The Final Year (vol 1)

The Reveal

Sniffing slightly, I rub my red eyes as I hugged my pillow close to my chest. I can't believe this is happening to me. Me. Of all people.

We are not living in the 18th century for goodness sake. What sort of archaic thinking is this?! I wipe the hot tears from my bloated cheeks as i bit my pillow to muffle and contain my tears.

I just got the biggest shock of my life! I have been sold!

No.. Not into slavery, this is much more bigger than slavery.

Can-can you believe am in an arranged marriage with Olashubomi Cole?!

An arranged marriage! What were my parents thinking?

No wonder he was so bold and always felt entitled. 

Another round of tears left my eyes, a set of sobs escaped my lips. Am not someone who usually cries, i do this on rare occasions like this one. This can't be happening to me.

When we got back home from the party yesterday, I sat my parents down asking and grilling the answers out of them and the answers was not what I was expecting. Not even in a million years.

My parents had an agreement with the Cole's years ago just after I was born, in other to strengthen their friendship and bond they thought it wise to put their only son and heir and I in an arranged marriage.

We are to get married when we are ready, in other words, when he is ready.

I had an hot argument with my parents yesterday night and I haven't stepped out of my room ever since. They need to call the damn thing off. Heaven knows we can't work!

I have a lot of dreams and aspirations I want to achieve and getting married to Shubomi of all people was not part of it.

I had to switch off my phone since he was so adamant on harassing me with phone calls and text messages. I sniffed.

"Teni? Can I come in?" My mother asked from the other side of the door.

" I don't want to see anyone!" I hear her sigh.

"Am off to the airport to pick your brothers. Since you are in no mood to come along, at least freshen up before the arrive. Will you?... Please?... "  she begged but I stay mute.

I listen as she walks away. This is not the Christmas I was expecting...

"No, you don't look happy to see me" Seyi pestered from beside me making me let out a sigh of exhaustion.

"Of course am happy to see you big brother" I poured myself a glass of orange juice before directing my stare towards Akinola who was also sitting beside my mum staring at my exhausted face. "And you too, Egbon"

Yes... My brothers are back like they promised, my mum and Pa. Sammy picked them from the airport this morning. They were a little pissed off that I didn't come along. They knew something was off immediately they saw my fake smile and expression in which I used to welcome them.

"No, I refuse to believe that. Something is wrong somewhere. There seems to be a gloomy cloud over you ever since we got back"

I say nothing ignoring my parents heated looks as I focused on the food which looks and smells delicious but due to the fact that I lost my appetite, i find it hard to savor the taste.

"You are not eating your food" I look up to meet Bro. Akin's eyes which was staring at me in worry over the grand dining table in which the whole family was sitting.

"Nothing is wrong with your sister, boys. Eat your food" it was an order from my father which you dare not disobey.

Everyone continued with their meal while I use my fork to poke the rice, eating as much as i can but with glances they both threw my way I think they do know something is wrong.