I Choose You by Kemi Adejumo (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

Chapter Six

Christian's pov

Walking into my Dad's office was really nerve wracking but I know I have to do this.  I could see my Mom calmly looking at me while my Dad signalled me to sit.  I took my seat and looked at my Dad in the eyes trying not to get intimidated by him. The room was quiet,  too quiet.  

"I am willing to do the selection " I said before watching my parents looks go from surprised to unconvinced.

"but.. " I said  seeing my Dad smirking like he didn't expect me to agree that easily.  

"But what Son?" he asked 

"I have conditions"  i said gulping a little. 

"Go on" he replied 

"I get to make every decisions concerning the selection , if I find someone I like or connect with , I get to decide when we get married and... " I said fidgeting a little this time trying to avoid his eyes. 

"and what? " he said a little menacingly like he already knows am about to say something  he his most definitely going to reject. 

"and... and.... If I don't find the one,  you cancel the selection and let me find love on my own terms and pace " I said.  My mom suddenly stood up with anger written all over her face. 

"No way!!  That is not possible Christian.  We accept everything but not that " she shouted 

"but Mother.. " I said before I was interrupted by my Dad. 

""You heard your mother and that is final " 

This time around,  i stood up with anger.  I am fed up. I am tired of their rules.  I am no longer a kid and it's time I start making my own decisions. 

"No Father... " i countered.  My father can be very intimidating but this time I won't let him . 

"What did you just say?" he asked  looking so shocked that I just disregarded him. 

"If you don't accept my conditions then maybe you can find someone else to do the selection.  Or better still,  another so.." I had not completed my sentence when I felt a sharp pain on my left cheek.  My mother just slapped me.  I turned around and looked her in the eyes.  She was teared up. "You will never say that ever again.  We are your parents, we love you and we want the best for you " she exclaimed. I rubbed my cheek and looked her in the eye not backing down. 

"If you love me then let me make my own decisions.  Mother you and father always talked about how in love you were when you met each other.  Dont you want that for me too?" I began to let it all out.  My tears were flowing.  My father said future kings aren't supposed to cry but I couldn't take it anymore.  

"Do you want me to enter into a loveless marriage and be sad all my life?  Do you want me to live with  regrets all my life? wondering how it feels to  actually be with someone you love?  Is that what you want?  What kind of parents does this to their own child? " I said my voice getting weak. I watched my mother's face as she realizes what she's doing.  She moved to me and hugged me. 

"Oh my son... I am sorry,  i didn't realize this is so hard on you... I am a bad mother,  I am sorry.  You can do whatever you want . I accept whatever decisions you make.  I won't allow any tradition ruin my son's life " my mother cried while hugging me tight. I looked at my father,  he looked sad but didn't seem like he his ready to break . My mother looked at him with a look that says you better accept it now. She is the only one that can control my Dad.  

"Fine,  you can do what you want but the time limits still stands... It's holding for three months " he said wanting to have the final say.  Typical Dad. 

"Yes Father, thank you " I said and bowed . 

"Tomorrow  you will be selecting the names,  be prepared " he said while looking at some  documents on his table.  

"Very well father,  i will take my leave now mother" I bowed and left the office with a smile on my face. 

I walked to my room with gladness.  I can't believe they actually agreed to it.  Wait till I tell Jessica,  she is going to flip.  

I entered into my room and saw Jessica arranging my room.  She wasn't aware that anyone was in the room.  I tiptoed to her and attacked her with tickles.  

"Tickle attack " I screamed and started tickling her.  At first she was frightened but started laughing really hard. 

"Stop... Aah.. Aah... Christian.. "

"I will stop if you tell me who your favorite person in the world is" 

" You.... Aah... "she said still laughing 

"Louder!"  

"Aaah.. You!! " She screamed.  I saw that she was get really flustered so I let her go.  Immediately  i let her go,  she stood up and started chasing me with a duster.  I made her chase me all over my room knowing fully well that she can't catch me.  After she chased me for so long,  i gave in and surrendered to her.  I sat on my bed but she pounced on me trying to take revenge.  As she was about to tickle me, she suddenly stopped.  She was looking at my cheeks.  

"Oh my goodness Christian, what happened to your cheeks? " she said shocked.  She stood up , quickly went to my refrigerator and took out an ice pack.  She placed it on my cheek and was massaging it gently not wanting to hurt me.  Jessica is sweetest most amazing girl I know.  I never really tell her but she's the most important person in my life.  She's my best friend. She has been there my whole life and the only one I can rely on.  Whoever gets her in future is one lucky man.  I don't think I will let her go that easily though ,  i don't think I can leave without her.  

"My mother " I said making her stare at me shocked. 

"It's because of the conditions isn't it?  I knew I shouldn't have brought it up.. I am  so sorry Christian,  i shouldn't have.... " before she could complete her sentence,  i interrupted her. 

"No Jess, it worked.  They agreed" I watched her go from surprised to excited. 

"Oh my Goodness... Aaahh" she screamed and pounced on me hugging me tight with so much excitement. 

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