How Can I Say No?

Feeling her headache, Annika can’t completely recall what happened last night. She knows something is up, she just can’t completely recall it.

“Annika, your dad is waiting for you at the dining with the guests.” she recalls what she heard and gets up immediately. I need to tell Dada what I really want, who I really want (she keeps on telling herself while the house helpers were helping her to prepare). Few minutes after her dad talked to her in her room “Dada, hear me out ---” she politely asks her dad. However, her dad knew how messed up she was yesterday and feels dismay because of what she has done “I am extremely disappointed on you Annika! Spending time at the club running away with a stranger and going home like a mess?” her dad is very candid about his emotion “It is better for you to get married as planned and NO YOU CAN NO LONGER CHOOSE ANYONE BUT THE GUY I HAVE CHOSSEN FOR YOU!!!” tears rolling down her cheeks and she felt bad about her dad feeling disappointed for what she has done. “The least I want to see is you Dada getting mad at me” she said while crying “Then get ready Mr. and Mrs. Tadashi’s waiting!” he gave her a cold shoulder and just went out of the room.

Annika is lost in between following her dad and following her heart. Furthermore, visitors are already waiting she needs to show up. She looked at her house helpers and said, “Oh well, Happy Birthday to me I guess”.

Annika welcome their visitors, hugged them both as a sign of respect. “We got a little reindeer over here Mr. Williams” Mrs. Tadashi gave them a smile and look to Annika after, she is referring to her nose “I caught some colds but don’t worry I already take some medicine”, “Warm tea is what you need my dear” Mr. Tadashi added. They started talking about the wedding as if it was just a very casual day and just the usual business meeting. Mrs. Tadashi is always saying that her son, Adrian wants me to decide for everything because he wants me to have my dream wedding. “Adrian even wants you to choose should you want to study here or abroad for your University years” Mr. Tadashi shared “It seems like Adrian is considering my daughter that much” my Dada stated while they are talking about the wedding. From the usual details down to the wedding date “If I may suggest, it is better to tie the knot before my daughter enrolls for University” my dad suggested. That brought me up to the conversation and stopped being a wall flower “I have a few words, if I may?” they were all looking at me smiling “You may Annika, what do you have to say?” Mr. Tadashi asked.

I paused for a moment and waited for a sign; I got a message from Toma, I saw it from the notification on my phone. The first few words were ‘live a happy life…’ I think this is the sign I was waiting for.

“Dada, Mr. and Mrs. Tadashi I want to call ---” I am not yet done talking and I got interrupted because of the voice coming from behind me. I can sense it; someone is standing right behind me “Tell me Ms. Annika Williams will you call for an extra time before the actual wedding date? Or will you call for a cancel? I would like to know, no uncertain answer please.” His voice was very commanding. I tried to get some clue from my dad and the couple in front of me but there were not changes in their facial reactions. The man behind me then took the vacant seat next to me “Your answer please…”

I feel like I was dreaming when I saw the man’s face “Tom –“, “Adrian! You made it my son” Mrs. Tadashi walk towards him and hugged him tight. It seems like they are all pretty much comfortable to each other and I am the only one left without any clue.

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