Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
Another Lifetime
Past Life Challenge
June 19, 1919
Dear diary,
I’ll be 16 years on July 3rd, and I’m engaged to be married. I’m not thrilled, but it’s the life God has planned for me since before I was born. That’s what mama told me yesterday when I cried to her and told her I wasn’t ready to be a wife. The man that father chose is too old for me. He’s lived a full life! I don’t even know who I am yet, or what I want to do with my life. There’s a whole world out there, and I want to see it. If I could, I’d buy a bus ticket to anywhere but here to avoid marrying a beast.
I mean absolutely no disrespect to mothers and wives, but I just don’t think I’ll make a great one. I’m incredibly selfish and immature. I barely can recall what I ate for dinner 2 nights ago. All the women in my family are so alike and love being a mother and wife as their only job, but I want more. It’s not that I don’t want children some day. I just have a dream, and I’d give anything to live that dream.
My mama made babies. My grandmama and her mama made babies too. That’s just what women do in this family, and now they’re all counting on me to grow our family tree. But, does it really need growing? I have 8 sisters and 9 brothers… I’m certain one of them will be happy to do the honors and have children with a dinosaur. Alright, I’m kidding. I wouldn’t let my younger sisters marry Mr. Evens.
I’m the oldest daughter, so I must be the one to marry the old man and give him children. How else will my parents continue to put food on the table and clothes on my siblings’ backs… They’re getting older and are ready to become grandparents. Oh, no! What if our children look like him… Will I be able to love a child by a man I don’t love?
I wish I had someone to talk to who can help me through my concerns. I’m tired of hearing everyone say, “it’s God’s will” or “stay in a woman’s place.” What the hell does that even mean? I still can’t quite understand why we can’t find our own damn place in this world. If God wants me to get married so bad, why don’t he come on down and tell me for himself?
Anyways…
My father is giving me away to a banker at the largest bank in the town. I’m not shocked at all. I’m just surprised that he didn’t go for someone with more money like a doctor or lawyer. Money is the only thing father ever speaks about aloud. I’m no different than a dollar bill to him; a form of currency. I haven’t left the house without mother since I was 8 years, and now my life is for sale before I even got a chance. I’m being sold like cattle to the highest bidder. I can marry a 47-year-old banker tomorrow, but I can’t even open up my own bank account. How ridiculous!
I look up, and there it is…
The wedding dress hanging up in the closet. It’s the whitest dress I’ve ever seen; Whiter than snow. The dress was my grandmama’s but she brought it back to life. She had it fitted perfectly to show my curves. I tried it on a few hours ago and looked at myself in the mirror. I saw a girl not a woman.
Warm tears fell down my cheek, but this time I didn’t run to mama. I wiped my tears and sucked in my stomach. I told myself I’d be a fantastic wife and mother to make mama and grandmama proud of me.
God, I pray that one day girls and women will have right’s too. Then, I’ll make myself proud. It’s not a no to traveling and seeing the world. It’s a not right now. Because, I’ve got a job to do. Tomorrow, I must vow to become Mrs. Catherine Evens…
About the Creator
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Real Poetic and writers in History and other communities.
Master Poetic
I’m going to be brutally honest. If I could travel back in time, I’d want to be a slave master. Before your jaw drops and hits the floor, I would be a slave owner that secretly freed the slaves. Let’s be honest. Surviving is the key, so I wouldn’t publicly be against slavery for my own safety. The last thing I need is to be whipped or swinging from a tree like a bird house. The south was a very dangerous place during the slavery era. My mama ain’t raise a fool. There’s nothing wrong with beating the system from within.
By Real Poeticabout a year ago in History
Why Dubai's Islands May Be a Sinking Venture
Why Dubai's Islands May Be a Sinking Venture Dubai, a city inseparable from aggressive design projects and rich ways of life, has caught worldwide consideration with its man-made islands. From the famous Palm Jumeirah to the aggressive The World, these counterfeit archipelagos stand as images of Dubai's fast turn of events and its craving to set up a good foundation for itself as a head extravagance objective. Nonetheless, regardless of their underlying charm, there are developing worries that Dubai's islands may be a sinking speculation. Here's the reason:
By robail shahzadi8 days ago in History
RunPee App
I was going through the stories I wrote way before Vocal and found a series I’d penned on the American movie industry. I covered the economics of making and distributing movies, the ways the movie industry responds to modern challenges such as MeToo movement and the streaming technologies, and other topics, including some movie reviews.
By Lana V Lynx4 days ago in Geeks
Comments (5)
I love the idea of presenting this challenge as a diary entry. The realities of years gone by is not always as pleasant as many like to believe, and you captured that well in your story. Well done!
This was just so heartbreaking! My Great Grandmother was 10 when she was married off to my Great Grandfather when he was 34. She hit puberty when she was 11 and had her first of five children when she was 12. I'm just so glad times have changed for the better now!
In reality, few if anyone, would really want to go back in time. Nostalgia would soon fall to realities of oppression, injustice, quackery, and an atchaic existence. Love the diary format. Great job here on the challeng. 😎
Ugh! I could feel how lost she felt when realizing the magnitude of a decision that was not hers. Very well written, R.P I’ll ever understand prearranged marriage. I guess you can learn to love someone but that misses the point of choosing a love that melts your heart, not fattens your wallet.
What sadness... I'm glad women now live in era where they have a choice!