I pushed open the door to my house and found my parents waiting for me in the living room, their annoyance palpable. My mother stood up abruptly when she saw me enter, her face red with anger.
-You didn't have to go see your big sister's fiancé! she shouts, her voice echoing throughout the room.
I roll my eyes, annoyed by this confrontation.
-I do what I want, I replied, my tone dry.
My father stood up in turn, his stern gaze falling on me.
-You don't speak to your mother in that tone, he reprimands me harshly, you owe her respect.
I feel the rage building inside me, each word they say adding fuel to the fire of my frustration.
-It makes me drunk, I shouted, looking them straight in the eyes. You want me to be like my fucking big sister, sweet, kind and who never dares to go against her parents. I will never be an ass licker!
My mother opens her mouth to retort, but my father raises his hand to stop her. He stares at me with an icy gaze, his lips pursing into a thin line.
-It's not a question of becoming like your sister. It's about respect and family. We do what we think is best for you, he said, his voice calmer but no less authoritative.
I clench my fists, trying to control the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
-You don't know what's best for me. You only see what you want to see, I retorted, my voice trembling with anger.
My mother takes a deep breath, trying to regain her composure.
-We're just trying to protect you, to protect this family. You don't understand the consequences of your actions, she said more softly.
I laughed mirthlessly, shaking my head.
-The results ? The only consequence here is that you can't stand it when I don't comply with your expectations. Well, guess what? I'm not going to change for you. And I'm going to make sure that this marriage never takes place, I declared determinedly.
My father looks at me with cold intensity, his features hardening.
-If you continue on this path, you risk losing much more than this marriage. Think about what you're doing and the impact on this family, he said sharply.
I looked at them both, feeling an irreparable distance growing between us.
"I'm thinking about what I'm doing," I said calmly. And I'm ready to face the consequences.
A bitter laugh suddenly escapes my lips.
-I only asked one thing, I said in a calmer voice, that Damon not be part of this family. You didn't grant it, so too bad.
Without waiting for their response, I turned on my heel and went up the stairs, slamming the door behind me. I collapsed on my bed, my heart pounding, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. My parents' words still echoed in my head, but I remained steadfast.
This family, this marriage, this facade of perfection... it was all going to fall apart. And I will be there to see the ruins.
I then get up from my bed, sighing, before going to get into my pijamas to go to sleep.