The Unsucessful Marriage

"The witch is coming!"

Girls around me created chuckles, belittling me as they saw me being in this celebration. Trying to ignore them, I looked at my Auntie, whose eyes were directed into the old celebrant who was currently having her birthday speech.

I was surrounded by an enchanting place, many disco lights brightening the people's faces. Sweet music was playing to intensify the soothing vibes I was feeling. Truth be told, I was feeling cold, for my Auntie forced me to wear a dress that revealed my bare shoulders.

I even could not understand her. Why were we even here? Were we invited?

"Stop staring at me, Phillie. You are about to hear good news," Auntie warned me. But I just could not help it. I did not like any occasion all of my life. I did not like any event because Auntie was strict and introverted.

And somehow, the statement 'You are about to hear good news' she kept telling me for days sent shivers down my spine.

"The witches are here! I can't believe that the celebrant allowed someone like them to be here as guests!"

That insult was surely heard by my Auntie. But just as always, she just acted innocently. Deep inside, I was again disappointed at the people around me -- they were judgemental. How could they bear to say such awful words to us? We were not witches. That's the truth.

"If you keep looking at me, they will think you are affected. Focus, Philie, you don't need their useless opinions."

That was her most commonly used line.

"Why am I dressing so elegantly, though?" I again asked her. "And you told me not to come close to any Brooks, yet we're here, in their celebration."

Brooks was known for being rich. Most of their family members owned shipping lines, and the others had restaurants, hotels, resorts, and many more. They were intelligent in any aspect. Nevertheless, Auntie Dina did not like Brooks. I meant, she never did. I did not know the reason why, though -- that's the secret she was trying to hide from me.

"Your life is about to change. But please, just trust me; what I am doing is for your good." In just a blink of an eye, her eyes were already filled with visible tears, her hands cupping my chin. "I love you, you know that--

"Hey, what's wrong?" My heart pounded. I was getting nervous based on the words she had said. "Seems like we are going to be far from each other. No, Auntie, that is not gonna happen."

I forgot to maintain my class, causing some guests to look at us, wondering why Auntie and I were emotional.

"Oh, what are they doing here? I don't think someone like you wear nice clothes," a guest.

I stared at her. How dare her insult us like that?

"Oh, what's wrong?"

My muscles tensed as a beautiful old woman wearing a long gown went near us. Her beautiful eyes remained on me. "What's wrong, dear?"

God. I had just created a scene. She was supposed to be continuing her dramatic speech, but here she was stopping the little chaos I had caused.

"No offense, my friend, but who invited those people to be in here? Are you not afraid to be cursed by that witches?"

Ouch.

"I am sorry, Dina," the old woman apologized to Auntie, "and I am sorry, Philie. Please be comfortable." And she looked at the complaining guest. "My friend, I am the one who invited them. Besides, they are not witches -- witches are not true, so stop mentioning those words. Philip and Dina are here for a significant reason, so I am hoping for your kind treatment to them."

Some agreed, but many did not.

"So, since everyone is curious about them, let me tell you the reason why they are here..." the old woman spoke up, walking up to the stage with a helper assisting her. All I noticed about her was that she was kind and humble, that despite the wealth, she still treated poor people like me good. She's beautiful, inside and out. "I know most of you know that my oldest son had just arrived from Italy... And now, I want you all to know that tonight is not only for my birthday."

Their family was the talk of the town. And everyone knew that the celebrant today, Maricris Brooks, had two sons; the younger was studying business economics abroad while the oldest had just arrived to expand his business in the Philippines. I had no interest in any of Brooks' siblings; regardless they were women's fantasy.

They were known for being extremely hot and for being... Good in bed. They had good genes and body structure. The Brooks siblings were good at sports, too; that was what I heard from girls my age. They almost excelled in everything. To say that they were talented would be an understatement.

Above all, Auntie Dina kept warning me about those two men. She said they were dangerous, though she did need to be worried because I was not even interested in someone right now.

"He's currently resting. But I am too excited to keep this news all by myself!" Mrs. Brooks shouted in delight, and many whispered, curious for sure. "Xlyde Brooks, my oldest son, is now engaged with someone! And that's the most shocking news I have got!"

The whole place roared -- all girls, excluding me, shouted not because of happiness but because of jealousy. Beside me was Auntie Dina. She's crying again! And I hated it because she's not sharing the reason with me!

