Chapter 4: The Consequences of Choice
As I sat on my bed, the weight of my words hung heavily in the air. I had never defied my parents like that before, and the thrill of rebellion was quickly overshadowed by the fear of their reaction.
My dad stormed into the room, his face a mix of anger and disappointment. "Michelle, you need to understand the gravity of what you just said. Marrying Craig is not an option!"
"Why not? You always taught me to follow my heart!" I shot back, my voice trembling with a mix of defiance and uncertainty.
"Your heart? This is not about love; it's about your future! Craig is not the right choice for you," he insisted, his tone firm.
"But you don't even know him like I do! He's not just a loser; he has potential. He could be someone great!" I argued, feeling the heat of the moment.
My mom entered, her expression softer but still concerned. "Honey, we just want what's best for you. Andrew is a good boy; he saved your life. You should give him a chance."
"Saved my life? Or is he just trying to make his own reputation?" I retorted, feeling the anger bubbling inside me. "You don't understand what I went through with him in my previous life. I won't let history repeat itself."
"Previous life?"
My parents exchanged worried glances, and I could see the concern etched on their faces. They were scared for me, but I was scared of becoming a prisoner of their expectations.
"Michelle, please think this through," my mom pleaded. "You're still so young. You have time to figure things out."
"Time? I've already lost so much time! I won't let anyone dictate my choices anymore," I declared, my voice steady.
Just then, I heard a soft knock on the door. It was Andrew mom, looking hesitant. "Can I come in?"
I exchanged a glance with my parents, who nodded reluctantly. Andrew mom stepped inside, her expression serious. "I heard what you said earlier. Are you really considering marrying Craig?"
"Why do you care?" I snapped, feeling the tension rise again.
"Because I care about you, Michelle. I don't want you to make a mistake," she replied, her voice low.
"A mistake? Or is it a mistake to want to choose my own path?" I challenged, crossing my arms defiantly.
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know my son is not perfect, but he will be there for you. He is going to support you, not control you."
"Support me? By making fun of me with his friends? By locking me in my room? Bringing different ladies into our matrimonial home?" I shot back, my heart racing.
"is she really okay? What is she saying? Are you sure she isn't into drugs" My dad whispered.
"I don't think so." my mom nodded.
"Can you just give Andrew a chance? You might be wrong about him. He loves you, on the first day he saw your picture before your birthday party, he was already interested in you. He is going to prove it to you how he's going to make it in his career." she said.
I felt a flicker of something—was it hope? But I quickly pushed it away. "You can't just apologize and expect everything to be okay. Trust is earned."
She nodded, looking defeated. "I understand. Just know that I'm here if you need me."
I sat down on my bed.
As they left the room, I felt a mix of emotions anger, sadness, and a strange sense of freedom. I had stood up for myself, but at what cost?
Later that evening, I found myself in neighboring playground sitting on the swing. In the cool breeze brushing against my skin, as the swing moves forward and backward. My head spun as I had a flash back of how a dead child was brought out from my stomach. The child was okay in my last appointment but later found out the child was dead. Andrew voice calling me a dead pig keeps ringing in my head. And how I was forced to eat, he locked me in the house he had with my parents money. He brought different ladies and thinks it's right.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. It was Craig, holding a mall nylon bag, probably coming from the mall. "Hey, are you okay? You look sad."
I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to expect. "What do you want, Craig?"
"I was coming from the mall and I saw you here, you seems not to be okay, well just wanted to say… I didn't mean to make fun of you earlier. I was just surprised. I never thought you'd actually consider me, but I think your maid son would be a better match" he admitted, his voice sincere.
"Are you rejecting me?" I asked.
"Nope I mean you are too ugly to be my wife. I deserve better. Well I think considering me request isn't bad. Cause..."
"cause you has feelings for me." I said making him speechless.
"Why would I? You've always been a troublemaker," I replied, crossing my arms.
"Yeah, but I've changed. I'm not that kid anymore. I want to prove that I can be better," he said, his eyes earnest.
I studied him for a moment, contemplating his words. "And how do you plan to do that?"
"By showing you that I can be someone worth your time. I know I have a bad reputation, but I want to change that. For you," he said, his voice steady.
I felt a flutter in my chest. Could I really give him a chance? Or was I just setting myself up for more heartache?
"Let's see if you can back up your words, Craig," I said, a small smile creeping onto my face. "But know this: I won't settle for anything less than respect."
He grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. "Deal."
As we stood there, a new chapter began to unfold. I was ready to explore my choices, to embrace the uncertainty of the future, and to discover who I truly wanted to be.
.