1 Meeting David Leo

Chapter 1

She moved her right hand over the gold band, twisting it on her ring finger. In a month from now, she will get hitched by her beau, whom she never met before. Roslyn wasn’t delighted or looking forward to the wedding. She only agreed to marry the young man because; it was the best of both worlds to her parents and the so-called beau. Roslyn was thrown for a loop, when her parents informed her about the marriage agreement they had with David’s parents, since they were little. Roselyn thought that, it was unfair and inappropriate for her parents to make such an agreement without her consent, because that drastic decision was about to change her life.

As Roslyn opened the small wooden box for the first time in fifteen years, the dust from the old box made her choke on her breath, she coughed repeatedly, as she closed back the dusty box. She stood up from her bed and went to open the translucent curtains to allow fresh air into the room, and with heavy heart, she dropped her weight on the soft queen size bed. The morning sun graciously filtered through the opened window, illuminating her flawless tan skin; she blinked her eyes simultaneously to sharpen the blurred images before her. She hardly got herself a good sleep the entire night because of the latest news that has been bugging her mind. Roslyn was painfully aware of the situation on ground, she would be meeting her husband to be for the first time, but her mind was clouded with the thought of Dave, her childhood friend, who moved out of the state fifteen years ago with his parents but she hasn’t heard from him since then. Dave’s memories still lingered in her head and mind. She always dreamt of the day she would get to meet him again and profess her undying love for him. She was ten years old, when Dave left; she didn’t understand her feelings then, because she was just a kid, but she is painfully aware now that, Dave was or is her first love. Roselyn was also able to realize later that Dave had feelings for her too, because he stole her first kiss.

Roslyn removed the old pictures from the box, one after the other, scrutinizing each of them. She removed the last picture of her and Dave, which they took during Dave’s eighth birthday. Roselyn felt blue, the moment she realized she would not be with her first love again because of her parents’ decision to give her out to a total stranger. She always thought, she’ll get to meet Dave one day and tell him her feelings, as she always imagines walking through the church aisle with him. It’s true that, old love is hard to die. The tears she tried to repress have swiftly encompassed her eyes, rolling down to her cheeks. She brought her fingers to her eyes and whipped the tears.

“I hope he still thinks of me”, Roselyn murmured to herself. Having drenched herself with tears, she lazily stood up on her two feet and head for the bathroom, leaving the door slightly opened. She has spent most of her time scrutinizing and fantasying about Dave’s old pictures.

Stripping to her weary flesh, she slipped into the hot bath with her head floating above the fragrant soapy water. She allowed the thought of her present situation to linger on her mind as she washed away the dirt on her tan skin. She was bent out of shape at the mere thought of marrying a stranger, whom she knows nothing about, except his name. Roslyn tilted her head to the side and watched her reflection in the mirror; her cheeks have already turned vermillion red with anger. She wishes she can object to her parents’ demand, but she knows better than to obey.

“What if I run away, to a faraway land where no one can find me?” she thought to herself. Shaking the invalidated thought out of her head, she strode out of the bathroom with a white towel tight round her chest.

Roselyn’s mother welcomed herself into the room just as Roselyn slipped the elegant dress her mother insists, she wears in-order to impress her betrothed.

“Dear, you should hurry; our guest will be here soon”. Mrs. William voiced out, the moment she entered the room.

“Why can’t you and pa just give Bella to the young man? I believe Bella will be more thrilled to have such a wealthy man as her husband”. Roslyn suggested;

Mrs. Williams looked perturbed by her first daughter’s suggestion. “There is no way that your younger sister will get married before you; besides, you’re the one betrothed to the young man, not Bella. It will be wise if you dress up quickly before they arrive. I’ll send the hairdresser to make your hair more presentable”.

Roslyn frowned at her mother, but remained quiet. It was a total waste of time to plead because she knew her plead would not yield any positive result.

