Fan Fiction ❯ Promised ❯ Day 1, Day 2 ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Promised

Chapter 1: Day 1, Day 2

Disclaimer: I don't own the teen titans or anything known to be related to them in the past or present, blah, blah, blah…

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Part I

My name is Raven. When I was four, my parents died and I was adopted by my new parents, Eleanor and Julian Delpheki. They're great to me. We live in a nice sized house and I always have new clothes and plenty of food to eat. They adopted me because they couldn't have children of their own. But I'm grateful to them. I wasn't just put in some foster care home until I was of age to be kicked out on my own. They really wanted me. I am their only child.

I love almost everything about my life. What I don't love is the religion that I was brought into. It was fine at first, until I turned 13. Then I was informed of a giant twist in my becoming their daughter. I was to marry next year. One week after my 14th birthday. Marry someone I was promised to when I was adopted. Normally this is planned when the girl is born. Within a month of her arrival, she is promised to a son of another family.

That's not even the worst part. On my wedding night, I have to have sex with him as a confirmation of our marriage. I'll be fourteen! In some countries I wouldn't even be out of school yet and I'd have to get parental permission. But not the country I live in. If girls aren't married by the age of 15, we are cast offs. There's something wrong with is `in the eyes of God'.

I've never even met this guy. Well actually, what I've been told is I have met him once. When I was four. When they all decided that we would marry.

“I don't want to marry him.” I pleaded.

“There is no discussion about this anymore, Raven. You have been promised and so you will marry. He is a nice young man. You'll like him.” My mother told me.

“I don't care how nice he is. I didn't choose to marry him. Did you ever consider asking me what I want?”

“It is God's will for you to marry him.”

“I don't care about God's will. What about mine?” I screamed.

Almost as soon as I got the words out, my mother slapped me across my face. “You will care about God's will. His is more important than your own.”

“To you maybe, but not to me.”

“Eleanor, calm down.” My father had just come into the room to intervene. “Raven, you will marry this boy one week after your next birthday. There is no more discussion about it.”

I thought about arguing that I'm not their real daughter. That I wasn't born into this religion. But even if I was, it should be my choice, not theirs. But I couldn't do that. They had given me a home for so many years. They gave me unconditional love throughout everything. I've had a good childhood, even if it has to end early.

My next birthday is in three months, six days and eleven hours. And to add more joy to this wonderful news, tomorrow I get to meet him for the first time since I was four. I'm not nervous. I'll find someway out of this. I hope.

So this is where my story begins. I'm thirteen. My future husband (unless I have anything to say about it) is sixteen. In three months I will be married and forced into having sex. What else could possibly happen? Oh, I know. I forgot to mention. Until I turn fourteen, starting next week, I live on his parent's property in my own `guesthouse' during the week. On the weekends I can come home. And once married, we get our own little house to share all by our selves in the place of our choice. Which means it will be his choice. The males dominate the relationships in this religion. Actually the males dominate everything in this religion. I am just there for their personal pleasure and to bear children. And that's another thing. I am not having children.

If I were in another country, or even another part of this one, I wouldn't be in this mess. No forced religion or marriage. Equal treatment. Maybe I'll choose to move to America. But I'll be overruled by this `fiancé' of mine the minute I suggest it. The whole point in me staying at his parent's property is to help plan the wedding and get to know this guy. But really, since his parents pay for the wedding, I have no say in it. And since he will be dominant, I have no say in anything.

God's will. Right. This is just mans way of finding suit to stay ruling over the females in this country. And the women are so brainwashed into it, from the time they are born, that they never question a thing. Like today when my father came in to break up the argument between my mother and me. She just fell silent when he spoke. She never seconds his words. Even if she doesn't like them.

Anyways, no more griping. It's not doing me any good anyways. So this is where my story begins.

Day 1- my arrival

It was almost noon. The sun was bright without a cloud in the sky. Raven sat in the back seat of her parent's car. Father driving, mother in the passenger seat. Raven had a few bags in the back with her but nothing to extensive. They were on their way to meet her betrothed.

The car pulled on to a driveway surrounded by large green lawns. The sprinklers were on freshening the grass and flowerbeds. In the distance she saw the house. Quite large. The grounds were huge from the looks of it as they passed by. The only thought that passed through her mind was, it looks like I'm marrying into royalty. Great! A bunch of stuck ups.

The car stopped and a man in a black suit opened her door and offered his hand to her. Her first thought was to ignore him completely. But it wasn't him she was made at. So she gave him her hand. He helped her out of the car and gave a slight bow as she took a few steps closer to the main house. Raven smiled at him, warmly.

A lady was waiting on the top of the stairs for Raven and her parents. She was going to lead them into the house by the looks of it. Her parents made it to the top of the stairs first and they continued on their way in with Raven following a few feet behind.

“Mad' am.” A voice said behind her.

Raven turned to see the man that had helped her out of the car.

“You will have plenty of time to explore in a little while. I promise.” He smiled at her.

Raven couldn't help but feel that this man was going to be her friend. She smiled to him in return and made a little more of an effort to keep up with her parents and the lady.

They passed through a few large rooms, down a big hallway and into a large library with a fireplace and some huge leather armchairs and couches. The walls were covered with books of every shape and size. Floor to ceiling bookshelves. A few desks in various parts of the room. There was a huge round rug in the middle of the floor. The rest of the floor was black granite by the looks of it. The chairs and couches were black leather and the rug was a dark maroon, rich cream, some warm browns and black. Definitely a rich family.

