The Laws of Marriage

RORA

"Rora, there's someone on the door for you!"

I just finished my daily makeup when Jill, my roommate, called out from the living room. She sounded excited for some reason.

"In a minute, Jill!"

I wasn't expecting anyone to visit me at the moment. Also, it's 7:10 am on a Monday.

After removing the curlers on my hair, I got up and went out of my room. I'm still so tired after the lectures on taxation laws from last night that the exhaustion turned out to be dark circles under my eyes. I did my best to cover it with concealer, but I guess I'm too tired that no concealer can save it.

As soon as I stepped out of the door, I noticed a third person in the living room. He was talking to Jill and she was nodding. It didn't take long before her eyes met mine and she broke into a grin.

And then the man turned around.

My lips parted. It's Sean. My fiance.

Sean has sleek black hair that's always combed back. Since we were in high school he'd been an eye-catcher, which isn't surprising at all since he's everyone's dream type: tall, dark and handsome. He's also the kindest person I know. Maybe those were also the reasons why my parents chose him to be my future husband. The best they know.

"Rora! I'm sorry I haven't called beforehand." - he walked towards me and gave me a peck on the right cheek.

I saw Jill raised her eyebrow. She knows the whole story of how I brought myself in this situation, but this is the first time she's met Sean.

"It's okay. Are you here for a meeting in the city?" - I asked. He's been busy managing his family's hotel business since the turn of the year.

Sean shook his head.

"No, I visited a potential hotel branch nearby. I just came to drive you to work...maybe?"

I licked my lips. Sean understands the situation, too. He knows I only agreed to the marriage because I had no choice; because it's the only way my parents would let me continue my law school after finding out about it after three years.

I turned to look at Jill, who nodded frantically.

"Fine. Are you sure?" - I asked.

"Yeah. It's the least I can do."

I gave him a shy smile. I guess the last time I saw him was two weeks ago when I visited him at the office to deliver some plans for the wedding. I got caught up with law school stuff right after that. And I guess he got busy with work, too.

I nodded and excused myself to get my bag. From the background, I can see Jill wiping the washed dishes clean and placing them back on the cabinets. She's already on her work clothes so I guess we're both ready to go.

-

"Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything?" - Sean asked as he looked at me up and down.

I frowned and shook my head.

"Nothing, it's just... I'm used to seeing you with a huge backpack and a thick book on your hand. Don't you have class tonight?"

I chuckled.

"Nah, Judge Ramona has an urgent work tonight. He can't meet us for class."

There's a sudden illumination on Sean's face. Behind us, Jill got into the car and closed the door.

"Nice meeting you, Sean. Thank you for doing this." - Jill said

Sean's eyes didn't leave me when he said thanks. And then he started the car and we got on our way.

The car ride was filled with stories of Jill and her pending wedding preparations with Kyle. Between us, I'm the first who got engaged first but their wedding is sooner than mine. Unlike me, she only focused on working at Breather, this entertainment magazine where we both work at. On the 5 pm mark, she then goes home to relax and tend to her personal life. The same time I go to law school for my night classes.

"Shall I turn to the left or to the right?" - Sean

"Left. And then there's the office... the light green building." - I said, pointing to the Breather. Alas.

Sean parked the car and Jill said her thanks. When I was about to unbuckle my seat belt, he stopped me by calling my name.

"Yes?"

"Let's have dinner tonight." - Sean said.

I gulped. I know the answer should be an automatic yes. I should not be thinking about too deep like this.

"I..."

"Please? I hardly see you these past days."

A pang of guilt hit me... but what do I do? I'm a junior law student. I have no time for my personal life. However, I know he's right. I am marrying him, it is a basic principle that I should at least try to spend time with him. To know him better as a husband.

After all, I gave my word to my parents.

"Okay."

He looked relieved.

"That's great. I'll pick you up after work."

I stretched my lips for a smile and got off the car. Jill waved a goodbye as the car honked. Right when Sean disappeared on the corner, Jill let out a shriek. I bet she has been holding that back since we were at the apartment.

"You didn't tell me your fiance's a real life Adonis!"

I frowned. I think that's an exaggeration.

"Come on, Rora. It's not like being engaged to this gorgeous man is a bad thing."

I shot Jill a confused look. I swear I told her this is only an act of compromise. She then raised both her palms in the air.

"Okay, okay You don't need to be upset with me. Are you meeting him after work?"

I nodded.

"Yes, we're having dinner tonight."

Another shriek.

I walked ahead of Jill to the company's gate. She's right. Any woman would kill to be Sean's wife and I'm lucky enough that he finds me attractive.

I guess this dinner won't be so bad at all.

RORA

Sean and I dropped Jill at the apartment before we went our way to our dinner date. Sean told me he called for a reservation on this famous steakhouse in town.

While on our way, we only had casual conversation about our day.

