"Don't be so Naive,Calista"
1309 Words
Chapter Two
“Don’t Be So Naive, Calista”
Morning in the West household ran like clockwork.
Calista woke before her alarm, as she always did. The house was already alive with subtle motion—the soft shuffle of slippers against polished floors, the low murmur of staff preparing breakfast, the distant hum of the air conditioning. Graduation was still two months away, but her routine hadn’t changed in years.
She rose quickly, tied her hair back neatly, and slipped into her workout clothes. The home gym waited, immaculate and fully equipped. Everything in the house was like that—prepared in advance, untouched by chaos. Dominic West, head of police in the city, had built his life on discipline. His home reflected it. His family did too.
After exercising, she freshened up and settled into the study for her morning lessons. Even though school was over, her parents insisted on online courses—math extensions, literature analysis, physics deep dives. Not just to maintain her grades, but to sharpen her mind.
And it was easy for her to bury herself in books because that is the only hobby she grew up knowing.
Her straight A’s were not luck. They were paid for in hours at her desk, in careful notes, in effort no one ever saw. Her parents had given her every resource, and Calista appreciated that. Still, there were days she hated how those same privileges kept her boxed in.
She loved her life—in one way. She was safe. Educated. Admired.
But the walls of the house felt closer than they should.
By the time she entered the kitchen, Eveline was already there, moving with quiet precision. She straightened a napkin, reminded Leo to sit properly, and adjusted the cutlery with exact hands. Gabriel, full of restless energy, was already dressed, animatedly recounting details of a school trip abroad. His hands moved as much as his mouth. Leo listened with wide eyes, asking questions he already knew the answers to.
Calista watched them silently, sipping her tea, letting the noise flow around her.
" You've been so quiet, darling, everything okay?" Eveline asked.
" She probably misses her lectures!" Gabriel said and the all buried laughing as Calista just smiled.
" Actually, I don't miss school, I'm glad I'm done with it!" Calista says but deep down she'd misse school. Even though she didn't have a circle of friends, she loved being around other students, they'd come to her for tuitions and class work help and she loved that but now since school is over, she wonders how's she's going to adapt being home without her schoolmates.
Calista took her sit too.
Dominic West entered last, as he always did.
He carried authority without effort. His presence didn’t ask for attention—it simply had it. When his eyes landed on Calista, they softened, pride flickering briefly across his face.
“My brilliant girl,” he said, his voice steady. “Nineteen already. Your mother has done a wonderful job with you.”
Eveline smiled politely, though Calista noticed the worry that never quite left her eyes.
I'm Jealous of her!" Gabriel said.
" Why would you be?" Leo asked.
" She has a brilliant mind and I'm struggling with junior maths!" He said and everyone laughed.
" But you're good in languages, I'm not." Calista said.
" Says the girl who knows atleast three foreign languages!" Gabriel rolls his eyes.
But Calista knows her brother,if there is someone who's so proud of her in her family it's Gabriel. He admires her so much and that is his way of teasing her.
" A beauty with brains this one we have!" It was Leo who said and everyone chuckled. It's not like Leo to give such comments.
Heat rose to Calista’s cheeks. She had grown into herself—slender but strong, graceful without trying. Clear skin, expressive eyes that seemed to notice everything. Her hair fell in soft waves, framing her face in a way that made her stand out without demanding attention. It was a beauty that belonged to her alone, even in a house where perfection was expected.
“Sis,” Gabriel said suddenly, grinning, “have you ever thought about modeling? Honestly, you’d get five stars anywhere. You’re a striking candidate.”
Calista laughed softly and shook her head. The thought had crossed her mind once or twice, but being watched, evaluated, displayed—it unsettled her.
“She’d make a great doctor,” Leo added seriously. “She’s always fixing things.”
“I agree,” Eveline said quickly.
Dominic leaned back, thoughtful. “Or a pilot. She’s exceptional in physics and geography.”
Calista’s eyes brightened. “Actually… I’ve thought about that.”
Dominic smiled. “Like father, like daughter.”
Eveline’s smile tightened—just slightly. Calista noticed.
“She’d be the most beautiful pilot in the skies,” Gabriel teased. “People would book flights just to see her.”
“I’d be the first,” Leo said, laughing.
For a moment, the table filled with warmth. Calista felt it bloom in her chest.
“Well,” she said lightly, “if even Leo wants to fly, maybe that’s my calling.”
Her heartbeat quickened before she added, more carefully this time, “And… I already have a few colleges in mind.”
Dominic’s smile widened. “Have you checked Westbridge Aviation Institute? It’s close. You’d stay home—just as I planned.”
“I have,” Calista said slowly. “But I also shortlisted a few others. Orion Flight Academy up north. Skyline Aeronautics by the coast. And… one abroad.”
The silence was immediate.
“That’s too far,” Eveline said sharply. “Westbridge is perfect. You’d come home every day.”
“But I want to know how the world feels,” Calista said quietly. “I’ve lived in this town my whole life.”
“I think she’s right,” Gabriel said after a pause. “Travel changes you.”
“Gabriel, don’t encourage her,” Eveline snapped. “This isn’t a vacation. It’s years away from home.”
“That’s exactly the point,” Calista said, surprising even herself with how firm her voice sounded. “I’m old enough. I want to experience life. To make my own choices.”
“Cal,” Dominic said gently, concern creeping in, “your mother knows what’s best.”
“No,” Calista said, standing. Her chair scraped softly against the floor. “She doesn’t. Has anyone ever asked me what I truly want?”
Dominic frowned. “Watch your tone.”
“I am calm,” Calista said, her chest tight but steady. “I’ve followed every plan. Every rule. Every expectation. Can’t you let me decide for myself—just once?”
“You will not go to those colleges,” Eveline said, voice sharp. “Don’t be so naive, Calista.”
“We’ll see about that,” Calista replied, and walked out with measured steps.
Shock lingered in the room.
“Calista! Come back here!” Eveline called.
“Let her cool down,” Dominic said quietly. “We’ll talk later.”
Eveline pushed her chair back, her appetite gone.
Later that night, Dominic found her sitting on the edge of their bed, staring at the floor.
“I’m scared,” she whispered. “I don’t want her hurt. I don’t want history repeating itself.”
He sat beside her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You raised her well. She’s smart. Brave. No man will ever lay a hand on her.”
“She’s too visible,” Eveline said, her voice trembling.
“She’s my daughter,” Dominic replied firmly. “I’ll protect her.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you more,” he said.
- Writer