“Mr. and Mrs. Drake will be joining you shortly.” The lady said giving a bow and leaving.

Once the lady had left the room, Raven's mother turned to her. “This isn't so bad, is it?” She asked with a smile.

Raven said nothing.

“You will always have anything you want. This family owns four grand grape fields and brews some of the best wine in the country.” Again a cheerful tone with a smile as she pushed Raven to talk to her.

Still Raven said nothing. What? You expect me to jump up and down because they have money? Not happening. Doesn't change a thing. I still hate this.

“Come on Raven. I know you'll be happy here.” Her mother pushed.

Raven only gave an icy glare. “I'll never forgive either of you for this.” She said only above a whisper but loud enough for her parents to hear.

“You'll thank us later.” Her father said.

“Not going to happen. I'll always hate you for this. Forever. And when you ask what happened to the baby girl you loved and raised, I'll tell you, you gave her away to some boy to have his way with her.”

“You're still young, my child. You'll see.” Her mother tried to control the situation again. But it was obvious Raven's words had hurt.

“Yes I am still young. So I shouldn't be getting married.” Raven shot back. Anything you say, I'll turn it around and use it against you.

“Hold your tongue Raven.” Her father said calmly.

Raven said nothing more. Just wait. You think I'm just a kid you're getting your way with. But you'll see.

Raven made her way to one wall and looked at the books. There were all sorts of genre here. She took a large one off the shelf and opened it to the middle pages. She started reading. She was so involved she didn't notice when the parents of the boy came in.

“Raven.”

She heard her mother call and looked up with fire in her eyes. What do you want now? Did you find a new way to bring me even lower?

Raven noticed the new people in the room. The lady addressed her. “You like to read?”

Her voice was kind. Again she thought she would just ignore her, but again, she wasn't mad at her.

“Yes.” She said simply.

“You may have half the books in here when the wedding is through.” The man said. “We don't really read them anyways.”

Raven replaced the book on the shelf. She took this time to study the two. The man was tall and had black hair. His eyes she guessed were blue, but she was a little far away to be sure. He had a good build and didn't look terribly old. The woman stood at least a foot shorter. She had long brown hair and kind blue eyes. She was beautiful. They both looked extremely nice. But `you can't judge a book by its cover' Raven remembered. That saying goes for both good and bad first impressions.

“Thank you.” Raven said but kept her voice hollow.

“Please, lets all have a seat.” Said the man.

He and his wife sat in two of the chairs facing a couch. Her parents sat in two more chairs facing the fireplace. Nice set up. That left the couch for her.

“Our son will be down shortly.” Said the woman.

Raven's parents nodded. Raven gave no sign that she even heard them.

The adults made small talk while they waited and Raven looked around to some of the books. From where she sat she could read the names of quite a few of them on a wall close by. She silently noted which sounded interesting by the names and which she definitely wanted to read.

A few minutes later a young man walked in. He wore black pants, a white polo shirt and some sneakers. His hair was black and spiked and he had bright blue eyes. This had to be the boy she was engaged to marry. His build was much like his fathers, but he was a bit shorter and obviously younger. He looked to be in a not so happy mood. I share your pain.

“Robin, please come in and join us.” The man said gesturing to the empty seat next to Raven.

He walked over and sat leaving a few feet between them. Raven couldn't help but be thankful to him.

“This is Mr. and Mrs. Delpheki. And this is their daughter Raven. Raven I would like to introduce to you, your fiancée Robin.”

They looked to one and other but said nothing. And they both looked away. The adults laughed.

Again the parents made small talk. Raven went back to reading book titles. Whatever Robin was doing, he was being very still and not saying a thing either.

A few times the lady came in and out of the room, offering beverages and snacks to the six of them. Robin and Raven refused every time.

Soon the adults stood. Instinctively Raven did the same.

“We will be in the parlor and leave you two to get to know each other. Beatrice will call you when dinner is on.” The woman said.

They left. When they were completely out of the room, she heard Robin sigh and move to the chair his mother was sitting in as he hopped the table separating them. He threw himself in it and lounged as he watched Raven.

Raven looked at him for a minute before retaking her own seat and started looking at the books again.

“I guess you're not happy about this either.” He said.

Raven said nothing. She only shook her head. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw him nod.

“I've been fighting them on this since I was twelve. `Its God's will.'” He mimicked the last words in a would-be lady's voice.

If Raven wasn't so set on being pissed, she might have laughed. But she didn't want to get to know him. And she didn't want to marry him.

“You're not going to talk to me?” He asked.

Raven looked at him, but said nothing.

He frowned. “It's not like I asked for this. So don't be mad at me.”

Raven said nothing.

“Great! A silent wife. Wonderful.”

Still nothing.

The silence went on for quite some time. Beatrice came in as the sun was going down. They followed her to the dinging room. The table was large. Enough seating for at least thirty people. His parents were standing at one end of the table, hers to their left. Robin led the way to sit at his father's right hand. Raven sat at his right.

Dinner went on uneventful. Their parents would talk to each other mostly. Every now and then, Robin's parents would ask her something. She would answer politely, but give the shortest answer possible. Usually a yes or no. She couldn't help but notice Robin smile when she would.

