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.”

over, sit next to her and clasp her hands in

think the world is perfect. When I married your father, I

lost I was. I understand why my

no one. We didn’t know anybody. I was an only child. Adjusting was difficult.” I look at Mom;

force, by convenience, just as you did with me.”

was not a bad thing. It was common and normal between families. Your father courted me for a week, the first week we arrived. Dad had no job, no idea how to support Mom and

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 going around the circle. “When did Dad cheat on you? With whom? Is she from here?” I never considered getting into a relationship with a married

considered having sex even with

it was 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

cancer a

one-day thing? Did they keep seeing each

or sanity

sorry,

I want to see you sad and sleeping with any man for a couple of euros. You deserve so much more. Your father and I went out of our way

only bidder. He didn’t think twice when

contemplates me; her eyes are the same color as mine. She strokes my left cheek, something that always made me

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

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

just needed

I understand you. Sometimes you need your

as my mother spoke to me loudly

all the same. We wives carry an 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,

acupuncture therapy. I feel short of breath and drop my body back

I told you, Tati, I don’t know what made you come here and what made you come back. However, I cannot allow you to believe that it was all that poor widower’s fault. If anyone bears full responsibility, it

things to say, so many words stuck in my throat. An indescribable pain grips my body. I no longer know what to think or believe. However, I begin to understand why Teresa wants to leave with Dawson: she saw what I didn’t have time to see or understand. In my foolish idea that everything could 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

over to meet Teresa and hugged her

castle. The last time we talked was when she told me she was marrying Dawson.

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

I hold her against my chest briskly. I’d love to keep

on, my babies, let’s have some coffee.” My mother goes to the kitchen, and we

How is Darío and his recovery going?”

My mother has no idea about the

have such a thing done. I guess my sister’s communication with Dawson is more effective than mine with Darío.

okay. At least he’s alive and at home,”

crazy! Your husband needs you now more than ever.”

about the situation I’m going through in my marriage. But, I also don’t want to look so inexperienced and have her feel that I can’t keep the signed contract because that’s what it was,

me, it became a wonderful escape. Marrying the man I desired and who awakened

under her eyes, no freckles, and no wrinkles from bad times. She is happy.

Her happiness is mine.