And to my surprise, the spotlight hit my face, and Auntie's cry sounded more audible, causing me to panic. I could not choose what to do first -- to ask Mrs. Brooks or calm my Auntie down. I came here thinking Auntie just needed a moment to enjoy this night, yet now everybody was gawking at me as though I was a big question mark in their eyes.

"Auntie, what's happening?" I got nervous more. "Explain this to me--"

"Yes, you are all thinking right. The lady under the spotlight is going to marry my son, Xlyde, as soon as possible!"

The hell?!

"Auntie, answer me!" I was so desperate to the core. I did not mind anymore if many eyes were on me, for I only needed to have Auntie's answer.

"This is for your own sake." She held me on both shoulders. "You will thank me someday. I am not always by your side, so you need someone who can take care of you--"

"No! No!" This could not be! We were okay earlier! We sometimes argued, but that was not enough reason for her to abandon me like this! She's my inspiration, my only one inspiration, why I chose to be single since birth to follow all her words! She was the one who made me realize that I did not need anyone to be happy! But now, she's being so hard to understand! She's forcing me to marry someone I did not even love!

"Excuse us, Mrs. Brooks, I need to talk to Philie first," Auntie talked to her, and the guests took pictures and videos of us. "Come on, I never tell you to be stubborn like this!" her voice thundered as soon as we were in the garden. "You will marry him, no matter what happens!'

"So you demanded me to wear this gown for that reason? Auntie, you're stealing my freedom away from me!'

Yes, she's the one who supported my everyday living; we were very poor to the point we experienced not eating for two days in lack of food; Still, I was already twenty years old to decide for myself. Marrying would be the least of my concern, and we both knew that, but now she was acting weird!

Auntie sobbed. "He's rich. He is the way for you to find your real parents."

That stunned me.

"Let's be practical, Philie. Money is what you need to find your family. You working hard is not enough. You need a Brook."

My heart clenched at the sight of her crying. "But, you hate Brooks."

"I am trapped... I am sorry."

What did she mean?

"Auntie, are they threatening you? Are they blackmailing you using their power?!"

If she would say 'yes,' I would punch all the Brooks I knew!

"No, they did not! I was the one who requested first."

"Auntie, please..."

"I am gonna live abroad."

Seemed like my world had just crashed. I was used to breathing with Auntie by my side all my life. She was the one who witnessed how I grew up.

When I was young, my parents abandoned me. Auntie saw me in the trash being covered by thin white clothing. She rescued me, gave me milk, and supported my needs even though we're not blood-related. She was like a mother to me. She even kept pointing out that my mother loved me. Auntie had the right to brainwash me, for me to hate my mother, but never did she do that. She might scold me all the time, but I knew she cared for me.

"For what, Auntie? Are you tired of being with me?"

She got frozen, as though that question hit her conscience. "You know that's not true. Just understand our situation."

"But I don't need money!"

"Grow up, Philie! Please do!"

I shook my head. "I can find a job, Auntie. I don't have any experience, but I can do great at work--"

"Be beautiful on your wedding day." Her eyes could not look straight at mine. "Do not find me. Love that man. You need his money."

Money, money, money! I hated that living meant also needing for mon

"I can't marry him! I don't even know him! I am not yet ready! I don't want to torture myself!"

"As your acting mother, it is not easy to see you being belittled by the soc!" A tear fell from her eye as if it were a kind of a beautiful warning. "You are poor because of me! Do you know how it feels to see you being judged?! If you become a Brook, everyone will love and respect you!"

I felt the lump in my throat. "But... You don't need to live abroad..."

"I need to. You're a woman, Philie, and this is time for you to live without me by your side. We will meet someday, and I am sure you will thank me... I know you have lots of questions in your head now -- and I can't blame you for that -- but please trust me again this time. Your soon-to-be husband will help you big-time. So please, when tomorrow comes, do not find me. You will be a Brook soon."

Sadly, after that night, I never saw Ausaw again. The woman I loved the most was gone. And I did not think I could move on fast.

"Hi, Philie. Good morning! How's your sleep?" Maricris Brooks welcomed me.

After the night she announced my marriage, she encouraged me to reside here. I had gotten nothing to choose but to follow her since Auntie's house was being demolished.

"I am okay. Thank you," I politely replied. She has been treating me well; there was no way I would disrespect her. Yes, I considered her one of the reasons I was not with Auntie anymore, but I somehow felt comfortable with her.

"Are you excited to meet Xlyde?" she teased me, but it did not affect me.

