Chapter 26 - I know you can't resist me (J)
The week never seemed to end with everyone tensed about last minute applications to few universities and Anna scared about meeting her dad George Phillips. She was so tensed the whole week that I didn’t dare to ask how we are going to work out our relationship if we left for different universities. I know she wants to go to a veterinary school as much as I wanted to go to the best university that offers mass communications and journalism. But I didn’t want to scare her more and kept my thoughts to myself.
Even Emily’s shopping trips couldn’t keep her mind off things; to make life worse Emily started behaving like an obnoxious bitch about the date that the group became so tired and want her to get it over with so all of us can finally get some peace.
To top it off, Anna’s dad George kept calling multiple times every day to make sure we are not leaving anywhere this weekend. He asked me to let him talk to Anna but I denied saying he will only meet her in person and not on phone.
The nerve of that guy. He left her all those years never bothered about how she was and now all of a sudden he is acting like he cares about her. The only reason I am putting up with him is Anna who wants to meet her biological dad as she thinks he should not be blamed for everything happened and he might be as innocent as her.
Innocent, my ass. I am going to show him his place if he ruins anything. As angry as I am with him about leaving Anna’s mom all those years ago I am also scared that he might take her away from me. I know Anna can never leave me but what if he convinces her about their family and takes her to Europe. After all, they are family and she might want to know them.
It’s Friday already and as excited as I am to get rid of the worst week of senior year I am also excited to meet Anna’s dad who would be here in a few hours. Just as I was thinking of him, he is calling me again for probably 100th time this week.
I glared at the phone though I know it can do nothing about it looking at his number and took the call “What?”
“I have landed already; will be there in 2 hours tops” he said cheerily.
“Can’t wait to meeting you” I responded sarcastically.
His tone turned a bit serious as he said “See boy, I know you are not happy with Anna meeting me. But can’t you at least try to act normal for her?”
“This is me acting normal” I disconnected the call shutting the phone.
I quickly messaged Anna that her dad would be here in two hours max. Knowing that she might come earlier than her shift is completed I quickly went to shower so that I can go to her house before her dad comes.
As expected she came little after I arrived looking panicked as she walked towards me giving me a hug.
“I am here. You need not be worried about anything; I will stay until you want me to” I said softly, playing with her hair.
“Thanks” she mumbled with teary eyes.
“You have beautiful eyes; I told you before, didn’t I? Why do you hurt them so much by crying?”
She smiled “I am not crying, I am just feeling a bit emotional”
I nodded just as she asked “Where is Emily?”
“Lily told me she is getting ready since the past three hours. I don’t understand why she is taking so much time?”
She smirked “It’s a girl thing; you obviously won’t understand”
I scoffed “I know a lot of things about girls; what I don’t know is how you guys have so much patience getting ready if it takes this much time”
“I am ready” we heard Emily yell cheerily as she walked downstairs.
“Already?” I said sarcastically making Anna chuckle.
“Yeah. Since it’s our first date, I don’t want doing it over the top” she mumbled with a dreamy smile.
Wow, now I seriously don’t want to know what she means by doing it over the top. I pity the guy she marries and the girl who goes for her wedding shopping.
“How am I looking?” she said twirling around like a little child.
“Good” I replied observing her. In fact she is looking smoking hot with the strapless green dress she is wearing paired with silver heels.
“Don’t believe him; you are looking fab and sexy, not just good” Anna replied smiling at her.
“Are those heels the ones I gifted?” I asked looking at her shoes.
“Obviously, half the shoes in my wardrobe are gifted by you” she replied shrugging.
I always gifted shoes to Emily, whatever the occasion might be; be it her birthday or Christmas since I know she loves them so much.
“Ok then, I will leave” Emily said looking at both of us before turning to Anna “Are you sure you are going to be fine?”
“Don’t worry I will be fine, Alex might be waiting for you already” she said with a wink.
Emily giggled “Just so you know, I am not going to share the details of my date since you didn’t tell me yours”
“No one’s asking you to” I grumbled feeling impatient.
She made a face before walking towards the front door. I still can’t believe she is taking a guy on a date instead of the other way around.
“I hope Alex is good” Anna mumbled looking at her.
“Don’t worry. She can take care of herself”
Both of us sat on the couch waiting for her dad to come and time never seemed to pass as slow as it is now. Meanwhile Lily cooked early dinner since she thought we may not feel like eating once we met Anna’s dad; yes, she knew everything about what happened to her. We told Emily to tell her since Anna considered her as a mother and didn’t want to hide the truth anymore.
