PLAN CRASH

We nod our heads, and then Papa speaks. "But I would like to know what their plan is before I retire to bed," huh? He should rest for now. He does not look so well, and besides, we promise we are not running away, right? 'So, Damian," he starts again, and I know I cannot stop him even if I want to. 'Ellie, are you both ready for this? I want you both to understand the degree of what you are agreeing to. It is a lifetime commitment, and I want you both to be happy. Are you both okay with this?"


We trade a quick glance with Damian and chorus together. "Yes, we are!"

"Okay. That gives me a lot of satisfaction and joy knowing that we didn't entirely force you into this."

"Don't worry, Mr Riccaford. This will work because Ellie and I want it now. We are no longer repellents against fate. We want to give ourselves a chance to know each other better as the preparations go on," Damian assures him.


Is he putting too much into this act? What preparations is he talking about, huh?

"Thank you, son," Father says before I can even throw Damian a questioning glare, 'And remember, this is my precious, priceless jewel. This is my soul that I am entrusting to you. Take good care of it, and guard it with your life. Can you promise me that?"


Okay. This is too much emotional blackmail for people who are meant to break. I mean, how can he ask him something like that so soon? What happened to…

"I do, Mr. Riccaford." Everything stands still, with Damian's words echoing in the silent hall. I forget to breathe for a moment as I gawk at him, wondering whether he just said that to appease my father. Then, as I battle with the look in his eyes, he speaks again, his eyes not blinking at me, 'Your precious daughter will never go through any harm under my care. Neither from me nor from anyone. My life will not be enough to love and protect her. I give you my word!"

What is this? A marriage vow? Why the hell is he doing this, huh? I mean, why does he have to be so deep? I can't imagine he even managed to earn an emotional tear from me.

Papa stands up with my aid, and he stretches his hand to Damian."Welcome to the family, son! You have all my absolute blessings to love and care for my daughter." They shake hands.

"Thank you, Mr Riccaford! It is my honor to be part of your family. I will never let you down."

Ahem! Ahem!

Will my plan still work? I mean, why does my father seem to have warmed so much to Damian? Why are they bonding so well when he has already crowned him his son? I thought we were supposed to have some time to date and know whether we were compatible, then I could give him my feedback! Why do I feel cornered? Why do I feel like my own plan is working against me?

Come on, now! This doesn't sound so good at all. I am seeing myself tumbling into a deep pit that I myself dig! And Damian, he is taking everything so seriously for my own liking. Did he also forget that this is just a show? Then again, he said this would be as real as the word real itself. I should have understood his words and intentions. I should have known better that this man does not employ jokes anywhere.

"It is my honor to have a gentleman like you as my son-in-law," my father says again. 'I would like to catch up a bit with you all, but this old man needs to rest. Thank you all for coming, and Damian says, "This is your home. You are welcome here anytime, right, my dear?" He turns to me.

Well, it seems like everything has turned against me at this point. What do I have? "Umh. Yes, of course. You... are always welcome here, Da... Damian," I retort, clinging to my father to mask my blush.

"You heard her. We will plan another meeting for the next step. And thank you for coming on such short notice." Papa adds as Damian's parents prepare to head out.

"Sure, my friend. Get well soon," Mr. Riccaford says as he shakes my father's hands.

"Take care, Richard. Speedy recovery. We should plan a vacation with our children very soon, and you need to be well for that," Mrs. Riccaford teases.

Papa smiles faintly. "That is a good idea. We should plan it during our next meeting. We should celebrate."

"I will hold you to that. Bye, and take lots of rest." She then turns to me. "Ellie, my dear."

"Yes, ma?"

Sha! Ma? That just rolls out on its own. I am anticipating breaking up with her son soon, yet I have elevated her to my mother. I think all that is happening is not good for my little brain. I am becoming a mess. Saying one thing and doing the exact opposite, and thinking one thing and doing the exact opposite. I need to get my acts together. I don't see what is so overwhelming here.

"I will be the happiest woman to have the precious daughter of my best friend as my daughter-in-law. You don't know how much your mother wanted this. I am glad that you are fulfilling her last wish willingly. Welcome to our family, my child, my daughter!" I smile bitterly at her words as she pulls me in for a hug.

No! I now actually think that everything is overwhelming! How am I supposed to handle all this? How am I supposed to handle this tide?

After we pull away, they bid us goodbye, and I take my father upstairs while the two witches slam their useless, lazy asses back to their seats, perhaps to plan their evil schemes. But what are they here for, honestly? Their actions deliberately show that they don't give a fuck about my father, whose generosity and mercy they are abusing. So what?