My Life

For the past 17 years of my life, I have seen everything but at the same time nothing.

As I think about those deep dark thoughts I could hear the soft sounds of my mother and father's voice behind my door discussing something I hadn't cared to listen in on.

Curled up under my blanket with nothing to do other than think, my mind always went back on all of the painful memories of my life.

I tried to think about the good times but there were no good times to think about.

I sigh and lay my arm over my eyes, the shackles on my arms and legs clink together as I move around but it was a noise I was well used to.

(I wonder if it's day or night out, maybe father and mother will tell me this time, Maybe I should ask if I can see the sky if it's day out that would be nice.)

That thought made me happy for a moment until the door swings open.

I sit up to see mother and father standing in the doorway looking a bit uneasy.

"Maybe we should just take the offer, there's no way they will reject her, she's well-fed and her figures great! She turns 18 in 1 month it's perfect!"

My father chuckles at his own words which makes my mother peer down at me curiously.

"It would save Rin from having to marry him and then we also wouldn't have to take care of this piece of trash anymore."

Father nods tossing me a key.

"Kairi get out of those chains and come with me, we have some studies we must attend."

I quickly unlock all of the chains and follow on command.

He leads me to a part of the house I hadn't seen in a very long time, a few women were waiting on Que who instantly took me to the back where they cleaned me and dressed me up.

When I stepped back out of the room my father was as happy as could be.

"She is beautiful when we dress her up!! I mean...Not as beautiful as Rin...But good enough for what we need her for. Alright, Kairi for this next month you must listen to all of your teachers and do everything they say got it?"

I nod obediently.

"Yes, Father..."

He smirks and walks away leaving me behind.

For the next month, I was taught all kinds of things that I pretty much knew by common sense or by reading.

The teachers themselves were impressed with how fast I learned or already knew that they doted on me which made me feel very happy.

One teacher in particular really took a liking to me her name is Mrs. Yuri.

"Kairi, You're doing so well I think that's enough for today, Do you have any questions for me?"

I nod before answering.

"Yes, um...what's the outside world like?"

Mrs. Yuri smiles sweetly.

"It's kind of like a mix between Sweet, Bitter, or just downright horrible. As long as you are brave and strong though you can get through anything in life!"

Her smile was bright and radiant almost like pure sunshine, She pats me on the shoulder before heading out.

"Be a good girl and ill see you at your 18th birthday party tomorrow ok?"

I smile back and wave goodbye to her as she walks out.

(I didn't know id be having a party tomorrow, This will be my very first birthday party!)

The excitement from the slip of this news made me silently smile to myself.

Just then my mother walks into the room and sits across from me. She flips her hair out of her face before speaking.

"Tomorrow evening you will be meeting a very important man named Kadachi Sheng, You are to be engaged to this man starting tomorrow to save your family from debt so do not mess this transaction up got it! And do everything this man tells you, you must be a good wife! And so help me if you so much as mess this up in the slightest I will put you in the dark for the rest of your life!"

I gulp but nod obediently to afraid of what would happen if I were to speak out. Mother smirks and with nothing else to say she leaves.

(Im getting engaged tomorrow? I don't know how to feel about this... What if I mess this up or what if he doesn't like me and backs out of my parent's agreement. I'll be doomed either way...)

I nervously play with the hem of my dress as I thought more and more about it all.

The next day soon came and I was dressed up like never before, I was put in a dark blue sparkly v neck gown that showed my back, My long light brown hair fell to my lower back with some sparkle twine braided into some strands.

My makeup was flawless and went well with my fluorescent blue eyes and light tan skin.

Though I looked a bit thin I was able to gain some weight this past month.

Once the final touches were added my mother walked me out to the ballroom floor as any mother would do, The number of people startled me and I instantly became nervous.

(I...There are so many people...and why are they looking at me?!)

I couldn't help feel anxiety over this but tried to hide it the best I could, I was able to control the trembling but my mother sensed my panic and for the first time in my entire life, she looked at me with pity in her eyes. When she finally spoke her tone was soft and reassuring.

"Kairi, Don't panic just follow my lead sweetie."

I nervously nod and she interlocks her arm with mine leading me through the crowd of people. I am led directly to the middle of the ballroom where a few people were gathered talking amongst themselves.

We stop near them and she points to a elder man who looked to be around my parent's age.

"That is your soon-to-be fiance's father, His name is Fu Sheng."

The older man had light black hair that was streaked with some grey hairs and lime green eyes, he had a stern and serious businessman look to him, he had an intimidating aura which made me feel uncomfortable.

My mother continues and points to the lady next to him, She looked elegant and really nice, She has dark green eyes dirty blond wavy hair, She seemed to smile a lot and had a look of kindness or pureness to her, She had fair skin that made her seem to be like a radiant light.

"That lady next to Fu is his wife Winry, now let's go introduce you to them."

My mother nudges us closer to them and they seem to notice our presence as they turn to see us. Mr. Sheng smiles upon seeing us and shakes our hands as does his wife. My mother is the first to speak.

"Thank you guys so much for coming tonight, This is our daughter Kairi we were talking to you about!"

I bow to them in respect before saying anything.

My voice was soft and light as I spoke.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Sheng."

Mrs. Sheng giggles and takes my hand in hers.

"Oh sweetie you needn't be so formal with us we are about to be family after all!"

I give her a shy smile and she looks up to her husband in worry. He clears his voice before speaking.

"Sorry about this in advance but our son had some important business to settle and won't be able to meet us here tonight, i'm sure that won't be a problem will it?"

My mother instantly shakes her head.

"No! No problem at all! It is just an engagement party, after all, they will have plenty of time to get to know each other before the wedding anyway! All that's needed here today is ours and your guy's signatures to finalize everything!"

They both smile and nod agreeing.

"Ok well then follow us and we can go ahead and announce the engagement and sign the papers up there, Come along Kairi!"

I nod and follow my mother's lead while the Sheng's follow close behind us. She leads us to the top of the stairs where we all sign the papers, I see that Kadachi's name had already been pre-signed, Then I could hear my father's voice ring out throughout the ballroom.

"Thank you everyone for coming here tonight to celebrate the engagement between my daughter Kairi and the Sheng's son Kadachi! We are so happy to have our daughter finally find someone with who she can spend the rest of her life with and we want to congratulate them in full, Cheers to the happy couple everyone!"

My father holds up a wine glass and everyone hollers cheers throughout the ballroom, Still trembling a bit I feel a coat go over my shoulders. When I look up to see who had lent me their coat I see Mr. Sheng smiling sweetly next to me which made me feel a bit relieved.

(He seemed so intimidating at first but now...I can see that he's kinda sweet.)