1.26 Truth

Advisory: Some Coarse Language 

Kirsten yelled at Jake, “You fucking ass. How can you do that to Kay? I mean she likes you, I have no idea why.”

“Now just hold on you burst in my room to yell at me when it’s none of your business.”

“None of my…you have a nerve. You butt into my life and fix me up with Andy which by the way I should thank you for. So I can butt into yours and you can’t treat Kay like that.”

Jake could see Kirsten wasn’t going to back down so told her what was going on. “Sis, Mum and Dad being here means my love life is on hold. I really like her but don’t want Mum or Dad organising my life for me. Dad was rude to Kay and…”

“And you stuck up for her. Jakey, Kay told me she likes you and was really upset. Explain to her because otherwise it will be me you have to worry about not our parents.” Jake saw that look and knew his sister meant every word.

They all sat in silence until Daniel spoke, “It was a nice meal Kirsten. Where is that girl that was living with you?”

Kirsten answered, “If you are talking about Hazel then she went to a wedding with boyfriend Matt.”

“I know Hazel. I meant the new girl.” Jake looked at his Dad and angrily said, “The girl you insulted her name is Kay and she didn’t want to eat with you.” Jake got up and yelled, “You don’t get it do you Dad. I don’t want you here. You cheated on Mum…” 

Then Laura shouted, “Jake Daniel Decker don’t you ever speak to your Dad that way. It is not your place to say about his affair, it’s mine. What’s happened with you two? You used to be so close and now you can’t be in the same room without yelling at each other.”

“Mum I’m sorry…”

“Then speak to each other without fighting, please.”

Daniel calmly said, “Laura its ok Jake has a right to speak his mind.” Jake sat back down in shock. “Your right Jake I did cheat on your Mum but it was only with one person not the countless women you seem to think I slept with. Not that is an excuse.” Then he looked at Laura who wasn’t looking at either of them and said, “I’m sorry Laura.” She left after hearing those word spoke, “Dad are you going after Mum?” Jake asked. “I have something to say first. Jake I would like us to get to know each other, you know start over.”

“What’s the catch?”

“No catch.” Daniel then turned his attention to Andrew, “Kirsten may have told you I don’t like any man who dates my little girl but Laura is right she looks happy and that’s good enough for me.” Andrew was in shock and Kirsten just got up and hugged her Dad, “Once you know Andrew you will like him I promise.”

Laura went for a walk in the garden and found Kay, “Are you alright? I’m Laura by the way.”

“You must be Jake and Kirsten’s Mum.” Laura just smiled.

Kay replied, “I’m good thanks.”

“Forgive me but I’ve seen that look many times, I’ve even done that look. Would I be wrong in saying that you like my son.” Kay looked puzzled, “How did you…”

“He likes you I can tell.”

“He told me he wasn’t interested anymore.”

“Kay, I love my son but I can read him like a book and it’s written all over his face even when he tries to hide it.” Just then Daniel came outside and approached Laura and Kay. 

He held out his hand for Kay, “I owe you an apology, Kay.” She just looked at him not shaking his hand. “I guess I deserve the hostility from you. I hope you will let us get to know you over the next few days.”

“I’ll think about it.” Kay walked off leaving Laura and Daniel alone. The mobile started to ring and Laura asked, “Are you going to answer your phone, I mean it’s properly business?” 

Daniel looked at his phone then answered it, “Daniel Decker.” He listened to the caller and looked at his wife then said, “I’m not interested. The business will have to wait until I get back.” He then hung up the phone. “You always take business calls.” 

He pulled Laura close and said, “I did but these last six months have been hell. I know you will hate me for saying this but I’m glad I had that one night stand because now I’m realising what is really at stake, you. If you divorce me I won’t contest it and I’ll give you everything because it means nothing without you.”

“I…I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t say anything right now but I did notice the double bed in the room but I know we haven’t slept together since it happened so I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Kirsten and Jake saw their parents in an embrace, “Are you seeing what I’m seeing, sis?

“I haven’t seen Mum and Dad like that since we were kids.”

Jake replied, “Maybe Dad does love Mum.” Kirsten smiled at her brother, “I hope you are right. I really do.”

Later that afternoon Daniel took Jake for a drink, “Dad you could of invited Andrew.”

“I could of but I want to talk to you.” He noticed how Jake kept staring at Kay while she was on stage. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“There is nothing going on with Kay and me.”

“Not at the moment but you want it to happen.” Jake looked at his Dad with horror, “Jake how many woman have you slept with?”

