A MARRIAGE

SLOANE’S POINT OF VIEW. The polished walls of the living room feel like they’re enclosing me as I sit with my hands tucked beneath my hoodie in an attempt to hide my spiking nerves. My parents sit before me with hesitant expressions on their faces as they avoid eye contact with me at all costs. We’ve been seated here for at least thirty minutes with nothing but silence between us. It’s almost annoying. I’ve had to fight the urge to scream, say fuck it, and demand them to freaking open their mouths. Lucien and I have a date tonight, but they’re keeping me waiting here with each second that they fail to let me know what’s up. My dad finally clears his throat; the sound is awkward, as he clenches his hands together and stares at me with uncertain eyes. “What is it?” I said, a nervous chuckle escaping my lips. “Sloane….honey, we have something to tell you.” He says, and coughs awkwardly. “You see, the company is about to undergo something we call a merger, and we’re looking for a couple o