Chapter 4 THREE

**CAT**

My father's features were an enigma of surprise and doubt. Confused? Let me explain things a little. I groan, complain and mumble a lot, I never actually voice anything. I keep mute and take things as they are. The surprise is because he has a shy daughter, or so he thinks, the one who listens to everything he commands is capable of standing for her needs, refusing him to top it off.

On the other hand, the doubt that this might be his daughter. I'm still in the hospital, after all, I fell then hit my head. He thinks it affected me somehow, he looked over with doubt. Maybe it did. I mean usually, I'll suck it up and cave but tonight was different, it could be the excitement for going on a date with my long time crush, maybe. I doubt myself as well.

Nevertheless, I've gone down this path so I will not relent. After more than six months of gawking and admiring Noel, he finally asks me out, on my birthday making it super special, my dad is just about to blow it. I will not let that happen. For what? An impending threat? Some sicko who might harm me? Tch...As if.

"If you think I'm "danger" as you say, do something about it but you can't boss me around. Not today daddy."

What is wrong with me? I'm High on something, I sound like a first-class bitch, to my father. In a tone of finality, I stormed the bed and gathered my things. I'm doing this, defiling my father. Oh wow.

"Where are you going? You need rest." He protested, ignoring his daughter's newfound attitude. Maybe he hit his head as well. Wonderful.

"I'll check myself out. No one would argue because of you right?"

I ask rhetorically.

"Perks of being your daughter, one of the many privileges I'm supposed to be thankful for. If only." I mock then toss the pillow, picking my phone and tucking it into my pocket. I realize I'm still dressed in hospital clothes. I find my earlier clothes, storm into the restroom and change back. Returning into the room, I take one final look at my dad then shrug.

Taking my bag in one hand, I grabbed the handle tightly, using the other free hand to gently massage my temples before finally standing up straight. He gazes at me with an unreadable look, his hands reach for the back of his hair, rubbing it slightly while contemplating on pursuing his actions in getting me back in line or caving as I have for over two decades.

"I'll take a cab since my car is still back at school," I suggest, giving him a push back to reality.

"I'll drop you off at home and I'll have your car brought back too." He counters, I nod in agreement. Baby steps.

Truth be told, I've gotten used to agree with everything my dad says. I've had enough standing up for one day so I'll just have to cave, hopefully, he takes the hint and caves as well. I'm tired of arguing. I want to go home, take a long shower, pick a sexy dress and try to impress the love of my life. Oh jeez, what the heck am I thinking? Sexy? Love of my life? Maybe I am high. I need a slight checkup else I'll act out tonight. I'm fine. I'm just a little over-excited and acting out. Everything's going to be okay. Tonight is going to be fine. Noel is going to come to pick me up. Calm down.

"Alright."

I reply, glancing at my phone. I still have more than two hours to get ready. That's enough time. I might take a small nap.

Today started weirdly then went down the drain but maybe the end is what I've been looking for after all. If I have a glimpse in the future, I will understand how wrong I was at this point. This is only the beginning, the start of an entirely new world for me.

*****

My dad keeps his end of this bargain and lets his driver drop me off at my place only that was the only thing he does. On top of this, he does not bring up the issue of me staying away from Noel tonight, neither does he caution me on any "bac behaviours".

By the time he arrives, I meet at least fifty hefty men at my place looking like robots. Sincerely, I spoke too soon. I shouldn't have let my guard down, it's my father, he always has something planned.

"Who are these men?"

I ask staring at them intently. I know the answer, I just need to hear him spit it out.

"Your bodyguards. Here to obey and protect you." He replies like a robot himself. I scoff, flip my head slightly and sigh once more. He's joking.

"Bodyguards! Seriously dad!?" I shake my head with disbelief.

"This is the only thing I can do since you refuse to come with me." He explains, somehow that sounds reasonable in his head, for a man his age, he manages to sound like a kid.

"Hire fifty men to guard me, how does that make any sense!" I exclaim, outraged. He scoffs and steps out.

"More will come tomorrow." I suppress the swear words down my throat, he's still my dad.

"You know what dad. Do as it pleases you, I have a date to get ready for. Have a good day. Thank you for ruining my birthday."

"The guards would follow you anywhere." I'm going to faint again. My migraine returns with double strength and I forget to get the pain meds before leaving, his words aren't helping to relive anything. I just need to lie down.

"That would be so embarrassing dad. How do you expect us to go to a restaurant with those men trailing me like some artefact? You're being a little extra for some strange threat and I see nothing around me. You ruined the day already, I'm trying to salvage a little for myself you don't care."

"I could buy the place for the night..." He offers, I swerve my hair, bit my lips down and musters all the self-control with me. My dad has lost his mind. I hint my head yet he went bonkers.

"No, dad. You can't fix everything with money. You've done enough. I think I'll go get some rest before my date. Bye. Don't come back here, don't call me. Don't text me about anything. Pretend I don't exist. Goodbye."

I spat out angrily, turned around and walk inside. The guards dispersed, yeah they were fricking robots. Maybe they have an on the switch or something. I need to lie down, else everyone around me will make me go nuts. About ten of them follow me inside, ten stayed outside and the rest moved around the house. This is just madness. Who does this?

I walk to my room and they still followed me.

"I'm a girl. Are you going to follow me into the damn shower! Well, I hope you know how to write a report after I file it then sue your ass."

I exclaim staring at them. They pause and I walk into my room shutting and locking the door behind me. Damn robots.

******

I slump on my bed rubbing the back of my head harshly. It stings a lot. The pain is only getting worse for some reason. Only worse. I got my phone out and put a call to Noel.

**Hey.**

**"Hey, what's wrong. You sound weird. Is it the date? Are you not okay with it?" He rambles, I'm glad he's not the only nervous participant.

**I am. I'm looking forward to it but my dad is acting weird. He thinks I'm in danger and got fifty men guarding me. I have no idea how we can go out like that."**

**"Your safety comes first Cat. If your dad thinks you're in danger then we can't go out."

My heart slumps. I shouldn't have said that to him. So stupid!

**But can I be selfish for still wanting to be with you. Is it possible for us to have the date at your place?** He adds.

**He wants to be with me...?**

I murmur zoning out.

**Cat?**

**Yes. Yes of course. I'll order.**

**No. I'll do everything just look pretty. You always are.**

He says making me blush.

**"See you soon Cat."

I nod although he couldn't see me then hung up once again rubbing my temples. Nothing or no one is going to stop this date. The headaches, migraine, the stupid bodyguards and my irrational father. Nothing is going to come between me and Noel tonight. I have high hopes for the night, I hope it turns out as the best night of my life. It will.

******