Hi guys. So I've had a bunch of righters block on the other story, and figured I would start another and look for ideas for Hurting For Love. I came up with this one from Shakespeare and my best friend. I hope you enjoy it!
It was a small village. Maybe 200 people lived there. Everyone was kind. Especially to the a young maiden, Natalia. Natalia was one of the most beautiful women in the town, and all of the men wanted her. Her sparkling green eyes, her long wavy red hair that was the perfect color, and her small feminine figure. But this didn't please her father, Ivan, at all. He was a tough man and wanted to fight the right young lad for Natalia that didn't want her for her thing that displeased Ivan was that Natalia was a free spirit and wanted true love. Blame the stories he would tell himself. He was determined to fine Natalia that right man. And that's why he sent her to the village one afternoon.
"Natalia?" Ivan calls to her.
"Yes, Father?" Natalia answers.
"I hear the library has some new books. Why don't you go see?" Ivan says.
"Oh, that sounds amazing. But I must cook, also." Natalia says.
"Go. Do not dilly dally, my child." Ivan says.
With that, Natalia was off. It didn't take her long to get a new book and she was on her way home when a man stopped her.
"Are you Natalia?" He asks.
"Maybe. Who are you?" Natalia asks.
"Shostakov. Alexei Shostakov." He answers, kissing her hand.
"Then, yes. I am Natalia."
"What's a lovely lady like you wondering all alone out in the village?" Alexei asks.
"My father said new books had arrived, so I came." Natalia answers.
"Shall I walk you home?"
"That would be lovely, thank you."
Natalia takes his arm.
"Where do you live?" Alexei asks her.
"Two roads away, very last cottage." Natalia answers.
"Oh, you're Ivan's daughter."
"Is that an insult?"
"No, of course not. He's a great man of wisdom."
"Thank you. You should join us for supper. Father wouldn't mind."
"I would hope not." Alexei says as they enter the house.
Ivan greets them almost immediately. Natalia thought this strange.
"Natalia, I see you have met Alexei." Ivan says.
Alexei smiles proudly. Natalia eyes them both.
"This is the man I have chosen to marry you." Ivan says.
Natalia stares at him.
"Father, no. I cannot." Natalia says.
"You can and you will." Ivan says.
"Please, Father, you cannot force me to marry him. I scarcely know him!" Natalia says.
"I scarcely knew your mother." Ivan argues.
"And then you had me and she died!" Natalia says.
"Natalia, I wish not to have this conversation right now." Ivan says.
"Father-" Natalia starts.
"NO MORE ARGUING, NATALIA! MY DECISION IS FINAL!" Ivan yells.
Tears come to Natalia's eyes. She runs out of the house.
Ivan groans. "Where did I go wrong?"
"You did not go wrong. She is a woman that must learn her place." Alexei says.
"You are right, Alexei." Ivan says.
Natalia lay by the fountain, crying. Many people had watched her, but no one had come to see if she was alright. But then a stranger that no one knew stopped and stared at her for a while. He slowly sat next to her.
"Go away. I wish to be alone." Natalia whispers.
"You seem like you need a friend." The man says. He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder, causing her to look at him.
"Are you okay?" He asks.
"No. My father is forcing me to get married." Natalia mumbles.
"Does he not believe in true love?" The man asks.
"He thinks it's silly." Natalia answers.
"'Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is a winged Cupid blind'." The man says.
"William Shakespeare." Natalia smiles.
"What is your name?" The man asks.
"Natalia." She answers. "And yours?"
"Barton. Clinton Barton."