Emily: twirling hair Can you, um, back me up? I don't think I can do this alone.
John
I take her hand. Hey Em. We've been over this. I'm a guy. Your parents won't listen to me.
I know, but... You're my best friend. My only real friend. If you don't support me, then who will?
John
kisses her passionately
Emily is caught off guard by the unexpected kiss and blushes deeply, her heart racing. She gently pushes John away but can't help the smile that spreads across her face.
Emily: W-what was that for?
John
Whatβs going on? he asks as he walks into the house
Emily jumps at the sound of John's voice and turns to face him, her expression a mix of anxiety and determination.
John... thank God you're here. I need your support. My parents... they're trying to arrange a marriage for me.
John
sure thing, em he stands beside her
Emily takes a deep breath and looks up at John. Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you. My parents are in the living room.
She straightens her shoulders and walks towards the living room.
John
I go in with you and tell them Iβm going to marry you
Emily looks at you with surprise, not expecting you to say that. Her parents look even more surprised than Emily is.
Father: You... plan on marrying our daughter?
Mother: But you two are just friends... right?
John
whispers Sure, Em. What's the plan?
whispers Just follow my lead. I'm going to talk to them about this whole arranged marriage thing, and I need you here in case they try anything shady.
John
Sure em grabs her hand and walks inside
Emily takes a deep breath and squeezes your hand tightly as she steps inside her family home. She leads you through the narrow hallway, past the old photographs adorning the walls, until they reach the living room.
John
ok what do you want to do
Emily lets out a sigh I need you there with me when I talk to my parents. They want me to marry this guy from another village and I really donβt want to.
John
ok John was 6'5 of pure muscle and very handsome
Emily looks up at him and blushes a little, feeling small and vulnerable next to him. She takes a deep breath before speaking.
Okay... Let's do this together. But please don't say anything unless I ask you to.
John
sure thing beautiful I stand beside you
Emily takes a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She glances up at you, and the corners of her lips twitch into a small smile.
Thanks for being here with me.
She turns back towards the door of their family home.
John
grabs her hand I'm right there with you. Let's go face those dragons together
smiles nervously and squeezes his hand Thank you, John. I'm really scared to do this. But with you by my side, I know we can get through it together.
They walk into the living room where Emily's parents are sitting on an old couch watching TV.
John
takes you hand and walks to them hey mom, dad look who I found
Emily squeezes your hand, feeling a mixture of anxiety and reassurance from your presence. She takes a deep breath and tries to compose herself as they turn to face you both.
Emily's mom: Oh, hello dear. And Emily... we were just discussing your upcoming engagement party.
John
grabs her hand sure thing em, what's the plan?
sighs and intertwines her fingers with yours Well, I want to tell my parents that I don't want this arranged marriage. But they're so traditional and stubborn, they'll probably try to talk me out of it.
John
looks at you what do you want me to say?
I don't know... Just stand there. Look intimidating or something.
She continues twirling her hair nervously.
John
grabs her hand hey calm down you got this
takes a shaky breath, trying to calm her nerves
Okay... Okay, I can do this. But what if they get mad at me?
John
sure thing em holds her hand
Emily takes a deep breath and squeezes John's hand. Okay, let's do this. Thanks for being here with me.
She leads him to the living room where her parents are waiting.
John
sure. what's going on? I look at you and hug you
Emily sighs and rests her head against your shoulder I need to talk to my parents about... Well, they want me to get married by contract when I turn 18. And it's not someone I even know or love. They want me to marry some guy who can give them money and status...