My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 34 Bleeding Emotions

Evelyn

As Dad knocked on the door, there was no response. The eerie silence emanating from his room only intensified the twisting feeling in my gut. I wasn't sure what I should do. If Dad weren't here, I might have just barged through the door without a second thought.

He was a grown man, fully capable of handling his emotions, so why did I feel so anxious? Why did I have this overwhelming need to help him, even when I wasn't sure if he actually needed me? Fuck! I hadn't thought I'd end up falling for him so deep. It felt insane. I was being driven to the brink of madness.

"Jacob, I know you're in there. Please, just open the door, okay?" Dad asked.

But once again, there was no answer from Jacob.

"Jacob?"

Was he even in there?

"Man, open the door. This is my house!"

My eyes widened, and I impulsively slapped Dad's arm, "Dad! You can't solve this like you solve our arguments. He's not your kid, for God's sake!" I whispered urgently.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" he asked, lowering his voice to match mine.

"I don't know, just try to talk to him gently, maybe?"

"Damn, it's not going to work," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "He won't open the door. I'll have to come back later when he's calmed down. You should go back to your room too. I'm going to take a nap; this is stressing me out."

"What?"

"You heard me. Now get back to your room," Dad said as he walked away, eventually disappearing from my sight. He seemed clearly frustrated and tense.

Of course, Jacob needed time. But I was going to die out of stress in the meantime.

and ruined by just one person's arrival. The feeling of something bad occurring wouldn't leave me.

leaning my head against it, and started, "Hey Jacob. Dad has left," my voice was soft and calm, "I know you're mad at him, and

disheartened me, causing doubts and questions to stir awake in my head. I wasn't even sure if it was the right decision for me to try to

us? I'm here to help, just like you helped me at that time. You don't need to be alone when you're having a hard time," I sighed, "I know I'm not always mature or understanding, but I can try. I can try to make you feel better. Can

second, the door

I watched him. It seemed like he had freshened up; I could see that he'd changed into a white shirt and slacks. However,

really planning to leave?" I asked, my voice

room. His

her intentionally. It was a mistake. The invitation list was handled by Clara and me, and we had no idea about this. I'm sorry for whatever happened today. Let's talk this through and find a solution

you're expecting from me, but..." he hesitated before pulling his hand away, "I've been clear with you from day

hell was wrong

does any of this

what you want, and how long can we keep fooling ourselves? Eventually, it will come to an end. It's better if we stop here, today," he spoke, sounding indifferent and casual, which hurt me even more, "You're young and beautiful, and

was hurt but also determined to not let him dictate my life, "If you had these doubts all along, then what did all those moments we shared

you think that way. I don't have the power to change anyone's beliefs, do I?" He shifted his attention back to packing his clothes,

God, this cold-hearted motherfucker!

to look at me, "You don't even need to try hard to

moment, I saw a flicker of hesitation in his cold

I try to be there for you. It was my mistake to come here," I fought back my tears, my bottom lip quivering, "Go! Leave as soon as you can. I'll make sure my dad doesn't try to

seemed to want to say something, but in the end, he remained

that, I walked out of the room, holding back my tears until I

it

***

you're okay? We can always postpone this," Jennie said, standing before my door, concern etched on her face, "We don't want to leave you here alone. I can already see

sniffed some dust, and my allergies kicked in. Mason came a few minutes ago, and it took me a whole ten minutes to assure him that I'm alright. Nancy has made three phone calls from the car, and

you were crying. But look, if you come with us, you can ease your mind-the club's fun. You'll forget

flashed her a small smile, "Besides, I just need some time alone. Please, don't

stepped inside the room, planting a

"Now go before I kick your