However I am still confused about how she knew about my dad. I remember her telling that I shouldn’t be scared of love thinking about what happened to my dad when I came to her house during Thanksgiving holidays. I know Mark was friends with her during high school but were they that close that they shared each other’s secrets?
My thoughts were interrupted with the sound of engine purring down and I unknowingly stiffened realizing who came. Anna scooted close to me and I put an arm around her shoulder squeezing it slightly, assuring her that I am here for her.
When we heard a knock on the door, I left the couch telling Anna to stay there and went to open the door. Before I could open, a handsome man in his late thirties walked into the room.
“I am sorry; the door is unlocked and so I entered without your permission. I apologize for my lack of manners” he said softly with a slight British accent.
“That’s ok” I replied shocked at his behavior. He seemed like a soft natured person and I knew instantly that Anna’s going to forgive this person very easily.
He looked around, may be trying to find Anna somewhere when I said “I am Jason”
His face lit up with recognition “Oh, it’s you. Where is Anna?”
“She is inside. But before we go I need to tell you something” I said in a serious tone.
“What is it?”
“If she doesn’t want to talk to you anymore, you have to leave. After all, you can’t expect her to forgive you in spite of hiding away from her all these years” he nodded just as I added “If you hurt her, I am going to kill you”
He chuckled “Don’t you think that’s my line? As her dad?”
“I don’t care” I said through gritted teeth just as he slowly said “I love her Jason; I won’t hurt her ever again”
That moment I clearly saw Anna in him; not just the physical similarities but on an emotional level too. He seemed like an introvert and soft spoken person just like Anna not to mention the exact chocolate brown eyes and nose they shared.
We walked to the living where Anna was sitting on the couch biting her nails looking at the ground.
“Anna?” he called her slowly which made her head snap to us instantly.
Tears filled her eyes as she walked slowly to us looking at him. He took larger steps and lifted her up into his arms looking like he was choking back his own tears.
I stood beside them awkwardly not knowing what to do while they cried silently in each other’s arms. I felt like a third person intruding their space but knowing that Anna wanted me to be there for her, I didn’t leave. When they finally left each other I motioned them to sit on the couch while I sat on a nearby chair.
“So, how are you? What are you studying? Why are you here?” he asked her with moist eyes.
I saw Anna stiffen at his questions but she replied “Umm I am fine. How about you? ”
“I am good” he replied smiling at her and continued “My God!! I still can’t believe you’ve become so big”
I snorted in disapproval “Obviously”
He looked hurt at my response as he turned towards her and slowly started “Look Anna. I am sorry for everything; I know a simple sorry won’t suffice for my absence in your life but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. There was never a day in my life that was spent without thinking about you”
“Then why the hell did you run away from her mom? Why didn’t you come back for your daughter if you loved her so much?” I snarled.
He sighed “I agree that I panicked when her mom told me the truth but later when I thought about it I felt guilty and decided to marry her though I didn’t love her”
When neither of us said anything he continued “When I told my parents that I want to stay here for my unborn kid, they told me to come back to Europe to discuss about the issue. I agreed to them and went there thinking I’ll convince them to let me stay here. However they didn’t want to spoil the family’s reputation and never sent me back. I was home schooled and surrounded by body guards who never let me go anywhere. They took every step to not let me return including taking my credit card and not allowing any financial help”
“This continued for few years until I started working at our company. However after that I didn’t dare coming here feeling ashamed of myself to meet her mom; I know she would have thought I ran away from her and our kid”
“Why did you come then ten years later?” I asked curiously.
“I was getting married and I felt ashamed that I didn’t even know if I had a daughter or a son. My would-be wife encouraged me to meet my kid telling me not doing so would be a sin. So I finally gathered courage and came to meet her mom but---”
“Yeah, we know what happened after that. She told you to f**k off” I said rolling my eyes.
He nodded looking at Anna “I stayed there for a few days however. The three of you looked like a perfect family; seeing Daniel in my place as your dad made me realize he had been more of a father to you than me. After that I never came back”
“Do I have any siblings?” Anna asked looking serious.
“No. Few years ago we realized we can never have kids. Fergie, my wife is not capable to carry”
Anna gasped in shock while I sat dumbfounded not knowing what to say. Karma is indeed a bitch.
“I-I am sorry” Anna said still looking shocked.
We sat there in silence, with none of us saying a single word until Anna got up saying she would cook dinner for him.
