Aileen
I flipped through the pages and suddenly a few legs appeared in front of me out of nowhere.
I put aside my book right away when I saw Dave standing. I was surprised but also relieved.
I stood up right away, “W-when did you come”
His hands suddenly wrapped around me pulling me into a tight hug. He said nothing afterward and stayed like that for a few minutes.
Not knowing what to do, I hugged him back, and we stood there for ten minutes.
“Is everything alright? Are you fine?” I asked, patting his back.
“Aileen, we are a family right?” he asked.
“Of course we are! What kind of a question is that?”
He pulled away, looking into my face. “Thanks!”
Thanks for what? He doesn’t seem to be himself.
“Anyway, did you eat dinner? You came home quite late today.”
“Uh, no….”
“What? You didn’t eat? Go and sit at the table then. I’ll bring you something to eat!” I urged.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to bother yourself,” he replied, “I’ll manage without food.”
“You shouldn’t go to bed on an empty stomach!” I insisted, taking him by the hand. “Come and sit. I’ll make something for you. It won’t take too long.”
“But”
“No buts!”
He showed no resistance further and sat down on the chair. I went to the kitchen searching for available food.
There were some leftovers from dinner in the fridge which I just heated up brought out along with a drink and placed the plate in front of him.
“Here you go. Eat up.”
He picked up the spoon thanked me and started eating.
I took a seat beside him, waiting for him to finish the food.
“So, how much work did you have today that you couldn’t pick me up from college?” I asked.
He stopped eating and just avoided his gaze. “Uh…. it’s….”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to answer. I know you are a busy person. I was just messing with you,” I chuckled. “I’m just glad you are back home safe and sound. That’s enough.”
He hurriedly picked up his pace gobbled down the food and finished his drink.
“Why are you in so much hurry? You might choke on your food!”
“I won’t!” he mumbled, turning to me with a serious look.
“Uh…what is it?”
“Can I ask you a question? Answer me honestly, will you?”
“Uh…okay…I guess…?”
“Are you seeing anyone in your college at the moment? A guy or two?” he asked without any hesitation.
“What?”
“Do you have any boyfriend right now in college?” he repeated.
Huh? Why’s he asking this question suddenly? I don’t know how to react.
“Why aren’t you answering? Do you have any?”
“Uh, no! No! I don’t!” I assured him. “And it’s just my first day, why would you think that?”
He seemed convinced by that. “Well, that’s true…. it’s your first day.”
“Y-yeah….”
He heaved a sigh in relief. “Thank god.”
He’s acting strangely. Is this….. perhaps because he’s worried I’ll have a boyfriend in college? Is this jealousy that I smell?
Why? That sounds wonderful! Is he possessive over me? I’m blushing at the thought of it. Is my face red? It must be!
Oh my! I can’t believe this.
“Well, you might not have one yet. But, if you have one later, then….” he paused midway.
“Then, what are you going to do?” I asked, observing his face. He looked like he would break out in tears any moment but controlled himself.
“Then…. I….”
He clenched his fists, looking quite defeated his lips curled upwards into a frown.
And yet he raised his face to look me in the eye.
“Well, I don’t know what I might do at that moment. I’ll probably get angry and sad. But, despite all that I’ll still wish for your happiness with or without me at the end.”
His words left me speechless. That would take so much courage to say even for me.
He’s so cool, isn’t it? That’s one of the reasons I admire him in the first place.
But, now that he has brought it up, I think, this is the right time to ask him that question as well.
“Dave, can you answer me something?” I asked, clearing my throat.
He looked puzzled. “Yeah, what?”
“What is our relationship? And where exactly is it heading? Please don’t beat around the bush and give me a clear answer.”
I thought he was going to be surprised by the question. But he remained calm, not affected in any way.
“In the eyes of outsiders, we are father and daughter duo. But, I know we are mates for life. And if you ask me where it is heading, do you mean what’s the future of our relationship? And our future?”
I gave a nod. “Yeah, precisely yes. I want to know who I am to you and what I mean to you. I want to know where I stand in your life, my position, and all that. Cause I’m confused about everything.”
