"Dad."
I knocked three times before opening the door, he didn't look back immediately and didn't seem to know that there was a knock on the door. He's sitting at his chair looking so spaced out.
My dad is turning really old now, seeing his hair turn white as time goes by. Seeing the tiny wrinkles around his eyes, makes my heart ache a bit.
"Dad."
I called and then he realized I was here in his office. He immediately tucked the papers away in front of him and a smile greeted me.
"Yes? Come here."
I approached and sat in the chair on either side of his desk.
"I just want to say sorry about what happened."
He sighed and looked at me. His smile shows something else but still it looked genuine.
"I just want the best for you, Jade. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something bad will happen to you."
I nodded slowly. I got up and went to the door but Dad spoke again.
"Jade," I looked at him. "You will understand me always, right?"
I barely mind. Does he think I don’t understand his prohibition on my will? I smiled lightly,
"Of course, dad."
It's my choice after all, my life is my own story. But sometimes, I still wonder. How my life would be if I take some risk? How my life would turn out if I put some plot twist. Nobody knows.
"You're the only one I have. Please,"
My dad's croaked but soft voice was all I could hear, staring at my body guard driving while I'm on my way to another night out. Dad is right. He just wants the best for me.
I should stop acting like a brat and just obey him because it's for my own good. There are many others like me who have even bigger problems, others are still on the brink of death so I should just forget my wishes.
My cellphone rang and I received a message from my older brother.
Jax:
Jade where are you?
My forehead furrowed and I didn't reply to him because maybe later it would just send me home.
I’m still not with Olivia today because she has a different errand. Dad let me go and I'm sure he can't do anything but I still don't want to reply to him.
"Where's Olivia?"
Aiden immediately opened up to me when I saw him with our group at a table.
"I don't know, probably out with her boy toy."
He handed me a shot and I immediately drank it. Some of our friends are here, most of them I don't know but some are friends of Olivia and me.
"How did you get in?" Aiden whispered to me.
I sipped the lemon before he answered. I raised an eyebrow and showed my fake ID. Olivia and I did that before. We don't look under age, so we have no trouble.
He pointed the space next to him but I can’t imagine sitting next to him if I can see Trisha hugging him. I just raised an eyebrow and sat down next to Mavy, she looked at me sharply.
I mouted 'what' when I sat and had a glance at him. What is he expecting? I'm not a relationship wrecker. I don't want to bad mouth him but knowing what we've talked about Trisha, I doubt if he's really serious about her.
The night is on it's peak. Badly needing this kind of chaos in my life. I feel like when I can't drink I get dehydrated. I love you liver, hold on right there.
"Body shot are we?"
Suggestion from one of our group.
"You're too old fashion!" Another growl.
I think I really agree, not because of what he said but because I won't really participate if they do a body shot. Thinking about Erato's hardened face, tss.
If he report that to daddy, good bye night out.
"Oh come on! Just to have dressing in our salad."
Said the one who suggested. What the hell is she saying?
"Okay, let's just dare!" She recovered.
They really did this spin the bottle thing. While on the middle of the game, Trisha stood up and said goodbye cause she’ll just do some retouch.
Mavy next to me also stood up and said she was going to go with Trisha. Aiden has fast reflexes.
The fool stood up immediately to sit in the space left by Mavy. I frowned and just pretended not to notice him. I watched the rest of them in our table having fun with this dare thing they're playing.
My phone kept on ringing the whole time but I didn't bother to check it. Because just in case the caller convicts me I have an alibi. But Aiden kept on testing my patience, really when he ignored me he even came to my ear to whisper what he was saying.
"Trisha is jealous of you."
"And?" I rolled my eyes.
"Aren't you jealous of us?"
I chuckled without humor and looked at his way.
"Better get a hold of yourself Aiden."
I was just shaken after that. I pretended to be busy on the cellphone because I couldn't take his awkwardness anymore. He's a bit tipsy, I can smell the liquor in his system.
The only thing that's keeping my patience is the thought of him being my friend. Aiden is son of my dad's co-politician friend. So at any party, Aiden is also present. Growing up, he's been there and so Olivia. I can't believe that he's still pushing this matter between us.
I checked my phone just to have some reason to not talk to him.
I saw Jax's many missed calls to me. One text from Olivia.
Olivia:
Where are you? Jax is looking for you.
"Jade your turn!" My companions shouted. I typed quickly before joining their game.
Me:
Neon. Don't tell Jax.
Then I joined their game.
"I dare you to get the number of that guy in the counter."
Kara said softly, I followed what she instructed.
I stood up, at the same time as the others cheered me.