The Marriage Contract Read Free

simmering like volcanic lava, as my hand rose to meet his cheek, leaving a cold, resounding, slap.
                  I had never hit anyone before, and I stared at my palm for a moment, as it shook in the air, hot from the blast. Placing my hand at my side, my face began to heat, as tears engulfed my eyes. I didn’t know why I was reacting so strongly to his light kiss, but all I knew, was that it hurt. His eyes were like my mothers, and his smile was as warm as dad’s, and the more I looked at him, the more I was reminded of the home I no longer had.
                  “Don’t touch me,” I hissed, staring at his shoulder, unable to meet his eyes. “Who the hell do you think you are? Just because you’re rich, doesn’t mean you have the right to lay your dirty hands on me. I’m not some naïve girl that’s going to be swept off her feet by the likes of you! I don’t know how you know my name, or what you want with me, but I swear if you come near me again, you’ll regret it—“
                  The harsh sound of his laughter broke through our silence, as my gaze rose to meet his. There was that light, easy going stare of his- a smile graced over his nude lips.
                  “Oh, God, you’re dramatic,” he laughed. “Let me tell you something, Princess. I’ve been slapped so many times, you would not believe it. Just this morning, some girl I didn’t remember from last night, got all offended when I asked her what the hell she was doing in my bed, naked no less. And you know what she did? She slapped me, but it wasn’t a good one. She was a bit scrawny, like you, but her palm had no power in it. Your slap, on the other hand, definitely beats hers, but not the girl from last week. Now, look here. That last week chick slapped me so hard- I had to visit the dentist right after. It was a mess. Your slap, it was a bit of an in-between. Your hand is so soft as well—“
                  I scoffed, shaking my head.
                  “Are you…are you teasing me?” I placed a hand on my hip, tilting my head, and giving him an incredulous stare.
                  He winked. “You catch on quick, Princess—“
                  “Stop calling me that—“
                  “Calling you what?”
                  “Princess!”
                  Wait. Why was I standing there, in the middle of the street, arguing with him? He was insane. A total mad man, and I would not stand to talk to him a minute longer.
                  With that thought, I turned, walking ahead, and ignoring the people staring at me. A small crowd had gathered from afar, watching with curiosity, and mumbling amongst themselves.
                  “She’s a feisty one,” some elderly lady whispered as I passed by the bus stop.
                  “He’s cute,” some bubble gum smacking teenage girl said.
                  “He’s insane!” I barked, startling her. “But if you’re interested, then please talk to him, and get him to leave me alone!”
                  She took a step back, her deep brown pony tail swinging over a spaghetti strapped shoulder. I glared at her, before pushing past- annoyed. I proceeded to take the subway home instead of my usual bus route. I didn’t want to be stared at the entire ride home, and also, I didn’t want him to follow me.
                  His legs could match a cheetah, for as I reached the subway, he zoomed forward, and stood before me. He towered over me, his hands placed by his sides, as his eyes stared at me in a friendly way, as though he’d known me for ages.
                  I took a step back, my eyes narrowed.
                  “I slapped you,” I said. “In front of all those people, I humiliated you. Don’t you hate me? A normal person would hate