"But Mama!" Gabriella cried out to her mother Sonia.
"No Gabriella," her father Robert stated sternly. " The deal has been done. You will marry on January 5th. End of discussion." Her father had always been strict and the unsaid rule had always been whatever he says goes.
The young Spanish girl sloped off upstairs to sob her heart out in peace. Her father had arranged her marriage over six months ago with her future father in law. It was considered 'men's territory' and none of the women such as Gabriella, Sonia or her future mother in law got a say in it. The only man who had no choice was her future husband who she had yet to meet. Gabriella did not fully understand why she was being forced into this but she did know that the Bolton's were a very rich family, and her father was not one to refuse an offer that consisted off a fully paid wedding, a house and the very best for his daughter. But to his daughter none of that actually mattered. She didn't care if she could have everything with this man without having to lift a finger. All she wanted right now was her own life. To go out and have fun and find someone that she truly loved and then chose whether or not she wanted to marry them. But now that had all been done for her and there was now nothing left to do except say 'I do.' Sonia's only comfort was knowing that her daughter would be looked after and even though she wouldn't like it, she would always be cared for no matter what happened.
It was the 21st of December and the Montez family was sharing it with the Bolton's. Christmas day would be the first time that the soon to be newly weds would meet. The only joy that Gabriella was getting out of this wedding was choosing her own dress. She had spotted one that she loved in Seattle where she had lived less than one week ago. The family had moved to New Mexico to become one family after the wedding of the two children. The dress in Seattle wouldn't be ready in time; however, Gabriella found one that she loved even more in a quaint little shop just outside of Albuquerque. She was searching with her mum and best friend Taylor. Taylor's mum had unfortunately passed away just over a year ago and after that she moved in with the Montez's who had always considered her to be like a daughter. So it only seemed fair to bring her on the move from Seattle to Albuquerque in New Mexico.
The Montez family lived in a four bed roomed house in a suburban area on the outskirts of Albuquerque. The house was fairly big and was a typical family home. Taylor was planning on staying even after Gabriella had left, but only until she had found herself a job. She and Gabriella had just passed all of their exams and were now classed as qualified teachers. But Gabriella's father was very close to getting his own way and condemning his daughter to be a housewife for all eternity.
Her dress had arrived on the 22nd of December and was now hanging silently in her bedroom closet. Taylor's dress was just as beautiful as Gabriella's. She was going to be the maid of honour for Gabriella. Her dress was a strapless red gown, which dragged gently across the floor. Gabriella had chosen beautiful red heels to match the design of the dress and the flowers would be white roses. The brides dress was very similar in design except it had an exceptionally long train and it was ivory. She chose a veil with a tiara, after the ceremony she would just wear the tiara. This meant that during the service no one could see her tears. She also had white Mary-Jane heels and her bouquet was going to be red, silky roses. Red and white was the colours that she had always wanted for her wedding. And even if she was being forced to marry a stranger she was determined to include these colours somewhere. Because it was the only wedding that she was ever going to have and she knew she had to make the most of it.
"I cannot believe you're doing this to me dad! How can you make me marry a girl that I don't love let alone even know!" Troy was trying to rebel against his father's wishes even though he knew that nothing he said would change what was soon to happen.
"Troy it's been done. Besides, she is a beautiful girl and you can learn to love each other like me and your mother did." Jack Bolton stated calmly.
"Learn to love each other? LEARN TO LOVE EACH OTHER!" Troy lost his patience. "Dad this isn't school anymore it's my life and you're ruining it!"
Jack chose to ignore his son's rants. This had been happening on a regular basis since he had managed to get a young girl to marry Troy. He had made sure she was attractive and what he considered to be Troy's type before making it a done deal. But the worse thing was that he felt absolutely no guilt whatsoever about the trauma he was causing to his child.
Troy went upstairs and saw his suit hanging on the door of his closet. Very soon he was going have someone who depended on him and he would have to support. His life was practically ending. He moved the suit to find his jeans and a shirt that his mother had left out ready for Christmas day. She had always agreed with Troy on this matter but it seemed that it didn't matter what anyone said because it was happening. Full stop.
Gabriella's POV"Gabriella Isobel Montez you will wear this and there will be no excuses!" dad yelled at me as he held up the most disgusting looking dress I had ever seen in my whole life. It even made my mum cringe. I looked at my mum for help.
"Robert, darling. If Ella has to meet this young man then she needs to feel comfortable. She's going through with the wedding so let her dress herself." This was the only thing that my dad couldn't argue with. He knew I would never leave the house looking trampy and if I was going to marry this guy then he was going to see me looking crap anyway.
I ran upstairs to get ready. In case you didn't already know, today is Christmas day. Not the best but it had been ok. My parents had bought me a new cell phone. I bought my mother some ear rings and my father some shirts, one of them he planned to wear today. I had got Taylor the boots that she had been admiring in a shop window for weeks. She bought me the bag that I had been drooling over for the last five weeks.
Taylor was in my room getting ready. She put on her favorite black jeans, the new boots that I had bought her and a red shirt. I had already decided that I wanted the more casual look because that was who I was. I decided on my blue skinny jeans, a black vest top, and my oversized grey cardigan. I let my natural curls fall down my back and applied minimal make up. I put some heels on just to keep dad happy and picked up my black travel beg before heading out to the car. I was nervous. After all…first impressions mean a lot.
Troy's POVI woke up early on Christmas morning. I rolled over and saw the red light flashing at 7am. I decided to get up. My parents had said Chad was spending the night and then Christmas day with us as well because his parents were out of town for the holidays. And apparently it was 'unfair' to allow a young man spend Christmas on his own.
I got out of bed and went downstairs wearing only my basketball shorts. My mum was in the kitchen drinking coffee.
