Aileen
Dave was silent, staring at me with a serious expression. My throat was starting to get a bit dry from all the nervousness I felt.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” I asked, which only sounded like a mumble to my ears.
“This Skylar boy, isn’t that the same boy I saw you hanging around with some time ago and got angry?” he inquired, folding his arms.
I nodded, “Um, yeah. He’s the one.”
“And you are still hanging around with him? For what reason? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from him ’cause I don’t get any good vibes from him?.”
These are the only times when I don’t like how demanding and possessive he is.
“Yes, you told me to stay away from him. But, we have become good friends now. That’s why he invited me to the party in his house.”
“Good friends?” he pointed sarcastically, “Do you even know what he is after? What his intentions are with you?”
“Yes, he wants to stay friends with me. And wants me to get along with my other classmates. That’s why he wants me to attend the party.”
“Is attending the party the only way you can get along with your classmates?”
“Yes!”
“Aileen!” he heaved a sigh, grabbing onto my hand, “Are you being serious right now? Tell me you aren’t!”
“But, I am serious!” I insisted, “I really want to get along with my classmates. You don’t understand how alone I feel, II knew you wouldn’t understand that’s why I went to ask Mom about it first! But, she told me to come ask you anyway!”
He stared at me with a sympathetic expression, “So, you went to ask her first. That’s good. But, it’s that I don’t understand. I’m just trying to make you aware of the people around you. Especially boys your age who only want to hook up and go their own ways after a couple of weeks.”
“Skylar isn’t like that! He’s a good friend!” I stated, “We aren’t like that at all. You know it! Then, what’s the harm if I go? Everyone will be going!”
“First, I don’t trust that boy. And second, there will be other boys as well, like him. Or worse than him. Third, they might be drinking alcohol or stuff as well. Then, how can I let you in the tiger’s den knowing the danger you might be in,” he said, holding onto my hand tightly.
“You aren’t a child Aileen. Why don’t you understand?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying!” I replied, removing his hand away from my hand, “I’m not a child. I understand what’s good for me or not. That’s why I want to go. Please say yes!”
He was stunned by my behavior. “I know you aren’t a child. But”
“You still don’t want me to go?” I asked for one last time, not wanting to argue any further.
“Aileen, look”
“Fine!” I got up from my chair and turned away to leave towards my room.
“Aileen, wait! Listen to me!”
I didn’t listen to his yells and marched towards my room and locked the door behind me.
My knees went weak and I fell to the floor with my back against the door.
Why does he have to be like this always? I don’t understand.
I sat on the cold floor in silence. A few minutes later, I heard a knock on the door.
“Aileen, open the door. We need to talk!” Dave called in a very soft tone.
“Aileen! Please open up!” he knocked for a few more times.
“Go away, there’s nothing to talk!” I yelled back. “I want to be left alone for now.”
“Please, just let me explain myself. Hear me out, will you?”
“No! I’m not interested in listening to you. I don’t need your permission. I’m not going anywhere. Be happy!”
He didn’t say anything afterward and just heaved a sigh.
“If you are going to be this stubborn. Then stay that way. But, if you manage to cool down your head a little bit, then come talk to me. Goodnight.” He said and walked away.
I fisted my hands feeling irritated. First, you upset me and now you say this? You can literally do whatever you wish, huh? That’s great.
I sat like that for a few more minutes, then finally felt like moving so I went up to my table and sat down on the chair.
And rested my head on the table, closing my eyes shut. I don’t feel like going out of my room to face the world anymore.
Wish I could stay in my room forever.
“You know, that’s impossible,” Kiki replied.
Oh, you are awake? Where were you when I was in that heated argument with Dave?
You could give him some advice, couldn’t you?
“It’s entirely a matter between the two of you. Why should I interfere? And your argument was pointless if you ask me.”
Really? It was pointless? He’s the one who’s being pointless here. How can he restrict my freedom like this? It’s not right at all!
I only wanted to go out for a day without my parents. What’s wrong with it?
“Nothing is wrong in it. But, think about his concern for you. He clearly loves you that’s why he acted like that out of protectiveness. Don’t you notice it?”
Yeah, I can notice it very well. I lifted my face from the table and fixed my posture.
The only thing I notice about him is that he’s a total obsessive, control freak. He only wants to keep me caged and nothing else.
“No”
You can’t change my mind. Why am I even talking to you anyway?
I got up from the table and turned off the lights in the room and fell flat on the bed.
You can go out and hang out with your friend of the opposite sex, and have dinner just because she’s your mom now. And I can’t even make friends huh? That’s not very fair, is it?
You are selfish, Dave.
I didn’t realize when I dozed off. The next time I open my eyes, it’s morning.
I tried to get up and saw the covers over my body. I don’t remember putting this on. Then who?
Did Mom or Dave come into my room last night?
I pulled aside the cover and checked the time. It was almost 8 o’clock. I don’t have college today. What am I going to do now?
Suddenly, I heard my phone beeping. I searched for it and found it under my pillows.
I checked the screen to see Skylar’s name pop up. He sent a message.
“Hi, beautiful, good morning. The party starts at 7. Don’t be late. I’ll be busy so I won’t be able to remind you again.”
The party, huh?
“I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to come. Please, forgive me,” I typed all that but didn’t dare to send it.
Instead, I removed all that and typed again, “Got it. See you in the evening.”
I’m raising his hopes for nothing. It’s not like I can go any way. I need to think of an excuse in the evening to tell him.
And hope it’s believable.
I freshened up and went out of my room in my pajamas. On my way, I bumped into Dave who came from the opposite direction ready in his office clothes.
Not wanting to talk, I was about to walk past him. But, he held onto my hand.
“Are you in the mood to talk now?” he asked.
I looked up at him, and removed his hand from my arm, “Not really. But, I’m a lot more calm than yesterday. But, there’s nothing else to talk about, is there?”
“No, there is something we can talk about,” he replied, “Let’s go to my room or your room. The maids all working all over the house.”
“Alright then, to your room it is.”
He walked towards his room and I followed behind.
I hope he’s not bringing me there to lecture me like last night. I’m going to get really mad if that’s the case.
He locked the door and told me to take a seat. I sat on the sofa, folding my arms.
He sat right across me and looked in my direction.
“Go on, what do you have to say?” I asked, “And make it fast. You don’t have all the day on your hands, do you?”
He laughed, “That’s true, I don’t. I’ll start speaking then.”
Did he bring me here because he changed his mind or something? If that’s the case, I still have a ray of hope left.
“Well, I’m really sorry about the behavior I showed last night. Please forgive me,” he apologized, lowering his head a bit, “I was being stubborn and was giving a one-sided opinion of myself without thinking about your perspective and wishes. It’s not right, I realized it after thinking about it all night.”
What?
He’s…he’s apologizing to me for his behavior? He finally gets his fault without anyone pointing it out? This is hard to believe coming from him.
“You stayed up all night for this reason?” I asked. “But, why?”
“Cause it’s serious, and not to be taken lightly. I’m slowly turning into a control freak even without wanting to,” he grunted, fisting his hands. “Just because I love you, I want to keep you tied to me. I don’t want you to go anywhere far without my supervision thinking you might get yourself into danger. But, it’s not right. Relationships are supposed to have healthy boundaries. Which, I’m obviously not aware of.”
“And that is why, I want to change my thinking and mindset. And it starts from today and this time onwards,” he lifted his head to look me in the eyes. “Aileen, I’ll let you do anything you want, wherever you want to go, without stripping you away from your freedom. I promise!”