Everyone was in their arranged marriages. I didn’t just want to be married just because of the idea of it. Not lust, or just for touch, I wanted love. Genuine love. Friendship. Feelings.

My best friend, Monica, was forced to marry someone she went to school with. His name was Marcus. They had been friends, close friends, just nothing ever romantic. I had friends that were boys, they were mature, I guess you could say.

Monica had her engagement ring on, it’s silver diamonds gleaming in the sunlight. She held her hand up the sky, admiring it. “This marriage is very generous and all, I mean, Marcus is a great guy, it’s just.. I think we’re better off friends,” She shrugged, trying to make me understand. I nodded. “Yeah, I get that.” Marcus walked by then, leaning in to kiss Monica. It was obviously an act, because his parents were nearby. He whispered. “Sorry, my mom was watching,”

I went home, back from town out with Monica. “Teri, we have arranged you to meet someone, his name is Lewis.” My mother brought him next to me, and I was stunned. Wow. He was beautiful. He shook my hand, for a little too long. “Hi, I’m Lewis. And you are?” I put a piece of hair behind my ear. I don’t know this man, but I think I was going to. “Teri, well, Teritha, but—sorry, you can call me Teri,” he grinned at me.

3 months later

Lewis and I were officially married. It was insane, really. I had gotten a little more comfortable with him, I guess. He really was a great person to talk to. I think I was starting to love him..

Lewis and I were at the city park, hand in hand, awkwardly. “Sorry, my hand is sweaty,” I laughed nervously, letting his hand go leisurely. “Don’t,” he smiled. He took my hand back, and we kept walking.

We sat by a tree, on the wooden bench that this park was known for. “Sorry if I’m making our relationship awkward, I know we have to do this for our parents,” I shrugged, letting go of his hand. “It’s okay, Teri. I understand. But honestly, I really like you.” He leaned in to kiss my cheek, and I was confused. “You don’t have to do that, you know. It’s probably hard for you, I mean, our parents aren’t around.” He licked his lips. “I know, I wanted to.” I stood up, shaking my hands nervously. “Okay, I need to let this out,” I smoothed my hair out, not knowing what to say. “Okay, I know these marriages are for show, but, I-“ I paced the ground. “Sorry, I don’t just like you, Lewis. I- uh,” He took my hand. “You love me? Well you might just be lucky, because,” he stood up, right in front of me. “I might just love you too,” he leaned down, towering over me, kissing me softly. Holy shit. My parents were gonna kill me. Loving Lewis would turn things around. I leaned back. “This is bad, we can’t do this. My parents, it’s just for show—“ He touched my face.

“Then we will. When no one is around. Just us,”

Oh god.