He didn’t answer and it made me feel very uncertain and anxious. Does this mean he’s been playing with me all along?
“I’m sorry I can’t answer that question properly right away,” he replied. “Cause I can’t gather the words I mean to say.”
I looked at him puzzled. Is he trying to find an excuse to get away?
“But, I can certainly say with confidence, that you are someone quite important to me. More important than anything else in life. Everything comes second to you. I want you to know that.” He assured, holding me by the hand.
I couldn’t find the dishonesty in his words. Whatever he said, he meant it from the heart.
I’m important to him. I guess that’s enough for now, right?
“Aileen? Are you listening?”
“It’s quite late, go to bed,” I replied, getting up from my chair.
He was absolutely baffled by my actions.
“Did you get what I was trying to say?”
“Uh, yeah. That’s why I’m telling you to go to bed. It’s quite late. You have work tomorrow and I need to go to college.”
He chuckled standing up. “You are so mindful and funny at the same time. Let’s go then.”
I nodded, leading the way upstairs.
“So, where’s your mom? Went to bed before you?” he asked, looking around.
“No, she’s not at home. Went to her shift.”
“Shift? Then, you ate dinner and waited for me by yourself?”
“Uh, yeah. I couldn’t just sleep so I brought a book to bore myself while waiting.”
“Thanks, Ail, een. I appreciate your efforts towards me. but, if you feel tired you can go to bed. You don’t have to wait for me. I can manage.”
I stopped in my tracks, turning around to look at him.
“Fine! I’ll keep that in mind next time. I won’t wait for you anymore, got it?” I stated before walking off toward my room.
He came up from behind me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
“I’m sorry for not picking you up today. Next time, I’ll make sure to tell you beforehand and not right on time. Alright?”
I nodded. “And you don’t have to worry about me making a boyfriend as well. You are sending me there to study. I’m going to get my degree and maintain good grades which will help me start my career. I’m not interested in half-hearted time-killer relationships. They drain your soul and your life.”
“Did you say that to make me feel at ease?” he teased, pulling me close to his body.
“Uh…maybe? Why? You don’t want assurance? Or do you wish to keep feeling nervous? Your face was quite white back there when you were asking me about it. I wanted to help you out of your misery.”
“Aren’t you a good daughter?” he whispered in a sexy tone, nibbling onto my ears lightly.
I almost moaned out of surprise but covered my mouth with my hands to prevent that from happening.
It’s not fair he can tease me like that anytime he wants to.
I want revenge.
“Did you enjoy that? Your ears seem sensitive to my tongue. do you want some more in the bedroom?” he whispered, running his hands down my thighs.
I knew what he was playing at and I didn’t hate that. But, I won’t let him have his way so easy.
“It’s late,” I said, removing his hand away from my legs. “We should go to sleep, shouldn’t we? And mom might be back from her shift as well. You don’t want to get caught, do you?”
He was taken aback but smirked in response. “I see…. playing my own words against me, aren’t you? That’s good. But, it won’t work now.”
“And why’s that may I know?”
“Because….” He lifted me from the ground and held me in his arms. I placed my hands on his shoulder for support.
“What are you doing? Put me down!” I struggled to get away but failed.
“You can’t play my own rules against me, baby,” he chuckled. “You can only do that when I’m making you scream. And you know I love that. Let’s go, I’ll make you scream some more while we’re at it.”
This guy! Knows very well, how to turn me on.
“You are forgetting you have work tomorrow, and I have classes. Put me down!” I yelled. “You need sleep, and so do I.”
His brows furrowed in surprise. “Oh? Do you think you can go to sleep in the mess I left you with? Don’t you think that’s too cruel?”
Mess? Oh no. I didn’t even realize myself when I got wet. Did he sense that before me? No wonder he’s so eager to bring me to his room. He already thinks I’m in the mood. And here I wanted to tease him some more.
“Alright then, let’s get this over with,” I sighed in defeat.
He smiled and started marching towards his room. “Should’ve said that sooner.”