"...and then my head editor told me my work isn't like my previous articles before. He told me I've been slacking off. I know that's not true. I'm a good writer... it's just that I've been focused on law school the past month because it's midterm exams."- I vented

"I know you're great. Maybe your editor doesn't understand your busy schedule."

I sighed. Of course he doesn't. No one in the office really does.

"That's out of my control anyway. How about you? Is the hotel going well?"

He smiled.

"Sales-wise, yes."

"That's good to hear. Your hotel has been like that for the past years."

"OUR hotel." - he corrected

"After our wedding, it's going to be our conjugal property so you might as well call it our hotel from now on, sweet pea." - he said and I turned my head to the right. The wedding's something I don't want to bring up tonight.

An awkward silence filled the air as he said that. And I know he sensed my indifference too. By that, Sean turned on the car radio to drown the silence. No one between us said a word until we reached the restaurant.

-

"Here we are."

I focused my attention to the cosmopolitan building right in front of us. I heard about this steakhouse before. Some of the most important people in the city recommends and were hosted in this place. That speaks volume of their quality and service.

Sean got out of the car first and opened the door to my side. He helped me out by holding my hand. When a valet came for the car key, another man in black suit approached us and confirmed our reservation. Shortly, we were escorted inside.

The glass ceiling made the moon look gigantic. The huge Dorian columns, the marble tables, the candle accents on each corners and the Victorian vibe of the interior design was picturesque.

"This way, Sir, Ma'am." - the man said

Our table was located in the cornermost area of the steakhouse, right next to an artificial fireplace. The table has a small bouquet of rose, a champagne on a bucket of ice and two champagne flutes. I guess that came with the reservation?

Sean picked the bouquet up and handed it to me.

"These roses sure do look fresh as they said." - he murmured

"Thank you."

The menu was handed to us and I ordered garlic-seared salmon with sauteed lentils on the side. Sean ordered a T-bone steak in medium rare and a small bowl of mashed potato. After a filling lunch at the office today, I don't think I'm in the mood for steak.

"Let me pour you some champagne, sir." - the man said and we waited. Finally, when he's done, he left our table.

I picked up the flute and took a sip. It was a treat to the tongue. First sip and I already know we'll have a long list for the bill.

"This is great, Rora. " - Sean said and smiled. His two rows of perfect teeth made me frown in envy

"It is." - is it, though?

"Actually, there's uh- (Sean paused to wipe the corners of his lips with the napkin)... there's a real reason why I came here this morning."

I see... I already knew it in my guts.

I waited.

"The wedding's 3 weeks away. Our parents have been busy with all the preparations. Last night, the wedding gown arrived. It's in the trunk of my car. I came here to let you fit it, see if there's some adjustments and stuff. I had my wedding suit yesterday and it was perfect." - the genuine smile got into me

I subconsciously nodded. Sean looked so happy. I'm also positive he's a busy person too, but he came all this way to bring the wedding gown to me himself. He's really a good man... and here I am across the table thinking about the upcoming Midterms I have to prepare to secure this semester.

"... the tailor would be too happy to cater your wishes if you need something. I haven't seen the gown myself, but it's your mother's choice, I'm sure it's the best."

Even my wedding gown's selected by my own mother. Great.

"Sean, just... (I paused and bit my lower lip.) Let's have this dinner first. I'll take the wedding gown later at home. With Jill."

Sean looked like I hurt his ego... but it was a fleeting emotion in his face, and then it was gone. Thankfully, we didn't need to engage to awkward silence after that because our mouth-watering orders just arrived. Even the smell's enough to make my stomach growl.

"Here are your orders, sir. Anything else?"

Sean dismissed the waiter with a thank you and a smile. The rest of the evening went on, but none of us mentioned anything about the wedding again.

-

-

Sean dropped me off to the apartment half an hour later. The light's still on inside as seen from the thin baby blue drapes. I unbuckled my seat belt and as soon as my right hand touched the car door, Sean spoke:

"Can I see you again this week?"

He looked at me like a hopeful puppy. How can I say no? Besides, I felt obligated to do so.

"I'll call you, Sean. I have a lot on my plate this week."

"Sure. I had a beautiful night, Rora. I hope we can do this again."

I nodded and smiled, in the most convincing way possible. Then I walk out of the car with a weird feeling. He said he had a beautiful night. I don't know which part of that date was he referring to. I am aware I had been awful. Cold and indifferent as always.

I knocked on our apartment door the same time the car drove away. Jill welcomed me with an enthusiastic "How did it go?'. I said nothing, walked past her, and crashed on the bed.

RORA

Two weeks after that and the wedding gown was sent to me again for final fitting. I have told the tailor last time that I prefer a longer sleeves. Thankfully, it was heeded... and the gown fit perfectly, only that my mind's still going places.

Sean and I had been preoccupied by our personal careers since that awkward dinner. He's been going here and there for business meetings, and I had been spending my nights with my nose buried in a thick textbook for midterms.

