[Three] HAZEL EYES: ARANGED MARRIAGE? [Three]

“I hear Mr. Madding is teaching you the rudiments of Gej,” said Mr. Smitten. “How about showing us what you have learned?”

Nicole took a deep breath. She hated the fowl language. Why could they not just talk as everyone else did in the world? Then everyone would be able to understand them.

“Diyu, buh agesasb,” said Nicole. (Hello, good evening.)

“Kuoyh luo dettis pu degi pid pari?” asked Mr. Smitten. (Would you happen to have the time?)

“Time for you to get a watch,” said Nicole in Gej.

“Nicole!” snapped Mr. Hopkins. “I apologize Mr. Smitten. She has had a long day.”

“Oh, it is quite alright,” said Mr. Smitten.

Nicole ignored the rest of the conversation her father and Mr. Smitten had. She instead went on eating her salad quietly. Mrs. Hopkins was politely listening to the two men.

Michael had not forgotten Nicole. He put his hand on her knee. Nicole lifted her leg quickly squashing his hand between her knee and the bottom of the table. Michael’s cheeks went pink with restraint to scream in pain. Nicole stood up causing everyone to look at her.

“I am terribly sorry, but I do not feel well,” said Nicole. “I think I might be ill. Please pardon me. It was a pleasure Mr. Smitten.”

She left the dining hall before anyone could object. She was half way up the staircase when she heard someone behind her. She turned and saw Michael. He grabbed Nicole’s shoulder.

“Let go of me,” said Nicole.

“What was that for?” snapped Michael.

“You deserved it, you disgusting rat. Now leave me be,” said Nicole.

“Not until you give me a good-bye kiss,” said Michael.

“I will give you a good-bye kiss,” growled Nicole.

She pulled back a clenched fist and brought it hurtling towards Michael’s pallor. There was a slight crunch as her face made contact with his nose. Michael tumbled backward and fell down the stairs. Nicole took this chance and ran the rest of the way to her room.

~*~*~*~

“You hit Michael Smitten,” said her father red with anger and embarrassment.

“He would not stop touching me,” said Nicole defensively. “He was making a move. I did not wish him to do so.”

Nicole sat on her bed, Delilah in her lap. The cat was purring contentedly. Mr. Hopkins stood by the window, looking out to the lantern lit yard. Mrs. Hopkins was standing in the doorway.

“But honey, Mr. Smitten is a good friend of ours,” said Mrs. Hopkins. “Injury to his son makes us look at fault.”

“You are going to apologize to him, and go out on the town with him tomorrow,” said Mr. Hopkins.

“What?” spluttered Nicole. “You cannot be serious! Mother!”

“I am afraid your father is right, dear,” said Mrs. Hopkins.

“That repulsive louse has no respect for me,” said Nicole. “Why are you forcing me on him?”

“Because his father wishes you two to court and eventually get married—”

“Married! Father I have no feeling for him!” shouted Nicole.

“You will go out with him tomorrow and you will ultimately wed! That is my final word,” said Mr. Hopkins storming out of the room.

Mrs. Hopkins walked over to her daughter. Nicole was virtually in tears. Mrs. Hopkins put a loving arm around her and hugged her. Then, after breaking away from Nicole, she kissed her forehead.

“Maybe Father will change his mind,” said Nicole.

“Not likely,” said Mrs. Hopkins. “He feels strongly about keeping his word. Good-night.”

Mrs. Hopkins left shutting the door. Nicole finally burst into tears. She threw herself into her pillows. Delilah hopped off the bed and curled up on her cushion on the other side of the room.

“They cannot make me do this!” she sobbed. “Why all the sudden interest in my affairs?”

There was a small knock on her door. Nicole quickly pulled herself together and called them in. Stephanie was at the door with a smile and her candy stick in her left hand.

“Stephanie,” said Nicole. “I did not expect to see you so late.”

“I just wanted to thank you for the candy stick,” said Stephanie. “And to ask if there is anything else I can do for you tonight.”

“No, I am afraid not now,” said Nicole. “But save it for another time and I might have something for you to do.”

“Alright then, night.”

“Good-night."