Twisted Destiny...

32. Is It A Joke

After a long tiring day I reached home. I wanted to ask my parents how their visit was, how is Maddie feeling, but thinking they are tired, I let the thought go. As I was about to enter my room, my dad called me. Maybe they are not asleep.

" Dad... You called me?" I stood there awkwardly. He glanced up at me and said
" You come so late from office, everyday? You must be tired" he smiled at me
" no, it's ok dad. How was Maddie. Did you guys catch up after a long time. She was missing you two"

" yes.. About that I need to talk to you. This is something very important. I don't know how you will react...."

Something didn't feel right. I did not see him hesitating before. This must be something very serious. My heart beat increased.

He scratched his neck and looked at me." why don't you take a seat lena. We have to talk a lot. How are you doing "

Why this sudden change of topic? I sat down on the couch next to him and laid my head back. After a few minutes I looked at him

" I am not doing well dad. Maddie's condition is not good,.. Which makes me feel uneasy. "

" oh-ok. I understand. She is a good friend of yours too."
We sat there in a comfortable silence.

When he suddenly decided to break it. His next words were something I never expected.

" I cannot delay it any further. Listen lena, we never forced you to do anything. We always supported you. Through your thick and thin. It's your life and you have the right to make this decision. But this is the last thing I want from you. And I promise, this will help me and Maddie a lot. She will be very happy "

" What are you talking about dad " I don't know where this is going.

" I want you to marry her son "

I could not believe my ears. I knew this was coming but not this fast. I sat up straight and looked at anywhere but him. He did not even give me a chance to talk when he spoke up again.

" This will not be hard lena. Evan is a very good guy. Very hard working. He has gone through a lot, and he will never upset you. Try giving him a chance. For us and Maddie. Please... I don't want to let her down. I have never done enough for that lady. Whereas she has given me so much. She has given you so much. Help her. Fulfill her last wish "
With that, he patted my head and went to his room.

I sat there in complete silence. I felt numb then. Does he think marriage is a joke. I have to spend my whole life with him. Never ever I imagined my life will take this unexpected turn. But because of my selfishness, I don't want to hurt others. As much as I want to deny this proposal, it reminded me of Maddie, sleeping in hospital.
This will not be hard. That's what my dad told me. But do I have any other option. Maybe I will go through this. Just the way I went through the betrayal. Just the way I went through his bullying. Even if I have to marry him, this will mean nothing. I don't want to break these walls that I have created over years. I don't want anyone to break through them and see my soul. Vulnerable and broken. And never him. He is the cause. I will not forget whatever he has done to me. If Alex has betrayed my love, then Evan has betrayed my soul. He has torn me apart with his words.
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Flashback -
7 years ago ~
I was walking down the staircase, holding hands with my best friend Aubry. We had been talking about school schedule and stuffs since morning. Today is a very exciting day as it is Alex' birthday. I wanted to give him a very precious gift. I wanted to give him something that will always remind him of me. I thought of giving him a watch, but that's a very common gift. Perfume?? Cologne etc etc.? Or make him a birthday card???. Pfft, so childish. A video game?? Maybe I will stick with watch. A very expensive one, just what he wants. His favorite brand.
Alex threw a big party at his house. I was so excited to meet him. It's not like I haven't wished him this morning. But I have dressed up well. Just for him.
I didn't want to bring him only one gift. So I brought multiple items. Whatever I was planning to give him from past few weeks. My love included too.

The house was filled with people all around. I couldn't recognise many of them but soon realised, they must be his friends outside the school. Quite popular huh??

People were dancing everywhere. Couples too close to each other. No care for the surrounding. Just in their own world. Some of them wasted. Some in rooms.. Doing a lot of important stuffs.

After searching for a long time, I finally found Alex, but by the looks of it, he was too drunk.

" Hey Lena, when d-did you come" he got up, stuttering and coming towards me. The strong smell of alcohol coming from his mouth. I wasn't a big fan of drinks.

" You are drinking a lot, maybe you should stop it now. Or else you will wake up having a hangover" I tried holding him arm, but he gently pushed me away. Ouch... Hurts a lot.

" DON'T FUCKING TELL ME WHAT TO DO, I AM ENJOYING. Just get out of my sight" after yelling he returned to his group of friends. It hurt a lot, but since he was clearly drunk, I didn't mind. But still I felt uneasy. I didn't want him to be angry on his own birthday. Looking at him again, I found out he was talking to some girl. Soon they started making out. Tears trickling down my eyes, I wanted to run away from that place when my eyes fell on Evan.

He was sitting peacefully on the sofa, holding a bottle of beer, silently gazing at me. We looked at each other for a long time, until he smirked. The disgusted look back in his eyes. I didn't want to spoil my mood anymore so I went out of the house.

It was very cold outside. Cool breeze hitting my face, I felt relaxed. My tears have dried long ago. I was heading to my car when someone held my wrist and roughly turned me around. Seeing Evan holding my wrist, I snatched my hand back. He did not try to come close to me. He just stared at me before opening his mouth. But before he could say anything, he laughed out loud. I was confused. Is he laughing at me?

" Is it too late to realise that he doesn't like you?" he told me after controlling his laughter. I gulped and looked down at my feet. I didn't have any courage to speak up.
But I had to.

" He is clearly drunk. He is not in his senses . He likes me ba-"
But before I could complete my sentence, he started laughing again. I wanted to cry but stayed strong. I cannot show my weakness here.

" oh, so you really think that. Ok, good. Imagination is not a good place, you pig "

" how c-can you " I couldn't control anymore. I shed a few tears.

" Your tears will not help either bitch. You don't deserve to be loved at all. You will see soon, the people you trust the most, will betray you . They will tear you into pieces and you will never realise. You are too blind to see what is going on. You are a fool. "

With that, he left me. I sat inside my car and repeated the conversation between me and Evan again. I couldn't help but cry more. Heavy sobs started leaving my mouth.