Thread: A Daughter's Price

Ivy tousled her long dark locks as she loosened them from her ponytail, the soft coffee with cream colored skin stretched over her frame as she did so. Flipping her head she smiled at her friends as they conversed in the language of her home. She slid the white rimmed shades back into place the sun was just beginning to set, her mother would have supper on the table soon and she needed to be there. Sighing she rose and pulled at the jean skirt covering her but barely as it hit mid thigh on her long tanned legs. The white mesh top was askewed, but she liked it that way. Necesito volver a casa, mis padres me estn esperando para la cena. I need to head home, my parents are expecting me for dinner. She rose up and slung her bag over her shoulder before waving and passing out mini hugs as girls do. Hasta Luego. See you later. She strode off toward her car. Since it is a deal, I suggest you return home and pack a bag. I will tell both my daughter and wife at dinner, you may come along for the showdown if you wish but, it is not required. I suggest you bring swim trunks, my Ivy enjoys the water and the sun. Thinking a moment longer Alberto smiled, his thick black hair shone with the oil hed placed on it to keep it in its slicked back style. Perhaps since it is a courtship you could take her out, she moves like a gazelle on the dance floor. Just like her mother He reminisced losing his thoughts to some past event of himself and his wife. Shaking his head he removed the stupor and stood to see his guest out. Te vere esta noche mi amigo.I shall see you tonight my friend. He extended his hand and shook Matts. The door closed and broke into a small dance of joy as he moved down the hall toward his office to finish off some paperwork. Ivy opened the door to her home and called out, Hola estoy de vuelta! Hello, Im back! She moved further into the interior of her home, one she had known since she was a child. Making her way to her room, Ivy hopped into the shower to wash the sand and beach from her skin. Only another month and she would be free, free of the burden of following her parents every desire for her life. She was a good teacher and she loved it. She scrubbed the loofah over her skin and then shampooed her hair well. Stepping out she blew her hair dry and then dressed for dinner. A simple white dress that flowed about her form like a cloud, was what she wore as she made her way down the stairs to the dining room. She was almost to the floor when she heard parts of the heated argument. She stood listening only a moment before pushing open the doors, to which both of her parents stopped their fight and smiled. Is everything okay in here? She asked, by the looks of it her mother had been crying and her fathers face was still red. From what bits and pieces she had heard, her mother was upset with some choice her father had made and thought his brain was faulty. She had to admit, there were times growing up when she had thought the same thing. She watched her parents stare at one another for a few minutes before she gave up trying to decipher their actions and sat down in her spot. She noticed another spot set at the table, sometimes they sat another spot just in case . Her father opened his mouth and spoke. Ivys fork clattered against the edge of her plate and then the sound of wood scraping over stone and another loud clatter as the chair fell over. The string of curses that fell from her mouth in Spanish, varied in severity. Her mother blanched and her father turned red in the face before standing up and demanding her to stop talking. Ivy stood there, brown eyes enraged, chest heaving in seething rage. She couldnt talk for a full five minutes as she stood there staring at her parents. Brown eyes moving from one, to the other, You have arranged my marriage for me? she asked slowly. Her father nodded his head. You did this to further the family business and secure MY place in life? She asked narrowing her eyes on her father. He shook his head and looked up at her. Papa, I am already engaged Thomas is a good man. Hes kind and caring and my home is with him. NO, your home is here mija. With me and your Mama. Cant you see that we are doing this for your own good? Her father pounded his fist on the table to emphasize each word. Ivy clutched her stomach, she felt sick. She knew she would marry this man they chose. It was her duty as a daughter, but she was not the least bit happy. I had my life planned out now you tell me what I planned, isnt good enough. That I need to drop my education and my American fianc, to give birth to babies and keep house for a Dominican! Ivy yanked her toppled chair up and sank into it. Her fingers rubbed at her head angrily trying to get the tension to go away. She missed the look that passed between her parents. She was a good daughter, shed been raised to respect her parents and any decisions they would make for her. It pained her to give Thomas up. Sighing heavily, her eyes still closed she lifted her head to speak, When will I meet my betrothed? The smile that slid over his lips made her stomach churn. When he relayed to her that it would be later that evening she felt even more disgusted. She secretly wondered if there was a way out of this mess.