“We are not having this discussion.” Daniel leaned closer and said, “Oh but we are, you are now in double figures I’m guessing. You did what most men dream of doing love them then leave them. Kay for you is different. I mean there have been many girls eyeing you up tonight and all you care about is Kay and what she thinks.”

“Just drop it Dad.”

“This is where our relationship fell apart because I tried to talk to you and you pushed me away. Let me guess you either told her you’re not interested or she did, yet either way you still long for her. I think you have fallen hard and are scared shitless.”

Jake started to laugh nervously, “Me fall…what in love. Yeah right. Dad I think you are dreaming. I don’t fall in love.”

“Really then you won’t mind then if I tell you since Kay is at the bar a guy has put his hand on her ass.” Daniel pointed this out to his son. Jake looked and his facial expression changed. “He better move his hand or I’ll move it for him.”

“You have fallen and now you are jealous. By Kay’s face she isn’t happy about the guy putting his hand there.”

“Dad, excuse me but I have something I need to do.” Jake started to walk towards Kay when Daniel stood up and said, “Jake don’t play hero here.”

“I’m just going to talk to him.” Jake shouted back then Jake grabbed the man and pinned him to the bar, “Put your fucking hand on Kay again and I will do more damage.”

“I’m her manager you ass.” Jake wouldn’t let go and Kay yelled, “Jake let him go please.”

“Is the guy your manager?”

“Yes…”

“Do you always let your manager feel you up?” Kay was upset and replied, “I asked him to stop…” Jake then started talking back to her manager, “You are no longer Kay’s manager and if I see you anywhere near her again you will be sorry. Do I make myself clear?” The guy nodded and once Jake let him go he left.

“How dare you tell him that he can’t be my manager? We are not even dating.” Jake didn’t say anything to Kay. 

He just picked Kay up and threw her over his shoulder and walked out of the bar. She tried screaming at Jake to put her down but he refused. He put her in the taxi and when they got home he picked her up again and took her to his room kicking the door behind him shut and placed her on the bed. 

“Why are we in your room?”

“Don’t worry nothing is going to happen it’s just my room was first as we came down the stairs.” Kay started to rant at Jake and he told her, “Shut up.”

“Then why did you make a big scene and bring me here.” Kay demanded to know.

“First of all that manager of yours; is a sleaze.   I did you a favour and ended the contract with him for you. The manager has no right to touch up his client unless you are dating, are you?”

“Me and…yuck no. His hand on my butt made me feel sick.”

“Then why defend him when I defended you?”

“I’ve got used to his behaviour over the years and now I’ll never sing again because you pissed him off.” Jake started to get angry at Kay, “Piss him off. Good, I’m glad. You can have better managers with better contacts who treat their clients with respect.”

“If that’s it then I’ll go to my room.” Kay sarcastically stated.

“There is more so sit down.” Kay sat down in shock at his outburst. “I wasn’t going to say anything because my parents are here but after tonight I won’t lie to myself anymore. I want that date so I’m asking nicely please let me take you out.”

“No.”

“Kay we both know how you feel. After all you told my sister. Kay looked at him and thought, 'Shit she told him. Now what do I say?' Kay now stood in front of him unsure what to say because after a year's break she was returning to medical school, “I’d love to but I’m off to university and I don’t want to give you false hope.”

“Where are you studying?”

“Local but…”

Jake pulled Kay close and replied, “Then that’s settled as you will still be living here, we can have that date and take it from there.”

Kay let out a sigh looking at Jake with a smile and answered, “I guess we have a date then.”

1.25 Arrival of the Parents

Advisory: Some nudity 

After Jake finished on phone he headed back to the basement. He was about to enter his room when he heard the TV still on. 

Kay was still reading a book. “Nothing on TV?” Kay put her book down and replied, “I was just off to bed.”

Jake couldn’t resist teasing, “I think I’ll join you.” Kay just glared at him, “Is that all you can think about?”

“Maybe if you agreed to go on a date with me we could get to know each other.” 

Kay walked towards her room with Jake following her. “Kay, just admit you like me because we both know that when I had you against the wall, you really wanted that kiss.” 

Kay shut her door and threw herself onto the bed. ‘He is the most annoying, arrogant man I’ve ever come across. So why is it every time I see him all I can think about is him kissing me and waking up next to him after having great sex? I swear he knows what he is doing to me.’

