I was stunned on the spot; my mouth was wide open as a result of his outburst.
I really thought this guy was sweet, shy, and calm. I don't know why I gulped when I saw his glare. This guy knew all along and hid it well. I really thought he didn't notice my action, as his reaction was always neutral and normal.
"I thought you had a genuine interest in me when you approached me without knowing who I was." His face fell a little. "Except Davis, everyone had some ulterior motive; no one approached me for who I am or the way I was. I wanted something real for once, with sincerity; kid or not, I thought I found that with you. Now, I don't know anything anymore." Because of me, he was on the verge of crying.
I got up from the spot and approached the bed. sat beside Rowan. "I hate when people approach me because of my surname." I nodded in understanding as I was going through the same thing, but the only difference was that I didn't let it get to me. It is what it is, right? "Inevitable," I said in a low, soft voice. Rowan nodded at that, and his face fell a lot more. Truth is a bitch; suck it up sooner, or it will suck you up.
We were silent for a while; his mood was dropping as the seconds were passing. I like to figure out everything with a click, but when I couldn't, it destroyed my mind till I came up with something. I don't know what to do with him; his mood is having some effect on mine, too.
"Are you ok?" What an absurd question. I know he isn't, but I couldn't come up with anything. I came up with a tagline like, 'suck it up, perk of being rich, it is what it is,' but those sentences didn't dare to leave my mouth for no reason. I swallowed, and I don't do that. Rowan chuckled in return, "As you know, I am not. I am glad you asked." This guy is too sweet for me; I may become diabetic sooner if whatever is between us continues.
I pondered what to ask next. Clearly, he was going through something. Till this point in time, I thought things were unfair only to me. I am glad someone else is going through something, but not with this guy. He is too pure soul to go through anything.
Rowan cleared his throat before speaking. "There are so many things troubling me lately, confiscating my sleep too." Welcome to the community; it's never too late to go through a sleepless night. "Studies, performance, extracurriculars, and future. On top of that, I need to deal with fatness." Well, that's the headaches you will be blessed with when you are born in an elite family. "I don't know what to concentrate on or with whom to discuss it. It's not like I haven't discussed it with Davis, and my family has noticed what I am going through. Sometimes, it's hard to open up about your weakness with, I feel pathetic." It's logical; I really don't want my father to know what I am going through exactly. Partly, he knows not entirely. "And there you are, a kid with confidence and in a gossip column. Everyone is interested; you definitely piqued their eagerness." I rolled my eyes at that. "I want to be like you." He caught my full attention with that sentence, and I gave him an 'Are you crazy?' look. He is inviting disaster, and I wouldn't recommend my personality to anyone, even to myself. "I want your confidence, that aura while walking, and don't give a damn about anyone's posture." He heaved a wishful sigh. "I really want to be half of what you are, so in confident I can approach and woo anyone." Without my consent, a groan left my mouth, but I held in time. I don't know why I hate the last part; it's none of my business, his life and choice, but something in me always provokes me to act oppositely.
"Sorry, am I boring you?" Hardly, you are stirring my brain perfectly. I can deal with this, but not with your split personality. I am yet to digest his cursing and yelling part. "You hardly spoke. I am used to having one-sided conversations with you, but sometimes I wonder whether I am boring or not. Most of the time, I can guess that also, but now I am not able to." I sighed at his rambling. I don't know how people do these things, having a conversation without minding the other person's persona of not opening their mouth.
I picked up my cell and started scrolling through my contacts. When I found the one I was searching for, I showed it to Rowan, who peered at the name. "Coach!" By saying that, he knitted his forehead in confusion. "Work out," I explained further, as if that explained everything. He huffed at that. "Do you think I didn't try that?" I snatched his cell and entered the number. "Do you think that's the only solution for everything?" I nodded my head in return. "But it's hard, you know, maintaining a diet, and junk food is my lifeline in this life." I scoffed at that. I never want to imagine myself gaining a gram in my body, and I really don't know how this guy is carrying this factory wherever he goes. I am damn keen to know, but there would definitely be a paragraph as an answer, and I am in no mood to hear any.
Rowan's stomach grumbled, and his face turned priceless at that, which he immediately covered with his fluffy hands. I chuckled at that and started walking toward the door. When he didn't follow, I stood at the door, and as a clue, he joined me.
