Her Ideal Boy

Conflicted Heart

Keith was having dinner with her family when, all of a sudden, her father brought up the topic of Zachariah.

"So, Keith, who was that boy at the wedding?" Shawn asked casually. Her two younger sisters, Omi and Shanzee, perked up, their eyes gleaming with curiosity as they looked at their elder sibling. Keith’s mother, Reena, shot a partially disapproving glance at Shawn, signaling him to tread lightly.

Keith froze when she heard Zachariah’s name, but she quickly composed herself. "Dad, he’s just a fellow student from college," she replied calmly, deliberately keeping her response brief.

Shawn scrutinized Keith closely before asking, "So how come he was there?"

Keith took a deep breath and answered honestly. "Rina’s husband, John, is Zachariah’s cousin," she explained, earning a satisfied nod from Shawn.

For a few moments, silence enveloped the table, interrupted only by the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of conversation. Then, breaking the quiet, Shawn offered a piece of advice. "Remember, girls, no matter how nice a boy behaves, you should always be aware that their intentions might not be pure. You’re all smarter than average girls your age, which means there’s a possibility that someone might want to take advantage of your charm. Don’t let that happen."

Omi and Shanzee nodded solemnly at their father’s words. Keith, meanwhile, took a deep gulp, understanding that although Shawn’s advice was meant for all his daughters, it was directed at her in particular.

Later that night, Keith found herself strolling in the serene quiet of their backyard. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warm, bustling atmosphere inside the house. She needed some space to process the evening’s events and her father’s words.

As she walked, lost in thought, she heard footsteps approaching. It was her father, Shawn, joining her in the stillness of the night.

"How are you, baby?" Shawn asked, his tone soft and loving.

"I’m fine, Dad," Keith replied, managing a small smile.

Shawn’s eyes were full of concern and love as he continued, "Keith, you’re the smartest, kindest-hearted girl out there. You might be book-smart, but there’s a lot about the world you still need to learn. There’s a whole life ahead of you, full of possibilities and challenges. Just don’t let yourself get distracted by the wrong things."

Keith felt a surge of emotion at her father’s words. She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Dad, I promise you, I will make you very proud," she said earnestly. Yet, deep inside, she was grappling with an inner dilemma. She adored her father more than anyone else, and the thought of disappointing him was unbearable.

Shawn placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his grip reassuring. "I know you will, Keith. Just remember to stay true to yourself and your values. The right things will fall into place when the time is right."

Keith nodded, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty. She knew her father’s advice came from a place of love and experience, but the world he warned her about felt both daunting and thrilling.

That night, sleep eluded Keith. She was never one to be easily confused, but this time, she was. She loved her dad deeply and wanted nothing more than to make him proud. But she also yearned for a romantic connection, something Zachariah seemed to be slowly igniting within her. Yet, she knew she couldn’t let him in just yet.

The next day was a Sunday. Keith’s parents had gone out for some errands, and her siblings were buried under a pile of homework. With her exams over and the new semester starting the next day, Keith found herself with nothing to do. The restless night had left her exhausted, but she didn’t want to sleep during the day and risk missing college the next morning. She decided to go to the woods near her house, a place she often visited when she needed to clear her mind.