“Why didn’t you come back for Anna when you realized you can’t have kids? You have the right to claim your daughter, don’t you?”
“I didn’t want to hurt her mom any more than I had already; and I didn’t want Anna to have a troubled childhood with her parents fighting over her”
“How sweet” I mumbled sarcastically.
“Can I ask you something? Why do you hate me so much? I know I have done so many mistakes in the past but it was never my intention to stay away from her. I know I couldn’t even stand up against my parents for my own daughter but trust me I have endured so much pain in the process”
“You wanted to know why I hate you. Here it is---” I spat angrily as I went on to explain everything that happened in the years of his absence, from Daniel’s one side love story to Anna being thrown out of her house and forced to work for herself. I know it’s not my place to tell him everything but he needs to know the truth; he needs to know how much his daughter had to suffer for his mistake.
Tears filled his eyes as he tried to speak or may be apologize but nothing came out.
Anna came after a few minutes giving him a tray filled with food but looking at him she instantly turned to me with an accusing glare.
“You told him, didn’t you?” she croaked with angry tears.
“I am sorry” I said pulling her on to my lap rubbing her spine soothingly.
“Why did you have to tell now? We just met” she said softly as she buried her head in my neck.
“I was angry baby, I am so sorry. He should know what happened in his absence”
“We need not ---”
“Shush.. Forget it, please. I am so sorry” I pulled her hair to face me wiping the tears off her cheeks and showered kisses on her face. Closing her eyes, she relaxed wrapping her arms around me until she pressed her lips onto mine.
We didn’t remember her dad’s presence until he cleared his throat rather loudly.
“As much as I approve your relationship, I can’t see my daughter snogging her boyfriend right in front of me” he said looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here.
Anna having realized what happened got up from my lap and quietly left the room blushing.
“I thought blushing was long forgotten before our generation. Do women still blush these days?” George asked looking amused.
I chuckled “Very rarely, yes. However your daughter is an exception, she still blushes even if it is the 50th time we are kissing”
“Ahem!! I don’t think I want to know those details”
“Oh yeah sorry” I said feeling stupid about sharing my intimate moments with his daughter.
“So—how’s your relationship?”
“We are going strong, thank you” I replied smiling for the first time seeing him and continued “I see a lot of similarities between the two of you; she is so much like you”
“I felt the same when I saw her the first time; she was my very own 10 year old version” he said chuckling.
I smiled “I meant the personalities too, you know”
“Yeah, I understand seeing her now; though I can assure you I don’t blush” he said joking a bit.
I laughed “I hope you don’t drool too”
“She does?” he said looking amused.
I nodded to which he replied “Well then there are too many similarities than I thought”
“What do you mean? Please don’t tell me you still drool…”
He smiled shyly “Fergie often tells me she feels like she is sleeping besides River Thames; she wakes up every day with a wet shoulder, literally”
I cracked up laughing “I can totally relate to that”
He smiled looking at me not saying anything; not even giving me a judgmental look regarding what I said, which I am happy of.
“Can I talk to her? Alone, just for a few minutes” he asked after few minutes, looking scared.
“Yeah, you can” I smiled at him which seemed to ease his tension and I called Anna who was a bit reluctant at first but walked away with her dad to her room.
“What do you think they are going to talk about?” I asked Lily who walked into the living room.
“Lot of things actually; one definite topic is you”
“Should I be worried?”
“No, from what I heard from the dining he seems cool”
I waited patiently with Lily until both of them came back to the room looking normal; I expected them to be here with puffy red eyes but seeing them calm made me sigh in relief. I introduced Lily and George to each other just as Emily came back from her date.
“Hi, you must be George. I am Emily” she chirped excitedly hugging Anna’s dad.
He looked taken back but returned her hug eventually “Hi Emily, I was just talking to your mother”
“You are hot George. What’s your age?” she asked winking at him.
He grinned sheepishly “Thanks, I am 36”
“Wowww… You are younger than my mom, she is 40 by the way” Emily said as a matter of factly.
“EMILY!!!” Lily shouted “You never declare a woman’s age like that”
Anna and I laughed just as George said “Don’t worry, you don’t look 40”
She nodded looking perplexed not knowing what to say when Anna asked Emily “So, how was your date?”
“It was amazing” she said dreamily which made George chuckle. However she didn’t stop even after realizing that Anna’s dad is here as she added “You know I can say he is the guy I am going to marry one day. I bet we would make beautiful babies together”
“Em, stop talking about your fantasies; we have a guest with us today” Lily said rolling her eyes.