Dinner was good. A seven-course meal. Each dish was a small portion though. She wondered how she would ever get used to this. She thought maybe they got full because they were tired of waiting for each course to come. No matter what the reason was, Raven only ate one or two bites from each dish.

When it was over they all headed to the entry. The stone floor was again in the black granite. The ceilings were high in most rooms she had been in or through but this one went up three stories with a giant crystal chandelier hanging in the center. Raven never gave anything, except the books, a whole lot of attention.

“We'll leave you to say good-bye. When you're through, Robin will show you to your suite. I hope you had a nice evening, Raven. And welcome to our family.” Said the woman with a warm smile.

Raven just looked at them and gave a very faint smile. They left with their son through one of the many doors.

Raven turned to her parents.

“Good bye my daughter. I will miss you until you come to visit this weekend.” Her mother said with tears in her eyes.

Raven said nothing. She planned to keep silent most of the time from now on. Especially to her `loving' parents.

“Be polite, Rae. Enjoy yourself.” Her father said.

Still nothing.

“We love you.” Her mother said as she clung to her husbands arm. He rubbed her hand, tenderly.

Raven just looked at them.

“Say something to us child.” Her father said in that same calmness that always made Raven want to scream.

“I said all I plan to say to you for the rest of my life. As far as I'm concerned, you are not my parents. My parents would never force me into anything I didn't want. It's obvious you don't love me. You just want to be connected to money. I won't forgive you. I'll never talk to either of you again. And I won't be home on weekends either.” Raven turned and stormed out the door she saw Robin and his parents walk through without giving another glance at her own parents. But she heard her mother break into tears behind her.

Robin was leaning against a wall until he saw her walk back into the room. He stood up straight.

“We have two choices. I can take you to your suite now, or we can explore this mansion and the grounds before I show you to your suite.”

Raven just looked at him.

“I can't read your mind. You have to say something sometime. I know you talk. I heard you.”

Still she said nothing.

“Fine. I'll just take you to your suite.”

He turned and started his way through an open door. Raven followed closely but a little behind. She noticed all women walked like that with the men. It was another way to keep women from gaining control of their lives. To her surprise though, Robin slowed until she was next to him and in his pace.

“I don't care for their crap. Walk next to me, never behind me.”

Raven did.

Outside, through a garden, they arrived in front of a small cottage looking building. Robin opened the door and allowed her entrance.

“Here you are. As close to home sweet home as we can offer.”

She walked around the room that they had walked into for a minute before stopping at a window and looking out it.

“I know you didn't eat much at dinner. There's food in the kitchen. If there's anything else you want, just pick up the phone and tell the butler what you need and he'll make sure you get it.”

Raven glanced at him to let him know he heard her.

He sighed. “Alright. Good night, Raven. I hope you're comfortable.” He began his way out the door and almost had it shut before he turned back to her. “I didn't ask for this. And I've done my research, there's no way out of this marriage as far as I can tell unless I'm abusive. And I can't bring myself to do that. Just talk to me.”

It was almost a demand. Raven was taught always to answer when told to. “What do you want me to say?”

Her speech took him by surprise. He didn't actually expect her to say anything. But he redirected his sentence. “Talk to me on your own will. Not when I tell you to. I don't work like that.”

Raven just looked at him.

And they were back to silence. “My brother's wife was like this. Now she lives a miserable life. He doesn't beat her, but he's very demeaning. Growing up watching that, I always said if I marry, that's before I knew I'd have to marry someone of my parents choosing, I would treat her like a God. But I have to have some cooperation. I don't suppose you have to talk to me tonight. Or tomorrow if you so choose. But there's a lot about me you don't know. I'm not what you think.”

Still Raven just looked at him.

Robin shook his head. “Sleep well.”

He closed the door and left.

Raven found herself utterly alone. She walked the house and explored every room, before stopping in the kitchen and making a sandwich out of the contents in the fridge. When she finished eating it, she threw herself on the couch on her stomach and burst into tears.

Day 2

The first night in a new place is always rough. Even more so when you have no desire to be there what so ever. The morning sun shown through the windows to the living room around 5 in the morning. It jostled Raven out of a restless sleep. After trying for the better part of an hour to get some more sleep, she decided to get up and take a shower.

Down the hallway to the left she found what would be her room and the master bath was on the opposite wall as the door to the hallway. She noticed all her bags, three, were settled on the floor at the foot of the bed. She opened the biggest duffle bag and pulled out a few pieces of clothing and headed for the bathroom.

The door had been shut so she opened it. The bathroom was the size of a small office. A Jacuzzi tub complete with water jets, big enough for two people comfortably at least, a full glass walled shower with two water nozzles on opposite walls, again big enough for two. There was a his-and-her vanity and a toilet of course. The floor was of earth tone stones inlaid into the tile. Raven couldn't help but gasp. Had she actually cared to be here, this would be a wonderful place.

Normally a shower would be her bathing of choice. But the tub looked overly inviting. So she ran the water, lit some candles that were already surrounding the walls of the tub, undressed and hopped in. Once covered in water to just above her chest, she turned on the jets. The purr of the bubbles made a relaxing hum and helped her escape the reality of her nightmare for a little while.

Her bath lasted a long time. She refilled it with hot water three times before she finally decided to get out. Then she wrapped herself in a large, taller than her when she held it up straight, white cotton, fluffy towel. It had been on a towel warmer so it was very comforting. Raven wanted to stay in it all morning. But too soon, it cooled to room temperature.