Jake lay there thinking, ‘Did I say something wrong? I only said what I felt. She has no idea that earlier today I turned down an offer because of her. I could get it from any girl but Kay is different. I wonder if I’m wasting my time.’

2 days later

“How can you think of sex when my parents will be here in an hour?” Kirsten asked as Andrew looked at her.

“You make it so easy and so much fun.” Kirsten eyed his naked body and said, “Just get dressed and please by nice to my Dad for me.”

“Babe everything is ready so stop worrying and just come back to bed.” She smiled at him and replied, “I wish I could but I can’t because at any moment they could knock the door.” 

Andrew who was now dressed held Kirsten and said, “I understand but you owe me round three.” Kirsten now had a smirk on her face, “I don’t think that will be a problem.”

Kay knocked Jake’s door and didn’t wait for him to say ok and just walked in. Jake was lying on the bed with his back against the door, “Are you ok, Jake?”

“My parents are coming soon and I wish they weren’t.” He got up and sat on the bed, “I’ve been thinking you are right, you aren't interested in me so I won’t bother you anymore.” Kay was now confused at this sudden and unexpected turn around. She was starting to warm to Jake and now he wanted nothing to do with her. “Jake have I done something to upset you?” Jake saw a tear fall from her eye and hated that he was the cause. He couldn’t answer her because anything he said would be a lie. He really liked her but with his parents coming he didn't want to be questioned.

Kay left the room and went upstairs to the main part of the house. When Kirsten saw Kay she knew Jake was the cause. “Kay, he’s not worth it.”

“I thought he liked me. I know I was giving him a hard time but he was growing on me and now this.” Kirsten was about to answer her but she saw her parents at the door. Kay understood and left Kirsten to it. She called up the stairs for Andrew and opened the door to parents. “Mum it’s great to see you.” As they hugged.

“Kirsten you are looking so happy.” She looked at her Dad and just gave half a smile, “Hi Dad.” Andrew looked at Daniel and they both just stared at each other. Laura brought them out of their stare and asked, “Andrew, which room are we staying in.” 

He showed them to the room and left them to unpack.

“I resent being here Laura.”

“Really, well tough. You will repair the damage with your children. I remember a time when you made time for them.”

“That’s unfair I love my children. I just want what is best for them.”

“Since when? You want Kirsten to marry someone you approve of, yet you don’t care if the man you choose is in love with her. Don’t let’s get start on Jake and your behaviour towards him.”

“So I earn money to keep my family but it doesn’t mean I love you all any less.”

“You haven’t shown your love to the kids since…I can’t even remember. As for me just face facts you don’t love me anymore.” 

Daniel pulled her close and grabbed Laura’s arm, “You know that’s not true. I’ve always loved you.”

“Let go of me Dan. If you loved me then why were you sleeping with another woman? Because if I meant that much you wouldn't have. Also we haven’t made love in a year.”

“It was six months ago and it was one night. I was lonely and you weren’t there.”

“Bull shit Dan, I’ve always been there. I remember when I used to be away for a few days and you needed me how you used to drive, catch a plane and just join me. I remember the first time you bursting in the room catching me by surprise and making love all night. Then after a while you stopped and that hurt realising I wasn’t needed anymore. Going away was horrible after that and I’d cry myself to sleep hoping that my fun loving husband would burst in the door at any moment and take me.”

“I didn’t realise because you never said.”

“I shouldn’t have to not after I used to scream your name out loud and beg for more. I thought that would have spoken volumes to you.”

“They were good times. I’d hand the kids over to which ever grandparent would have them just to have time alone with you.” 

Sitting back down Daniel said, “I really screwed up, didn’t I? What are we going to do?”

“We are here to sort things out with our children.” 

Laura opened the bedroom door but Daniel shut it before she could get out, “I want to sort things out between us too. I know you have given up on us and I can’t blame you but I will fight for you and us make no mistake Laura I won’t give up.” She saw a glimpse of the man she once fell in love with and part of her wanted to believe him but at that moment in time the hurt of his betrayal was still raw.  

1.24 Standing up to Dad

Kirsten came downstairs and nervously said, “Hello Dad.” Daniel looked at his daughter and asked, “How could you be with someone I disprove of? You ran past me and let me guess…you had sex?” Kirsten felt like she was a child all over again being scolded for misbehaving. She looked away from her Dad and replied, “I’m sorry, Dad.” Andrew’s heart was breaking by her response and Jake was angry. Although he had felt sick when he heard them have sex there was one thing he knew for sure, his sister was head over heels in love. Jake had always defended Kirsten when it came to their overbearing father but Kirsten had to break the cycle.

