CHAPTER 3
1232 Words
[THE NEXT DAY]
Our class this morning has ended. All of my classmates left the classroom, and only I and my friends were left there.
"Damn!" I yelled in annoyance as I dropped my quiz paper on the desk. I got a low score on our drawing quizzes. After all that, I lost concentration on answering because my brain is so confused now.
Until now, I still couldn't forget what Dad and I talked about last night. Damn! I can’t believe he arranged a marriage for me.
Like. What. The. f**k.
[FLASHBACK]
"I’m sorry, what?" My brow furrowed in surprise as I inquired.
Tell me, I heard it wrong.
"You already heard me; I don't need to say it again. I’ll give you the key to your car on Saturday. So brace yourself. Go to bed now. You still have a class.”
"Wait!" I cut his line. "Are you arranging an arranged marriage for me? Why? Dad, I'm still too young for that!" I protested.
“Exactly! I don't want to give you a car yet because you're still young. But it’s time for you to grow up, Jake. Don't worry, you're not going to start a family; you're just going to get married."
Just get married? Is he kidding me? Marriage is not a joke.
"Dad...”
"You promised to do everything I asked. Stand for it. Now go to bed."
"You've got to be kidding me. This is absurd!"
"I'm not making this up. My decision is final, Jake. Go to bed."
Damn it!
[END OF FLASHBACK]
This can’t be happening! I will not get married, particularly with someone I dislike. I don't even know that person!
I need to find a way to stop this.
“Hey, dude. It’s all right. You may withdraw your score from the following quiz." Gab comforted me.
"A low score will not lower your rank. So, it’s OK, dude. Don't take it seriously,” Tobi added.
"Come on, let's eat. You're just starving." Zed invited.
"Come on.” They were about to walk when I spoke.
"Guys, what should I do?" I asked them a question without looking at them.
"Huh? Are you talking to us?" Zed.
"Asshole! He is, of course. We're the only ones here." Gab.
“What do you mean? What's the problem, Jake?” Tobi asked.
Letting out a sigh of annoyance, I looked at them. "Dad...” I paused. Damn! I can’t say it. The word "marriage" gives me chills. Tch!
"What about your father?" Ah! Did you ask him about the car again? What did he say? Did he say no again? ”
“No. He'll give it to me."
“Really!? Whoa! That’s cool! You will finally have it!" Zed exclaimed happily.
"It's good that he listened to your request," Tobi added.
“But why do you seem so sad?" "Aren't you excited about having your own car?" Gab asked, bewildered.
"I'm not sure whether I'll be happy or not." Tch!”
“Why? What’s the matter? Tell us.” Zed.
And I told them about Dad's condition in exchange for my car. I expected them to be surprised, but I was mistaken. Rather, they sat in the chair in front of me and bombarded me with questions.
The. Hell!
"Who is she? Who’s she?” Zed.
"Does she look nice? Can you tell me what her name is?" Gab.
"Is she a student as well? Where is she studying?” Tobi.
What. The. f**k?
"Seriously, guys?" I raised an eyebrow at them. “Are you guys really my friends? You guys are no help at all. Tch!”
“Hey, Hey, Hey, just kidding. But wait, I don’t understand why you have to get married in exchange for having your own car. Isn't it possible that it has something to do with your father's business?" Zed.
“That’s nonsense. Why does Jake need to marry when Jasmine can?" Gab.
“Hey! Are you crazy? Jake will be married to a woman, not a man. Why does Jasmine need to get married here? Tss.” Tobi defended.
Damn! They are so loud! Tch! I can't think of what to do. I can’t get married.
“Whatever. Anyway, Jake, what are you going to do now?"
"I have no idea. That is why I am asking for your help.” I replied in annoyance.
"I know what you're going to do, dude," Zed said, cleverly smiling. It appears that he had a brilliant idea.
"What?"
"This is our plan A. You must force her to dump on you."
My eyebrows raised automatically at what he said. “How? If I'm too attractive to be avoided." I slightly rolled my eyeballs heavenward.
"Of course, you have to make it possible for a woman to dump you. If you have to look ugly, do it. Remember, you must do the things that will turn her off, so, in that way, she will cancel the marriage of both of you.”
"Do you think that will work?"
"Trust me. It will."
"Is that so? Let's do it then."
—
[SATURDAY MORNING]
“Jake! Time for breakfast! Get down!”
I heard my sister calling me from the bottom of the stairs.
“I’m coming!” I yelled back from my room.
I just got out of the shower and am now looking for the clothes I should wear on the date. Yes, today is my date with the person that Dad arranged for me. Tch. I wonder how she looks, but never mind. I must make her turn off of me so she will dump on me first.
"Jake!" I heard Jasmine's voice again.
"I'm up!" I shouted back. Ah! Why is she rushing me? It's still early. Tch!
Just then, I heard a knock on my door.
Ah, seriously. This must be her.
I left my closet and walked over to the door. I opened it.
"I said I'm...” I was not able to continue what I was about to say because she threw something at me. It was a key. This must be the key to my car.
"Hey, boy. Why are you still topless, huh? I'm leaving today, by the way," she added.
"Where are you going?"
"Work-related. I could have been gone for months."
"Months? How long is that?"
"I'm not sure either, but I promise to return when my work is finished. I heard that you are going on a blind date today. Good luck. I'm sorry you have to go through this."
"Am I really getting married?" I asked in concern.
"I know you don't want to, and I don't want you to get married early either, but you have to do it."
"Why? I don't understand. Why... Why do I have to get married in order to get this car? I am f*****g so confused right now."
She chuckled. "Let us just help each other. Okay. Go get dressed and eat your breakfast later. I'm leaving."
"Wait, so soon?"
"Um." She nodded her head. "I'm going now, my little brother. I'll see you soon." She hugged me, and I hugged her back.
"Take care. See you soon, Jasmine."
"All right." She moves her body away from hugging me, then she walks away.
I went back into my room.
Whatever the reason, I need to put an end to this marriage.
---
- Writer
