CHAPTER 35
A YEAR LATER
Daisy's POV
My relationship with Sidney at this time was complicated. We barely go out on dates anymore. He still calls me and tells me he loves me. We only meet in school.
I was confused. I didn't even know if I should call what I had with him a relationship. The connection was not there. I was ready to break up with him after the drama that happened between us when he discovered Ellah.
I thought he was going to stop calling or he would try to pick up a fight with me but surprisingly, two days after the incident, he called and pretended like it never happened. He never asked of her and I never brought it up in any of her conversations.
How can I be with someone that doesn't want my daughter? I asked myself. I told mom about it and she kept saying to play along. But for how long will this go on?
The last time we went out was almost 6 months and when he pulled up in front of the house before I could go out, he pecked my lips and wished me goodnight.
I stared at him in surprise, I couldn't even remember the last time he was that romantic with me.
I thought and concluded that our relationship was going nowhere, not until he called me after school that he would like to take me to his best friend's party. I wanted to tell him I won't be able to go with him since it was a high party and I don't want fate to repeat itself like the previous year, where he tried to take advantage of me but mom insisted that I go.
She said I needed to put in my best effort to make the relationship and if in the end, it doesn't work out then I'd know I did my best.
I was just coming out of the University library when I bumped into Stanley. I hadn't seen him since the other night.
"You school here too?" I couldn't believe Stanley was schooling in Nevada of all places. He was full of surprises.
He shrugged and gave me his usual cocky smile. "I told you what happened the other night, didn't I?"
I couldn't recall what he was talking about.
"No", I shook my head. "I don't think you did."
"Of course, I did. You weren't listening."
"I'm sorry." He sat on his car bonnet and smirked.
"The bad date really got to you, I guess."
"Yeah", I agreed. "Maybe that was why."
"I told you I lost my dad and I needed to be in America for the family business. Mom is here in Las Vegas and she doesn't even want to hear anything about me moving out."
"Oh, My God! I'm so sorry."
"Mom was really shattered about his death."
"I understand."
"Can I give you a ride? He requested.
"Sure." I didn't hesitate.
"Hop in", he said, moving to the driver's seat.
I got in and he did the same as I fastened my seat belt. He ignited the car engine and pulled out of the school's driveway.
"Why did you move out of New York? I had always thought you were a fan of Oxford and you would go there for your Higher Education."
I sighed. "Um yeah, I was supposed to go to Oxford."
"What happened then?"
How am I supposed to tell him I got pregnant and had a baby? How am I supposed to tell him I had an affair on the night of our graduation and that ruined all my plans? I asked myself.
He could sense my hesitation and he asked, peering at me. "You don't want to talk about it obviously."
"No, it's fine. I lost my dad." I said.
"Are you serious?" He was wide-eyed. "I never knew. When did that happen?"
"Right after our graduation," I replied.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you."
"Losing a parent to death is really devastating. I couldn't eat for a whole week when dad died. I partially blamed myself for it because we fought the previous week. I felt I was the reason why he died. He died without me asking for his forgiveness. Maybe if I had reconciled with him, things would have been different."
"Don't blame yourself for anything, Stanley. I believe it's destiny."
"Destiny?" I nodded at him. "You believe in that?" He snorted.
"Of course, I do. The experiences that came after high school was too overwhelming not to believe there is a thing called destiny. It can't be denied."
"What if I want to deny it?"
"You have no right to. It can only be delayed but it will surely come to pass someday."
He sighed loudly. "Honestly, dad's death changed a lot of things about me. I felt like a spoiled brat and I acknowledged that I was one, then I began to adjust. A year after his death, I thought of you and I felt bad for what I did to you the other night. I'm sorry, Daisy."
"It's all in the past. You are forgiven."
"My past is taking a toll on me. It keeps haunting me at the least expected moments. If Damien hadn't come to your rescue that night, I would have taken advantage of you."
At the mention of Damien's name, my heartbeat increased and was thumping wild.
How am I to react to the mention of my baby father's name? I had no clue at all how to behave or what to say.
"As much as I liked you and would have loved to have a beautiful thing with you, I couldn't help but feel bad."
"Stanley, it's ok. Let's forget it."
He looked at me with doubts. "You sure?"
"Of course."
"Can we be friends then?" He grinned.
"If you are going to behave yourself, yes."
"I'm matured, remember?" He smirked.
I chuckled. "You are silly."
"What do you think about going on a date?"
"I'm still trying to see if we can become friends and you are already asking me out for a date, you are not serious, are you?"
"I'm serious. I'd be glad, you know?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
"I'll give you a week to think about it."
"There is nothing to think about."
"I won't give up."
"Whatever, "I muttered, feigning annoyance.