Page 1 of Anarchy
Prologue
Emma
About a month ago
“Father, may I speak to you?”
He looks up from the pages of his worn Bible. It belonged to my mother, and it's one of the few things that he has of hers. "Yes" he nods to the chair, and I sit down.
My nervous hands fidget and wring in my lap. "I know the time is coming for me to get married and—“
"You know it's not an option. As much as I love you, Emma, this isn't something I have control over." His eyes look at me with a hint of sadness. My mother passed away shortly after I was born and I am their only child.
My mother was his first wife, and he has been married three more times since. I have sixteen siblings, and for as crowded as it can be, I love that we all live together. I have always dreaded the day that I would need to leave them.
"No, I wasn't asking you to stop it. I was wondering if I could have a say in who I was marrying." My voice is quiet because I know this isn't something that is typically done.
His eyes widen in surprise, “and who might you be thinking of?”
"Issac Young." He doesn't respond, and for a minute I question whether he heard me or not.
“He’s a fine boy. I will speak to the prophet and see if it’s in his plan.” He offers me a smile before returning to his reading.
I take that as my cue to leave.
***
Two weeks later
“Emma!” my father’s voice yells from downstairs.
I walk down and find him in his study. “I spoke with the prophet, he said the plans he received can fit in with your request.” I wrap my arms around my father. “However, he said you will be required to spend a week at a purity house.”
My eyebrows draw together in confusion, “why?” usually a purity house is used when someone has committed actions against the faith.
"I'm not sure. He said the plan he was shown had two paths. If you wanted the path which included a choice, this is the road to that. If not he did say he saw another possible union for you—“
"No!" I blurt out, and my father looks displeased. "I mean no sir, I will pack some things for the purity house." I offer him a big smile before heading upstairs. I feel so much better knowing that I will actually be able to marry Issac.
***
My door opens, and I look up from my rosary. Prophet is standing there his stone face just staring at me.
"My dear," he walks over sitting on the bed next to me. His hand settles on the middle of my back. My skin crawls beneath his touch. I try my best to keep my distance from him. He's never given me a reason to, but I just have a sinking feeling whenever he is around.
“Yes, Prophet.” I look at him.
"First let me say you have been doing an exceptional job here. Your dedication and faith are impressive." His hand lowers a couple inches, and it takes all self-control not to move away. "When your father came to me with your request for a husband I was thrilled. The time is long overdue for you to join in union and start gracing this community with more children." His voice is low, and everything inside me is on high alert. "I have difficult news to share with you. While upsetting you must keep in mind that nothing happens, that is not I God's plan."
My body goes stiff, he came here to give me news. It must be bad.
“I stopped by your family’s home today. It seems in the past week they must have all contracted the measles.” His hand begins to rub circles on my back, it’s meant to comfort me but all it does it give me anxiety. “I’m sorry to say they’re all gone.”
My heart stops as the words he said echo in my ears. He's still talking, but he sounds so far away.
This can’t be happening.
“How?” it’s the only word I can manage.