This afternoon, I took my last test... and the night's still young to go home.

"Let's go?" - Macky, one of my closest friends in law school said.

His girlfriend, Diane, was still talking to our professor about her exams. He, June and I were waiting outside the mock court. Macky invited us to his older brother's new bar in the city and since I had a lot of thoughts to process in the moment, I chose to tag along.

Shortly, Diane joined us with a disappointed face.

"He didn't consider it, did he?" - I asked. She passed her Case Digests requirement one day late.

Diane shook her head. Macky's smile disappeared and he quickly pulled his girlfriend close for am embrace. Beside me, June grimaced.

"Don't worry about it. Let's just have fun tonight." - I said, squeezing her arms

"It's okay, baby. I know you did well in your exams anyway." - Macky

June cocked his head to my direction, signifying that we should get on our way. I walked with him to his car and sat in the passenger's seat. The lovers can comfort each other as much as they can at the back.

"I'll send you the link for the bar's direction, June." - Macky said and June nodded.

None of us talked about the depressing exam in the car. Instead, we talked about this new bar Macky recommended.

"It opened a week ago, and well, it's located just a few blocks away from Legal Society Law School... I'm positive many of them would be there tonight. Especially the Beta Kappa Phi fraternity, you know, my brother's an alumnus of that frat." - Macky explained

Fraternity, huh? I was always curious of what it would be like to a member of one. But June is, and he has told me a lot about the internal organization... and I changed my mind.

"Fratmen... ooh, sounds hot. But not for me, of course!" - Diane said,and then took it back

"Hot, yes... but only one among the four of us is single. June may meet the girl of his dreams tonight." - Macky added

June only shrugged. He's a man of few words.

After 5 minutes, we reached the bar.

Two bouncers were guarding the main door, checking every person's ID before letting them in. Macky winked at us as he whispered something to the bouncer and not long after, we were signaled to follow him.

"I guess connections really are convenient at times." - I murmured

"Saves us some time, don't you think?" - Diane laughed

June followed us after securing a parking space outside. A middle-aged man introduced himself as Harvey and escorted us to a vacant table at the corner. There's a small card with the words RESERVED placed on it. I fathom Macky has already called for a reservation on the way here.

Diane and Macky sat together and I took the seat across them. June joined us shortly and then the man called Harvey recommended the barista's best drinks of choice for the night. But all I can think about is tequila.

"Woah, slow down girl!" - Diane said

"Let her have fun, Babe." - Macky said, giggling

"You, June?" - I handed him the list of drinks

"Just beer. I have to study for Constitutional Law tonight.

I nodded. Right, unlike the rest of us, June has class tomorrow, a back subject he failed last year.

After taking note of our orders, Harvey excused himself.

I looked around, and they were right. There are diverse people in the bar. Macky's also right about this place being a den for fraternities. I can see ones from our college, and some unfamiliar faces which I guess are from our rival law school.

Three tables away, a group of men were laughing too loud. I know enough about Greek letters that I recognized the flag pinned on the wall as what Macky said earlier: Beta Kappa Phi.

"You're glaring at them." - June said, poking me by my left arm.

I didn't break contact. The music's too loud already, they didn't need to add to its chaotic atmosphere by being too loud.

"They're too noisy. Is there someone to at least tell them to lower their voices?"

"Just ignore them." - June suggested

Macky and Diane are too busy making out that none of them seemed to be distracted by the noise nearby. I turned my head to June and clicked my tongue. I guess if none of my friends would like to ask someone's attention, I should do the work myself.

"Rora, don't."

June warned as he stopped me by the wrist.

"I won't do anything stupid." - I said, just for him to let me go.

He did, and I stormed my way towards the nearby table. As I neared, eyes followed. The roaring laughter stopped and they all looked at me.

"Yes, lollipop?"

A man with unruly black hair, innocent face with deep, dark eyes, and a dimple on his left cheek towered as he stood up. By the looks of it, and from the seat he got up from, I bet this one's the leader of the fraternity.

"You're not the only person in here." - I said, my voice shaking. I don't like the feeling of being stared at by all these man. It makes my skin crawl.

The man smirked.

"I can see that. Problem?"

I bit the insides of my cheeks. I can smell his arrogance like a very strong masculine perfume.

"My friends and I are trying to have some fun. Apparently, that's hard to do with all your bickering just 5 meters away."

There was a hint of a smile as he said that, but he quickly shrugged it off. His eyes traveled south to my ID sling. With long fingers, he picked up my ID card.

"Rora Alexis Domingo, Maryland Law School, huh?"

I frowned. He pronounced my school name with a slur.I glanced at the flag again. There was a school logo at the topmost right corner.

"I see you're from Legal Society. Entitlement stinks on you."

Behind him, I heard his companions laughed.

His eyes hardened and his jaw clenched. I think I offended him.