“I think I have the right to be shameless with you.” I smirk. She shakes her head and twists her face playfully. My hands find their way to her hips again, tugging her against me, my body pressed against hers.
Her hands push me away slightly and she lets out a playful gasp. “You’re such a tease,” she says, feigning annoyance but unable to hide it. Before I can say anything, there is a knock at the door.
“Your father’s waiting for you in the living room,” Nancy says from the other side.
“We are coming,” I yell back. I bring a hand to cup Anya’s cheek. “Are you nervous?” I ask gently, studying her reaction.
She meets my gaze, her eyes still sparkling, a gentle smile forming on her face. “With you, I believe I will be just fine.”
“Yes, it will be fine,” I say, more to myself than her, and kiss her forehead. “Let’s go.” I hold her hand as we walk back to the living room. I kiss the back of her palm. I have no idea why I am so nervous. I am not sure how everythingis going to go. I'm uncertain about how my father will react, and I don't know how Anya will feel either, but I know this is something I have to do. For my peace.
The soft carpet of the living room feels soft beneath my feet as we enter. My eyes wander to the couch where my father is sitting, his back facing us. He looks so weak. He seems lost in his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the fireplace.
“Hi Dad,” I say.I hope this goes well.
∞∞∞
44
ANYA
I am the only one in this room, apparently, who is on edge. Daniel and his dad are chatting freely, and here I am, feeling so sweaty and tense. I am staring at the two. Daniel definitely got his height and voice from his dad, even though he has got the looks from his mother, and now that I have seen her pictures, I can easily say she was very pretty.
“I am just surprised how you got such a lovely girl to be your girlfriend.” His father laughs.
Daniel scoffs. “The same way you got mom.” He smirks. My eyes widen.
“Touché, son! I’ll give you that one.” He looks over at me with a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“You flatter me, sir.” I smile sheepishly.
“Please, don’t be so formal.” His father frowns. “Just call me Frank.”
“Okay,” I whisper. “Frank.” I exhale. This feels so weird, but I guess it’s normal here. I will have to make a mental note to instruct Daniel to address my parents assirandma’amwhen I introduce them. They would be so shocked if he started calling them by their names. I chuckle. Daniel and Frank stare at me. Daniel cocks his eyebrow,looking amused. I shrug and smile softly.
Frank bursts out laughing, his eyes crinkling at the corners—just like Daniel’s, a sight that always makes my heart flutter. He coughs. Nancy rushes to the jug kept on the dining table and brings a glass of water. Frank accepts it and drinks the water hurriedly.
“You should not drink water so fast.” I frown.
He looks at me, a soft smile appearing on his face. “I will keep that in mind.” I feel a warm glow at his acknowledgment, my tension easing a bit more. Daniel leans back in his chair, smiling at me.
“These two are always in a hurry.” Nancy shakes her head. “I have no idea why.”
They chuckle at the same time, and suddenly, the room drops dead silent. I glance at Daniel. He is already looking at me. His thumb grazes my palm as he sits up straight.
“Dad, I won the match,” he says quietly, looking at his lap, not making eye contact with his father.
I look at Frank, expecting him to be proud, but something different flashes across his face. A flicker of disappointment, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“You won?” Frank asks, his voice quieter, strained even. Daniel’s words hang in the air, the room heavy with palpable tension. Frank’s face hardens into a frown, his lips pressed into a tight line. “Won the match, huh?” Frank repeats, his voice low and tinged with concern. Daniel’s gaze remains focused on his lap. The silence stretches, thick and uncomfortable.
My stomach churns. I can’t help but feel a pang of anger beginning to rise within me. I clench my jaw. My breathing quickens, and I close my eyes to calm myself down. “Good for you,” Frank says slowly.
“What kind of father are you?” I raise an eyebrow, the words falling from my lips before I can stop them.
“Excuse me?” Frank looks at me, taken aback. Daniel finally raises his head. I can see his wide eyes from my peripheral vision, but I do not look at him. I am angry with him.
“I said, ‘What kind of father are you?’” I speak louder. “Do you know how hard your son worked for this?” I chuckle humorlessly. “You might not, but I know it. I have seen him being torn between wanting to win this match because this sport is his everything and wanting to lose it because you mean a lot to him, too!” I yell, “Because unlike you, he thinks about what you want. What will make you happy. Can’t he live his life the way he wants to?” I frown.