Regardless, I answered, "Yes. He must be kind as you."

Her smile faded.

Oh, God, what did it mean?

"I am sorry, but he's a beast, Philie. That's why I am talking to you right now to warn you that he is hard to understand; that's why I need your patience in being with your soon-to-be husband."

I smiled, and a random thought flashed in my mind.

"I am sorry for meddling, but I have heard the maids earlier talking about the visitor coming. I wonder... If he/she is your relative?"

For years of existing, meeting a visitor was uncommon to me. I felt shy every time one asked for my name and age and then praised my face.

I was still studying; I was called a 'nerd' because I liked wearing eyeglasses. I had lots of pimples -- even until now, I still had ones. Most of my classmates bullied me by naming me a 'witch.' I was academically brilliant, and maybe that triggered them to hate me more.

"Oh, she is. She's Pia. You'll meet her later." She winked at me. "She's friendly. You two will be friends."

I did not think so.

I did not have any friends. Many were afraid to be with me (only adults appreciated my beauty). I tried to socialize before, but what happened just worsened the situation.

One time, someone courted me, and I did reject him. And the next day, after his confession, his body was found dead in the middle of the road. Again, many did not believe that it was because he was hit by a car driven by a reckless driver; instead, they put all the blame on me. They thought that I bewitched him, which was not true. They were just too judgemental.

That's why I did not dream of having a friend. My life was like being cursed. My parents were dumped, hated by society, and now left by my Auntie.

"You're spacing out, Philie, what's wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nothing, Madam. I am just excited to meet her."

Xy was probably still in his room resting since I never felt his presence around me. That was good, though, since I hated to be with a man.

"What is your wish for your birthday?"

"Madam..." I could not help but feel shy. Feeling glad she knew my birthday, I smiled. "I don't celebrate birthdays, Madam. I am already old for that thing."

"Oh, no, too bad, but I like celebrations!" She chuckled. "We are gonna celebrate your celebration! You're turning twenty-one, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then, where do you want to go? Do you want us to celebrate here with your friends? Or do you like to buy something?"

"Thank you." My smile appeared again. "I want to go to the beach when my birthday comes."

She was stunned, as if she wanted to say 'no' but just forcing herself not to. "That's great! It's wonderful that you are interested in celebrating your birthday. We will go to the beach!'

Okay, that was weird.

To see waves roaring was my favorite. It made me calm down amidst all the chaos. Every time I was feeling so down, I just thought about the sea and its exquisiteness. It's like I was born to love the sea.

"Can I excuse myself, then?" said Madam, who looked uncomfortable. "I will talk to you later. "I just need to do something."

Really weird.

The house I was stepping into right now was too big for a family. This had three floors, so I felt like admiring a mall. The place was classically designed with an orange-like wall. The chandelier in the middle of the living room proved the richness of Brooks.

Working came into my mind. Maybe I could talk to Madam and ask for a job. I was not blood-related to Brooks, and I did not want people to think I was useless here. I needed to prove myself to them.

"Hi, Mrs. Brooks, here's your snacks."

"Thank you for this. But I am not a Brook. You can call me 'Philie'."

The maid smiled. "Oh, but Madam Maricris told me to. I am afraid to be caught by her not following her instructions."

I suddenly pitied her. "Okay, then. Call me... 'Mrs. Brooks'."

I almost lost my breath when a man in his simple t-shirt and pants got water from the faucet, his body structure screaming for wealth and arrogance. The way he made ways looked so gracious, as if he never committed a single mistake in his life. In my eyes, everything about him was perfect.

As I had seen his beautiful side profile, I realized that he was Xy, the man I was getting married to.

"Philie?" his baritone voice asked; there's no gentleness in it.

The maid ran away, afraid.

Now I was alone with him. "Yes. F-Fancy meeting you."

He peeked a glance over me though it did not last long, not answering my questions. My jaw dropped as he left. I swallowed hard. Madam Maricris was right -- Xy was hard to understand; He always looked mad.

I held my chest as it thumped hard. I guessed I needed to stop drinking coffee. This might be the reason why I feel so tense right now.

"I have met him, Madam," I announced to her when we were having dinner. It's been hours, yet I still did not forget about my encounter with her son. And now I was disappointed since he's not in here to eat with us.

"Oh, that's nice. What's your first impression of her?" It's a good thing she usually acted again, unlike earlier when I noticed she kept avoiding my presence. "Oh, please, if he does something bad, tell me immediately."

