Dave
Why on earth did he have to take her away from us like that?
We just arrived a minute ago. I really hate that old man.
"Are you disappointed she left?" Emilia asked, wrapping her arm around my hand.
"Uh, no, I mean, we still had a lot of people to introduce and he took her away. Why didn't you try to stop him at least?"
"It's your dad who came to bring her away. Why are you blaming me here? If you had any problem, you could tell him about it on the spot." She replied with a chuckle.
This isn't funny at all!
"Fine, there's nothing we can do as she left. Let's go and see the other guests," I suggested.
She nodded. "Sure, and have a drink and calm down your head. You overthink a lot! Sheesh! What a protective father you are!"
It's because of the person she's with. As far as I know, that man is not to be underestimated.
Who knows what goes through his head? I'm his son, I know him better than anyone.
Even that day, when he told me about his engagement with Sarah, he kept a cool face and showed no reaction, despite the fact that he knew we had been dating for a few years.
Yeah, Sarah might have begged him, but he could have refused her request. But he didn't refuse because he wanted to get on my nerves and irritate me.
He's a sly fox, a vermin. Even in my worst nightmares, I can never trust him.
"What are you standing here for? Come on!" Emilia insisted, tugging at my hand.
"Uh, yeah, let's go."
She took me by the hand, and we went to see a few more people. Even while talking, my eyes were only searching for Aileen.
Where is she? I can't seem to see her and that old man anywhere.
They have to be within this hall.
"Mr. David, please come and have a drink with us. The music performance is starting right away."
"Uh, sure."
I took a glass of wine and Emilia took a glass of margarita. She has a low alcohol tolerance, so I told her to drink carefully.
There were also crispy snacks served at the counter. I took some and noticed the music performance started the very minute.
A woman was playing the violin while the others played behind her.
There was no need to put on this performance, but that man really loves to show off, doesn't he?
"Hey, that girl looks a bit like our Aileen, doesn't she?" Emilia remarks, pointing at the woman who played the violin.
I looked closely, sipping on the wine.
"Nah, she's not that close to her. Maybe, it's because of her mannerisms that reminds you of her."
"Hm…you think so? Her height and hairstyle are so similar. I can't distinguish the difference between them."
"You need to check your eyesight. There's no way that girl looks like–"
Wait, now that I think about it. Where is Aileen? We've been enjoying ourselves and forgot about her completely.
I looked everywhere for Dad. He wasn't anywhere near the performance.
Why isn't she back yet? Where did he bring her to? Don't tell me those guys he went to introduce her to, they tried to flirt with her and now she's in trouble?
Oh no! I must go and save her then. I can't keep standing still.
"Dave, where is Miss Sarah? Isn't she supposed to be here at the party?" Emilia asked, looking at me. "I can't see her anywhere."
"Oh, Sarah? Sarah is…. I don't know. She should be somewhere."
"Somewhere? But we've been here for over an hour now. We haven't bumped into her yet. Go and call her, ask where she is."
"But, why do you want to see Sarah? I thought you didn't like her," I asked, pulling out my phone.
She turned away, adverting her gaze. "Well…. I may not like her. But, it's not like I hate her or anything. You two are old friends and acquaintances. Most importantly, you don't hate her. So, why should I? She's a good person, isn't she?"
"We just don't get along that much because of the age difference between us. That's all!"
"Age is not a big factor. She just can't get along with you because of your differences. You get along with Aileen well, don't you? It's as same as that."
"No it's not the same!" she retorted, folding her arms.
"How so?"
"Aileen is my daughter. Of course, she's forced to get along with me whether she likes it or not. It's not the same for, Sarah. I'm her daughter-in-law somehow, and she's my mother-in-law. Even though she's younger than me and I'm older than her."
"But, despite this, I want to get along with her. Because we are family! Why don't you get that?"
I heaved a sigh, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Yes, I get that. But, you are the one who doesn't get something."
"That is?"
"Just because we are family, you don't have to force yourself to get along with my family. My dad is not a good fellow you know it, right? Sarah may not be that bad. But, she hasn't turned over a new leaf yet. Always be cautious around her, or else they might insult you without a thought if you try to get along with them."
"It was all in the past," she pushed aside my hand. "Time changes people. They won't stay the same forever."
"This is your blind faith that everyone changes with time. Not everyone is the same. Because you are a good person you can't see past their bad behavior."
"Because I'm a good person, I want to see the good in everyone and believe in it. Call it my blind faith or anything. My way of thinking isn't going to change," she replied, forcing a smile.
"Now, go and call her. She must be nearby."
"Yes, madam, as you wish."
I dialed her number and the phone rang a couple of times.
She didn't pick up.
I called again.
"How's it looking? Did she answer you?" Emilia asked.
"Uh, not yet. Let's try one more time."
While I was busy calling her, suddenly I noticed someone walking past right in front of me.
Aninn among the busy hall filled with crowd I could see A boy with a familiar face dragging someone looking like Aileen beside him.
And she was running frantically in those heels while holding her dress with the other hand.
Am I seeing it right? Where the heck are they going to?
"Honey, did she pick up? What are you looking at?" Emilia asked, drawing my attention.
"Um, uh…" I ended the call and turned to her. "Uh, I'll call Sarah later. I just remembered an important task I have to attend to with dad. Stand here and I'll come back in half an hour, Okay?"
"What? The important task right now? But, the party is ongoing."
"Yeah, but I have to attend to it. He texted me just now calling it urgent. Don't worry. I'll be back in 30 minutes. You just wait here and don't move from this spot until I come, got it?'
"Uh…sure, but, do you really have to–"
"See you!" I rushed past her side and headed toward the direction I saw them running in.
This isn't what I expected from her when I allowed her to go meet boys with Dad.
Where is she running off to with that boy? And it seems like they were being chased by someone as well.
Just what is going on here that I'm not aware of?
I couldn't find them and a few seconds later, managed to see a glimpse of that boy again.
This time, he was carrying Aileen in his arms. What the heck is going on in here?
And where are they running off to? This isn't funny at all!
I chased them for a few minutes but on the way bumped into a guest and had to apologize to him for my mistake.
That took me a few minutes and I managed to lose sight of them by that time.
Feeling frustrated I decided to call Aileen while running.
She didn't pick up. I kept calling her and her number said unreachable.
Just what is going on here? Where did they disappear off to like that?
I looked around me very carefully. But, saw nothing. No sight of them at all.
How will I find her now?
I gripped my phone tightly, as I was starting to feel anxious by now.
Who can help me right now?
Dad's face appeared in my mind the very minute. I dialed his number and after a few tries he picked up.
"Hello?"
"Dave? Why are you calling me here? I'm here in the party hall as well."
"Yes, I know that. But, where is Aileen? Do you know that?"
"Aileen? I think she was talking with the guys I had introduced her to. Then, I was busy talking with someone that I forgot about her. She must be nearby. Call her."
"I did, her phone is unreachable. Where might she be?"
He laughed. "How would I know that? She's not a little kid that you are worrying so much about, is she? She must be dancing with a boy around her age. Let them enjoy. Don't poke your nose into the kid's affairs so much. It's not like you to be so overprotective."
"There's nothing with being overprotective. I'm worried about her. And if you can't help me. Then I don't need to bother you."
I was about to hang up but he said something beforehand.
"Come to see me in 30 minutes. You need to deliver the speech with me on the stage. Don't forget that."
"You wish!" I stated, before hanging up on his face.
I'm here worried like crazy and here he's talking about speech and all.
He's so selfish and careless.
"Why do you look so stressed? Are you not enjoying the party? It's not like you, Dave," a voice remarks behind me, drawing my attention.