Raven dressed slowly and stood in front of one of the mirrors. She looked at her reflection. Purple hair to her shoulders, dark violet eyes. She was only about five feet one inch, last measured. Had no curves yet and no chest to speak of. After all, she was just barely a teenager.

Raven sighed and brushed her teeth.

In the distance she could hear hollering. Whooping and yipping. Laughing of a young man. She didn't think it could be Robin. Though, she had only spent little time with him, most of which was in silence, she didn't think that was his voice.

Grabbing her brush and running it through her hair, Raven made her way to the living room. She threw the brush on the couch and walked to the door. She opened it and stood there.

A few feet away were two people. One an African American. Well, half of him was. The other half was all metal. Standing a yard or so away from him was a small girl. Not small, really. She looked to be about the same age as Raven. With bright pink hair. They were throwing a football back and forth. Every time the girl would catch it, the boy would jump up and down and whoop.

The girl seemed to notice Raven. The boy turned too. They were both shocked.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.” Said the boy. “I didn't realize there was someone staying in that cottage.”

“I wasn't asleep. How could I?” Raven answered with a bit more venom in her voice than planned. She wasn't in a particularly pissy mood, but for some reason that's how she spoke to him.

“My name's Cy. This is Jinx.” He introduced them both. They both made their way over to Raven.

Raven watched them for a minute. This place is full of strange creatures. Pink hair. Tin body. I guess I fit right in, purple and all.

“You have a name?” Cy asked.

“Raven.”

Cy and Jinx looked to one and other. “Oh… you're -“

“Don't say it.” Raven warned. Her stomach growled.

Cy smiled. “Hungry?”

Raven nodded. “I'm not going into the house. I stay out here.”

“You have to?” Jinx asked a bit startled at the news. After all, she was marrying the young master.

“No. I choose to.”

Jinx smiled.

“Well, I make some mean waffles if you're interested. I'll make them in your place if you want.” Cy offered.

Raven thought about it quickly. She wanted to say no. Stay as far away from everyone as humanly possible. But her stomach growled again. So she agreed.

Both Jinx and Cy made their way in.

“This place is gorgeous.” Jinx chirped as she walked though the living room to the kitchen and down the hall a ways before she realized it was rude to wander uninvited around someone else's place.

“What do you expect? She is going to marry-”

“If you insist on talking about that, I don't need to eat.” Raven spat.

Cy and Jinx looked at her.

“Ok. We won't.” Jinx promised. “Can we still talk to you though?”

Raven narrowed her eyes. “Well, yea. Just not about why I'm here to begin with.”

“Ok. What do you like to do for fun? Have you been shown around yet?”

“Um… I like to read, write, relax. And no.” Raven answered calmly.

“Oh. What else do you like?”

“As in what?”

“Well, I like to play ball, swim, run, dance, talk… ya know? Normal thirteen year old girl stuff.”

“Oh. Me too.”

“Really? Which part?” Jinx asked excitedly. Some one with some common interests.

“All of it, I guess. Normal thirteen year old girl stuff, like you said.”

Cy dropped the flour bag and looked at her. Jinx just watched her too.

“You're thirteen?” Cy asked shocked.

Raven eyed the two. “Why are you so surprised?”

Jinx and Cy looked at each other and back to Raven. “I know you told us not to talk about it. But if you're only thirteen, how can you be getting…” He didn't finish it for fear of being yelled at by her.

Raven frowned. “You're asking the wrong person. I've been using the same argument for almost two years now.”

Jinx looked wide-eyed at her. “I thought you'd be older. Sorry.” She said bashfully.

“Don't be. I'll find some way out of this. One way or another. I hope.”

Cy went back to preparing the batter for the waffles.

Raven didn't like the stony silence. So she had to break it. “So what do you do here?”

“What do you mean?” Jinx asked tracing the tile lines on the counter, still somewhat downcast from the new realization.

“Are you hired help, or family, or what?”

“Friends.” Jinx said.

“Of whom?” Raven asked glaring at them now.

“I'd say but you forbid me to talk about him.” She answered again cautiously.

Raven groaned. “Is there any one here who's not his friend?”

“No. This is his house.” Jinx said quietly.

“He's a good guy. I met him a few years ago at boarding school. He was my friend before I became metallic and was the only one I had left after. Both my parents died so he refused to come home unless I was able to come with him. I do security and computer work on the payroll so I don't have to be adopted in and forced under the religion that's made you so miserable.”

“Wonderful. At least you got a choice.” Raven hissed. She looked to Jinx. “So what's your story?”

“I met Cy on one of his trips to town to pick up some software. I was homeless. He told Robin about me and he hooked me up here. I do little odd projects around here just to be on the payroll.”

Cy began looked from one cabinet to another before standing up. “You have no waffle iron.”

Raven picked up the phone. The other end had some one talking into her ear right away. “Could someone bring me a waffle iron, please?” The man on the other end said yes. Raven hung up the phone. “It'll be here momentarily.”

There was a silence that engulfed them. “There's no one who knows these ground better than we do. After your breakfast, would you like a tour?” Jinx asked.

Raven sighed. “Sure.” She saw Jinx smile, excitedly. “But just the three of us. No one else.”

