No to Arranged Marriage

Vaughn's Point of View:

I could not sleep last night, I spent hours staring blankly at the ceiling. I was able to close my eyes for a while and slept for two hours until the sun's rays crept inside the room and reached my eyes which is why I glinted for a while. Shut my eyes tightly to regain eyesight after the sudden entrance of the rays.

'Another day.' I thought to myself. I rubbed both of my hands to my face just to wake myself up.

Whenever I attempt to close my eyes last night, I just can't help but remember the good time we had with Chlea, Hyolyn, and Brook. Chlea is just so... different. Different in a way that I have not encountered someone like her.

I quickly made my way to the bathroom to take a shower.

Just as I was drying myself, my phone rang indicating a message has been received.

Brook: What's up, bro? Are you free this weekend? Hyolyn and I are going South, we'd go to Kawasan waterfalls. Let's meet at Prince Cafe when you can make it, alright?

Kawasan Falls, I heard the waterfalls there are awesome. Too bad I have some pending school works to do. Such a waste.

I can see Brook is really into Hyolyn and of course, there is no reason not to. He used to date five women at one and would break up with them at the same time. Brook does not like women who agree with him on all matters. He likes someone who would go against him and would voice out her opinion on certain matters. As I can see, Hyolyn is definitely that woman. What a strong personality she has.

I grabbed a black shirt and black jeans. As soon as I got dressed, I went downstairs to eat my meal. As I was going down the stairs I saw Mom and Dad already in their seats. Mom is sipping her morning coffee and Dad is busy slicing his pancakes. As I got nearer to the dining table, they looked up and their eyes were fixated on me.

Dad placed his spoon and fork aside and wiped his mouth, "Good morning, son."

I placed the bag on the vacant seat beside me and answered him.

"Good morning Mom, Dad." As I sat down and grabbed eggs and pancakes.

Mom broke her silence and looked at me as if she is telling me to say yes.

"Son, are you free this weekend?"

I know where this is going. They're bringing me to have a fancy dinner with some business people, whom I do not know.

I swallowed what I was chewing and looked at her, "Let me check my schedule. But why, where are we going?" I pretended as if I do not have a clue.

She clasped both of her hands and placed them below her chin.

"You see, I was expecting you to say yes but anyway, we will be having dinner with them once again. You did not meet them last time. It was such a disgrace. Don't let us down this time." Mom said seriously pertaining to my supposed to be fiancee's family.

I know where this conversation is going. I have made up my mind and I will not have myself married to someone I don't have feelings for. It would be unjust for both of us to be stuck in a marriage we are not emotionally invested in. I am not just the type. I will never let them succeed with their plan.

"Actually now that you mentioned it, I have something to do this weekend, Mom. It's something important, I'm sorry." Looks like I will have to go with Brook this weekend.

"Are you really going to rebel against us now, Vaughn? You are not like this, you have always been so obedient! Why can't you be like your broth-..." Mom exclaimed as I cut her statement off.

"Be like who, Mom? Be like Stevan? You know how miserable his life have been when he agreed to his arranged marriage years ago! His present life is dull but he can't leave because he is bound by the situation you got him into! I apologize Mom but I won't keep my silence on this matter, I will not make the same mistake as he did. On his eagerness to make you guys happy, he lost his. I am sorry." I uttered and left the dining room immediately.

Their faces were shocked as I expressed my stand on this situation. I have always been so obedient and made everything I can to excel in whatever I do just to make them proud and happy. But I will not let them control me this time. I respect them as my parents but I won't live my life miserable and have my future wife suffer as well in a union without feelings involved.

I know they would not stop about it which is why I will leave our house and will be staying at my condo for a while. Until they stop this insanity.

Sooner than I expected, I arrived at the university. There are no people walking in the alleys and the surrounding is so quiet.

From a distance, I saw a woman dangerously walking alone. But I just kept my cool and continued walking my way to the entrance gate. However, I just can't help but be worried when someone suspicious came out from a dark alley and began following her. I don't like where this is going.

There are a lot of pickpocketers in the area and this woman could be their next victim. As much as I would not want to meddle in other people's business, I just can't help but run as fast as I can to reach them. The woman is already walking so fast and the man is trying hard to keep up with her.

I quickly reached closer to them and shouted, "Tigilan mo yan!"

The suspicious man then ran away from the scene as fast as he could. Dang, that woman could have been a victim.

I ran after the woman but kept my distance behind I just want to make sure she reaches her destination safely. From the looks of it, she is a student here too. For a split second, she looked back quickly and ran fast once again. Wait, I knew it!

No wonder she looks so familiar from behind. It was Chlea. I wonder if she is alright. She is just new in the city and she had to experience this.

'I wish I could protect her.' I thought to myself.