Dave
"You don't consider me your mate. You think of me as your possession only, like something you can own and control."
How can you even think like that, Aileen? I think of you as my possession and I want to control your life.
All I want is to keep you safe from outside harm. That boy clearly doesn't have any good intentions.
I could tell very well. The way he was staring at her when he spoke about genuine connection. He meant something way more than what normal friends have. He definitely has a thing for her, but that's not what I'm worried about.
Something tells me, he's going to turn out to be dangerous for her in the future. That, I can't let happen.
But her words rang in my ears when I was lying down on the bed. I tried to sleep but kept tossing and turning in bed.
How can I sleep peacefully after that conversation we had?
I turned sideways and saw Emilia sleeping soundly. She must be tired.
Sometimes it's just great you can work like a dog and just don't worry about anything and sleep. Don't you think?
"You just thought about it for a second, didn't you?" Aaron comments.
Me? Thought what?
"That if she were in Aileen's place, she would just listen to whatever you said without showing any resistance, didn't you?"
My hands grew cold at his response.
No, I didn't think–
"Don't bother lying. But, I don't blame you. Between someone who only wants your love and affection and the person whom you love, but she doesn't care about your wishes, it's easy to see who's the winner here."
Did I really think that if Emilia was in Aileen's place things would've been easier? Can I imagine someone else in her place? No, why am I trying to run away from all my problems?
This isn't the way to do things. I need to face them. Not run away. I'm not a coward.
Just replacing someone isn't the solution here. Emilia loves me for who I am. But, it's only her one-sided love towards me. And I think she herself realizes that. But, doesn't complain about it.
Eventually, when the time comes for it, I need to be brave enough to stand my ground like I did today in front of Aileen.
If I didn't do this, she'd never be able to find any faults in her actions. This was for the best. If she hates me for this, let her hate me. I can bear with her hate, but not see her get hurt by someone else. Especially when I can't be by her side 24/7 when she's in college.
I have a duty to protect her, emotionally and physically both. After we announce our relationship things won't be so hard for anyone. She can proudly say she has a partner. Then, I can rest easy.
But, she's probably going to act cold toward me and ignore me for a few days. I need to bear with it and not break down.
In the morning when I looked beside me Emilia wasn't there. So, I thought she left already.
I sat up and checked my phone to see if Aileen had texted me. But there was no message.
The sound of the bathroom door opening drew my attention.
"Oh, you are awake already?" Emilia asked, walking over to my side while carrying the towel in hand.
"Uh, yeah. Good Morning."
"Morning," she went to sit in front of the mirror to get ready.
"I'm going to shower. See you at the breakfast table," I said, getting up from the bed.
"Is everything alright with you?" she asked, stopping me in place.
I looked back at her confused, "Why are you asking me that question?"
"Hm…. well, you were groaning in your sleep. That's why I thought maybe you had a nightmare or something. Your breathing was irregular as well. It's not good if it's frequent. So, did you have a bad dream?"
I was groaning.
"Uh, yeah, I had a bad dream. Did I utter anything weird in my sleep? If I did, please don't mind my words."
"It's not weird but…" she turned around to glance at me, "You kept apologizing saying sorry, and blamed yourself. This never happened to you before so I was worried. What kind of dream did you have? Do you remember?"
"Uh…." I was probably thinking about Aileen. I remember blurry visions from my dream.
I think about her even unconsciously. That's kind of amazing if you ask me.
"I was having dreams of my high school days. I was getting scared I had an exam which I hadn't prepared for. PTSD, it is."
"PTSD? I understand," she chuckled. "It's normal to experience it still in your twenties. You'll get over it after 30."
I also tried to force a laugh, "I hope so."
Sorry for lying to you, Emilia. I'll apologize for all these altogether someday.
When I came out of the bathroom Emilia wasn't there. So, I got dressed and went downstairs.
