Who's going to do it?

"So, there I was, on the brink of death." He started like he was about to narrate a movie where he was the hero.

"Dad, just go straight to the point!" Selena and I shushed him.

"Okay okay," 

"From the beginning this time around," I said, and I felt the atmosphere reduce to a not-so-joyous family reunion.

"Six months ago, I was duped by a young lad in a suit who said he came from town to start a business. I let my overconfidence get to me, and I ended up following him and falling into his trap. When the traders heard about everything, they were furious, but they gave me six months to provide the money, which I clearly failed to do. I was almost killed today, but someone saved me. He paid off all the debts on my head!"

"Are you serious?" Selena and I were both quite shocked. We don't know anyone in the province who could account for such money in one night. What is really going on?

"Okay okay. Enough of the sake; you both have probably been drinking way too much, and you butt dialed us, simple. Selena, this was a false alarm." Let's go to sleep so I can go back to the city tomorrow, and you'll go back to college." I grabbed the bottle before they could fight to protect it.

"I can't believe you guys would do this, you know; we were actually worried." Selena groaned 

"It's not a joke!" "I really almost died; look, I've got bruises," Papa said as he pulled his sleeve up, and that was when we both saw the bandages wrapped around his arm, from his elbow down to his wrists.

"I found your father injured some miles away from the sea shore. You must believe us, children, and there is something you both need to know." The serious look she was putting on made us look back and forth at each other before grabbing a chair to hear this unfinished story.

"This angel, or should I say demon, who saved me didn't just do it for free; I'm very sure he paid them extra for what they wanted, and believe me, girls, I pleaded with him; I begged him that I was willing to work my whole life to pay him back; I would forever be indebted to him, but he wasn't concerned about that; he wanted something more."

I was baffled at how Papa could tremble at the sight of such a man. Replaying the memory is even giving him chills as we speak.

"What did he want, papa?"

"He wanted one of you for his son."

"What!" 

"And you agreed?"

"Obviously, if he hadn't, then he wouldn't be sitting here celebrating."

"Can you believe it?"

"Do you realize that you literally just sold one of your daughters to a stranger? A bloody Samaritan! Who really isn't out to help people but to take from them?"

"Enough, you two!" Mom shouted, and we both fell silent.

"Shouldn't you be grateful your father is still alive? The sole man who has catered and provided for both of you? The least you can do is show your gratitude! Yes, I know this isn't right, but we don't have a choice here; it's either that or your father loses his life! Would you ever come to forgive yourself if you knew you could've done something to change the situation instead of letting him die?"

Hmm, I hate to admit it, but she's right. I don't think I could forgive myself if I knew I could have saved Papa's life just by getting married to some stranger.

"Mama's right," I said.

"What!" Selena looked back at me in disarray.

"I know it's wrong, but won't you regret not saving Papa's life? He needs us now more than ever, so we need to stand by this reckless decision together." I sighed, and then I saw her calm down a bit.

"So who's going to do it?" She asked, and we all stared back at her.Like? Who do you think it's going to be, baby sister? When realization dawned on her, she gave us a weak smile.

"I'm sorry; you know Michel and I have been in a long relationship, and besides, he's going to propose soon, and I can just feel it."

"And you're single and more beautiful than your sister," Mom added. No, it doesn't bother me because, as it is true, my sister is more beautiful than I am. Even though we have the same silver eyes, she has more grace, youth, and a tiny baby face to add to that beauty. She is literally the picture everyone would take if they wanted any surgeries done on their body, which is to say how excellent she truly is.

"Okay…  "I'll do it," she finally said, and we all jumped on her.

"You won't regret this; he has a lot of money to shower on you, and I'm sure when he sees you, he won't resist falling in love with you!"

"You've made us proud." Papa smiled.But from the corner of my eye, I saw her lips move.

"Well, what if I don't love him?" She mouthed so no one would hear her. It makes me wonder if she's already found someone she's in love with.

Naaa, she's always been the cold type towards love, so I'm sure she's just unhappy, I would be too if I was her.

Anyway, this will pass; it's a given.

"Can we go to bed now?" I yawned 

"Yes, yes, let's move to our beds."

"I'm glad you're safe now, pa." Selena said as she climbed up the stairs to our rooms.

"Glad you're safe, papa We'll see you in the morning!" I smiled