“Sorry George. I just can’t stop my mouth sometimes”
“Sometimes?” I smirked as she glared at me, making all of us laugh at her.
“Well, I don’t think we are properly introduced George” she said looking at him; he smiled and she continued “I am Emily. Anna’s class mate, best friend and her future maid of honor”
George looked at both of us with an amused smile as I shrugged while Anna looked like she was trying to stop the blush seeping through her cheeks.
“You are sure about that?” he asked Emily.
“Yup, I am going to kill her if she asks someone else”
“We will see about that later” Anna finally managed to say while I smirked seeing her embarrassed.
“So what do we do now?” I asked wanting to change the topic and save her from further embarrassment.
“I think we should watch movies since its weekend already”
Everyone agreed including George who couldn’t keep his eyes off his daughter and occasionally me; While Anna and Lily went to kitchen to get hot chocolate, the three of us discussed about what film to select.
“The Conjuring” Emily yelled with a wicked smile to which George nodded in agreement.
“No, Anna is scared of horror films. The last time I saw that movie with her, I was her teddy bear. Let’s see something else” I said.
“Now, aren’t you the sweetest boyfriend ever” Emily chimed in.
“Shut up Emily. Search for something else”
“Beastly?” she beamed.
“No” Both George and I shouted at the same time making Em roll her eyes.
“Battleship, Avengers, Man of Steel, Knight and Day, Star Trek---” Emily continued reading the list of DVDs she had while I interrupted her “Knight and Day”
She scoffed “Is Anna a fan of Tom Cruise?”
Scratching my neck I nodded awkwardly while George looked at me with an amused smile.
“We are watching Star Trek into Darkness and that’s it. I love Chris Pine so much” she continued in the same excited tone she’s using since evening.
I rolled my eyes and sat on the couch followed my Emily and George. Few minutes later Anna and Lily waltzed into the room, each carrying a tray of hot chocolate before giving to us. When Lily sat on the chair with her own cup, Anna groaned “Where should I sit?”
George was about to get up when I said “You can sit on my lap baby”
“Puh-lease; all of us know what’s going to happen if she sits on your lap. I can’t watch the film with you two making out beside me” Emily said gruffly before sitting on the floor hugging a pillow.
Anna sat quietly beside me and I wrapped an arm around her shoulder pulling her close to me saying “Are you comfortable?”
“Very much; thank you for asking” Emily grumbled sarcastically making George and Lily snigger.
“Star Trek?” Anna said excitedly “I love this movie”
“Please don’t tell me you are one of those Chris Pine obsessed fans” I said dully.
“I heard that” Emily chimed in.
Anna chuckled “I like him very much; he is very hotttt”
“You think every guy is hot” I complained childishly.
“And you get jealous of every guy” Emily chimed in again much to my annoyance.
I groaned “Em. Stop spying on our conversation and please don’t interrupt”
Before she could give a smart retort luckily the film started making her eyes glued to the screen. I sighed in relief and continued watching the film until Anna scooted closer to me whispering “Look at him!! I don’t think anyone else can pull off that costume like Chris did”
I bit back my smile saying “You still haven’t forgiven me for flirting with your sister, have you?”
“Nope” she replied smiling.
I groaned “Will you ever leave that?” to which she mumbled “I don’t think so”
“Shut up both of you. Few are trying to watch here” Emily grumbled impatiently.
After watching silently for few more minutes, I felt Anna’s head drop on my shoulder trying to adjust for better position.
“Are you feeling sleepy?” I mumbled slowly not wanting Emily to complain again.
“Yeah” she muttered sleepily.
I looked at George who was eyeing both of us with a happy smile on his face. Not knowing what to do, I turned my attention back to the movie when a sudden idea crossed my mind.
“Anna?” I called slowly and got a short reply “Hmm?”
“See Chris Pine is shirtless” I said in an urgent tone.
“Really?” she shouted all of a sudden pulling out of my arms sitting straight to get a better view only to be disappointed with a regular scene while the rest of cracked up at her expense.
“Are you still feeling sleepy?” I asked biting my lip to stop myself from laughing while she glared crossing her arms over her chest moving a foot away from me.
I tried pulling her a number of times towards me but she ignored my protests and kept swatting my hands away. I bet her dad was watching the both of us in amusement from the corner of his eye while I was sulking sitting at a corner of the couch.
Finally after numerous trials she gave in and scooted closer to me wrapping an arm around my waist and placed her head on my chest.
