for years. He stood up and towered over me. My eyes followed.
For a moment there, I was awestruck. His messy brown hair impeccably matched his sculpted jaws and dark eyebrows. He has thin lips and fair skin. And his eyes. Oh, his eyes.
"nice to meet you… again, Genevieve." – he said and held out his hand.
"I… please call me Eve." – I held his hand and shook it. I then felt the heat rose to my cheeks. This is embarrassing. I hope he didn't notice.
"Eve… hmm."
"nice to meet you again, Xenon."
I said and let go of the hand shake.
Well, I guess our story begins.