CHAPTER 19.
1559 Words
NOAH'S POV.
"Dad what brings you here?" Ava asked as she moved closer to her dad, and I stood behind her, feeling like an unknown boyfriend who got caught by her Dad for the first time.
"Am I not allowed to see my little girl anymore?" He asked warmly. "I know I was a selfish father for selling you off against your will, but that doesn't mean I stopped caring."
Ava rubbed her neck in discomfort, "it's not that Dad, it's just that," she shot me an awkward look. "Noah doesn't like unexpected visitors. You should have informed me first before coming."
Wait, hold on, what the hell is she saying? Yes, I use to dislike unexpected visitors and strangers coming into my house, but that was before we started getting along. Now I don't mind, especially when it's her Dad.
Before she could set a bad record for me in the eyes of my father in law, I spoke up, "no no, I don't mind," I protested although my tone remain polite. "It's okay Ava. You father has every right to see you, and I'm not going to get in the way of that."
"Are you sure? But your mom said..."
"Forget what my mom said!" I cut her off and smiled at her Dad. "Hello sir, you are mostly welcome. Please don't just stand there, it's rude that I've kept my guest standing for this long."
I lead the surprised man into the house, and a confused Ava dropped the water hose and followed behind us.
We came to the living room, and I offered that he sit on one of the armchairs while I took the couch. For a moment, we were all seated in an awkward silence as father and daughter couldn't seem to recover from the shock of my sudden attitude. Ava's Dad was more startled at my warm welcome.
Well he shouldn't be that shocked. Ava did tell him I was nice.
I raised a brow at Ava after a while, "don't just stand there Ava, get your Dad something to drink."
Ava finally recovered from her shock, "ah right, I'll go get you a drink Dad." She hurried towards the kitchen area leaving me alone with her Dad.
We sat in an awkward silence for some time, then he spoke. "This is a nice place."
Not knowing how to reply, I just agreed awkwardly. "Yes it is." Another painful pause followed. I wanted Ava to return quickly because it would seem rude if I just get up and leave.
Ava's Dad gave a meaningful look, and I tried not to squirm under his intense stare. "I presume my girl is doing fine here."
I didn't know if it was a question, but by the way he was looking at me, I could tell he was expecting some kind of answer, and so I replied, "I think she is sir."
"You are both getting along fine?" He asked again, and for a moment I wondered why he was asking again when Ava already told him over the phone.
"Yes sir, Ava had done nothing but help me get over my fear and depression because of my condition, and I want to thank you for allowing her to marry her. It really helped me a great deal," my words were straightforward and sincere. I wanted him to know that I have grown a fondness for Ava, and I would cherish her memories even after death.
He smiled, "you don't have to thank me son. I did it for my own selfish needs, but I'm glad my daughter isn't miserable as I thought she would be. I'm glad you are a good person. It makes me feel relieved that my daughter is in safe hands."
"Ava makes it too easy to like her. She really is persistent," I said with a smile as I thought about my cheery wife.
"She's just like her mother, kind and bubbly. I want the best for her. I hope you understand that Noah."
I nodded, "yes sir, and I will do my best to take care of her no matter what happens."
He nodded at me looking satisfied, "I guess my decision wasn't so wrong after all." His expression turned sad again, "or maybe it still is. Ava easily gets attached to people. If you have both become as close as I think you are, then it would hurt her deeply when you..." He stopped, leaving the words unsaid.
I realized it too. It was what I've been thinking all my life. Why make friends knowing I'm just going to hurt them with my death later on? But Ava had made me realize a lot of things. It doesn't matter if I'm dying in six months, in a month, in a week, in a day, in the next f*****g hour! All that matters is that, as long as I'm still breathing, I will live my life to the fullest.
"I know that sir. Leaving Ava would hurt me too. In this short time with her, I have grown to love her so much, I wouldn't want her to get hurt because of my death. But I'm selfish enough to keep her by my side until my very last moments on earth, and I would do what I can to protect her within those times. It's a promise."
He smiled again. This time, there was an expression on his face that seems to say; I approve. As if to confirm my thoughts, he said, "you both have my blessings."
I felt my heart tightened, and a happy feeling awaken in my chest, but before I could express my gratitude, Ava returned.
"Sorry that I took so long," she apologized setting two mugs on the center table.
"It's fine honey. I was just having a pleasant chat with Noah."
She glanced from me to him with curiosity, "what were you talking about?"
I stood up slowly, "mind your business!"
She puffed out a cute pout, and I tried not to smile at how cute she looks, "you're evil Noah. I thought you were my friend."
I rolled my eyes, "not your friend, your husband."
She giggled, "it's funny to hear you say it."
I bit back a smile. I almost never call myself that. I cleared my throat quickly and said, "I'll leave you two."
"You can stay if you want to," Ava offered as I turned to go.
I shook my head gently, "no thanks. I'll give you guys some privacy," I nodded politely to her Dad and left them to themselves.
I returned to my studio feeling a lot more happier. I thought Ava's Dad would dislike me. it's a big relief that he doesn't, because now I want Ava to be my wife for real.
We are legally married, but I want us to act like a married couple. I just don't know how to tell her yet.
I stayed in my studio for a while, and I used this as an opportunity to stare lovingly at Ava's portrait. I could stare at it forever.
After some time, there was a knock on the door, and I quickly covered it up just as I heard her voice outside. "Can I come in?"
I made sure it was covered properly before walking towards the door to open it for her.
Her beautiful face greeted me, "hey."
"Hey," I replied back in a daze. I was dazed at her beauty.
"So, are you busy?" She asked, looking past me to check if I had been painting.
"No," I answered blankly and left the door so she could come in. "Is your Dad gone?" I asked, taking a seat on one of the empty stools.
"Yeah, he came because he wants me to come to a party tomorrow night. He says it's to celebrate our company's escape from bankruptcy."
I raised a confused brow. "You're not asking for my permission to go, are you?"
She closed the door gently behind her and walked to take a seat on the empty stool beside me. "I was just wondering if you would like to come with me."
"To the party?" I asked unsurely. I wasn't used to being surrounded by a lot people, and I knew for sure that a lot of people were going to be there.
"I feel guilty leaving you locked up here while I go have fun by myself. I don't want you to miss me too much." She winked at me, and I shook my head at her.
"Well, I don't mind going, but I don't want my bodyguards coming along."
She nodded thoughtfully and grinned at me, "I can do something about that, as long as it's gonna make you come with me." Silence fell, and she looked around the studio until her eyes landed on the covered portrait of her. She stared back at me, "now that we are close, can I see what you're hiding?"
"No!" I snapped, clenching my jaw and looking away from her.
She puffed out air in disappointment. "Fine! I'll leave you to your paintings of naked women."
"Ava," I groaned in displeasure, and she laughed as she walked out of the room.
I smiled gently after she was gone.
I won't deny the fact that she makes me so happy.
- Writer