I laughed a little. "He is slightly nice, Madam, but is kinda cold. He seems to like his words are limited."

She joined beaming. "I am sorry for that. Having his Pokerface is normal for him. Since his father died, he has been trained to manage our businesses. We never expected he would become too serious."

Death was the normal yet painful thing in this world, and it must be tedious to lose someone. I now understood Xy's feelings. He was just traumatic.

"He asked for my name and he left. That's all. I am thankful that he did not punch my ugly face."

"No, he does not hurt. I mean, he doesn't hurt physically. Anyway, you're not ugly, stop calling yourself like that."

I stared at nothingness. Madam Maricris was like Auntie every time she cheered me up.

When another morning came, I was welcomed with sexy Xy leaning on a couch with a glass of coffee in his hand. I got conscious about my physical appearance, but I still walked near him, not minding my crazy heart. It's still early at the moment, but with him, I felt sizzling already.

"Good morning," I did the first move.

And I received nothing. His eyes were still watching a documentary on the tv screen. He heard me; he was not just interested in answering.

"Have you had breakfast?" Amazingly, I wanted to befriend him. Parts of me wished to know him more -- his likes, hate dreams, and many more.

Silence fell. It's an awkward one.

It's so hard to start a topic with him! He did not like to talk much, and that's the problem. I had difficulty having a good conversation, and we were not helping each other at all.

"Oh, Xylde! Have you had breakfast?!" His Mom arrived. That was a good thing. I could not bear to be with someone who's like a robot.

"Yes," he answered.

"Okay, okay! How about we go shopping?"

I bit my lip, imagining myself inside the mall.

"Looks like Philie loves my ideas so let's shop, son!"

He sighed, irritated. He turned off the television using the small remote control. "I have lots of things to do."

Seven words. He's improving little by little.

"But you should have a bond with your soon-to-be wife! Stop being a killjoy, son! You're not getting younger so enjoy life!"

So we both knew we were getting married. I wondered if it was okay for him... I was curious if he had a girlfriend or what. And if ever I found out he had one, I would willingly let him go since I did not want to ruin a relationship.

"I am busy," he uttered and stood up. Without saying goodbye, he again left.

I sighed.

"He's a businessman, yet he's so disrespectful." Madam rolled her eyes. "I am sorry, again, Philie. I know you like the idea of our shopping, but he just ruined the mood."

"It's okay," I lied. "I understand him. He barely knows me that's why he doesn't have the interest to bond with me.".

Hence, we decided to just roam around. She introduced to me the quests room. After that, she presented the study room where Brooks' siblings used to study when they were young. Inside it was a library full of business-related books.

"This is Xy's library. His brother had his own inside his room. Since

Xylde was young; I already noticed that he would grow up embracing the business field."

I nodded. That was such an exciting story.

"Oh, those are musical instruments, right?" I pointed out the things I saw. "Does he play?"

"Yes, he does. You're the first girl who knows that he plays."

I was surprised. "What... What does it mean?"

"I am saying the truth. He was linked with lots of girls but trust me, you're the only girl who knows about his addiction."

"Wow... I feel honored..."

"This room is a soundproof one. He wants to hear his plays alone. I only even hear every play twice. You know... Music is his secret addiction."

Hearing his story was the most beautiful one I had heard. He's so mysterious, and because of that, my heart was starting to wish to unlock the mystery.

"I want to hear him play," I voiced out. "He must be a good musician."

"Yes, he is."

We explored the whole room, and I saw Xy's notebooks arranged neatly on a bookshelf. I already imagined him leaning in his swivel chair, looking so hot.

I tilted my head in amusement. Looked like I was thinking about him too much.

"Hey, Philie, look at this picture. Fylde was so cute in here--"

"Mom," a voice.

Madam and I turned to the doorway to find Xy wearing his unpaintable face. I gulped hard. This place was his belonging! I should have thought to have his permission first before entering here! Now my image was ruined!

"I am sorry!" My voice was shaky.

There's a grim line on his lips, and it's making me feel nervous. Meanwhile, Madam tried to make a fake laugh. And just like me, she's controlling herself not to collapse right now.

"I have already told you, Mom, that I am the one who's allowed to be here," he warned us again, and this time he's stepping closer to us. Instinctively, I closed my eyes.

"And Philie, you're just a visitor, yet you're meddling too much," he stated, and it hurts me -- he's so straightforward, and it's making me panic. "You two, get out and never come back in here again."

