Dave
Yes, it’s alright now. This is how it was supposed to be all along. I’m finally able to realize my mistake. And it’s all thanks to you, Emilia.
Yesterday night, when Aileen refused to open the door for me, I sat in the living room downstairs.
I sat there all by myself in silence recalling what she said to me. What exactly is my fault in it?
I want to protect her, to keep her away from danger. And that’s what causing misunderstanding between us.
How can I resolve it?
Aaron, help me out here buddy. I don’t know who to turn to now.
Aaron chuckled in response, “Though, I do feel sorry for you. I really can’t do anything for you here. This is your problem to deal with.”
My problem? We literally share one body! How can you be so irresponsible?
“I’m not being irresponsible. I’m clearly doing my job by soothing you.”
Soothing me? Are you only for my emotional support which you can’t even provide with?
Aaron didn’t respond, staying silent.
Suddenly, a voice draws my attention, “What are you doing out here by yourself? Did Aileen scold you or something?”
Emilia came from the direction of the stairs and walked over to my side, standing right in front of me with her arms folded.
“Am I right?” she asked, winking at me.
I heaved a sigh, leaning against the couch, “Yeah, you are absolutely right. She scolded the hell out of me. Sometimes, I’m starting to ask myself, whether we are her parents or she is our parent. Cause she talks so maturely.”
“Hm…. that’s true,” she chuckled, “May I sit with you?”
“Suit yourself,” I mumbled.
She sat beside me and placed her hand on top of mine, “you sound so defeated. It’s not like you. What did she say to you?”
I adverted my gaze, “She said she’s not a child. But, is definitely stubborn like a child.”
“So are you,” she remarks, “Both of you are so different yet so similar in your own ways. It’s hard to believe you two aren’t blood-related cause the way you get upset or refuse to show your anger is the same.”
“We are the same? Really? I don’t see it though,” I joked.
“You can’t see it, but from the eyes of the outsiders, It’s different.”
I frowned, “It really doesn’t make any sense.”
“Come on, cheer up!” she insisted, patting on my shoulders roughly, “The problem isn’t solved yet, is it?”
I turned to glance at her, “No, and I don’t think it’ll be solved anytime soon. Cause she totally hates me now. I should probably stay away from her for a few weeks. That might make her hate me less.”
She chuckled and snuggled close to me, resting her head on my shoulder, “You really think she hates you just because she’s mad? That’s really stupid. You know….. that girl…. she only shows her true feelings and emotions only around the people she can share them with. Around those she’s comfortable the most. That’s why she’s easily able to throw a tantrum in front of you cause she feels comfortable enough to do that. Don’t take it to heart.”
“I’m not taking it to heart. I know what she said was in the heat of anger. But, I don’t understand what am I supposed to do now?”
“Maybe, just calm down a bit?” she suggested, “And think from her perspective. If you were in her position, what would you do?”
“What I would do?”
That’s….
“Would you be happy if someone tried to restrict your actions all the time no matter what you try to do? They’ll ignore your opinion and desires just in the name of protection? You wouldn’t right?”
I shook my head, “No, I wouldn’t.”
“That’s the same thing Aileen is feeling at the moment,” she replied, looking me in the eyes, “Aileen loves you and respects you, just like how she loves me. And that is the reason she doesn’t understand why you are being so mean to her. She’s a grown-up girl, of course, she’d like to explore new things and experience them, everything now is a first for her. You can’t deny her of those things, can you now?”
“You also attended birthday parties at friends’ homes, and in restaurants, then why won’t she just because she’s a girl? It’s injustice to her, right?”
Everything was starting to get clear to me when she explained it. It’s true. I keep getting in the way of the things she wants to do. It’s not right.
Even I wouldn’t like it if someone would do that to me. It’s mean!
“And it’s not like she tried to be sneaky or anything. She asked for our permission. I think we should let her go tomorrow. I’m ready to fight against you for it if you disagree.”
