2. Go Out With Me

I took a quick shower because I was already late, took my breakfast and dad drove us to school. We dropped Beau at her school and we were on the way to my school when dad broached the subject I've always wanted to know about. It was about time anyway.

"Your twenty-second birthday is in five months time, are you ready to turn twenty-two?" He asked me. Is he kidding? I have been ready to turn twenty two since I was born.

"Yes I am. I can't wait. I want to find out all the secrets you have been keeping away from me." I said as I watched his face to see his reaction. He always avoided this subject and now that he had brought it up himself, I wanted to see and hear what he would say.

"Son, I wish you stayed a child. That way I would have had a lot of time with you. But we all grow and I can't hold you back, can I? But whatever happens, know that I love you. I always did the best I could to protect you and give you the best in life." He said sadly as if I was going to die the next moment.

"Pa, stop talking like you are going to lose me. We have come from far and we are going to stay together for a longer time to come. We are going to watch Beau get married and hold your grandchildren. So, You don't have to worry. And you are the best dad ever. I don't think I could have asked for a different one if I was given the chance." I told him with a smile as I squeezed his shoulder. I love him a lot, it's true. I have seen him struggle to give Beau and I the best and I appreciate and love him for that. I hope he knows that.

"I hope so son, I hope so. Now, off you go. See you in the evening" He said as we reached the gate to the university.

"See you dad. I love you." I said as I went to open the door of the car so as to get out.

"Son, wait." I looked at him wondering why he is so emotional today. Does he know something I don't?

"About that boy you keep complaining about, what's his name...? mmm..., he's...?"

"Adrian," I said my mood already getting sour at the thought of him. Why did dad have to bring him up this early? Come on! I have just got to school.

"Yes, Adrian. Why don't you think of giving him a chance? You don't have any friends. I think he can make a good one. Just think about it. It doesn't hurt and if you don't like him you can always cut him off," he cut me off with a raise of his hand as I was about to tell him all the reasons why I hate Adrian. But I kept quiet and smiled at him as I got out of the vehicle. I watched as my dad drove off and I turned to walk to school and there he was! Right beside me. Come on man!

Is he a ghost? Why can't he leave me the hell alone! I was about to reprimand him as usual but I remembered my dad's words. 'Be nice! Be nice! Be nice Gael!' I tried to hypnotize myself and I turned to him with a stiff smile.

"Good morning Adrian? how may I help you today?" I said with gritted teeth because it took all my self-control not to insult him or rash out at him like I always do. I just don't know why but Adrian brings out the bad part of me. He beamed at me as if he didn't believe that I had talked to him.

"Did you just talk to me! Did you just..." He jumped like a little girl which was funny for such a tall man. I even l smiled genuinely at that and that made him more bashful.

"Are you going to tell me what you want with me or are you just going to behave like an idiot?" I asked already getting pissed off. I swear I had a short fuse whenever it came to this man.

"Ahem. Sorry. I'm just happy that you greeted me today instead of ignoring me as usual. Thank you," he said genuinely and I felt sorry for him. Was I really so rude to him? (Ahem. I don't know what came over me. Me? Feel pity for Adrian? Ha ha ha Funny much!)

"For what?" I asked wondering what I had done to deserve his gratitude.

"For being nice to me today. It means a lot," he said with his usual smile and actually, he has a nice smile. Maybe I never noticed it because he is always so annoying. Or did I just never want to admit it? (Ahem. I don't know what wrong with my throat today)

"So, what may I do for you? Why do you keep following me?" I asked as I started walking towards my department and he followed me. I knew he would because he always does even when I don't talk to him.

"I want us to be friends. Go out with me today?" He asked hopefully. (What the fuck! Go out with him? Does he think I'm a girl?)

Aah! What do I do now? Do I say yes or no? Ah! Dad! You will be the death of me. So troublesome)