Madam and I left the room. We're silent as we match in the pathway. We looked so pathetic for staring at nothingness.

"I am sorry, for what he did to you."

"I understand him." As what as I should.

"He's always like that. It's my fault that he caught us. Anyway, let's forget what happened."

And I did. Hours later, the visitor we were expecting had finally arrived. The woman who was wearing an all-black outfit revealed herself. I was sitting on the sofa, and Madam was standing to welcome her a hug.

"She's Philie, right?" she confirmed, and I nodded. "By the way, you can call me 'Pia'. Nice meeting you."

"You two can be friends. Pia, take care of Philie; she's vulnerable," Madam, who seemed so grateful. "Let me excuse myself first to prepare your snacks."

After I had a handshake with her, silence fell. She was scanning me from head to toe. I was wearing nice clothes, but I was conscious still about my looks. She's too pretty, anyway, sexy and tall. Her lipstick was color black. Seemed like she was devoted to black.

"Welcome to the family," she said, and now, her mood changed from being cheerful to being the other way around. "It's not easy to marry a Brook, indeed. That's why I can't help but to remember what happened to Madam Maricris."

My brows arched.

"...Her marriage was not her decision, but her parents forced her, blackmailed her."

"Is that also the reason why I am going to marry a Brook?"

She bit her upper lips. "We are under the same age, yet you look too innocent. Are you ready for marriage?"

"For me, marriage is nothing. After I get married to him, I will start living on my own."

"Oh, we have a different definition of marriage, then. Anyway, nice meeting you. I am gonna take a rest first." Before she disappeared, she whispered something, "You look like your Mom when she's younger."

Because of that, I did not find myself calming down. Now, I was in my room walking back and forth, feeling so curious. Why did she say something like that? Had she seen Mom's face?

"Here's your phone, Ma'am. This is from Madam Maricris." A maid gave me a phone. My fingers stopped from touching the screen as I realized I needed someone to help me operate this phone. Truth be told, I did not know how to use any phones. I graduated from Elementary before without any gadgets.

I went out of my room and noticed something -- Xy's study room was accessible, and even though it was meters away from me, it was clear someone was inside it.

And then I heard him... Singing. He's singing words with flowing emotions in his voice. He sounded deep in love. The lyrics were all romantic. I was lost in his voice.

He might scold me again if he caught me again invading his privacy, but I would like to listen more.

"Yeah, baby, you're all I need," he hummed again, his head looking at the ceiling to feel the moment. And, shit, he looked so handsome. Earlier, when Madam told me that Xy never sang for a girl, I had started not to dream something big, but now, one of my dreams has come true.

After moments of staring at him, I decided to go back to my room, holding my chest simultaneously.

Pia revealed herself in the middle of my deep thoughts. She probably wanted a conversation with me.

Her eyes dropped on my phone. "Oh, that's the latest model of iPhone. Are you not planning to use it?"

"I can't... Use it."

Her eyes twinkled in amusement. "Oh, that's surprising to know. But, it's easy to handle a phone. As long as you know the basic apps such as settings, messenger, and camera, you'll be saved."

"I see..." I did not have a plan to use any gadgets, anyway.

"You need to be active in any social media accounts. Especially on Facebook and on Twitter, using that two applications, you can know what's happening in this world. You can also search what you want to search."

I beckoned her to open the Facebook application for me, and she did. She typed my Auntie's name in the search bar, but we did not find her account.

"Maybe she does not discover Facebook, yet," she cheered me up. "Ah! I have an idea! I think we need to go to a bar to enjoy ourselves and find a hot man! One for you and one for me!"

I hesitated a lot. "But... I am getting married."

"That's the point!" Looked like she was determined to enjoy this night. "You're getting married that's why you need to enjoy your days left!"

"I don't think Madam will approve me going out--"

"She will! Trust me!"

But I was not ready to socialize. Going in a bar also meant wearing a revealing dress, and I did not think I could wear some.

"Come on, Philie. You need to be drunk!" She giggled. She's a party girl, indeed.

"I am afraid to be drunk. I can't handle myself--"

"I will help you!"

"But--"

"No, you'll come to me! You need something to boost your energy! If you want to kiss Xylde, you can only do so when you're drunk!"

Oh my God. That's such a crazy idea!

"Oh, looks like you're thinking!" she teased me, and I looked around.

"I think you're right; I need to get drunk."

"For you to kiss him?!"

I closed my eyes. "Of course, not. I just want to enjoy this night... That's all."