“No, you are right,” I replied, looking down at my hands, “I’m the wrong one here. Despite being older than her, she’s the one who handled the situation maturely. And I’m the one who acted all stubborn despite her protests. I need to apologize to her.”
“You should,” she smiled, “And sometimes don’t just think from the heart. Use the brain as well. That’ll help you figure out your mistakes.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Emilia. Thank you for pointing out my mistake to me. Or else, I’ve been blind to everything which isn’t right.”
“You are welcome,” she yelled, hugging me tightly. “I don’t like it when the two of you fight as well. Cause then I’m forced to either side with my daughter or with my husband. That feeling is the worst. You can’t imagine.”
I hugged her back, “Sorry for putting you through all this. I’ll try to be more sensible from now on. Alright?”
“Alright.”
———————–
Aileen looked at me surprised, unable to believe my words.
“Did you just say that?” she asked, covering her mouth while speaking.
“Yeah, I did. I really want you to go to the party and attend it and have fun.”
“Dave!” she yelled, getting up from her chair, “Are you joking with me?”
“No, I’m not joking. Why would I be joking? I’m simply telling you the truth. I want you to go there.”
“But, but…you were against it, last night. Then, how can you just easily agree to it like nothing? Can a man change overnight?” she stuttered.
I smiled, “It’s not hard for people to change. They just need a chance to change. That’s all.”
She stood there for a few more seconds awe-struck by my words.
“I still can’t believe it,” she murmured, looking at me, “You are letting me go out so easily? Am I dreaming or what?”
“No, you aren’t. Don’t worry,” I replied. “From now on, you can do anywhere whenever you want to without our permission. Just you need to inform us of the place and time so we can come to get you if you get in trouble at any time. Alright?”
Aileen ran over to my side and got down on her knees on the floor. Then hugged me tightly, “Thank you, you are the best Dave. I love you.”
“Me too. I love you. I won’t keep you chained to me anymore. I’ll focus on becoming a good partner and dad from now on. For you and our future pups.”
Aileen pulled away smiling. Then kissed me on the lips passionately.
She broke the kiss, staring me in the eyes, ” Thank you, Dave. I’m really glad to see the change in you. I’ll also strive to become a better person for you.”
“I know you will!” I reached out my hand to caress her face. I have faith in Aileen. She’ll never break my trust.
After that, we went downstairs to have breakfast together.
She asked me what dress she should wear and I helped her choose one before heading off to work.
She seemed really excited and happy. And seeing the joyful expression on her face, I was happy for her as well.
I can’t bring myself to make her unhappy because of me. She deserves to be happy.
When I got into my car to leave, she waved at me from the porch. I waved back and a few minutes after driving, my phone rang.
I picked up without looking, “Hello?”
“Good morning, handsome, how did everything go?” Emilia asked in a cheerful tone from the other end of the call.
“Good, she’s happy and excited to go. The credit goes to you though.”
“To me? No, you only deserve it. Cause you were honest with your feelings towards each other. It’s not easy to come tto terms with your faults when you are an upright person like you.”
I laughed, “Are you making fun of me?”
She giggled back, “Am I? I don’t know. Both of you are funny and stubborn. It’s funny to watch you two fight. It’s like watching cats and dogs, the upgraded version.”
“I’m sorry to say, I’m neither a cat nor a dog. I’m a proud Alpha. Are you coming home tonight?” I asked.
“Uh…. no, I guess. You two can manage, you have each other. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“You won’t be home? And here I thought you would be helping her with the make-up or something?”
“Hm…. that sounds fun as well. But, I still have to do my job. Tell her mom said you’ll rock the party. So, tell her not to mind her looks and just act normally with others. That girl is an awkwardly social introvert, I’m telling you.”
“I knew that before you,” I laughed, “Anyway, thanks for your help. I appreciate it. As thanks, you can ask me for anything you want to. I’ll fulfill your one wish.”
“Any wish?”
“Yeah.”
“Then….. can we have a baby together?”
I immediately stepped on the break in response. “Huh?”