INDEPENDENCE

Katie's Pov

 I opened my eyes, it was morning again, I sighed heavily as I gathered the strength to get up. It was getting harder and harder to get through the days. Each day came with new problems, added to the ones I haven't even solved. I turned to my right, there was my mom, sleeping peacefully beside me, and to my left, my little sister, also sleeping peacefully. 

We lived in a small house. It had just one room, that same room served as the living area. Then a small kitchen and bathroom. Ever since dad passed, mom had been struggling real hard to put food on the table and make sure that I and Suri had to finish school. Suri was still in the 6th grade, and I was looking for a job to support her, even though she didn't want that. I needed a job, and I needed it fast. I let out an unconscious loud sigh, waking my mother up. 

"Good morning dear ", she rubbed her eyes and yawned at the same time. She was so beautiful. If only she didn't have to suffer so much. Don't worry ma, I'll get us out of here soon, I thought. 

"Good morning Ma. Did you sleep well?", I smiled, trying to hide the thoughts in my head,

"Yes dear. Did you?", she searched my eyes,

"Mmm", I hummed. My mom could see through anyone's eyes. It was a gift. Most times it's hard to hide my thoughts around her,

"What have you begun bothering your mind with so early?", she had a concerned tone,

"Nothing Ma". She didn't look convinced. "I'm going to search for jobs today", I continued, "I want to save up a little for college ", I paused to look at her,

"Katie, you should not waste your time on a job. Go to college, get a degree early and get a good paying job", her eyes were pleading,

"No Ma. You have Suri to take care of", we both looked in her direction, she was still sleeping soundly, "I will not burden you with that. I'm old enough, I want to work", I ended in a firm tone, telling her my mind has been made up,

"Alright", she sighed at the '..ight' part of the word, 

I smiled at her as I got up. If I'm going to look for a job, I should get ready early. Suri would be up soon to prepare for school and there was just one bathroom. I got my things and went it for a shower as ma prepared breakfast. 

When I got out, Suri was up, she crossed her legs on the ground, with the little table drawn close to her, I guess finishing up her homework. We had no furniture so we sat on the ground. More reasons to get a job, and fast.

"Hey pest", I teased and rubbed her head, she gave a protesting gaze, and smiled after a second,

"Good morning K", she was so pretty. The prettiest in the family, after her was ma, and then me.

"Homework?", I asked as placed my cup on the little table, and crossed my legs to sit across her, trying to look into the book she was writing in,

"Mmm", she nodded without looking up, concentrating on the maths she was solving. She was also the brightest in the family. Top of her class. If I didn't get into college, I would make sure she did.

I rushed through breakfast and got ready to leave. I kissed Suri on the head, telling her to be her best as always. I hugged Ma, and bent a little so she could kiss my forehead, 

"Good luck K", she smiled, and I smiled back, before walking out the door.

I had no idea where I was going but I knew I needed to get a job. I looked up to the sky, saying a little prayer as I walked down the streets to a destination unknown. 

Josiah's Pov

"I'm not moving out Ma, neither am I getting married", I had so much anger in my voice,

"This is my house. You have no right", my mother said in a cold tone,

"This is my father's house too. I can choose whether or not to stay or leave", I tried to stare her down, who was I kidding,

"Your father is dead", she said without emotion, how can this woman be so cold,

"Regardless. I'm staying", I said in a firm tone and stood up to leave,

"No you will not", she countered me,

"Why is it so important I get married anyway?", I turned to look at her,

"You are the face of this company. You think our partner companies do not see how you play around with those prostitutes?", I could feel her disgust at the last part,

"You are going to assume leadership position of this company very soon. You are going to get married, and live on your own to show our partners that you are ready for that position", she ended in a command tone,

"I do not care Ma. I would not get married because you or they or whoever wants me to. I would get married when I want to", I made the effort to leave again,

"We both know you rely on my money", the family money she means,"You work for my company", again the family company, "And if you don't do what I say, I can fire you and we wouldn't want that would we?", I stopped in my tracks and turned to face her, she had the most evil grin you could imagine, 

"No we wouldn't ", it was more of a whisper,

"So you would do what I say. You would get married, and get out of my house. See yourself out", I said nothing as I walked out of her office.

I walked to my room, shutting the door beside me as I walked in. I paced back and forth in the room. What does this woman mean by get married? Hell! I don't even have a girlfriend. I can't be cut off from the family's fortune, I built it too.

I sighed, plunging into my big bed. I can't marry any of those sluts, if I'm going to get married, she must at least be decent. What on earth am I going to do to find a decent girl, ready for marriage? I need to call Josh on this. I picked up my phone, and rang my best friend. 

"Dumbass", he teased,

"Not now. I need your advice on something", I could here the frustration in my own voice,

"What's up?", he could sense I was serious,

"Lily wants me to get married, and out of the house or she'll fire me from the company, and cut me from the family fortune", I bit my lip at the last sentence, 

"What the hell man!. Is she serious?", he couldn't hide the shock in his voice,

"More serious than I've ever seen her", I sighed,

"So you're actually gonna do it?", he asked like he didn't already know the answer,

"I don't know how I'll get a wife on short notice. I cannot wife any of those girls, they are to satisfy me, that's all", I added with a smirk on my face,

"Make it into a contract then", he said after a short pause,

"Contract?", I could never had seen that coming,

"Yes. Make it into a marriage contract. You pay her to stay married for a year or two, just so Lily gets off your back about it", he was making sense,

"Thanks dumbass", I ended the call with a grin on my face. I placed a call to my office, my secretary picked up,

"Good day Mr Josiah", she had a flat tone, I cared less at the moment,

"Mary put an ad out there for a contract wife. She has to have qualities of a decent wife, you should know what they are, and add that she will be paid a monthly wage. Set interviews for me tomorrow ", it sounded brilliant, 

"Yes Sir", her confusion was obvious, but she was not in any position to question me.

I felt my eyes get heavy, and decided to lay down.  for a little rest. In no time, I drifted off