Roslyn slipped silently into the dining room, passing through the substantial living room. The dining room was just off the kitchen and the fireplace, and the fire provided warm into the large elegant living room. Roslyn made herself comfortable on the enormous polished dining chair. She was on pins and needle as she continues to wait for her betrothed. Her mind lingered on the thought of Dave.

“If only I could see you for the last time”. She jutted up her chin and straightened her back as the voices from outside floated into the dining room. Roslyn reluctantly stood up and headed for the window, she slightly opened the curtains to one side and peeped through the window with her heart beating faster than normal, she couldn’t hide her eagerness to see the man whom her parents wished for her to marry. David and his parents graced Roslyn's sight with their presence. She watched with squinted eyes as he walked graciously into the mansion. The building that was surrounded with expensive flowerbeds, most of the flowers are altheas and begonias that bring out a beautiful fragrant scent. Roslyn did not linger anymore; she hurriedly walked back to her seat, fidgeting with her hands. She could feel the trembling of her legs under the dining table as the voices kept coming closer.

Roslyn's parents led David and his parents through the narrow hallway; they entered the bright living room, where Roslyn could easily see them but she purposely refused to turn her gaze on them. She suddenly felt shy and uncomfortable because she has never sat down in a social gathering like these, where she’ll be the center of attraction or discussion; she doesn’t even know what to say to the young man whenever he approaches her, but she did not let that bother her because she didn’t care if he’d be impressed with her or not.

“After all, I’m doing these for my parent”, she thought.

There was a certain tension in the dining room, the moment the four figures approached the table.

“Please God, help me”, she prayed silently, standing up slowly from her seat. Her dilemma was partly solved when her mother decided to do the honor of introducing her to their rich guest. “Meet my first daughter, Roslyn”, Mrs. Williams introduced, pointing her index finger in the direction, where Roslyn was standing. Roslyn faked a sweet smile and greeted the two elderly people. She passed another faked smile towards the young man standing beside Mr. Leo. David nodded his head in response and averted his gaze to his father. “How rude”, she breathes to herself. She secretly stared at David, as he engaged in a conversation with his father; her gaze fell on his expensive gray prince suit, down to his shiny black cover shoes. Everything about him looked rich. She carefully scrutinized his flawless face.

“He’s such a handsome young man”, she thought to herself.

A blush passed her face that moment and David locked eyes with her. She wasn’t blushing because she liked him, but because David caught her staring.

Roslyn's enthusiasm elevated, when her mother asked her to have a conversation with her in the kitchen. She stood up from her seat, and followed her mother.

“Isn’t the young man handsome?” her mother asked, but Roslyn didn’t respond to the question.

“H—he is a handsome man indeed, but I still have no feelings for him”, she replied.

“I’d like you to have a chat with him”, said Roslyn mum ignoring her daughter’s words.

“I don’t even think he likes me”, said Roslyn as she passed her mother a glass cup. “I don’t think he even smile”, Mrs. Williams turned and glance at her daughter.

“I know, you’re trying to make your father change his mind, but I guarantee you that, your father will not listen to you. Do you know how important this marriage is to your father’s business?”

Roslyn stood, saying nothing, with her face turning red; she realized that, her parents wanted to use her like as share in a company. They only think of their business but not the happiness of their daughter. Bella swiftly walked into the kitchen, breaking the awkward silent that settled between the first daughter and their mother.

“Oh! Mother, he’s so handsome”, said Belle dreamily.

“See, your sister thinks he’s handsome”, Mrs. Williams said directly to Roslyn.

“I never denied the fact that he is handsome”. Roslyn replied.

Mrs. Williams looked at Roslyn impatiently. “And what exactly don’t you like about the young man?” she asked.

“Well, it’s a pity that, it has to be you, who is to be married to this handsome rich man”, said Bella disappointedly.

“You can have him, if you wish”, Roslyn ventured.

“I wish I can”, Bella reiterated.