“Sis, what are you doing? Look at Andy.” Kirsten did what Jake asked as he went on, “I haven’t seen you so happy, and can you really give up Andrew?” Kirsten looked into his eyes and the hurt she had just caused. Then she thought, ‘What am I doing? I love him. Andrew is everything I want and more and my Dad is treating me like a child. Kirsten you can do this. Take a deep breath and tell your Dad the truth.’

She walked closer to her Dad as Andrew sat on the stairs falling apart. Jake watched intensely hoping that Kirsten would finally do the right thing. “Dad, I love you very much but I take back what I said, I’m not sorry.” Daniel was ready to explode as he watched his daughter go to Andrew.

She looked at Andrew and softly said, “But I am sorry to you. I love you and the relationship it’s not a mistake.” She held out her hand hoping Andrew would accept the gesture he looked at her then he took her hand. 

She walked back over to her Dad with Andrew and added, “Andrew is my boyfriend and I love him. If you don’t like that then see that door behind you walk through it and never come back.”

“Kirsten sweetie there is no need to be like that. I mean after all I still love you.” Jake loved watching his Dad squirm but kept quiet while Kirsten kept going, “Really then why is it every time we see you, you either have a go at me or Jake? If you love me then accept my choice in boyfriend.”

“Oh sweetie…”

“Don’t sweetie me, Dad. You want me to be with someone who would rather have a wife that looks good on their arm. In other words you want me in a loveless marriage so you can do business. I want to be happy and in love and that person to love me. I’ve made my choice so I hope you’ll decide to accept Andrew. Will you accept Andrew as my boyfriend?”

“Kirsten, be reasonable…”

Andrew finally spoke, “With all due respect, Mr Decker you come into my home upset both my girlfriend and best friend and when your daughter asks you a question you can’t even answer her. Since you are taking your time I have something to say. This is my home and you will not demand to see anyone. You may only come here when invited by either Kirsten or Jake. As for my company it belongs to me and any money earned from it will be used for my future with your daughter.”

“Kirsten I can’t accept your choice in boyfriend.” Kirsten wanted to cry but held on and said, “Goodbye Daddy.” Daniel hadn’t heard his daughter say Daddy since she was a little girl and it broke his heart. As he was about to walk through the door Andrew added the final heart wrenching words, “Before you leave one more thing, I would like to be accepted by you because Kirsten and I will be together for a long time.” Andrew was all fired up and what he said next was never meant to be spoken yet but he wanted Daniel to know how he really felt about Kirsten, “I plan to marry Kirsten one day with or without your permission because I love your daughter.” Daniel looked at Andrew and knew he was serious but couldn’t say anything so he slammed the door as he left. 

Kirsten watched her Dad leave. All her emotions were swimming around her and she went to Andrew and yelled, “This was not how to win him over.”

Jake spoke out before Andrew, “Sis what you said to Dad, I’m so proud of you. Andrew I can’t believe it, you really want to marry my sister? I hope I’m best man then. However if you go grovelling to Dad now he has won. Hopefully he will think it through. Now he knows for a fact you are serious about Kirsten, Andrew that will make Dad think long and hard. Mum will be so angry with Dad when she finds out.” Kirsten suddenly realised what Andrew had said to her Dad, “You really want us to marry?”

“One day I do but I’m enjoying us now. Besides I know you want more time like this before I ask.”

Then the phone rang and Jake answered it, “Andy, my Mum wants to speak to you. Dad must have rang her from the car.”

Andrew took the phone, “Hello Mrs Decker.”

“Please Andrew call me Laura. Dan told me what happened and well I’m just glad my girl finally stood up to her Dad and she never would have done that if it wasn’t for you. Just between us he is very upset. He adores his little girl and I suspect he still sees her that way. Anyway I would like us to put things right. I know it is cheeky of me to ask but under the circumstances, I would like to invite myself and my idiot husband to stay at your home for a few days to sort things out.” Andrew covered the phone speaker and said to Jake and Kirsten, “Your Mum wants to stay here for a few days with your Dad to sort things out.” Jake looked horrified, “Tell Mum no.” Kirsten was still upset and just looked at Andrew.

“Umm Laura…”

“Let me guess my son said no, am I right? Put him on the line and Andrew I will take from your silence that you don’t mind so I’ll see you day after tomorrow at about 11am.”