Disclaimer: I obviously do not own anything recognizable.


She nervously held her breath as she slowly unfolded the letter that, little did Rochelle know, would change her future.

My dear Madison Rochelle,

If you're reading this, just know I love you and the only reason this letter says what it says is because I love you. I want the best for you and Lexi. I know you're much stronger than her and more adaptable to changes, so I ask that you continue reading this. I need you to mend this broken family. Once we were extended, you see, we had friends and they were our family. Then a rift formed and slowly we parted. I know this is a lot for you to take in, but hear me out. You are engaged my sweet Madison, I hope you don't think I've lied to you, because I haven't. I just have not told you all of what you need to know. Now that you have finished reading this, I ask that you would call the number on the back of this page. You will live with those people from now on... Never forget that I love you.

Love,

Mom

She turned it over revealing 2 phone numbers; one for the husband-to-be and the other was his mom's. Under the two phone numbers it said, "just tell the mom you're name and she'll know.."

Was this why her mom always said that Rochelle's previous boyfriends or crushes weren't good enough? Is that why she did not like any of them?

Rochelle sighed. If this was her mom's last wish, then she was gonna try her hardest to make it come true. Even if that meant marrying a stranger; which she was going to do.

Rochelle grabbed her phone, which she had to replace since the other one shattered on the floor, and dialed the number to her "fiancé"

"Hello?" The masculine voice answered sounding impatient and slightly annoyed. And for some strange reason it sounded familiar. Maybe it was just Rochelle over thinking things, "If this is another fan girl, I swear to God I will change my number," he said more distant this time. It sounded like he pulled away the phone to talk to someone.

Rochelle just hung up. I mean, what was she supposed to say, "Hey I'm you're fiancé who I'm guessing you have never heard about considering it's an arranged marriage!"

That was stupid and it was highly unlikely for anyone to believe her!

So yeah, she just hung up and moved on to the other phone number. Maybe she will have enough courage to speak this time.

The mom would know about her, so there is nothing to worry about, right? Except for the fact that she would have to move in with a bunch of strangers.

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, and there was no use holding it off for any longer than it already has been.

She slowly dialed in numbers one by one. Anxiety was building up and there were so many questions that needed answering.

Who is this fiancé? Why did he hope the caller was not another fan girl? What will he think about Rochelle? Will this relationship just shatter in pieces for everyone to see? Will she fail her mother's expectations?

Then she noticed the phone ringing, waiting for the other line to be picked up. "Hello?" a cheery female voice came from the phone.

"Hello, um.. I don't know if you know me but, uh.. I'm Rochelle.. Actually.. Madison Rochelle Johnson to be exact."

"Madison! Sweetie! I haven't heard from you're family in years! So, tell me, how's your mom?"

Rochelle sighed, "I'd rather not talk about that"

The women on the other side nodded, though Rochelle could not see it. She spoke again in a polite manner, "so, what did ya call for today sweetie?"

Rochelle bit her lower lip to prevent herself from crying. She had to be strong right now. "M-my mom said to c-call you," her voice cracked, despite the fact that Rochelle was trying her hardest to sound normal. She cleared her throat and began again, "she said I have to live with you now... And, err... Meet my fiancé?" The last part sounded more like a question.

"Oh.. Yeah.." the woman paused before beginning again, "How about I meet up with you? Where do you guys live?"

"Miami"

"Okay honey, I'll be there later tonight to pick you up. Till then, pack some things.. I've gotta go now so I'll talk to you then"

"Good bye."

...

The door knob twisted and Lexi walked in, "Hey Rochelle." She didn't sound her usually peppy self, but that was to be expected.

She then looked up from where she was staring at the ground and noticed the almost filled suitcase.

"W-where are you going?" Lexi stuttered looking as though she will break down any minute.

"Lexi," Rochelle said pulling the girl into a hug. She had to be strong for her sister.

They pulled apart and Lexi gave a look that meant she was expecting an answer.

Rochelle sighed looking down, "I'm engaged."

"What! Y-you never told me?" A look of hurt flashed in Lexi's eyes. Why had Rochelle not trusted her to tell her? Was she not a good enough sister?

"I didn't even know," Rochelle whispered still looking down; it was barely audible but Lexi still heard it.

She gave a look that obviously read 'how would you not know that!'

"It's an arranged marriage... That's the note mom left me.."

Lexi sighed, "Well, who's the lucky man?" This was an opportunity to get her mind off of all the pain. It's time to be the biggest fan girl ever, romance is a joyous thing, right?

Rochelle smiled; there's the Lexi she knew, well almost. "That's the thing, I don't know, but I'm meeting him tomorrow and being picked up soon. So.. I guess this is good bye."

Lexi started tearing up. Yes, she had a husband, but she's already lost too much. She's felt too much pain. This was the point that would push her over the edge, her breaking point.

Rochelle knew that, but she wouldn't let herself see it happen. No, she couldn't. She was only so strong. She already feels like her world is falling apart. She can't have her only family member depressed beyond belief. It would make her break, and she had to be strong. She was going to live with a bunch of strangers, more than she knew, and she could not seem weak.

"Stay strong Lexi," Rochelle pulled the smaller girl into a hug and repeated quietly, "stay strong."

...

Rochelle's soon to be mother-in-law, who still has forgotten to mention her name, arrived in Miami to pick her up a couple hours later.

"Madison, sweetie! You have grown up so much," the woman exclaims as Rochelle drops into the passenger seat.

Rochelle tried her hardest not to groan and snap at the bleach blonde woman driving the white van. "Please, call me Rochelle," Rochelle said with a smile.

"Okay, Rochelle, I can't wait for you to meet my son! Well, I have four sons, and a daughter, but you know what I mean, right?" Rochelle nodded and the woman took that as a sign to continue on, "So you will be sharing a house with us, and well you will be living in the guest room."

She paused for a moment and began driving before continuing again, "I just figured you needed your space. This is a lot to take in, really. Soon you'll find yourself feeling as though you were always one of us."

Rochelle smiled, "Thanks, err.."

"Oh, I forgot to say, didn't I? Well, call me Stormie!" Stormie sounded enthusiastic.

"Well, I was wondering... Why did our families part?"

Stormie sighed, "Some people had a huge fight. Of course a family is gonna side with the family, even if their wrong.. The point is, your mother and I decided that the best way to bring us together was to make everyone family, through you."

"But what if he doesn't love me? What if I don't love him? What if we can't stand each other?"

"I'm going to be completely honest with you, rarely do the pair 'love' each other right away. Trust me though, everything will turn out okay."

Rochelle leans her head on the dash board. Today was going to be a long day.


A/N: Alright, there's chapter 2! Just so you know, the car ride lasts from late in the day/early in the morning to the next day...

I'm sorry if the beginning seems kind of slow, I'm just trying not to rush it. You will know who Rochelle will be marrying in Chapter 4. I already have the next chapter written, so review for chapter 3. Please tell me what you think about the story so far.