Cy chuckled. “Rob's at practice till noon. So he won't even look for you till then at least.”

“Why would he look for me to begin with?” Raven asked again with venom in her voice.

“Don't know. I have no idea how these things work. I was just saying.” He answered leaving as much self defense out of his voice as possible.

There was a knock on the door.

“I'll get it.” Jinx jumped up but turned to Raven first. “If you don't mind.”

“Knock yourself out.”

Jinx skipped off to the door. She came back minutes later with the waffle iron in hand.

Cy took it from her and started cooking the first waffle.

“How many more of his friends will I have to encounter while here?”

“There's only a couple more our age. BB stays with the animals mostly. Terra takes care of the gardens. And his cousin Star comes here once a month too.”

“And they're how old?”

“BB's fifteen. Terra's twelve. Star's fifteen. Cy's seventeen.”

“I bet they all have similar stories as you so they aren't forced to marry young.”

Jinx nodded. “Terra's a foreign girl that had been in shelters most of her life. BB had some whack crisis as a child that caused his parents death. Rob's parents were friends with his parents so they took him in. Put him on payroll so he could maintain his parents religion, whatever that is. And I think Star's already married.”

Cy set a waffle on a plate in front of Raven. “My mother's receipt. Enjoy.”

Raven buttered it lightly and added some fresh strawberries that were in a bowl on the counter and some jam. She ate three bites before looking to Cy. “This is excellent.”

Cy smiled widely. He made eight more waffles, enough to use up the rest of the batter. He ate five, Jinx ate two and Raven had one more. Breakfast was finished.

Cy ran down a path and out of sight. Five minutes later he reappeared diving a gulf cart.

“There's a lot of ground to cover. I thought we'd get to see it all before sunset if we were on wheels.”

Of course he was joking, Raven thought. But then again, this was a huge estate.

On the other side of the main house were seven more guesthouses. One occupied by Cy and BB, another occupied by Jinx (the smallest) and another by Terra (only slightly bigger). Other houses were occupied by other members of the staff. So they weren't really guesthouses. But they weren't the houses occupied by everyday servants and butlers either. Their houses, most just as nice, were a few grounds away. The actual `guest houses', like where Star stayed, were just like the one Raven was staying in and they were spread out among the property. Raven guessed for privacy reasons. There was three pool areas, a few meadows, a large number of gardens and animals everywhere.

Raven was introduced to Terra. And she immediately noticed her and Jinx didn't get along. Terra seemed to be a suck up and there for probably a back stabber. Everywhere they went, everyone knew who Raven was or would be.

At the end of the tour, just after one in the afternoon, Raven decided she liked Jinx and Cy. Despite the fact that they were Robin's friends. And she knew why she liked them. Everyone they met today treated her like another mistress of the estate. `Yes ma'am' `No ma'am' `Thank you ma'am'. But Cy and Jinx treated her like a person. Like a normal teenager. And she liked that.

“Thanks for the tour guys. It was fun.”

Jinx grinned ear to ear. Cy smiled as well.

“Any time.” Cy answered. “You need anything, just call. I'm always around.”

Raven nodded.

“And I'm always here too. For the girl things that Cy can't handle.”

Raven smiled to her and waved as they drove off.

Raven went back into her suite and thought it was a good time to actually explore the house she would by occupying for the next three months. There were three bedrooms, the master bath and a separate bath, each room had a closet, and the master had a walk in closet. There was the living room equipped with a mini bar and a fireplace. Flat screen television and the works (VCR, DVD player, two different games systems). The kitchen was well up to date too. Raven guessed it had been renovated recently. Over all, it was a nice place.

She settled herself on a large fluffed up chair and relaxed. The lack of sleep from the night before happened to creep up on her and she fell asleep.

3:38pm

Raven awoke to a knock on the door. Yawning and stretching, she climbed off the chair. Looking around, she remembered where she was. She felt her mood dim at once.

At the door, Raven found herself hoping it was Jinx and/or Cy. But when she opened it, she found Robin.

He smiled lightly. Not a happy smile, but a polite one, Raven decided. She didn't even give him that.

“We've been summoned to the gazebo.” He stated simply.

Raven nodded and headed back into her house. She disappeared for a minute and returned with a light jacket on.

Robin nodded in the direction of the island counter with the waffle iron on it. “He makes great waffles.”

Raven nodded and headed out the door.

Robin shook his head and grabbed the key on the table by the door before leaving and locking it behind him.

Raven climbed into the front passenger seat of the golf cart Robin brought to take them to the gazebo. He drove slowly.

“Jinx really likes you. You're all she's talked about for the last hour and a half. Cy says she's glad to have another girl here.” He made his attempt at a conversation with little hope of a response.

“There is another. Terra.”

Robin didn't let on that he noticed she talked to him. Instead he held the conversation the best he could. But was pleased that the silent treatment was finally broke. “They don't get along. Jinx says Terra's a brown-noser.”

“She is.”

“I know. But she likes you. Cy does too.”

Raven nodded. “I think I like them too.”

“Is your suite alright? I can get you a different one if you're uncomfortable in that one.”

“It's fine.”

Robin nodded. He desperately wanted to keep her talking. He hated being ignored. Even if he didn't blame her for it. “Did you meet BB?”

“No.”

“You may not for a while. He keeps to himself a lot. We're not sure why. Cy thinks the animals are a comfort to him.”

