Runaway Bride

I arrive at my parents’ house in ten minutes. I didn’t think for a second where to go when the family driver asked me for directions. The man was kind enough not to look at my appearance when I got into the black sedan.

“Daughter, what are you wearing!” my mother exclaims as she opens the front door. “You’re a woman married to a respectable man!”

“Forget what I’m wearing. Why don’t you ask me what he did to make me come to the house like this?” I tell her as I walk in and go straight to my room.

“Don’t yell at me!”

“Yes, I do yell at you!” I quickly look for something to wear. It’s getting late already. I look at the cuckoo clock I have hanging above the bookcase where I keep my novels and little ceramic dolls. “I don’t know how you can care so much about appearances, Mother. It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters. You got married and left here as a young lady. You are with a man of a higher social class. Therefore, your dress and appearance say a lot about you. Besides, I’m sorry to tell you that it influences your husband.”

“I don’t give a damn about my husband!” I squeal.

I finish pulling up my black tube-style skirt. Likewise, I slip on a baggy white blouse of butterflies and red roses.

“Don’t say that you look like a child.”

“Where is Teresa?”

I don’t plan to stand around listening to my mother lectured me on how my actions influence society. That’s water under the bridge. I know, it’s true, she’s right, but right now, that’s a trifle. I don’t care that people see me and Mrs. Merlina at the flea market saw me get out of the sedan covered in a sheet. I’m tired of trying to be perfect! It’s exhausting to be someone you’re not. Pretending to please everyone, to help and please...no matter if you lose your essence along the way.

“Your sister went out to buy some things for her trip.”

“Are you okay with her going with that young man?”

“I remind you that he is your brother-in-law.” My mother stands in the doorframe and analyzes my every move. She looks tired. Her dress is wrinkled, which worries me, as Mom always tries to look impeccable.

“So, you know?”

“Tere is no fool. That girl is wide awake. She got herself a good match. She’ll have a good home and economic stability forever. They say those Magghio men only marry once.”

“I can’t believe you just accept it.” It was a big shock for me to know that my younger sister has decided to tie the knot with Dawson Magghio. Of course, he can tell me that he is sorry for getting involved with Arianna, but after learning that he can betray his own brother, I don’t even want to consider what awaits Tere by marrying him.

I tell my mother the same thing. In the meantime, I tie my hair up in a high bun and put a pair of golden rose hairpins in it.

“Men are like that by nature. Don’t think you’ll have a completely faithful man, for it’s in his blood to want to try new meats.”

What an excuse my mother makes.

She doesn’t let me speak and continues. Finally, she walks over and sits on the edge of the bed.

“You don’t know because you were very little when it happened, but more than fifteen years ago, your father had an affair.”

walk over, sit next to her and clasp her hands in

I raised you in a bubble and hurt you by making you think the world is perfect. When I married your

was. I understand why my mother thought the best thing that could happen to me was to marry

young man here. My family had just arrived by boat, and we had no one. We didn’t know anybody. I was an only child. Adjusting was difficult.” I look at

by force, by convenience, just as

common and normal between families. Your father courted me for a week, the first week we arrived. Dad had no job, no idea

itself. I do nothing but feel lousy about how I hated my parents without realizing it. It was a vicious cycle for the Mattew family, and I was just another dot

having sex even with

the pressure of knowing that I would be married the next day to a man whose nickname was the Shady One. That could upset the holiest of women. I don’t know if that influenced me to let myself make love and participate

had cancer

it a one-day thing? Did

hasn’t lost her cool or sanity at any point. No tears, no crying, nothing but

so sorry, Mom.”

happen. I’m telling you this, Tati because I don’t want to see you unhappy. Nor do I want to see you sad and sleeping with any man

only bidder. He didn’t think twice when Darío

her eyes are the same color as mine. She strokes my left cheek, something that

secrets, please,” I ask. I don’t know if my heart can

like your husband tried to abuse you.” I get ready to interrupt her, but she stops me. “I don’t care if you’re going to tell me otherwise because

needed

you need your

even though you have two daughters.” As much as my mother spoke to me loudly and

enormous burden and more so if we are only dedicated to being mothers and housewives.” She stands up, and I do the same. “Darío was not the one who came to ask for your hand, it was your father who sought his

in acupuncture therapy. I feel short of breath and drop my body back onto the bed.

all that poor widower’s fault. If anyone bears full responsibility, it is your

go well, perfectly, and organized as I wished, I did not know that one thing is what the donkey wants and another who makes it. My own father sold me. He is used to seeing it and doing it. Dad is almost ten years older than my mother. I don’t even want to imagine the pain she suffered being offered

Anyone here?” I ran over to meet Teresa and

since I moved into the castle. The last time we talked was when she told me

you!” she squeals and hops in my arms. “Oh, this is the best surprise

happy to see you too, tadpole!” I hold her against my chest briskly. I’d love to

some coffee.” My mother goes to

doing here? How is

My mother has no idea about the surgery Darío

communication with Dawson is more effective than mine with Darío. I proceed to explain. She

at home,”

You’re crazy! Your

mother about the situation I’m going through in my marriage. But, I also don’t want to look so inexperienced and

man I desired and who awakened dormant feelings and emotions was beautiful. However, the reality turned out to be

real princess. No dark circles under her

Her happiness is mine.