“Yeah, I understand. But, last time when I went to Marshall’s place I had let you know about it. And you said it was okay back then. Then, why can’t I just go to a party which is hosted by my friend without telling him? It would be rude if I didn’t show up, right?”
“This and that is a totally different situation. You understand this, right?” Mom explained.
“How are they different?” I know why, but still arguing about it.
“Because Marshall is our pack member!” she reasoned. “He’s your dad’s beta. We know him. Even if you go over to his place, we know he won’t try to pull anything on you. We can trust him. But, that can’t be said the same for your friend whom we haven’t met yet. And if it was a girl’s party, maybe I could’ve allowed you. There would be boys as well right?”
“Uh…yeah, but”
“Then, how can you expect me to give you the go signal without asking your dad about it? This is not alright, Sweetie.”
I had no words to defend myself. After all, l she was right. With all the things that I did just to get her to agree. All went in vain.
I might have had a chance with Mom. But, Dave, he’s not going to deny it the moment he hears about it.
What’s the point of even asking?
She folded her arms and looked at me.
“I understand you were excited to go as it’s your friend’s party. But, I can’t say yes without letting him know. I’ll tell Dave today and see what he says about it. Alright?”
“No need, he’s going to deny anyway,” I replied.
“And how are you so sure without even asking?”
“Cause I know him!” I retorted. “This party was a good chance for me to get along with my other classmates cause I’d hardly spoken to them more than once. And some of them even try to ignore my existence because they think I’m rude. He has created a chance for me to socialize with people. And you are robbing that away from me!”
“How will I ever make friends after this? Who’ll even want to be friends with me?”
Mom listened to everything carefully before commenting, “If they can’t socialize with you unless you go and attend that weird party. Then they don’t deserve to actually know you, do they?”
“This is not how things work out here, according to your wishes, nor my wishes, nor his wishes. It’s a social gathering and if I attend there, I’ll be able to actually create a good reputation or image for myself. Most of the people in college know me as the Alpha’s daughter only. I don’t want that!”
“I want people to know me for who I am, my name, is Aileen! Not The Alpha’s daughter.”
She looked at me with a concerned face. Her eyes softened up.
“You don’t like to be known by dad’s identity? But, why? He’s a good person, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, he is. But, that’s not the problem here. I want to break the image of a rude and egoistic Alpha’s daughter to a down-to-earth normal girl named Aileen. Who wants to be friends with everyone in her class.? Not to have become an outcast and be hated on.”
“Sweetie, are you getting bullied?”
“No! It’s worse than getting bullied!” I grunted, fisting my hands. “They ignore my existence and talk behind my back. And whoever gets along with me, they don’t like that as well. Cause they think, I only talk with a few people. I want to fix this misunderstanding once and for all. And that’s why I need to go to the party. Try to understand Mom!”
She opened her mouth about to speak but stopped. Then, sipped on the glass of water before putting it away.
“Look, I understand your intention is genuine. And I get your point very much well. But, unless you get that across to Dave. I don’t know how it’ll go. I can give you the go. I surely can after hearing everything from you. But, you need his permission after all at the end. He’s your dad.”
I lowered my gaze, staring down at my hands. Everything around us became silent as none of us spoke a word to each other after that.
Suddenly, the waiter’s voice disrupted the silence.
“Here’s your order. Sorry for waiting. Enjoy the meal,” the girl said before leaving.
There were our trays of food in front of us now.
Mom glanced at the food and then looked at me, laughing nervously. “Uh…. they brought so much food. How are we going to eat it all by the two of us? Maybe we should ask for takeaway?”
“I understand your point, you don’t need to blame yourself, Mom,” I said, looking up at her. “Thanks for listening to me. I was being selfish for trying to make my point valid. You are right, I shouldn’t go without his permission. He’s responsible for our safety and well-being after all. If anything happens, he’ll be responsible for it. I can’t be that stubborn.”
Mom’s eyes widened in surprise. “Aileen…. when did you become so sensible? I can’t believe it! My daughter has grown up so much.”