Emilia was already present but Aileen was nowhere to be seen. I hope she's not skipping breakfast just so she won't have to face me.
I sat down right beside Emilia and the maid came to serve us food. While she served I asked, "Is Aileen, still asleep? Go wake her up then. She'll be late for college. I'll be dropping her off."
"Princess? She's awake. But, she said she'll eat in her room cause she's not feeling well."
"Eat in her room? Why?" Emilia asked.
"I don't know. She refused to eat at first but then told me to bring the food cause she
not feeling great."
"What? I need to check up on her!" Emilia got up from her seat.
"Wait a minute," I grabbed her by the hand.
"What? Don't stop me. I need to go!"
"I know, Susan, can you please go and tell Aileen that Mom is calling for her at the table? She's bound to come if that's the case."
"What? Are you sure? Alright then."
"You sit down, she'll come," I replied to Emilia. She quickly sat back and looked at me confused.
"I don't get you sometimes."
"Just sit back, she'll come. Start eating, it might take time."
"Uh…okay…"
I took a bite of my toast and sipped on my coffee. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps down the stairs.
Aileen came down looking a bit grumpy. She walked over to the side of the table and took a seat right across us. She didn't look into my face at all.
"Aileen, are you alright? You said you were unwell? Do you have a fever or cold?" Emilia asked.
"Nothing, I just didn't want to get out of bed, that's all," Aileen grunted, avoiding her gaze.
"I see. Good to hear that. Anyway, start eating Dave is going to drop you off at college."
Aileen raised her head to look at me with her surprised gaze.
"What? No!" she stammered in her reply.
Emilia looked at her confused, "What do you mean, no? He's the one who does it."
"Uh, yeah…. but, I already booked a cab. I don't need him to drop me off. And he might be busy as well. I can't bother him all the time."
"What are you saying? When did he ever call it a bother? And why did you book a cab without asking? This isn't right, honey."
"I'm sorry I did it without asking. But, as I already booked it, I'll go by cab only." She replied.
I kind of knew she was going to pull something like this out when I mentioned about me dropping her off.
You aren't smarter than me Aileen. I know your tricks.
"It's okay, cancel the cab. I have some business at college. So, I have to go either way. There's no need to waste money," I replied, biting onto my sandwich.
Aileen looked at me strangely. "But, why do I have to cancel my cab? You can go on your own right? Why do we need to go together?"
"Sweetie, why are you talking to him like that?" Mom scolded sternly.
"He just wants to drop you to college safe and sound. What's the harm in it? Instead of accepting his offer kindly you are declining it?"
"Yes, 'cause I'm old enough to go everywhere on my own. I can do it," she replied.
"Yeah, you might be old enough to go anywhere you like. But, you are living with your parents now. That's why you need to listen to them. Do as Dave is saying. Cancel the cab."
"But, Mom–"
"Do it! Or else, I'll get angry."
Aileen fisted her palms, her lips pressed together out of frustration.
As I thought, Emilia is the only one who can handle her after me.
"Alright, I'll do it," she grunted, taking out her phone.
After her job was done, she kept aside her phone on the table while glaring at me.
I won, somehow. Let's see how she reacts in the car. Ugh, the look she's giving is like she wants to eat me alive.
I hope I can get back in shape today.
"Sorry, Dave, she acts like this sometimes for no reason," Emilia apologized. "Don't mind her behavior."
"Ugh, it's okay. I'm kind of used to it by now."
"Geeze, she really fights with you like you are of the same age. When will she learn her lessons?" Emilia grunted, heaving a sigh.
For the time being, she doesn't need to know what is going on between us.
After breakfast, I waited in the car for her. She came a bit late and went to open the door at the back.
"You can't sit at the back. Come at the front," I stated, putting my hands on the steering wheel.
She stood there for a few seconds before coming to sit at the front with me.
"Hurry up and start the car," she commanded, putting on the seatbelt.
Who is she showing so much attitude to?