Choices

Grace tried to imagine what her life would be like marrying Charles. She hadn't known him very long. He was much older than her; and wiser in some ways. He had money, security, not to mention stability. Charles had everything Grace needed. As much as she didn’t want to, she knew it was for the best. She didn’t want to disappoint her family. They worked so hard to make this her special day. Unlike Charles, Grace didn’t come from money. Her family practically lived in poverty. The only income they had was her father’s bakery shop. Grace’s father was in business with Charles’s parents. They owned a grocery store that was the towns main food source. They purchased bread from Graces’ father’s bakery and sold it in their own. They would save a lot of money if their businesses merged. The families went back and forth on the subject. Grace didn’t want to disappoint her family. However, she couldn’t help but feel hesitation. What would happen if she married Charles? Would they fight or get along? Where will they be in the next ten years? Grace’s head was spinning with all the questions. She looked down at her bouquet, closed her eyes and said a prayer. The music started and Grace lost her breath. She couldn’t move her feet. Five steps. Five steps to the left was the exit and five steps towards the right was the ceremony. She was frozen. Her eyes were wide with fear. For the first time in her life, she didn’t know what to do. Which direction would be the best way for her? Left or right? Tears began forming at the corners of her eyes. A small tap on the shoulder made her escape the frozen state. Her mother had a worried look on her face. “Grace, what’s the matter?” Grace composed herself and explained, “Mom, I don’t know if I can do this. I want what’s best for our family. I want to give back more. To help Dad with his shop. I thought doing this was the right thing to do. For our family. Now that I stand here, I’m not so sure anymore.” Grace began to weep. Her mother placed her hands on Grace’s face, looked her in the eyes and said, “Sweetheart. It’s ok. You won’t disappoint us. I know your father set this up but it’s not too late. You don’t have to go through with this. You don’t have to have an arranged marriage.”