Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom

“Why didn’t you call me so that I could fetch you at the airport?” My older brother, Kieffer Andres, asked as soon as I arrived at our house. 

“I know you're busy plus I am an adult now, I can manage,” I said to him as I looked around. Nothing’s changed in our house. It was still the same since I left. Kieffer got my luggage on Nikki, my personal bodyguard.

“I know you’re an adult now, but Kathy-” 

“I just arrived here, don’t ruin the mood, brother.” I cut him off. He looked at me with empathy. I smiled at him before I got my bag on top of one of my luggage. “Where’s my room?” I asked to change the topic. I don’t want to talk about it on my first day here. 

“Still in the same room,” Kieffer answered. “We only changed the interior designs,” he informed me while we were going upstairs. I left when I was 8 years old. My room was a princess theme and had a lot of dolls. 

Kieffer opened the door for me. As soon as I saw my room, I smiled in satisfaction when I saw the designs of it. The pink room became white. The pink see-through curtain became brown blinds. My princess bed became a queen size, cream-colored bed. Some of my dolls were still there. Kieffer said that Mom donated some of it to the orphanage. 

“Here’s your luggage. I will send Nancy here to help you unpack and organize your things.” Kieffer went to me and hugged me. He also kissed my forehead. “Welcome back, Lil Sis. I missed you.” 

“I missed you, too. I’ll just call Nancy later. I want to take a nap for now. Jet lag.” Kieffer nodded as he let go of me. 

“Alright. I’ll go now.” He said as he looked at his watch. 

“Say hi to Tyler for me. Take care.” 

After Kieffer left, I explored my room once again. “It’s good to be back, huh,” I whispered as I ran my fingers through the cabinet that has my old dolls. I opened one of the drawers and saw some of the letters I wrote for my family and friends when I was young. I chuckled as I saw the designs of the letters. It had a lot of Barbie and minions stickers on. How ironic how the things you like changed as you grew up. 

I only called Nancy after I took a shower after woke up. It’s already seven o’clock in the evening. 

“Welcome back, Ma’am.” Nancy greeted me. She is one of our trusted maids here in the house. I smiled at her.

“Thank you. Are Mom and Dad already home? Kieffer?” I asked while I opened my luggage. Nancy. 

“Your parents are still not here, Ma’am. But Sir Kieffer called and said that he was on his way. You will have your dinner together.” I stopped when I heard what Nancy said. I smiled bitterly. Didn’t they know that I am already here? They should’ve at least canceled their stuff this evening to welcome me. I sighed before I continued unpacking. My Mom was against this, me coming back here. But I still managed to convince my Dad so my mother couldn’t do anything about it. Kieffer was first worried about me but in the end, he still supported me. 

“Sir Kieffer told us to cook all your favorite dishes, Ma’am!” Nancy immediately said when she noticed how my mood changed. I only gave her a small smile and nodded as we continued unpacking. 

Nancy helped me organize my clothes and put them in my walking closet as my shoes and heels. I also put my make-up on my dressing tables and my skin care products in my bathroom. 

When I went outside the bathroom, Kieffer was already inside of my room and helping me unpack my other stuff. 

“Hey,” I greeted. “You don’t have to. We can do it.” I got the books from his hand and put them on my bookshelf. 

“Alright. Stop for a while. It’s already dinner. You didn’t eat lunch.” I nodded at him and told Nancy to get some rest before we continue again later. 

When we went downstairs, I immediately smelled the delicious aroma that was coming from the kitchen. I smiled when I saw the familiar faces that were organizing the table. The housekeepers have been working for our family since I and Kieffer were still a kid. They were smiling at me and I felt glad that they saw me again after so many years. Then, I saw Mother Zelly, my father’s nanny when he was a kid and she also became our first nanny. 

Kieffer and I were eating out dinner peacefully while catching up. “When are Mom and Dad going home?” I asked. 

Kieffer stopped eating. He drank his water before answering me. “They will be coming home late. They are still in the meeting.” He said then smiled at me. I only nodded at him before I drank juice. He continued eating while I suddenly lost my appetite. 

“How’s Tyler?” She asked after she cleared her throat. 

“He’s… He’s fine. Why? Do you want to visit him? I will accompany you.” 

I shook my head, “No. I’ll visit him next time but not this week.” 

I saw how Kieffer's brows twisted after hearing what I said. “Why? Do you have any plans this week? Shouldn’t you be resting for at least a week so you can adjust more here? Just do your things after.” he said. 

“I will look for a condo,” I said to him which made him put down his spoon and fork. 

“What? You aren't going to stay here? Did Mom-”

“I am also going to live here, Kieffer. I just want to look for my place. Home… suffocate me for a long time. I just want to breathe.” I said to him honestly. His expression softened. 

“And I don’t need Mom's or even Dad’s opinion on this. I can make my own decisions now, Kieffer. I am not a child anymore. You, you will support my decisions, right?” I looked at him while waiting for his answer. Hoping that he understands me and the life I want to take now.

“I came here hoping to seek my freedom, Kieffer. I have been caged enough for a long time, haven't I?” I added. He closed his eyes as he sighed deeply before he nodded. 

“Of course, you have my support.”