“Please don’t sleep baby. I don’t want to wake up with a wet chest again” I said softly just as George burst out laughing which definitely means he is eavesdropping on our conversation.
Anna glared at me and tried to move away again but I caught her by the waist not letting her escape from my grip as she mumbled “You are being so mean to me today, let me go”
“I won’t, I promise. Please don’t leave” I said kissing her cheek.
“Please” I said giving her puppy dog eyes to which she groaned “I know what you are trying to do. You know I can’t resist---”
I smirked “I know you can’t resist me” and got a smack on my head as a reply from her.
“Ow” I yelped slowly touching the spot she hit me while she gave me a smug look turning her attention back to the film.
The rest of the film was completed in similar fashion with number of banters between me and Anna and numerous threats from Emily.
“I will never watch a film with the two of you” Em said angrily pulling out the DVD from the player.
Yawning Lily announced “Em, show George your room to sleep for the night and come to my room after that. Jason, share Anna’s room”
“I will sleep on the couch” George said slowly.
“No way, I will show you my room” Emily said pulling him along with her just as Lily walked into her room.
“Hi roommate” I smirked looking at Anna.
She groaned leaving me alone in the living and walked upstairs to her room.
“Now, that’s not the way to treat your boyfriend” I said once I reached her room. Ignoring me, she walked into the bathroom taking her night dress.
“I am sorry” I said once she came out in her pajamas.
“You made me look like a fool out there” she complained sadly.
“I promise I will never do that again” I said to which she looked at me and opened her arms as if telling me to hug her which I did gladly.
“What did your father talk to you when you were alone” I asked curiously once both of us lied down on her bed.
“Nothing really important. We talked about his parents and family, most importantly his wife. He also apologized for everything and promised to take care of me and protect me further in life”
“That’s it? Nothing about us?”
Her face instantly turned pink as she tried real hard to hide her blush before clearing her throat “He just asked about us and how serious we are”
I smirked “I am sure he asked more”
This time she couldn’t stop her blush as she said “No, he didn’t ask anything else”
“Will you tell me yourself or shall I ask him tomorrow” I threatened to which she blurted out “No”
“So, tell me. What did your dad ask you about us?”
“Umm he asked if we—if there is –umm—hanky panky going on between us” she said, her face red like a tomato.
Hanky Panky? Do people still use that word?
“What did you say?” I smirked to which she said still trying to hide her blush “What do you think idiot?”
“You should have told him that I totally want to bang you” I said with a half grin which made her blush more as she pinched my thigh hardly making me yelp in pain “owww”
“That’s what you get for playing with me today” she said stucking her tongue out childishly.
“Fine then I am sleeping” I murmured bitterly closing my eyes.
I could hear her twist and turn beside me unable to sleep until I felt her presence close to me as she whispered “I know you are not sleeping too; just kiss me already”
I smiled at her; realizing I can never stay mad at her for long. Pressing my lips to hers I mumbled “Goodnight” to which she did the same and finally slept in my arms.
The next day we went to the store since George wanted to see the place his daughter works. He insisted on paying for her further expenses but she didn’t accept saying she wanted to do it on her own. Though he was upset that she had to work I can say he also feels proud about her.
I stayed the two days in Lily’s house; even Gabe made his presence known on Sunday and I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun. When George was leaving on Sunday evening he pulled me into a hug saying “Thank you so much for everything. I know you’ll take care of her”
“Thank you” I said pulling out from the hug feeling awkward just as he said “Wait a minute”
He pulled down the collar of my t-shirt which is now showing the silver chain Anna gifted me as he gasped in shock “Is this--??”
“Ya, it’s the one you gifted Anna for her birthday. She gave it to me as a Christmas present since she thought it was a lucky chain to her”
“Lucky? How can it be lucky? It’s just a normal silver chain” he replied.
“Yeah, may be. But she loved it so much”
“I am glad she loved it but I still don’t understand how it became lucky”
“Well we can never understand women” I said as a matter of factly.
He chuckled nodding as I asked slowly “How many days did you stay exactly when you went to visit her?”
“Two weeks. I followed her every day from her school to house; of course Dana didn’t know about it”
“Wow.. I have never seen so much drama in someone’s life”
He chuckled “Anyhow I will leave, please take care of her”
I nodded the same time Anna walked onto the porch with a big box and a big smile “Give it to Fergie, I prepared them”
He took it from her before kissing her on the forehead and got into the car with moist eyes saying silent goodbye.
---
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- Janaki
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