Aileen
Why does he even want to drop me off at college? I didn’t ask him, did I? Or is he doing this on purpose to tick me off?
I still haven’t forgotten what he said to me yesterday.
A few minutes into our ride, he asked, “So, will you be off at the same time today?”
“Why do you need to know that?” I retorted.
“Cause I’ll come pick you up. And I’m thinking about going somewhere to have coffee”
“Pick me up?” I turned around to look at him, “There’s no need for that. I’ll book a cab or go home on foot.”
“Walk home on foot? Why so?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the road. “I have time. So, I’ll be there. Don’t go off somewhere without telling me.”
But, I needed to go to Becky’s place today. I need to tell Marshall about it.
“You don’t need to come, Marshall will pick me up. He has some work at college today,” I replied.
“Marshall? Why?”
“I don’t know. Becky goes to our college so it might be related to her.”
“Oh…but you don’t need to bother him. I’ll be there.”
“You are the one who doesn’t need to bother yourself with me,” I yelled out without thinking. “After what you said last night, do you think I should even talk with you? But, I am talking. See how kind I am. So, don’t take advantage of my kindness.”
I know I’m going way off than I should. But, the more he tries to act friendly forgetting about yesterday the more pissed off I feel.
“I’m taking advantage of your kindness?” his voice sounded so sad as if it would break any minute. “You really think that?”
I fisted my palms, raising my face to look him in the eyes, “I didn’t mean to say that. But, you left me with no choice. There are some things that I need to do. And that’s why I can’t go home with you. Try to understand.”
“Things you need to do? What’s that?”
He stared at me with a concerned look.
“Well…. I want to help out Becky. She’s been cooped up in her house since she was bullied in college. And I think that’s not right. So, I promised Marshall that I’d bring her back to her normal life before her birthday. That’s why, I went over to his house the night before yesterday as well. And I’m planning to go today as well. So, I can’t go home with you.”
“You want to help out Becky? But, how can you do that? He had tried all sorts of ways to help her. Then, what makes you think you’ll succeed?”
“Well…. maybe because I’m a girl, and I can relate to her problems. I’ve also experienced what it feels like to be an outcast, to be bullied. And there was someone for me, who was able to help out from that situation. So, I want to do the same for her. To give her the wings that she needs to soar high in the sky. But, if you have a problem with it, I don’t think I can do anything about it. I have to do what I gotta do. Sorry.”
“You have faith in yourself that you can do it?” his question caught me by surprise.
I nodded in response, “Yes, I believe that if I try I can do it. Cause I believe she hasn’t given up on herself yet. She just needs a little bit of courage and willpower, that’s all.”
“Alright then, you can go,” Dave replied, turning away to focus on driving.
What did he say?
“Did you really say that?”
“I did. As long as you are doing it to help someone, I can’t do anything to stop you. So, do as you please. But, don’t stay out too late. I’ll tell Marshall to watch over you so you don’t do anything dangerous and take any risks, which you do take without a single thought.”
“You think too highly of me. I’m a coward myself,” I replied, looking down at my hands.
I don’t know how little I can do, but I want to do everything I can to help her, to stop a person from suffering.
So then, Marshall doesn’t have to worry about her and he can focus on his own life.
“You think so? I don’t think that about you at all,” he smirked, “You are brave when it comes to others around you. Like how you defended your mom against your dad. But, you can’t be that when it comes to you. So, maybe you should try to come out of your shell yourself as well.”
Come out of my shell? The only reason I could defend against Dad was because I acted on my instincts. I hate that man to the core, the trauma he gave to both of us is something irreplaceable.
If I ever see him again, I’m going to punch him in the face. Then maybe, I’ll be a bit relieved.
Before leaving, he waved at me. I went inside after giving a short bow.
At least he’s a bit understanding. That’s kind of a relief.
“Aileen,” on my way to class I heard someone call behind me.
Skylar ran over to my side and wrapped his arms around me, “Good Morning beautiful.”
“Morning, aren’t you early? I hardly see you for the first class.”
Seeing him made me recall the conversation he had with Dave last night.
“Hm…I just felt like attending. Cause, the test is approaching soon. If I take too many leaves I won’t be allowed to sit in the exams. So, there’s that.”
“I see…. let’s go to the class then.”
He nodded, and we both started walking. I can’t believe he’s the guy Dave told me to stay away from.
Does he even look harmful in any way?
On the way he comments, “You know, your dad, the Alpha is a bit intimidating than I thought. His looks gave off a certain vibe. Do you think he hates me or something?”
“What? No! What are you even talking about?” I stammered in my reply. “Why would he hate you? You are just imagining it.”
“Am I?” he frowned in confusion, “It didn’t seem that way to me though. He made it very clear with his words that he had some problems with me. Then, how can you say I’m imagining it?”
“It’s because all girl dads are the same. They are protective over their daughters? I guess? I mean Mom says that all the time. That’s why you felt that he was…a bit strict with you or seemed intimidating. But, that’s not true. He’s the most gentle and kind person you can ever find.”
“Really? Because he’s a girl Dad?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Hm…well, I don’t know. I don’t have a brother or sister to experience that with. And my parents are…. forget about them. I hope I can get along with your family. Your mom seems nice. If only your dad stopped seeing me as a threat, it would be great too.”
“Come on, he’s not as scary as you make him sound like!” I chuckled, nervously. “Let’s go to the class.”
Dave, look what you did to Skylar. He has a bad image of you.
During lunch hour, I managed to stumble upon Rosalia who was eating by herself at the cafeteria.
I went to sit in front of her. “Hey, eating alone?”
She nodded, munching on her fruit salad.
“You don’t have to see the principal today?” I whispered low.
She stopped eating and gave me a dead-eye look.
“My parents are getting suspicious over me. So, they’ve restricted my movement for a few days. And Skylar doesn’t want to act as my boyfriend either. So, I have to act normal for a few days.”
“I see…. sounds tough for you two.”
“It is. But, why do you look sad? Broke up with your boyfriend?”
“Huh? I don’t have onein the first place!” gosh she knows how to play with my emotions very well.
“Hm…. I know. But, what are you sad about then? Eating a sad meal will only make you feel sad.” She pointed at my plate.
I had a salad bowl with broccoli chicken and potatoes and onions.
“Is this a sad meal? It’s rainbow colored though.”
“I never see you eating salads. You ordered it without thinking cause something was going on in your mind, I bet.”
That’s exactly what happened to me. How did she know that?
“So, what are you thinking about? Exams? Or how to find a boyfriend?”
“Leave out the boyfriend part!” I retorted, “I’m just trying to think of a way to help a bullied person get back to their normal life. Do you know how I can do that?”
She went silent when I asked her the question.
“Well, I’m not forcing you to help me. Just suggestions.”
“Why do you want to help that person? Just because they were bullied?” she asked, putting aside her spoon.
What? Why do I want to help her out? That’s…. because she’s Marshall’s sister and I feel indebted to him?
No, there has to be some reason other than that!
It’s because…. I…. I think her life is miserable now and no person should go through that.
“Yes, I want to give her a new life. The one she really wanted and needed. That’s the reason I want to help.”
She smiled hearing my response. “Now, that’s the way you should be doing it. The attitude matters no matter what you are trying to achieve. If you know what you need to do then, I don’t need to help you much. But, I can say helping someone to overcome their weakness may be the best way to tackle the problem. Cause that’s what they have to fight but they don’t want to face it.”
“So, staying in terms with the reality is a good decision. If you have all of this in mind, you are ready.”
“Rosalia…. thank you!”