07

Blinking I found myself for the strangest reason comfortable, that was weird, the couch is supposed to be lumpy. Sitting up I looked around, where are my glasses ? Through the blurriness I found my glasses on the nightstand, putting them on I moaned. I wasn’t home I was at the Kennish’s house in my gorgeous blue bedroom, and in my comfy bed. I so wish this was a dream ; I don’t want to get married to a complete stranger.

Sighing I got off the bed, walking into the bathroom I took a shower, and got ready for the day. I had changed into a white tank top, my High School hoodie, and some really old patchy, beat up jeans I had. Opening the mirror I found lotions, nail clippers, nail polish, and so on. The thing that caught my eye though was two packages full of contacts. Peering over them I realized they were my right prescription. I threw the contacts back in the mirror, mom never could afford contacts, and I don’t think I would be comfortable wearing them. Walking back into my bedroom I decided to look around. The drawers were full of Capri’s to shorts, underwear, and so on.

Then I noticed a second door in my room, walking over to the door I opened it up. Never thought I could be surprised by this place again. My closet was huge ! Rows and rows of shoes all different heights, tons of drawers with jewelry, tons of nice dresses, and outfits, with a big mirror at the end of it. Never have I owned more than five outfits in my entire life.

« I take it you like it ? » I heard Felix say unexpectedly.

Turning around I found him standing in the doorway. Instead of answering I said, « What happened last night ? »

Felix cleared his throat, « I injected your allergy needle which made you pass out. You’ve been asleep all night. » He paused, « I told them you were allergic to pineapple but I guess they forgot to tell Chef Luigi. »

« You realize it could have been worse ? » I asked glaring.

« Yes. Don’t worry it won’t happen again, » Felix assured me.

I pushed past him, « It surprises me that you even remember. »

« I am your father, » He simply stated.

I glared at him, I really loathe him, « My real father left me nine years ago, he’s dead to me. »

He cringed, trying to gather his bearings, « Breakfast is ready. »

Yeah okay avoid the topic just make it worst, I thought. Walking out of the room we went down stairs finding everyone in their same spots as last night. They were laughing, but as soon as we walked in everything went silent. Even Warren looked up.

Rich people, I sat down next to Warren silently spreading butter onto my toast.

Mark cleared his throat, « Cassandra I would like to apologize for last night. We didn’t mean for that to happen. »

I only nodded towards him, what are you supposed to say ? Thanks for apologizing for almost killing me ? Mark then started up a conversation with my father about how long he would be before Felix came back to visit. I ignored the topic and started to eat only to be interrupted.

« So Cassandra, I bought you some contacts they’re upstairs in your bathroom behind the mirror, » Bianca mentioned.

« I know I saw, » I replied. This lady gave me the chills was she a witch or something ?

« You can wear them they are the right prescription, » She pushed.

« Thanks, but I’ll stick with glasses for now, » I said stubbornly.

Her face went dark then her eyes lit up, « How about I schedule an appointment with my hair stylist. I’m sure she’ll be able to die your hair back to its original color. »

Seriously, now she’s getting to my hair, this lady is a pain.

« I like my hair the way it is, » I said resentful.

« Oh, please, it won’t cost much if that’s what your worried about, » Bianca continued.

Cost, you think I care about cost ? I’ve been scrounging for years, and now I’ve got a chance to blow my dads credit card, I’m not worried about money right now. I’m living in a strangers families house and I’m supposed to get married to this texting King over here. « No really I’m good, » That’s all I said. I wanted to slap myself I should have said something sarcastic otherwise she wouldn’t have continued.

« Well I think it would be in your best interest to wear contacts, and die your hair a natural color, » Bianca commented.

« Why’s that ? » I said bitterly.

« You’ll look so much better, our guests will love it when they see you. Instead of this poor look you’ve got going, » She pushed to far.

I wanted to yell and scream at her that it was my dad’s fault for that. That I didn’t want to marry Warren that she was an evil mean witch ! Nope that’s not what came out. Standing up I replied, « I like my hair and glasses, now if you’ll excuse me I’ve lost my appetite. » With that I was out of there.

Twenty minutes later I heard a knock on the door. I groaned why couldn’t I be left a lone ? « Go away Felix ! »

The door cracked open, « Actually its not Felix. »

I sat up ; in front of me was the Kennish’s only daughter. « Sorry I thought you were someone else. »

She smiled, « It’s okay I know who you thought I was. May I come in ? »

I nodded, « Sure. »

Closing the door she walked over to my bed plopping herself down, « You’ll have to excuse my mom. She thinks you’re a rebel child. »

As if, I thought as I snorted.

She smiled, « Yeah that’s my mom. By the way I’m Kelly. »

« Cassandra, but please call me Cassy, » I said, « If you don’t mind me asking why are you here ? »

« You’re the only girl in this house besides my mom, I figured it would be a safe bet if I became friends with you, » She said.

This surprised me, « I thought you’d hate me for doing this to you’re brother. »

She snorted, « Oh please. My mom’s already got both the eldest boys an arranged marriage. »

« What ! » I said freaked out, « No offense, but who does that ? »

« My mom and the parents of the girl, » Kelly answered.

« Are you engaged ? » I asked.

« Heck no, if I was I’d run, » Kelly said, « I’m surprised you’re even here. »

« Why ? » I asked.

« Warren isn’t exactly a guy you would think would settle down, » Kelly confessed.

« Great, » I said sarcastic.

« Don’t worry I’ll kick his butt for you if he causes you problems, » Kelly winked at me.

« I barely know you. Why are you being so nice ? » I asked suspicious.

« Personally I hate what they’re making you do, its not right. Plus if we’re going to be sisters in law then I might as well be friends with you, » Kelly replied.

« So how old are you and the rest of your siblings ? » I asked.

« Warren is twenty-«

« What ! I thought he was eighteen ! » I cried out.

« Nope, that’s why you have to wait until your nineteen because Warren can’t get the company ownership until he’s twenty-one which is a month after your birthday, » Kelly explained. « Then there’s Richard but he prefers being called Rick he’s seventeen he’ll be married in four years. »

« Why twenty-one ? » I asked.

« My parents think that’s the appropriate age to get married, » She continued, « Personally I think it makes it worse. Then again the girl Rick’s marrying is like his best friend so it worked out for him. »

« Is there a reason for all this ? » I asked.

« Any time one of us rebels bigly mom gets worried they’ll end up a bum or a hobo so she finds a rich or desperate family, and gets them to sign the legal papers, » Kelly explained.

Man Bianca really has trust issues, « I guess that’s why I’m here. »

« Yeah, » Kelly said quietly, « They didn’t tell Warren about it until three years ago, he was only eleven when they signed, but seventeen is the age when they tell you if you have an arranged marriage or not. Ever since then Warren’s been a rebellious child, » She mentioned.

« Great, » Then I realized I had said something rude, « It’s not that you’re brother wouldn’t be-«

« Save it, I know my brother he’s a pain, » Kelly held up her hand.

« So what about you’re other brothers ? » I asked changing the subject.