The Dream

Trip

-Zain Danial-

I fell asleep on the grass outside that night. Carla had fallen asleep in my arms after getting to calm down and after a while of just holding her, my restlessness was gone and I fell asleep too. Something about Carla's scent had me relaxed, her breathing against me was so calming and I slept so well despite being in such a weird spot. 

It was strange that I was so comfortable because usually when I was with other women, they repelled me and I didn't want to hold any physical contact with them at all but with Carla it was different and that made it hard. Why did I have to start feeling things now? And that too with someone like Carla?

This doubt didn't stop me from fantasizing though. I may not be able to have her but I'll take pleasure in the thought. In forbidden dreams. 

I was woken up from it when I felt something tickle my face. Slowly I opened my eyes to realise someone was calling me and from above me, Carla was standing, leaning over so her hair was ever so slightly brushing my face. The sun was shining down on us, the blue sky and the light making her look all the more angelic, her face gleaming. "You're awake!" 

Was I? This would have convinced me that I was still dreaming. 

"We have almost four hours until our flight, you might want to get up and get ready," That was right. We were going over to one of her American factories today for an inspection. The airport we were due to go to was Heathrow which should only take around 20 minutes. I had packed the day before but since we were only going for two days there wasn't much-needed preparation.  It was that thought that kept me from getting up. 

I enjoyed the view. 

But, Carla ended up straightening herself out which made the sun's light hit my face and had me squinting to be able to see, forcing me to wake up completely. I doubted I'd be able to sleep well anyway. 

An hour and a half later I walked down from my room, washed and suited up. I was about to walk into a room when I heard Carla's mother talking from within it. 

"First you start such a dishonourable business and now you're sleeping around with men and letting them stay in your home. You should be ashamed of yourself!" 

I furrowed my eyebrows at this. How could someone say that to their daughter, that too with so much spite and hate laced in their words. 'dishonourable business'? What bullshit! Carla's brand was one of the leading names in multiple markets, let alone in the drinks industry. What part of any of it was dishonourable? And who gives a fuck about what she decides to do with her body? How she lives is her own choice!

I wasn't sure what had made me so angry, I was never as affected when other people insulted me but hearing this be said to her brought out something I had never thought I'd feel. I was about to storm into the room but just as I took a step forward to do so, Carla's voice replying to her mother stopped me. 

"Father would always support me, why can't you do the same? Why can't you just be happy and proud of me for getting so far?"

"Him driving around with those same old aspirations got him killed. What do you think you could possibly gain by following the same mentality?"  

"I bought you the house of your dreams, I give you money every month, I'm able to provide for us and have us live comfortably for once but now whenever I want to see you, spend time with you, all you do is criticize me and push me away!" 

"I have every right to criticize you! I'm your mother and I know what's best for you!" 

A silence followed, a faint sigh could be heard before some shuffling around. I look around to see Carla calmly picking up her blazer and walking towards the door.