“Enough! Roslyn, come with me, and bring those plates with you”. Mrs. Williams Ordered; Roslyn followed her mother in silence to the dining room. She carefully arranged the plates on the dining table before she sat down.

They all sat in silence, as Mrs. Williams dished out the food; Roslyn stole a glance at David and a look of surprise passed her face when she saw a faint smile on David's face for the first time. “He must be a foodie, just like Dave”. She did not allow the thought of Dave to linger in her mind. She averted her gaze from David and focused on the plate of food before her.

“What do you do for a living?” He asked Roslyn asa faint smile found its way to her face.

“I—I just graduated from college and I intend to work in my father’s company” she replied.

David nodded his head slightly. “A good woman should do house chores and taking care of the family, don’t you think so?” Roslyn found his question insulting but ignored it, she faked a smile, “I’ll love my wife to stay at home and take care of me and my children”, he continued.

“I’ll rather disagree with you on this one dear, women have equal right to work as men, and if you want a homemaker, I’ll suggest you go for another woman who will serve you at home”, Roslyn replied.

Her dad glared at her. Obviously, he wasn’t happy with Roslyn's response, but she paid no attention to him. She engulfed herself with her food. David shifted uncomfortable with his seat; his face looked rather flushed.

“Trust me; I’ll rather be with another”. He said only to Roslyn hearing. She rolled her eyes heavenward but said nothing afterward.

“I don’t want you either”, she said to herself.

Roslyn and David trudged through the long hallway, to the back of the mansion. Roslyn went ahead of David, stopping at the balcony with her gaze fixed on the beautiful garden.

“Why did you agree to this marriage?” she bargained.

David stood beside her and his gaze fell on her. “Don’t get your hopes high Roslyn, I haven’t agreed to marry you yet”, David reiterated.

Roslyn sigh, she was getting irritated with the young man already; she almost cursed herself, to have started a conversation with him.

“He’s a handsome young man, but lack mannerism”, she breathes heavenly.

“Are you always arrogant or you just don’t like my guts?”David asked.

“Well, there is nothing to like about you, anyway”. Roslyn hissed and grimaced at what David just said. “How on earth am I going to live with this man for the rest of my life”, she questioned herself. “I’m only tolerating him because of my parents”.

“Coming here is a total waste of time, I should be in my office making money”, his voice sank into an amorous whisper.

“Well, I agree with you on this one. why can’t you tell your parents that you aren’t interested in this marriage”, Roslyn suggested.

“Aye, you’re quite a beauty without a brain. If I can cancel the marriage arrangement, I wouldn’t be here”. His manly voice buzz in Roslyn ears, and she wondered why few minutes ago he said he hasn’t agreed to marry her yet and now he’s saying he can’t pull out.

“He’s such a confused man”, Roslyn murmured to herself. “Are you spiritually fulfilled?” asked Roslyn, changing the topic.

“If you’re trying to know, if I go to church, then the answer is no, I’m a busy man, I hardly get time for myself”.

“Perhaps you should try to have time for yourself, because a good husband always makes out time for his family and attend Sunday service.” Said Roslyn,

“I’ve gotten all I need; I have no reason to attend church”. What David said got Roslyn thinking that, why her parents agree to such arrangement. She also wondered if her parents knew the family which they wanted her to spend the rest of her life with.

“Perhaps, you still don’t know why Christ said man shall not live by bread alone, truly you have all you need but you still lack one thing”. She told him good naturedly.

David frowned at her clearly, he didn’t understand what she was talking about. “And what is that, if I may ask?”

Roslyn inhaled deeply and turned her gaze to him. “You lack God in your life”, she voiced out. David said nothing for a while. Roslyn watched him with squinted eyes, waiting for him to say something.

“If you’re a religious woman, I see no reason why you’ll want to marry me”. He spoke.

“Well, you’re a handsome young man, but you have no brain. I’m forced to be with you the same way you’re forced to be with me”. Roslyn smiled at her own words, “sure we’re even now”. She said to herself, David frowned at her; clearly, he was bent out of shape because of what Roslyn said. But Roslyn on the other hand had a beautiful smile plastered on her face.