They arrived at the gazebo. Both got out and headed up. The gazebo was much bigger than it looked when she had rode by it with Cy and Jinx. Robin's parents were seated with a lady and a priest. The lady had stacks of books and a bag next to her on the ground. Raven guessed she was a wedding planner. Robin led the way in. He sat at his father's right hand. Raven sat at Robin's right.

“Raven, this is Father Estavio. He will be giving you pre marriage counseling and will be conducting the ceremony.” Robin's mother introduced.

Raven didn't nod or look in his direction. She looked out beyond everyone to the surrounding trees in the far distance and the grounds in the nearer distance.

“This is Miss Tayfler. She is a wedding consultant. She'll tell you what you need to get accomplished in the next three months. She'll do your ordering and all for you. Other than that, it's up to you.” Robin's mother continued.

Again Raven gave no sign that she was listening.

There was silence among the six of them. The adults glanced from one to another. Robin was also staring out into the grounds. Raven saw it from the corner of her eye.

He plans to be unproductive too. Raven thought. This should be fun.

Robin's parents stood along with Father Estavio. “We'll be leaving you three to discuss the first steps in the planning. Tomorrow evening will be your first counsel with the Father.”

They waited a moment to see if a response would be given. Receiving none, they left.

Miss Tayfler looked to the two with a smile. Raven and Robin still looked out among the grounds.

“I know this is hard for you both. So I'm just going to throw some ideas out there for you two to think about. Raven, we will need to get you fitted for a dress within the next week for it to be here with time for three additional fittings. I will need to know who will be in your wedding party as well. That goes for both of you. Invitations will need to be decided upon today so they can be in the mail in two weeks.” She pulled out a book and laid it on the table in front of them. Neither looked at it.

“I know you don't want this. But you can either decide amongst yourselves the details of your wedding or someone else will do it. But I can assure you, even if you don't participate in the planning, the wedding will still go on. So maybe you should plan it as if you had wanted this wedding.”

“It doesn't matter what I want. My opinion means nothing if he doesn't like it.”

Robin looked to her. “Why would you think that?”

Raven didn't meet his gaze. “It's the way of the religion. You know as well as I, that whatever the man says, goes. Even if it's not put into words or writing.”

“That may be the rules, but I've never been one to fallow them. I will never make a decision on my own. You always have to consent.” He insisted.

“So you say. But we'll see.”

“Ok. You pick out the invitation. On your own. And when we get the proofs back, you'll see I'm not lying. I don't lie.”

Raven opened the book in front of her and without looking at the page she pointed to one, “Fine, then. I choose this one.”

Robin cocked a smile. “You don't even want to see the one you chose?”

“I don't care.”

Robin shrugged. “Alright. That one it is.”

Raven saw Mrs. Tayfler writing. She decided it was safe to look at the one she had chosen. It was gold with yellow trim. The letters were orange and there were palm trees and tropical fruit all over it. “No wait. I don't like this one. It's ugly.”

Miss Tayfler scratched what she wrote. “Take your time choosing. We're not in any hurry.”

Raven flipped through the pages until she came across a plain black one with silver writing. There was no real decoration on it except some silver and metallic blue calligraphy at the bottom left corner. The writing would be in silver. “This one.”

Miss Tayfler looked at it for a minute before writing it down. Raven saw Robin smiling a little next to her. He was leaning back in the seat with his arms behind his head. You must get my joke on the black invitation. Raven couldn't help but smile a bit too. I'll make the whole wedding black. That is, unless you over rule me.

“Now, we need to know how many guests you want to invite.”

“As far as I'm concerned, no one.” Robin spat.

Raven nodded her consent.

“Well, surely we'll have some people. Your parents, family-“

“My parents will not be invited to anything.” Raven hissed.

“Come now, you don't mean that.” Miss Tayfler consoled with a gentle smile.

“Yes I do.” Raven growled.

“This is your wedding day. Every bride wants their parents there.”

“I don't. My wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I'm supposed to marry for love only. To someone I want to spend the rest of my life with. This day is none of those. And it's my parent's fault. If I get my way, there will be no white in this day. Nothing to signify that it's a joyous happy occasion. It will all be black. To mark the end of my life.”

Miss Tayfler looked to Robin for support. He gave none. “I agree completely.” He said crossing his arms. “And I like the black idea. But not for the end of my life. More like the end of happiness and youth.”

“I think we've covered enough today. I'll get back with you in two days. Raven, we'll need to get you and your bridal party fitted for dresses. On Monday.” Miss Tayfler placed everything back in her bags and left the gazebo.

Robin waited till she was completely out of sight. “Do you really want an entire black wedding?”

Raven looked at him. “I don't want a wedding at all.”

“Neither do I. But you know we'll have to fight to get a black one, right?”

“It won't happen. I know you don't want a black wedding. So I know it won't happen.”

“Like you, I don't want a wedding either. But like I said before, I've done my research; there's no way out of it. I'm still looking but I'm not finding anything helpful. So we don't have a choice. If you want black then black it is. I like the idea actually. They force us to get married. So we make it look like a joke.”

Raven smirked. “Not that I completely believe you, but my thoughts exactly.”

“So black?”

Raven nodded.

“Flowers? Dresses? Tuxes? Cake? Everything?”

“Yes. Everything.”

