Forbidden

Ch 39

CALEB

Mom: Weren't you rejected? Are you guys dating?

Caleb: Soon mom soon.

Dad: I don't think so.

Caleb: Why?

Dad: Your nine o clock.

I looked at my left and saw Ian greeting Kiera. They were here on a date. Hadn't she broken up with him? Why didn't she tell me they got back together? That day when he came in the cafe, they probably got together that time. Was I this blind?

KIERA

Kiera: Why are you here?

Ian: I asked Arnie if I could meet with you and give you the script instead. In this way we could eat together. Was I too coward?

I looked at Caleb, whose face looked like world was about to end. He was misunderstanding the situation.

Kiera: I'll get going.

Ian: I think the people with the Caleb saw me. If you leave I'll be a joke.

Kiera: I have no intention to make you laughable. It's a common courtesy so I'll have the dinner don't do this anymore.

Ian: Sure. What would you like to eat?

CALEB

I was trying to swallow the steak but my smile was gone. Few minutes back I was grinning at the thought of my kid coming to me and introducing me to the love of his life while me and Kiera be having invited them for dinner. And now I am watching Ian and Kiera on a date. A lot can change in a few minutes. We didn't order dessert. Even Mom and Dad got awkward. they didn't want me to make a fool of myself.

KIERA

Somehow the awful dinner ended at last. Ian walked me out of the restaurant.

Ian: Could I drop you?

Kiera: I don't think that will be a good idea. Thanks for the dinner. I'll leave.

When I turned to leave Caleb was standing near his car with his door open. I had to talk to him. He was getting the wrong idea. But when I walked towards him, he hurriedly got to his car and left. I took a cab and reached his complex. I kept ringing his door bell for four to five times and at last he answered it.

Caleb: What is it?

Kiera: Earlier, that was not a date.

Caleb: Do you like me?

Kiera: No.

Caleb: So you are confused?

Kiera: What?

Caleb: This is the first time in my life I had introduced a girl to my mom and dad, and seconds later I had to watch you on a date with another guy which was more than enough to hurt me. But then you come to me and say it wasn't a date while stating you don't like me. How am I supposed to take that?

Kiera: A date? That wasn't a date. I came all the way here because I was afraid you'd misunderstand.

Caleb: Misunderstand?? No matter how hard I try to understand you, I can only draw one conclusion. To you, I am joke now.

Kiera: I didn't say that.

Caleb: I think you still don't believe me. I really like you. Don't treat my feelings carelessly.

Kiera: You're being rude again.

Caleb: Who's bossing whom around right now?

Kiera: You said you will wait, wait quietly. Don't do anything and wait. Don't rush me into things. Cause I won't. You can't be expecting me to feel so fast. Either you learn to wait or not wait at all.

Caleb: How long am I supposed to be begging for love?

Kiera: Why are you asking me that? I didn't tell you to love me. I am crazy for coming down here to explain you. I really was respecting your feelings till now. I am not going to do the same mistakes again.

I walked towards the elevator and heard him bang his door.

CALEB

I closed the door with all the angst I had. I sat on the floor thinking how all of my conversations always end up like this with Kiera. I have neither liked someone so much nor have I done this much for anyone ever. I was rude to her. Why the fuck was I rude to her? I screamed at my foolishness. I wore my shoes and ran as fast as I could to catch up on Kiera. But she was gone. And it was my fault. I got back to my apartment. Someone again rang my door bell. I thought it to be Kiera but I knew it won't be her.

Caleb: Why are you here?

Dad: Is that the first thing you ask your dad?

Caleb: Because I wasn't happy to see you.

Dad: Wow that hurts. Anyways step aside.

He entered and opened his shoes.

Dad: Do you have alcohol?

Caleb: Is this a bar to you?

Dad: Yeah.

I brought a bottle of whiskey and two glasses in the living room. Dad was already making himself comfortable.

Dad: So how are things going with your friend?

I took my glass of whiskey and chugged it at one go. It burnt my oesophagus but that's better than answering.

Dad: I guess not so well.

Caleb: What about you dad? How are things going with Mom?

Now dad chugged the whiskey at one go. Us Rivera men are unlucky at love. That's the only logical explanation to why we don't get the people we love. I mean we have looks and degrees but no still no love.

Caleb: That guy wasn't her boyfriend. They weren't on a real date.

Dad: You are saying that to me?

Caleb: Who else would I be saying it to?

Dad: It seems like you are telling yourself that. It seems like you want to believe that. See kid, if that's what you want to believe, for all I care do it. If you think she is right, she probably is. Just don't misunderstand things and get angry over them. If you like her, listen to her no matter what be the situation. Trust her no matter what happens. That way you won't regret anything later.

Caleb: Regret? You are saying?

Dad: That's kinda my speciality.

Caleb: So it is genetic.

We both took another glass of whiskey and chugged at the same time.