Chapter 1

I knew it. I just knew I shouldn't have answered. Of course she'd react like this. I'm not surprised she's mad, just slightly annoyed by it. Who wants to answer a call from their mom when they know she's setting them up for an arranged marriage. But I digress. It's not like I expected much more from her anyway.

"Look mom I'm sorry I haven't been answering but-" and of course I was interrupted by her. "There is no but Thalia I expect you to answer whenever I call." Did this woman forget I have a job or what? I swear she forgets that I'm an adult. "Mom look-" and AGAIN she interrupted me from finishing my sentence. "Thalia I swear. This is why I shouldn't have let you move out. I told your dad we shouldn't let you but no." This is so frustrating. I can never speak my mind with her. Yet another reason that I moved out of the house and got a job. She never lets me speak for myself. And she wonders why I never show any of my emotions with her. It would just end up wearing me out.

"Mom I don't want to have another meeting with another girl when you and I both know it never works out. I don't want to be in a loveless relationship." I'm hoping and praying that she'll let this go but I just have this gut feeling that she won't leave it alone. "Now listen Thalia-" Whoop there it is. "It won't be a loveless relationship. I actually quite like this girl. And besides I don't think you get it. You don't have a choice. See you at 7pm for dinner." And that's it. She just hung up on me. She just blatantly told me that she doesn't care if I like them, that it only matters if she does. It's always been like this though. She'll say these types of things to me and then try to reconcile with me by explaining to me that she's only doing what's best for me. FOR ME.

I don't think she even understands what I want. As a matter of fact I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't know what my favorite color is. I've always been closer to my dad. While yes he's overprotective he's nowhere near as controlling as she is. He lets me have control in my life. Something that I'll always be grateful for. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Y'know, I've watched tangled and I know what a manipulative/fake mother is like. Not to be crude or anything but I definitely wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't my mom. I mean look at how Rapunzel's 'mom' reacted when Rapunzel wanted to leave the house. She tricked her and tried to keep her isolated. The real question is what could she possibly want from me. I have nothing of value to her. It's whatever though. This is all speculation. Maybe she's just a REALLY sucky mother but at least I have one. Some people aren't so fortunate.

And my father, whew. Yes he gives me more freedom then her but really he's no better. He will never go against my mom. To be honest he's a weakling who never speaks up for himself. Anytime she degrades me or makes me feel like nothing he will just stand on the sidelines and watch. It hurts. Knowing that I would never be like that for someone I love and yet it's exactly how my parents treat me.

It's hard, y'know. Wanting to be loved by the only people you've ever known. Yes we have relatives but even then Mom would always keep me away from them. She's like the stepmother in Cinderella while I'm sitting here waiting for my fairy godmother to come and set me free. Except I don't want or need a prince charming. I just want my mystery girl.

Speaking of which, I know that me and her haven't quite talked but it is rather strange that I make her coffee everyday and I don't know her name. Well, made now. I guess I never really

thought about it. I mean the coffee shop isn't the most popular but we do have a steady flow of customers everyday and yet I've never gotten her name.

And now that I think of it, why does she come to the coffee shop everyday? There are plenty in our city and it's not exactly like we serve the best coffee. And with the way she dresses it seems that she could afford more than a cheap cup of coffee that probably doesn't even taste good. I wouldn't put it behind our boss to skimp on fresh ingredients and buy cheaper ones instead. Oops I meant former boss. I just can't get over that. Is it bad that I'm finally free from that jerk? Absolutely not. I just wish it didn't happen in front of her. And there are just so many questions I have for her.

Why is she coming to this specific shop? And why does she come every single day? What was the purpose? Was it just for coffee or something more? What's her job? How come I've never seen her anywhere? If she's in a wealthy family my parents would probably know them and we can't forget about paparazzi, they would be all over her. So why haven't we met before? There's just so much running through my mind. I know literally nothing about her except for her coffee order. She just comes in, gets her coffee and then leaves. She's never in a rush though always taking her time.

"I watch too much criminal minds." I sigh to myself subtly shaking my head.

She's just so beautiful. I wish I knew more about her.

It's whatever now though. I might as well forget about it seeing as my mother is smitten with the woman she's set me up with. She might as well just date her herself. I just wish, with all of my

heart, that I'll get to speak with her some day. I don't want to give up on my chance for love. I want to take her out at night and stargaze, go and explore abandoned buildings, or just take midnight drives cruising down the road and shouting out our favorite songs. And I know that for some love at first sight is something false and pretentious and rooted in falling for someone's looks, but for me I would give anything to be able to hold her, and kiss her and tell her I love her. I want to feel loved, and cherish her, make her laugh, and see her smile. I would love to be the one to make her happy.

But I don't even know if I'll ever get the chance. And I don't know if I could live with myself knowing that the one person I want in my future isn't in my life because I was too scared to talk to her. I have no friends here. No life here. What is it about her that has me so crazy for her? I just don't understand. What is going on? Why do I feel like this? We've never even talked before. "Whatever." I say dismissing my thoughts. I better start looking for an outfit, goodness knows how pompous the person I'm going to meet is. Man do I wish I was with my mystery girl. But I will be soon. When I let myself drift away into sleep is when I will be with her again.