Promises and Shadows

Chapter 4

After five minutes of running around like it was a scene from an action movie, both Dad and the son were panting like they’d just completed a marathon. So, naturally, Casper decided it was time for Victor to play the role of doggy Uber.

“Did you actually lock your door this time?" I asked cautiously when Victor finally set Casper in his room and descended from the stairs.

“Yes, and now you can climb down from the dining table now,” he pointed out. He should be happy that I didn't climb on him instead of the dining table.

I hopped down and flashed him a sheepish smile in embarrassment.

“I didn’t mean to turn the dining table into my personal stage… it just happened!” I tried to reason it.

“Sure, let’s go with that.” he made fun of me.

I went quiet, feeling like I was auditioning for the role of “Embarrassed Person.”

Sensing my awkwardness, Victor decided to play therapist. “Casper is a good and well trained pet dog. You can't trust him. He is also part of my family.”

“I know, but you haven't gone through what i experienced” I pouted, remembering that traumatised event that happened when i was five, we were all invited to one of my father's business partner's house for dinner. They had a dog and a son who is no lesser than that dog. After our dinner the elder's were started to talk so I asked to play with that business partner's son until we went home. As an obedient child I agreed and went to play with him. If the boy doesn't have to play with me, he should have mentioned it, but no he didn't utter a word. For the first fifteen minutes all were fine, but then he started to tease my height, something that I am still insecure about. In anger I threw a small toy at him that didn't even hit him, but he suddenly said to his attack me and within a fraction of second i was screaming for life and the dog was standing above me showing its sharp vigorous teeth. Thankfully my father was fast enough to lift the dog, but that dog scratched me near a part where I don't want to discuss, but still I have the scar. Though I have forgotten most of it, I couldn't forget the dog's sharp teeth and its furious look.

“What happened that you're behaving like this?” He asked casually, but will tell him this story? Never. I have already completed my daily quota of being embarrassed.

“Something happened that I don't want to discuss about” I mumbled.

He sighed and said “Then it's up to you. Anyways your dad called me today.”

That perked me up like a cat hearing a can opener.

“Oh great, he’s just checking in on the guy he married me off ! It feels like your son” I said dryly, trying to control my bubbling anger.

“He asked about you too…” Victor muttered.

“Fantastic! Don't I have a phone? Or Am I lost on an island or something that it's impossible to reach?" That came out harsher than I intended.

“You can ask him that yourself; he invited us to dinner tomorrow.” he said, taken back a little, maybe because of the sudden change of my demonour.

“Wow, such a loving father! Tell him I’d rather watch paint dry than see his face.” I stormed off to my room, fuming.

How could a father force his daughter into marrying a guy she doesn’t even like? Just because he’s in the mafia doesn’t mean he gets to be heartless! If only Mom were here—she’d have given him a solid talking-to!

After doing all the things he shouldn't have, he is inviting us for dinner as if nothing happened… What kind of human he is? Of Course the selfish one, my conscience replied.