How Time Flies

~ 1 ~

They said, 'Age doesn't matter'. But why then did Rowan laugh when I said I loved him? He howled his guts out laughing at my confession. He patted my head like a puppy and said, "I'm as old as your father, sweetheart."

When I told him, "Age doesn't matter.". He smiled showing those dimples I fell for; replying, " That's what people say to make themselves feel better."

When I asked my dad if Rowan was as old as him, he said no. Rowan was way younger, they just worked together. Dad and him had been friends even with an age difference. They'd go fishing, hunting and everything together.

Often when Gran couldn't take care of me, Rowan and dad would. When I was small, I remember Rowan getting a girl home whom he called his 'girlfriend' but after a while her visits were lesser, Rowan was sadder.

When I had asked him why she had stopped coming, he said she didn't love him anymore. I told him I still loved him. Which he obviously thought was as a small girl would love her father and he smiled carrying me to the kitchen for ice cream.

I confessed my love for him in high school. When I held his hand and kissed it while no one was around he pulled his hand back calling me insane. He said that I needed to stop being ridiculous and get a guy my age. I didn't like guys my age. They had funny hairstyles, sad clothing and a funny way of speaking.

I had locked myself in my room after the disastrous confession and found solitude in my room. Not even dad could convince me to come out. Rowan knew what exactly was happening but never tried.

One fine day, I think dad and Gran were really tried of my shit and sent Rowan to talk to me. I still don't know why he agreed but he did.

"Julia, you can't keep acting like this. You need to grow up. Act like a adult.", he said massaging his temples like talking to me was a huge task.

"If I act like one, will you like me back?", I simply asked.

"Shut up. Don't be irrational. I'm your father's friend for fucks sake.", he grit his teeth.

"Don't swear.", I muttered.

"This is what I'm talking about! I'm a thirty-two-year-old. You can get anyone you want, Julia. You're so pretty. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

"Anyone but you.", I cried.

" I can't deal with this. I'm sorry.", he walked away.

It was clear, he didn't see me as anything but a little girl. His friend's daughter. What was I gonna do?

~~

After hours of pleading, dad had finally agreed. I'd be moving in with mom. Mom and dad had been separated ever since I could remember. I had convinced dad that me moving to a college close to mom was the best idea. After a long discussion with Gran and mom, dad agreed. But only if I called him up everyday.

"My Julia is moving with Elle.", dad said sadly when Rowan walked him with a few beers.

He looked surprised.

"Why the sudden change, Julia?", he had asked looking deeply into my eyes.

"Some things are better left unexplained.", I had said with a tight smile and a nod.

~~

It's been three years, I enjoy college and have had a fair share of boyfriends even. Only after leaving my hometown I had realised that people did find me attractive and showed interest in me. It was nice.

After all these years, my heart still ached for that hazel eyed man with broad shoulders and a deep voice. He would never know what he meant to me. I had avoided meeting dad as much as possible. Not even visiting during holidays. Instead, I found boys who found me interesting to keep myself busy.

Life was nice.

~~

" Julia, your Gran is not doing very well, sweetheart."

"What do you mean?", I spoke to her this morning, dad.", I said. It was some cheap trick by dad to get to me see him, it was not happening.

" Julia, I wouldn't lie to you about my mother's health. I know you don't want to see me for whatever reason that is. But just come visit your Gran before she says goodbye. ", he pleaded.

I knew dad wouldn't lie about his loved ones. He wasn't of that sort. I had to visit Gran.

Would Rowan be there too? Would things still be weird between us?