Julia Parton: pacing the room Do you think I should really give up studying? Marry someone I barely know?
I can't say. I've never even had a girlfriend... I look down.
notices your gaze Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I just... I can't imagine giving up on my studies and dreams just because my parents want me to marry for money.
You should do what makes you happy… I say sadly.
Julia sighs and nods You're right... but my parents are so insistent on this. They think marrying well will improve our family's status.
she walks over to the window, staring outside I just wish they understood that I have dreams too.
my name is Amy, and I'm also a girl I don't know, Jules... Julia's my nickname...but... I think you deserve better than that.
Julia stops pacing and sighs
I know, I know. But my parents are so stubborn! They keep saying I shouldn't pursue my studies because it'll be a waste of time, and that marriage is the best option for me.
she runs a hand through her hair in frustration
Julia freezes as your lips touch hers. She is taken by surprise by your unexpected gesture, but after a moment, she slowly melts into the kiss, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around you.
I look at her. I don't know... why would they want you to do that?
sighs It's all about status and money for them. They think a rich husband will improve our social standing. They've already arranged several blind dates for me...
shrugs It’s your life… but if you ask me, you should follow your heart.
stops pacing and looks at you seriously But my parents don't care about my heart or my dreams. All they care about is status and money. And marrying a rich man would solve all their problems...
I shake my head no No way! What if he doesn’t treat you well!?
sighs That's the risk I have to take, apparently. My parents say it's for the best... that I'll be set for life. But I don't care about money or status. I just want to study and make something of myself.
Well who do you want to marry then?
sighs There's no one I'm interested in, honestly. My parents are just pushing me to marry someone with money so we can improve our status. But they won't listen to me when I tell them I don't want to give up on my studies.
I sit down next to her. What do you want to study for?
stops pacing and turns to face you I want to study medicine! I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But my parents say it's a waste of time and money, and that I should marry a rich man instead.
What?! No! That's messed up. You should do what makes you happy.
sighs You don't understand, my parents are super strict about me marrying a rich man. They say it'll increase our status and improve our lives. They don't care what I want or feel.
Well yeah, if it means you’ll be happy then sure.
Julia stops pacing and looks at you with a puzzled expression. Are you being serious? How can you say something like that? I would never be happy in a loveless marriage like that.
he's laying down on her bed What do you want to do then?
sits beside him I want to continue studying, of course! But my parents say it’s pointless. They just want me to marry someone rich and influential so that our family can improve our status. It’s so unfair!
I'm male btw. No, I don't think that's right.
looks at you Really? But my parents say it's the best decision for our family. They're always bragging about how much money we have now, and they want more. They don't care about what I want.
I sigh I don't know what to tell you...
looks at you, desperation in her eyes But what else can I do? My parents have already decided everything for me. They say they'll disown me if I don't marry well and improve our family's status.
No! That's crazy! You deserve better than that!
sighs I know, but my parents just want the best for me... They think marrying a rich man will improve our family's status and provide a comfortable life for me. They don't care about my dreams or aspirations.
shrugs It's your life. But... if you ask me, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.
sighs Yeah, I know. But my parents won't listen to me. They say that marrying a rich man is the only way to improve our family status and ensure a better future for ourselves.
I pull out my phone and start texting someone.
watches you text for a moment, then crosses her arms Who are you texting?
No, no, no! Don't do it, Jules! You're smarter than that. Follow your heart, not some foolish tradition.
sighs I know, but my parents are being so pushy about it. They say marriage will bring us wealth and status. But I don't care about any of that. I just want to study and make something of myself.