Robin smiled. “Alright. Let's make a mess.”

Raven smiled only lightly. He wasn't such a bad guy. But that didn't change the fact that she was going to be forced to marry him and forced to do… everything with him. The thought made her shudder.

“You cold?”

“No. Just had a nightmare.” Raven said quietly looking down at her hands.

“I know the one you're referring to.” He said just as quietly.

“How can you? You're the dominant. I'm just the girl.”

“I heard my sister in law talking on the phone when I was seven about her wedding night. She was crying and hysterical. So I know your nightmare. And I will never, never put you through it. I promise. We can sleep in separate rooms if you want. With your door locked.”

Raven looked at him in disbelief. Not a shocked disbelief. Just complete `I don't believe you.'

“I mean it. I used to look up to my brother. But he turned out to be a monster. Growing up I always drilled myself with how I'm going to treat the woman I marry with love, respect, kindness and equal. And just because I didn't choose her, doesn't change a thing. I will never be like him.”

Raven softened her expression a little. And she nodded once. But she still didn't completely believe him. It's easy to say something now. And even mean it. But like everything, things change. And you won't stay away if I tell you no for the rest of our lives.

They sat in silence for a time.

“I know you had a tour of the grounds, would you like one of the houses?”

Raven thought about it briefly. But she agreed in the end. The houses did intrigue her.

They toured the smaller three before they went into the main. In the main, there were four dining rooms, sixteen bedrooms, a dozen bathrooms, two kitchens (one on each side of the house) a few different living rooms, two game rooms, two dens, sunrooms, parlors, offices and three additional libraries to the one she had already been in. The house took an hour just to get through every room.

As quarter to six approached they ended in the kitchen with a snack.

“Baked potatoes, corn on the cob, steak, well-done, buttered rolls, macaroni salad, chef's salad and cold water. With a side of chocolate ice cream for desert. Not a bad snack.” Robin smiled as he shoved the first three bites in his mouth.

Raven looked at her plate that was stacked high with everything Robin just named. She wasn't that hungry. But then again, she didn't dish the plate. Raven ate in silence at the table in the kitchen with Robin sitting across from her. The main dinner had already been served. They passed on eating with everyone. So they ate alone, after.

Before too long, the kitchen doors opened and in walked Cy and Jinx arguing about something. Raven didn't catch the subject.

“Hey, man.” Cy said hitting Robin on the back of his shoulder.

“Cy. Jinx.” He greeted in return.

Cy sat on the stool to Robin's left. Jinx sat across from him to Raven's right.

“You have a big appetite.” Jinx commented with a grin, looking at Raven's plate still more than three quarters full of food.

“Not really. I was served.”

Jinx looked to Robin. He was eating his food and only glanced up to meet her smile.

“You know not everyone's a pig like you guys.” Jinx taunted them.

Cy grinned. “I'm sure she doesn't eat only four bites and say she's done like you.”

“She did last night.” Robin said.

“I was rebelling last night. Tonight I'm hungry.” Raven countered.

Jinx looked down at Raven's plate again. Raven saw her. “Grab a fork.”

Jinx jumped to the offer and helped her eat the plate full of delicious food.

“We heard the lady with that black bag whining into her cell phone as she went by us. What did you do to her, Rob?” Cy asked taking the gallon of ice cream out of the freezer and digging in.

“What lady?” Robin asked half heartedly as he started on his roll.

“I think they're referring to the wedding planner.” Raven answered with a glance up from her plate. And a knowing smile.

Robin smiled too. “Oh. I don't think she liked our ideas.” He said passingly.

Jinx and Cy exchanged looks.

“What ideas?”

Robin looked to Raven. “No white.” Raven said simply.

“Except your dress?” Jinx asked taking a bite of steak.

“At all.” Raven said.

“Then what are the colors?” Cy asked not really paying attention.

“Black.” Robin said with a smile.

Jinx looked at him wide eyed. Cy started laughing. “You serious? Who's idea was that?” He asked.

Raven and Robin nodded. “Raven's.”

Jinx smiled. “Excellent.”

“Your parents aren't going to like that you know?” Cy told him still smiling.

“Yep. And that's fine with me. It is after all, our wedding. They really don't have a say in it.” Robin said cleaning the rest of his plate. With the last bite in his mouth he looked to Raven. “Do they?”

Raven looked up at him and shrugged. “You've been doing the research.”

“In that case, they don't. It's all ours.”

“But not completely, really.” Jinx said.

They all looked at her. “If it was all yours, you could call it off.”

“True.” Robin said digging into his half eaten ice cream.

Raven sighed. “Are we the only ones who see this as wrong? Forcing children to get married.”

“No. But no one's ever tried to do anything about it.” Robin answered.

“Why not? Are we the only ones who tried to fight it?”

“I don't think so. Actually, I think everyone does.” Robin said as he shrugged.

“Maybe it always works out.” Jinx said with a mouthful of ice cream. She noticed everyone eyeing her. Robin and Raven with angered looks. Cy with a small grin. “Well, if you think about it, everyone we've asked about their arranged marriage has the same thing to say. They all hated it, cried over it, fought it, rebelled in their own way and now they're fine with it. And they love their spouse. So it has to have worked out.”

There was silence for a few minutes.

“I will never be done fighting it. What I don't understand is what's to stop us from getting divorced once we're both of legal age?” Raven insisted.

