DISGUISED

Fractured Trust

I slammed my phone on the bed as I got home, anger pulsing in every fiber of my being. what has gotten into my Dad? Why would he say such a thing!!.

My father, of all people! The one person I thought understood me, believed in my independence. But no. Today, he disappointed me in a way I hadn't seen coming.

Frustrated, I checked my phone to know who had called, already annoyed, and of course, it was Sarah, ...again. Why does she always call at the worst times? I know it’s not anything important, just some irrelevant question or pointless chat. I really don’t have the patience for her right now. What I need is some peace, not more noise. Maybe I should call Audrey instead. She always knows how to calm me down, and I could really use some of that right now. She'll probably tell me to just blow off steam, go for a walk, or grab a coffee.

I dialed Audrey’s number, pacing around the room. The familiar ring echoed in my ear, and soon her chipper voice brought some semblance of calm to my storm.

“Elmma! What’s up?”

“Audrey, you won’t believe what my father said,” I started, biting down hard on my frustration.

“What now?” She sounded half-expecting something ridiculous, as always.

“He thinks I should get to know Scott.

Audrey laughed, but in that way where you know she’s trying not to. “I mean, yeah, Scott’s... something, but why is your dad saying that? Like, is he setting you up with him or something?”

“Basically! He thinks Scott and I could get along if I gave him a chance. Like, are you serious? It’s so disappointing. I just didn’t think my dad would ever suggest something like that.”

Audrey let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Your dad’s probably just worried about you being single. It’s the classic parent move.”

Scott! Of all people!” The words left my mouth in a torrent. “Can you believe it? The same Scott who doesn’t know how to speak without sounding like the world owes him something? The same guy who probably doesn’t think any woman is his equal!”

I should probably say it the way my dad did so you know how irritated I feel right now….

"Elmma, darling," with his calm voice , as though he wasn't about to flip my world upside down. "You should consider giving Scott a chance. He's a nice guy. You two might get along if you spend some time together."

Scott, nice guy? My father had to be joking.“I could not believe my ears”

That word was as foreign to him as humility. Scott was arrogant, rude, and utterly dismissive of women. I had watched him treat others as though they were beneath him, unworthy of his attention or respect. And now, my father was pushing me towards him like we were living in the 1800s and I needed a suitor to secure my future.

There was a pause on the line. I could almost imagine Audrey rolling her eyes, but her voice remained calm, soothing even.

“I get it, babe. Honestly, though, I think your dad probably has good intentions. Maybe he just doesn’t know Scott the way you do.”

"Good intentions or not, it's ridiculous. He doesn’t get it!" I threw myself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “It’s like my opinions don’t even matter.

"Elmma, breathe." Audrey's voice cut through the rising panic, warm and patient. "Don’t let it get to you. Look, you’ve had a rough week, and you’re letting this fuel your frustration. How about we blow off some steam?"