A compromise?

Recap:

A few seconds later, I hear his muffled voice from the other side of the door, "Come in."

I open the door and walk in hesitantly before getting seated across from him on the chair.

In a low shaky voice, I whisper, "Dad, I want to talk about Brandon."

-------------------------------------------------

I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't hear me. I am a nervous wreck. Talking to my dad about my boyfriend and my hidden relationship gives me jitters. And after his dreadful outburst that night, it is all the more difficult now.

He closes his laptop and leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk with his fingers intertwined. "I don't think there's anything left for us to talk about that boyfriend of yours." He replies in his usual cold voice. I lower my eyes when I sense his hard gaze on me.

"Dad, this is about my life we're talking about. I love him a lot, dad. Please try and understand." I say keeping my eyes trained on my sneakers.

"This love relationship of yours is crazy and illusionary, Daisy. I won't let you ruin your life like this. You are getting married to Aaron and that's final." He says with finality in tone.

"But dad, at least meet......" He immediately cuts me off by a dismissive wave of his hand.

"That's all for now. I'll speak to Robert and Leena, I'll ask for their opinion on this. Once they agree, everything will be perfect. I'm sure they're going to be happy with this decision. Forget about that love of yours and prepare for what's ahead." He says sternly.

"Dad...." He shakes his head giving me a pointed look which causes me to shut my mouth immediately.

"That is it. My decision is final, no more arguments. You can leave now." He says and resumes his work.

Was this a compromise or a forced marriage? How can my father force me to marry my best friend? How can he? I can't do this. I can never do this. I cannot forget my love.

I slowly stand up and walk out of his study, defeatedly. This is how my dad behaves - cold, ignorant and dominating. Once he makes any decision he doesn't give a damn about us or our feelings.

When mom was alive, he was the best father one could ever wish for. But since, mom left us he had been distant always occupied with work. Sometimes, he would be away from home for weeks leaving us with Martha. Being the country's renowned criminal Lawyer, he is always travelling sometimes to handle cases even abroad.

Uncle Rob and Aunt Lee are our family's closest friends and Aaron's parents. They are like my own parents to me. When mom died, Aunt Lee did everything for us. Everything a mother does for her child, to lessen the void in our lives. She still loves me and Dylan as much as she loves her own children, Aaron and Ashlie.

This morning,I texted Brandon to meet me tonight but I never received his reply. The day passed by and I was just left hanging waiting for him to give response. Now, the problem ahead of me is my wedding with Aaron.

And then suddenly, a thought crosses my mind. Aaron's the one who can help me no matter what. And I'm sure, he'll help me in this situation too. The only issue is, how will he react after knowing about our relationship. Despite being friend's for years, I never told him about Brandon. Brandon didn't want me to share it with anyone and I complied by his wishes.

So I decide to text him and see if he agrees to meet me anytime soon. He is a really busy guy. Oscillating between the university and his part-time job, he hardly finds time to meet us except on weekends, when he's off work and in the university.

Me: Hey, Ron!!

I received his reply within 5 minutes.

Aaron: Hey!! Lazy dazy.

I smile reading the nickname he gave me years ago. He's the one who always makes me smile without even cracking any joke. This is what I really like about him.

Aaron: How are you doing?? It's been a really long time since we caught up on our lives.

Me: I'm doing good. How are you doing Ron?

Yes, that's what I call him, Ron.

Me: I'm actually facing some problem right now. Can we meet? I really need ur help in this.

Aaron: yeah sure!! Anything for u. How about this Sat at our usual place, that park?

Me: Yup. I'll be there.

Aaron: Is this problem of urs anything serious? If u want I'll take a day off tom. Coz I don't think u will talk about this in clg in front of our other friends.

This is the thing about him, he instantly gets worried when he learns I'm facing some trouble. Always being the overprotective, caring best friend.

Me: Yeah! For now, I want to discuss this with only u. But no need to take a day off. It's okay. It's just abt 2 days until Sat. So yeah! Let's meet there. I'll be there by 6.

Aaron: If u say so. So, seeya lazy dazy. Take care.

Me: U too take care. Bye.

After talking to him, I at least have a hope that Aaron can help me through this. There are two ways for me to deal with this situation, either Aaron can reject the idea of the wedding with me or help me convince dad that he is not the right one for me but Brandon.