Unwanted Engagement

**Aileen POV**



I sagged back on the couch after that spineless man hung up on me. Despite how upset talking to him made me, I felt rather relaxed. Normally being in someone's home would put me on edge on its own. I would feel like I had little control in new spaces. An itch would crawl under my skin telling me to explore and learn the new locations secrets. In a small one bedroom apartment, there were not many secrets to be found I was sure. Still, the itch should have been in me a least a bit. I hadn't even really left the stained grey flower couch.

"Are you okay? You seem upset." Sammy said the words that make me hide back inside myself. I was not going to show weakness to a random girl.

"I like your tattoo." I said simply. "Does the star represent something?"

"It does, but I'd rather not get into that right now. Not with someone clearly hiding her own secrets. Just know that sometimes you need something to hold onto. More than just memories." Her slender fingers trailed the tattoo.

Never looking away from her, I waited for Sammy to calm her own nerves. Whatever that tattoo meant to her, it had brought back her own memories. I knew how important giving someone a moment was. I certainly space out enough to have an understanding. Memories will hurt you no matter how many years separate you from the event.

Not wanting to think back on my own nightmares I decided to tell her some truth. "Do you remember the text I got in the restroom? It was from the same guy who just called me."

"A boyfriend?" She asked.

"It's a bit more complicated than that. I don't really care for him, but there is nothing I can do about it." I shrugged trying to think of a way to explain my situation to someone from a different kind of upbringing.

Her eyes narrowed, "so if you don't like this guy break up with him. He may not like it, but there is nothing wrong with things not working between you two. It's better to be honest and up front. The last thing you want is for him to think you're cheating on him. Your brother could even tell your boyfriend that you are on a date with a girl right now!"

"He's not my boyfriend," I muttered to her mini rant, "he's my fiance though."

She went from calm to furious with me quicker than a toddler whose cookie you just stole!

"You're engaged! If coming here was really to get some sick revenge at him for something I swear to God you better never come eat at my restaurant again! I'll make sure you regret it!"

Yes, I definitely hate this part of life. Sharing my emotions so plainly wasn't something I enjoyed. Honestly, I wasn't sure why I even was bothering. There were plenty of other places to eat nearby with free bread. There was no reason for me to treat her differently from anyone else. I should just stand up and leave while she's pissed. I owed her no explanation. So, why did I feel like talking to her still?

"I'm not engaged by choice. He was chosen for me by our parents. When I was a child I begged my Father not to make me marry him. I hated him even back then. I dreaded any time he would come over, or I was forced to visit his kingdom. Mother thought it would be important for me to know him before marriage; learn about him, and more importantly how to deal with him, or make him happy. A chance that Mother did not have before marrying my Father. She met him one time and was married within a few months at a young age. Too young for this country!"

I stopped talking for a moment. Sammy would need a few moments to digest all that information. Well, if she didn't just assume I was insane.

Leaning back I kicked my feet up onto the table and waited. With a long enough pause, one of us was bound to break it. My money was on the girl barely keeping control of her anger. Maybe I should have wrote a bit more to Father this morning. At least my emotions would be a bit more stable. I pictured what Father would do in an uncomfortable situation. No doubt he would excuse himself by now. Father did not talk about his feelings. Very few people would dare try to read more into him. I wish I could be more like him. A daughter he could be proud of.

As I thought, after time to think about my words, Sammy spoke, "why marry him if you don't love him? This is a free country you know. Just stay here."

I met her gaze. Her eyes were focused and clear. They were kind eyes and my brother would without a question fall for them. Veronica had the same look before she went back to her tool of an ex. "I want to go home. I miss my Father and a friend named Kalum," I admitted in an emotionless tone.

My fingers started to fiddle with the patterns on her couch. "I do love him. We both are very stubborn and it got me into a lot of trouble growing up, but I want to see him again. And I know he loves me too. It used to make my Mother a little envious sometimes."

Sam rolled her eyes. "If he loved you so much he would cancel the arrangement. Just fling your arm around me and tell him your done with that dumb fiance, that you like girls now!" She grinned like a devil.

I laughed, "Oh that would be a sight for him; very tempted. Sadly it would never be allowed even if I did like girls. The church would have me beheaded as a sinner."

As if sexy dream time with a demon was any better? Whore.

She hit me in the shoulder, hard. "So this was just revenge in a way after all! No matter how pretty you try to make it with your words! And there is nothing wrong with me liking women. What you think I'll burn in Hell?"

Covering my mouth to surpress a chuckle I answered, "if you find the right girl there is nothing wrong with that. My country isn't so open-minded. They'll burn anyone who goes against their views on God or progression. I'm not saying it's a right way to think ya know!"

Her evil stare cut into me until I felt the need to fill the gap. I placed a hand on her shoulder partly as comfort and just as equally to stop from get slugged again. "I think this country is amazing with everything you all have and stand for. I truly hope you find a girl and have a happy wedding. At least you'll love your partner."

She finally lowered her hand and stood up for the kitchen. I had just hoped she wasn't going for a knife or something. Better safe than sorry, I poked my head over the couch to look for her return.

To my delight she came back with a bag of chips and two open wine-coolers. She handed one to me with a sad look on her face. I decided to pay more attention to the blank T.V. than her pity filled expression. I don't ever need someone's pity.

"Maybe we can be friends. You shouldn't keep all that bottled up inside." She said staring at her untouched drink. If only she knew the whole truth. She would think I'm insane. Between Shiuku and being from another dimension; not just country.

"So you aren't mad at me anymore?" I questioned.

"No, but if you ever want to make this up to me, you could hook me up with one of you friends." She joked.

I chugged at down the strawberry liquid and gave her my most sincere smile; a dumb goofy grin that shows off my dimples. "Well I guess you are stuck as my friend now. You just gave an underage girl alcohol!" I took another big swig before she hastily took it away from me.

"You are a minor? I knew you had a baby face, but you are actually a minor?!" She was starting to freak out. Wide eyes and a bead sweat that fast!

I laughed, "no, not a minor. I'm only 18 though. God forbid I go tell the coppers!"

Sammy sighed a breath of relief. I guess she didn't think she would look good in black and white stripes. She was right. They would not compliment her skin tone at all.

I smiled at her, "so before we officially become friends, I have one question I would like to ask you."

She nodded suspiciously, but didn't decline, so I asked, "do you have any other tattoos?"