"Happyy Christmas son, sleep well?" my mum asked me.
"You too mum…it was ok I guess. You?" I asked politely.
"Not really son, I think I was nervous about today." I looked into my mother's eyes and for the first time she looked…old. Her hair seemed to hang lifelessly, her skin was pale and the bags under her eyes were extremely noticeable. "I'm sorry you have to do this Troy." She said to me quietly.
I had always resented my parents for doing this to me but now I thought about it, it was nothing to do with my mother and there was no reason why I should be blaming her. "It's not your fault mum. We all know what dad's like once he gets an idea. And who knows? Maybe my new wife will be my perfect match." I tried to lighten the mood and knew I had done so when I saw the small smile creep across my mother's face.
I walked over to the fridge and took out some orange juice and helped myself to some toast that my mum had prepared. Dad came downstairs at 8.30am while me and mum were watching TV. Then it was time to open presents. I bought my mum a book that she had wanted and a relaxation set. I got my dad a basketball signed by all of the Lakers. My parents bought me some new clothes, the same as always and then a brand new watch. I was guessing all the smart new things were for the sake of my fiancée. I sighed to myself while my dad showered and my mum and me resumed our positions on the sofa. All I knew about my new wife was that she was apparently beautiful. But this was what her father had told my father and people say that there's nothing stronger than a father's love.
I showered and then dressed in the clothes that my mother had left for me a couple of days ago. I walked down the stairs and greeted Chad who had obviously just arrived. As we walked into the kitchen we saw my dad sat at the breakfast bar, fingering something small and shiny.
"Troy!" he said proudly as I walked into the room. "Come here you two sit. Troy I have something to give you."
He pushed a mauve velvet box towards me and placed in my hand the shiny object. It was an engagement ring, and a beautiful one at that.
"Dad why are you giving me this?" I don't know why I asked that question because I already knew. And he knew that I knew. It was for her.
"Troy don't play dumb." He scolded. "Now after dinner you will take Gabriella for a walk and you will give her that ring. Understood?"
"Yes sir." I replied with fake enthusiasm.
So…Gabriella. That was the name of my future wife. It sounded pretty but sometimes names are deceiving. Kind of like chocolate. The name sounds so good, it rolls of your tongue with ease. Yet one mouthful and your addicted and the end result is you wearing 300lbs and not being able to move off the sofa. I was now praying that this afternoon would never come.
No one's POVGabriella and her family arrived at the Bolton's at 1pm on Christmas day. The only people that had met before were the parents. The Montez's didn't know Troy and the Bolton's didn't know Gabriella. Both youngsters felt like this was as bad as the death sentence. Robert eagerly pulled his wife Sonia to the door while Gabriella and Taylor dragged behind.
"It might not be too bad Ella." Taylor tried to comfort her friend who was close to tears. She held he hand tightly as they walked up the garden path together and stood behind Gabriella's parents, waiting for someone to come and open the front door.
Lesley Bolton heard the ringing of the doorbell and hurried to answer the door before her husband made Troy do it. She smiled politely as she saw a friendly looking man and woman. The woman reminded her of herself, she looked tired and uncomfortable with the situation.
"Ahh Lesley…so good to see you!" Robert said happily. "This is my wife Sonia I don't believe you ladies have met. Sonia this is Lesley Bolton." The two women exchanged handshakes, firmly grasping the others hand as if looking for strength in each other. Robert walked into the house and was met by Jack who instantly invited him into his den. Sonia sighed. It was just like her husband to leave her to introduce everyone else.
"I'm very sorry about Robert, Lesley. He gets a little bit carried away sometimes." Sonia stated.
"Don't worry about it, Jack's the same." Sonia smiled. She liked this woman and knew she could make a good friend out of all of this.
"Well Lesley this is Taylor McKessie, my daughter's best friend who lives with us. And this is my daughter…Gabriella." Gabriella stepped forward and smiled politely through the tears that were threatening to fall. Lesley gasped as she admired Gabriella's beauty. She had heard all about her intelligence but she had never imagined her to look quite like this. Her dark complexion was mysterious yet her brunette curls softened her features. She had perfect hourglass figure and walked elegantly in her heels.
"It's lovely to meet you Mrs. Bolton." Gabriella couldn't take it any more. The tears ran down her face. Lesley started to cry at the sight of this broken young woman. She slapped away her waiting hand and pulled her into a loving hug.
"I'm so sorry Gabriella. I really am." Gabriella settled in arms. Lesley reminded her of her mum and she found comfort in that. They stayed like this for several minutes. "Come on ladies, I'll take you all upstairs to freshen up." Gabriella turned and noticed her mother in Taylor's arms. Everyone had been crying and the four immaculate women now looked like tatty hags from their tears. She showed Taylor and Gabriella into one bathroom and took Sonia into her own. Gabriella looked at Taylor.
"It's not fair Tay. I just want to have a normal life. Is that so much to ask?"
"Ok Ella. Come on now. Dry your eyes, let's fix our make up and meet everyone else. Then we can cry some more if we need to ok?" Gabriella smiled at her friends little plan. The two girls tided themselves and stepped out onto the corridor and were met by the two mothers'.
Sonia spoke to her daughter, "Gabriella, Lesley said that Troy has a friend staying here today so why don't you and Taylor introduce yourselves? I'm going to go and help with the lunch. Is that ok?" Gabriella nodded quietly. She knew she couldn't rely on her mum forever and she might as well start now.
Lesley pointed them towards Troy's bedroom door. She looked at Taylor again for support before knocking on the door. Inside she could hear the deep quiet voices of two men trying to whisper.
"Come in!" one of them shouted. Taylor squeezed Gabriella's hand before slowly opening the door and bringing her friend inside. Then quietly closed the door behind her.