We were at the dining table; I thought my father had left for the company, but to my luck, he joined us, glaring at Rowan. Rowan was too busy eyeing the food items, and his mouth almost watered. "You should stop pushing me." My dad directed toward me, which caught Rowan's attention. "And why are you here?" That was directed to Rowan, who eyed me in return. My plate was getting filled with the food, and I waited patiently. Rowan huffed when I didn't open my mouth. "I drank too much, and Dante brought me here. Pretty much carried, I guess." My dad was surprised—it's an understatement—and he made sure it reflected on his face as he was fishing in his mouth. "Kid, don't you get it? He is doing this to get back to me, but this doesn't work. Stop approaching him and also vice versa." "Nothing wrong in being friends." "Enemies can never be friends." "We are not enemies." "But you will be in the future. Your company is our rival, and it will always be that way. The competition will only increase when Dante takes over, and your place won't change at any cost. The friendship card doesn't work. Please stop this nuisance, and I mean it." There was silence. Carefully, he had chosen all the greasy items but didn't touch even a little. He was losing his appetite. "Dante's friendship is sincere with me; he didn't approach to piss you off. I don't care about the future. " Well, bravo on that statement.
My dad huffed at that. "Listen, kid, you don't know how reality works. Other than business parties, you have never been around your dad, but Dante knows in and out regarding running a company. He is my son, and I know him very well, his skills, and he is capable of winning everything if he puts in only a little effort. What I am trying to say is, first of all, I don't like you, and I have enough reasons. You guys should give a permanent break to whatever friendship thing you are building before you guys get on the nerves of your dads. Got it, kid?" Rowan lost his appetite as he pushed his plate a little further away from him. "I mean it, stop this nonsense." My dad walked off toward the door. I really hate him sometimes.
I pushed the plate back to Rowan, who didn't make any effort to touch the food. "I won't compete with you." His eyes went wide, and he faced me. "What, come again?" I watched his face; I don't know why he was giving a disbelieving look. "No matter what, I will never compete with you in the future." He was lost in thought, or probably blank. "You spoke more than one sentence. "I can't believe he just got that part, not the other one." "In my gut, I knew you never would. " I was a little bit shocked by hearing that. Being soft with a kind nature would never work while running a company, and I was preparing myself from my dad and by other people. Waving him off from my enemy list just kicked in within me. How come he was already aware of that? That's strange and a bit off.
While having a small bite, Rowan faced me, and while chewing, he watched my face. "Stop seeing me like that. I don't know how, but in my gut, I feel something that will be true most of the time. I never saw us as a competitor and also not as close or best friends. I don't know; I am not able to predict what we will become in the future." That feels like a warning message that I should consider for my own well-being.
We were in the car driving toward the Rowans' residence. Half of the ride was silent until, of course, Rowan opened his mouth. "I hate your dad, you know, and now I am sure every dad has the same mentality." He grumbled those words. "Is he pressuring you to indulge more in running the company?" He was frantic for no reason, and I wanted to roll my eyes at that; instead, I opted to shake my head. Rowan nodded at that, still confused. "At every encounter, I am going to take care of your dad myself," Rowan said those words like a resolution, and I was really glad.
I have already accepted the fact that my dad and I would never get along with each other. There is no hope in the future either. My energy will constantly be drained by sleepless nights, working out, and other bullshit; dealing with my dad is like a final blow to me. I barely manage our conversation, and it's out of the question to defend someone else. Rowan is showing some mercy on me with his kindness, so be it, and I am damn delighted.
We were in front of Rowan's mansion, and I waited patiently for his exit. Seconds turned into minutes, and it never came. I faced Rowan, who was playing with his leg by bouncing it, and his leg practically reached the floorboard. How the hell he was managing it was beyond me. Rowan faced me when he felt my eyes. "I am preparing." I arched an eyebrow. "For my family's questionnaires, duh." I nodded in understanding, as I had never faced nor am I going to face this scenario. A look at my dad, and that "mind your own business" would be enough. He will groan and continue with whatever he is doing.
My patience was at bay for another few minutes. "I am done, and I am going to ace it." I gave him a ridiculous look. Seriously, this guy is some piece of work. "So," Rowan prompted, and I thought he was done for the day. "Do you think things will work out? If I consider my experience and the encouragement I have received in the past, what you showed yesterday without speaking is nothing." Ouch, he just didn't tell the truth to my face. "Sorry." That came meekly. "I am desperate, and I just want things to turn my way quickly. Years are passing like a fly, and time is running out for me." He is speaking like he has gone through a lot of things before turning 18. "Just call." That's all I got for now. He nodded in return. "Definitely, something might work out. I believe in you." That's too quick and soon, considering we have known each other for not that long. I would never say those words to anyone in my life, not anytime soon at least.
My patience was crossing the bay, and I don't know how to throw Rowan politely out of my car. Rowan was still in the same position, going through his cell. I coughed to grab his attention, which was successful. "Sorry, you must have some work. Will meet next week." I nodded at that, and at last the car door was opened and closed.
Indeed, I have some important damn work.