“The church. They look down upon divorce. They won't grant one at all and only permit if there is physical abuse.” Robin informed, with disgust.

“So… hit me.” Raven said looking at him.

Robin held her gaze. She looked serious. “No. I can't. I won't.” He looked down at his empty bowl. “I want out of this just as bad as you, but I will never hurt you.” He said in a voice just above a whisper.

Their meal ended and the plates were put in the sink. They all walked out into the bright sun that still shown above the trees. It was a warm night. They all stood on the top of the steps to the main house looking out among the grounds.

“So, what should we do now?” Cy asked.

He got silence for an answer.

“Let's play tag.” Jinx suggested with a wide grin.

Raven looked from her to the two boys. Both were smiling too. “I must be missing something here.”

“Come on.” Jinx said grabbing Raven's hand and dragging her to the golf cart. The boys hopped in the back seat. Jinx drove off to one of the large sheds on the far ends of the grounds.

Once inside, Raven spotted a dozen or so ATV's. Raven smiled.

Five minutes later they were in one of the large meadows each on a separate ATV. Jinx's was pink and black, Raven's black and purple, Robin's red and green and Cy's blue and white. They sped around chasing each other till the sun was well behind the trees in the horizon.

For having never driven one before, Raven found it exhilarating to be in control of a moving machine. She spun herself a few times and almost crashed into Cy once. But soon enough she got the hang of it. Tagging was a bit more difficult than she thought it would be. You had to get close enough to touch someone but stay far enough away not to hit each other and lose control. And being small, it was more difficult for her and Jinx than it was for Robin and Cy. But Jinx had obviously played before. She had a pretty good technique.

Raven found herself laughing as they all walked out of the shed. The stars lit the sky. She could make out the three stars that made up the belt of the consolation O'Ryan. (A/N- Is that it, or is it O'Brian? Sorry if I got it wrong.) It was her favorite one. As a young child with her biological parents, she could remember sitting outside with her mother and her mother would name all the consolations she could find. Since then, she would always search for those three. It made her feel like her mother wasn't far away.

It wasn't long before the four of them arrived in the front of Raven's suite. Raven got out of the back of the golf cart. She turned to them.

“See you tomorrow, Raven.” Jinx chirped sliding over the seat where Raven had been.

Raven smiled a bit and nodded.

“Should I be here to make waffles or are you up to eating the main house tomorrow?” Cy asked.

“Waffles are good.” Raven smiled to him.

“I'll be here at eight.” Cy beamed.

Robin threw her the key to open her suite. She barely caught it.

They drove off waving. Raven waved back as they disappeared out of sight.

She turned to the door and stuck the key in. To her left she saw a little creature coming towards her from around the side of her house. She hurried to get the door open. But wasn't fast enough. Raven let out a small shriek as the animal rubbed up against her leg. Just like a cat would. It circled her legs, rubbing against them the whole time.

Raven looked town to it. She narrowed her eyes. How much weirder can this place get? A metal man. A pink haired girl. And now a green raccoon.

The raccoon looked to her with wide green eyes. Ravens knelt down to her knees and pet it. She assumed it must be a tamed raccoon. It was as loving as a house cat.

The raccoon crawled into her arms and put a paw on her shoulder. It propped itself up to sniff her face. She laughed a little at the tickle of its whiskers. The raccoon squeaked and climbed on her shoulders where it rested long enough for her to get to her feet. Raven continued again to open her door. She was successful this time. Raven walked in and flipped the light on.

The raccoon stayed on her shoulder but stretched its nose out to smell the air.

“You hungry, little guy?”

The raccoon made a small sound.

Raven headed to the kitchen with her new friend. She searched the fridge for something to give the animal. “What do you eat?” She asked knowing it couldn't answer her.

In response the raccoon crawled off her shoulder and grabbed and apple from the bottom shelf.

Raven laughed. She picked the raccoon back up and headed to the counter with it. Setting him on the counter, she watched him eat the apple. She pet his head. “How'd you know I wanted a friend tonight?”

The raccoon squeaked.

Raven smiled. She began to tell the raccoon about everything she had been through in the last two days. When she finished she laughed at herself. “I don't know why I told you all that. It's not like you can answer me. But it did feel good to tell someone. Or something as the case may be.” The raccoon looked at her.

Raven turned back to the fridge. She poured a bowl of milk and a bowl of water and set them on the counter. “I don't know what raccoon's drink, so I'll give you the choice.”

The raccoon smelt both bowls and went for the water. Raven pet him down his back and walked to her room. She changed into some more comfortable bedclothes and reentered the kitchen. The raccoon was still sitting on the counter.

“You're welcome to stay here if you like. I'll open a window so you have free reign.” She did and headed into the living room. She flopped herself back in the chair she had been napping in earlier and turned on the television with the remote. She flicked through the channels.

`…re two more cars parked outside'

`…twins. And your second set. How did yo-`

`…Titans Go!'

The raccoon climbed into Raven's lap and curled up. Raven pet him while still flipping through the channels. “I'm going to call you Meeko. Like the raccoon in Pocahontas. Mostly because I don't know any other raccoon names. I hope you like it.”

As if the raccoon was responding, it uncurled itself and stood on her lap. Meeko placed his nose against Raven's and curled itself back up again. Raven smiled.

She pet him till they both fell asleep.

Please read and review.

~Crea