The night has slowly taken over the bright day, and a silvery white moonlight sprinkled on the beautiful garden. The dark night covered all the scenery inside the garden. Roslyn no longer saw the face of the arrogant young man clearly and she thanked the darkness for that because she found his face annoying.

“It’s a pleasure spending time with you”, she lied.

“I wish I could say the same”, David reiterated.

Ignoring him, Roslyn swiftly walked back into the mansion, leaving David alone. She has been praying for a time she would lock herself in her room and fantasy on her first love. She locked the wooden door behind her and dropped herself on the cold tiles floor. Few minutes later, she slowly stood up on her two feet and head for her bed; she remembered the box that she kept under the bed before leaving her room earlier. With an exaggerated sigh, she bent herself on the cold floor, bringing the small old box with her. Roselyn meticulously opened the cover, scrutinizing the pictures with a faint smile on her face. Roslyn found it amazing that Dave and David sounded almost the same; the two have similar name but distinct personality. Dave was a caring, loving and amazing person, though he was plain and chubby but David was the complete opposite of Dave. The only good thing about David is his facial look.

Roslyn was awake and fretted the whole night. Her head whirled and ache as the thought of David continued to linger in her mind. She wished she can forget everything happening in her life and have a good sleep. Stretching her right arm to the bedside, she picked her alarm clock. It’s already 1:00 in the morning and she couldn’t sleep. A bored sigh escaped her lips. Roslyn reached for the polished wooden door and opened it. She stepped outside; her feet maneuvered on the stairs. She shuffled her way into the kitchen. Without wasting much time, she headed for the fridge and reached out for a bottle of water. Roslyn poured herself a small glass of water, the tasteless water passed through her dehydrated throat and a low bulge sound came out from her parted lips. She lazily dropped the glass cup on the kitchen table. Roslyn reached for the chair and sat down forlornly with the tip of her hand placed on her chin.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Bella’s voice startled Roslyn. She hurriedly placed her hand to her chest. Her breath became shallow and heavy.

“Y—yes”, Roslyn shuttered, her hand still lingered on her chest. “Why is that?” Bella bargain, “I can’t stop thinking”, said Roslyn, placing her hand back to her chin. “Thinking’ of David or Dave?” “My mind can’t seem to settle in one place, but I know, this is just on the spur of the moment. I wish I could go in search of the one my heart yarns for”.

Bella reached for the chair beside Roslyn and made herself comfortable.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea at all”. Roslyn looked at Bella tenderly. “Just thinking’ not like I have any idea where to find him.”

“Well, I’m awfully sorry that you will have to marry David. Perhaps you will fall for David in the future, who knows”. Said Bella; she stood up from the chair, parted Roslyn on her shoulder before dashing out of the kitchen, living Roslyn alone to her churning thoughts.

Roslyn shuffled her way back to her room. A shiver ran down her spine as the frosty morning breeze kissed her face. Roslyn might have forgotten to close the window last night; she matched to the window; trembled at the deathly dark night outside, her eyes automatically closed, she smelled the aroma of the early morning air and a smile creped it way to her face. She slowly walked back to her bed and retrieved her new bible from her bed stand. Roslyn opened the scripture that corresponded with her present situation. She was worried, and pondered why she has to be the one to marry David, of all the million girls in the world. But Roslyn knows that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. She wondered if God has a purpose for her in David’s life; that was why he allowed everything that was happening to her now. “Moreover, whom God predestinate, them he also called”. She said to herself. “Perhaps this is what God wants for me.” she closed her eyes, hoping she’ll soon fall asleep. It was such a dreary day for Roslyn, Roslyn breath became shallow and her eyes heavy. The sleep she has been waiting for has dominated her eyes and she has no reason to stay awake and so she allowed the sleep consume her.