Silent Eyes

16, Torn Decisions

Tension hung thick in the air, casting a shadow over every occasion. They had sailed the waters, witnessed the mesmerizing fire dances of the locals, and explored the lush forest together. However, the strained relationship between Andreas and Monica's father persisted. Monica had grown weary of this conflict and decided it was time to confront her dad. Returning from a trip, she approached her father with a forced smile. "Daddy, we need to talk."

As everyone turned their heads to listen, Monica waved them away, signaling that it was a private conversation. She led her father to the backyard, finding a comfortable spot under the shade. Crossing her arms, she mustered her courage. "Okay, why do you hate Andreas so much?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Her father's eyes widened, and he sat up, searching for the right words. "That man isn't good for you," he exclaimed. "Honey, I know you like him, but something feels off about him." Monica rolled her eyes, feeling a mixture of exasperation and disappointment. "But you always say that, Daddy. You never give my boyfriends a fair chance. You judge them before they even have a chance to prove themselves."

"I understand that I can be tough," he tried to explain, his tone softening. "But Monica, I genuinely believe that Andreas is dangerous." His gaze held a seriousness that he hoped would convey his concern. However, Monica's disappointment grew, and she shook her head slowly. "I can't believe you're like this," she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. "Why can't you let me be happy for once?"

Tears welled up in Monica's eyes, and her father sighed wearily. "I do want you to be happy," he said, his voice filled with a mix of love and frustration. Sensing her father's weariness, Monica stood up, her frustration taking over. "No, you don't. Every time I find someone, you scare them away. I know you want to protect me, but Andreas is a good man. He treats me well, and he's always there for me. You only see his rough exterior, not the kindness in his heart."

In a sudden burst of anger, her father also rose to his feet, his voice sharp. "Andreas is a criminal!" he snarled, jabbing a finger in his daughter's face. "I've seen those tattoos before, and they symbolize nothing but death. If you stay with him, he'll lead you to ruin, Monica! I won't stand by while that bastard controls your life!"

"But he isn't!" Monica shouted back, her face red, tears streaming down her cheeks, and her body trembling with anger. "Andreas isn't controlling me, he isn't a criminal, and he won't bring harm to me, Daddy! Can't you see what you're doing? You're judging a man you barely know!" With that, she stormed off, her emotions overpowering her. As she walked away, her father reached out, desperately hoping she would reconsider. But she pulled her wrist away, wincing at the pain, and hissed at him, "You're nothing but a hateful man!"

Monica turned on her heel and marched away. Her father watched her disappear, his body trembling with anger and sadness. Suddenly, he shouted after her, "Fine! Ruin your own life, but don't come crying to me! You're no longer welcome in this family. I've had enough of you, Monica!"

Monica stormed back into the house, her throat burning with anger. As she entered, she noticed her mother and Marcus standing at the door, having overheard the heated conversation. Surprise registered on her face, and Monica gasped, "Were you guys eavesdropping on me?" Without answering, Marcus approached her, a concerned expression on his face. "Monica, please don't hate me, but Dad has a point. There's something off about the man you're with."

She couldn't help but snort, taken aback that her own brother would take their father's side. "Are you kidding me?" she asked, her voice strained. Her mother stepped forward, adding her perspective on Andreas, and Monica felt suffocated. Gritting her teeth, she angrily pushed them away, hissing, "You guys just can't let me be happy, can you?"

"We're not trying to hurt you!" Marcus pleaded. "But that man is sketchy. We don't really know much about him. He rarely talks about himself, and have you seen the scars on him, Monica? Those are the marks of someone involved in dangerous things!" Monica let out a weak and annoyed chuckle. "He's been through some tough times," she retorted, glaring at them. "Those scars could mean anything, but I highly doubt it's what you and Dad are assuming."

Before Marcus and her mother could step closer, Monica forcefully pushed past them, desperate to escape the situation. She ignored their calls and rushed upstairs, seeking solace in the quiet of her room. She found the bedroom door and stormed inside, startling Andreas, who was lying on the bed, engrossed in his phone. When he saw her tear-filled eyes, he immediately stood up.

"Monica, what's wrong?" he asked softly. Andreas approached her, but she hid her face, not wanting him to witness her vulnerability. However, he gently took hold of her face and tilted it towards him. Seeing her puffy eyes, Andreas sighed. "Is it because of me?" he inquired. She remained silent, burying her head against his strong chest and succumbing to sobs.

Monica had hoped this trip would bring her family and Andreas closer. But as she sobbed in Andreas' embrace, she realized that would never be possible. Her father was judgmental, possessive of her, and always tried to shield her from potential partners. He had managed to influence her mother and brother to do the same. It frustrated her to no end, and she couldn't help but cry uncontrollably.

As Monica cried in his arms, Andreas gently rubbed her back, hating to see her in such pain. His jaw clenched tight. Her father had confronted her, revealing his dislike for Andreas. But what Mr. Warren didn't know was that Andreas already had a hold on her. She was already under his spell, and Monica had no intentions of leaving. It would take a miracle to separate her from his side.

He shushed her, running his hand through her hair and rocking her back and forth gently. Monica sobbed, her tears staining his shirt. And Andreas kissed the top of her head, hoping that his love would eventually wash away her pain.