BLOOD LINES AND BROKEN VOWS

Brielle

"NO Brielle,this can't be real. You're a cheat!!"

This is the sixth time I won against Suzanne after going another round.

"Admit it Suz, you're terrible at chess. It's time you accept I'm better"

I purred, deliberately annoying her further.

"Let's go one mor…"

A loud shriek from my phone interrupted her and I glanced at my screen to see my mom's name flashing on the display.

It was my mom calling

"Hello mom"

I greeted as I picked the call

"Hey Brielle, how're you doing"

Her voice came through the line.

"I'm okay mom.."

I replied emphasizing on the mom.

We talked earlier today and I made her realize I'd be spending the night at Susan's. Her calling me around this time must be because of something important.

"Uhm.. Brielle,can you come home now?"

She cooed

I could feel the sense of urgency and something almost equal to fear in a voice but she was brisk to cover it up.

"What's wrong mom??"

I asked,my curiosity piqued.

"It's past 9'

I said, glancing at the clock resting well on the wall.

"It's nothing baby,your dad and I have something important to discuss with you".

"Okay then, I'll be home soon"

I said as I ended the call.

Something seems off,I could feel it. My mom randomly calling me past 9pm saying there's something important just doesn't add up.

"Is everything okay?"

Suzanne asked.

"Of course, everything is"

But the confused scowl on my face made my statement unbelievable as she furrowed her brow seeking for a further explanation

"Mom called,she asked me to come home."

"Home?? Didn't you tell her you'd be spending the night here?"

She asked puzzled

"There's something important they need to discuss with me which obviously can't wait till tomorrow. So I need to go now"

I said, grabbing my purse as I stood up from her bed.

"Should I come with? It's late already?"

"No, I'll be fine. Don't worry, I'll be here tomorrow and maybe then, you'll admit I'm better than you at chess"

I taunted, flashing six fingers in her face. A reminder of my six victories over her

Her growl accompanied me as I walk out of the room

The cold breeze enveloped me as I stepped into the cold night. I quickened my pace as I strode to my car.

I settled into the driver's seat once I reached my car and inserted the key into the ignition, turning it with a satisfying click.

The engine roared into life and I pulled out of the driveway and onto the roadMy mind raced with anticipation wondering what could possibly make my mom call at this hour.

Whatever it was,it had to be something important, something that couldn't wait till the next day.

"F*ck"

I muttered under my breath as I honked the horn for the umpteenth time. The clock on my car dashboard glowed at 9:26PM and the traffic congestion is here, testing my patience.

I glanced out of my car's window and my eyes landed on a familiar sight- The gates of Hope orphanage.

A tiny smile curved around my lips as I reflected back on my past days. It's been thirteen long years since I left the place

13 long years since The Millers adopted me and took me in as their own child.

I've never been starved of a thing ever since I was adopted. They showered me with everything a kid could want,the love, attention and the wealth.

"Ugh... finally!"

I heaved a sigh of relief as the cars ahead of me finally began to move.

****

Few minutes later,I got to my house. I alighted from my car and strode into the house.

I flung the door open and met my parents already seated in the living room.

My mom wore a worried look while my dad's expression? Unreadable.

Okay,this meeting isn't going well.

"Mom"

I called out and she stood to engulf me in a hug. I pulled off after a while and took a seat across from my father.

"We called to discuss something important with you"

My dad started, his voice huffed

"You're almost thirty Brielle"

My mother chimed in and I held back a sigh. This same topic again

"You're not getting younger. No matter how successful you are right now,you still need a man behind you. You deserve to be happy and truly love"

My mom stated, emotions quivering in her voice.

"I'm happy mom. I have you and dad. I have everything I could ever wish for around me"

I said, squeezing her hands softly.

"You need to get married. You need to do it real quick"

She added. "You're right mom. I need to get married and that's why I have a boyfriend"

The last part was a lie but I just had to say it,to relieve myself of this conversation. I haven't been lucky with men. I've dated two guys my whole life and they both didn't end well

One left me with the excuse that I'm always too serious and always busy with work while the other is a sex freak,which I couldn't handle.

"Brielle,that is not enough"

My dad finally said, sounding displeased. "Anytime we talk about marriage, you're always bringing the excuse of having a boyfriend and never for once have we seen you with a guy"

Right,the previous times we had this conversation,I always tell them I have a boyfriend. As far as I know,that's what they should believe.

"So I took it into my hands to find you a man.."

My breath froze and my hands twitched in shock. I felt my lips parted, forming a silent "Oh".

A mix of emotions swirled with me- shock, disbelief and sadness.

"Find me a man?"

I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper as If trying to clarify if I had indeed heard what I just thought I did.

"Yes, I've got a man for you and the arrangements has been finalized"

"He's coming for dinner in two weeks time,I'm sure you'll like him once you meet"

Great, I'm meeting my husband in two weeks.