"Anna, put the vase on the table there," My mum said tapping her fingers on the wall.
I did so.
"No, put it over there by the fridge on that shelf." She said again. When I did as she asked, she shook her head again.
"Maybe you should just put it on the table," She suggested again.
"Mom, stop. It's not the end of the world." I choked on my words, fighting tears.
"You should go to school. They wouldn't find you there. You and Victor could be miles away from here if you would just hear me out. You are both stubborn," She rambled on.
"Stop it. I am not going anywhere. Nobody is going to run away mom so please stop it."
"I just want the best for you," She cried out.
"I know." I played with objects that I had barely noticed or touched days ago.
Soon it would be sealed. My fate would be sealed to a man I barely know. To a man who decided to hate me without even knowing me. Hot tears ran down my cheeks. Mom hugged me sobbing. I wished it could just be like getting a shot from the doctor. I knew my parents will there. The doctor would do his thing and I would go home and be with my family.
I dressed in my finest clothes. A blue turtleneck and black skirt I got a year ago.
The man from the royal house arrived early. I went to the kitchen to prepare tea. I served him and stood beside my parents who were seated. Vic leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Silence ensued until he broke it.
"Three days ago, you were brought to awareness of the promise between His royal majesty and your father. As the representative, I have come to receive your answer."
"Thank you for this wonderful privilege sir but I must decline your request," said my father sternly.
What? Is he crazy? In an hour or two he's going to be thrown in jail.
"I can't give her away to marriage, she is still so young."
I glanced at mom for any reaction. Surprisingly, mom didn't say anything. She stared at nothing in particular.
"No," I found myself saying, "No dad, I can't let you that. Not when we are in trouble."
"Anna-"
"You will be thrown into prison soon and I have the power to stop it. Would you rather I shut up and watch you rot?"
"What about your dream?" He began to cry.
I was silent for a long time crying.
"I agree to marry the crown Prince on the condition that my family is safe."
"No Anna," Dad pleaded. To the royal representative he said, "Don't listen to a word she says. I am her father and I say no."
"Truly you are her father but what she has said holds more power. You knew what she represent at her birth but you took her away. A crime of treason but you are pardoned for her sake."
Dad shot up rigid and quiet. I closed my eyes sobbing.
There. My fate was sealed.
I left the room and locked myself in my bedroom. Anger and hate washed over me. At my parents, at two old men who decided to play matchmaker, at Nolan, at the society, at poverty and above all, at myself.
I was angry at myself for agreeing to marry someone I didn't know.
What have I done?
"Moses?"
Shoulders slumped, I walked slowly into the kitchen with the bread costume in hand. Moses, my boss, was kneading a dough when I entered.
"Anna? Oh, you're here," He paused in his kneading and looked at me, "Is something wrong?"
"No," I said, "It is just that I quit."
"What? Why? The pay is not good enough?"
"No, it is good but the thing is, I'm moving from the area."
"Oh? Oh. Why?"
"Family reasons," I drew out with a dejected sigh.
"Alright then. You know where to put that," he nodded to the costume. "Have you told the others?"
"No." I shook my head.
"No problem. You can come visit anytime. Take some bread home with you, okay?"
"Thank you, Moses."
With tears in my eyes, I left the kitchen.
"Thank you," Merida said as she gave the customer their bread and receipt. "Hey, Anna."
"Hey," I replied with a wave. Returning the costume to the storage, I approached Merida for bread. She gave me a long bagel in a paper bag and said, "See you tomorrow."
I nodded with a smile and stepped out of the bakery into the cool evening air. The sky tinged with orange and purple as the sun set. With growing sadness, I walked slowly all the way home.