PARTY AND CONFLICT

The party hall was painted with hues of pink and orange as Anita's graduation party buzzed with life. Laughter and music filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. The party ground was transformed into a celebration haven, with twinkling fairy lights draped across the trees and a buffet table laden with food. Anita, glowing with happiness, flitted around in her white dress, greeting guests and sharing her excitement.

I stood by the punch bowl, watching Anita with a smile. I love seeing her like this—happy, carefree. But I couldn't shake a nagging feeling of unease. Mr. Anderson, Anita's father, had been giving me strange looks all evening, and I felt a storm brewing.

"Jake, can I have a word?" Mr. Anderson's voice cut through the music, startling me.

"Sure," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I followed him to a quieter corner of the party ground.

His eyes were curious but not unkind. "So, Jake, who are you? Where are you from?"

I felt a glimmer of apprehension. "I'm from Oakwood, sir. Just a small town a few hours from here, but I live in California with my parents.

Mr. Anderson nodded thoughtfully. "And what about your father? What does he do, and what's his name?"

I hesitated, feeling the past weighing heavily on me. "My father's name is Paul Johnson. He used to be a manager at one Restaurant -TRENDS Fast Food Restaurant in southern California."

Mr. Anderson's brow furrowed. Where's your father now?

"I shifted uncomfortably. "He was wrongly accused of stealing money by his assistant manager and was sent to prison for seven years."

Recognition flashed in Mr. Anderson's eyes, and he took a step back as if I had physically struck him. "Your father is Paul Johnson?"

I nodded, confused. "Yes, sir.

Mr. Anderson's voice was low but firm, his eyes cold. "I see. Jake you know what? I want you to stay away from my Daughter, Anita. I don't want to see you around her again."

I was stunned. "What? Why? Is there any problem Sir?

He leaned in, his voice a menacing whisper. "If you know what's good for you, don't come around my daughter again. If you do, you'll see the other side of me."

Anger surged through me. "You can't be serious! Anita and I—"

Mr. Anderson cut me off, his tone icy. "This conversation is over. Stay away from Anita"

The tension between us escalated, drawing the attention of nearby guests. I could feel eyes on us, whispers spreading. My heart thumped, a blend of anger and frustration simmering inside me. "You have no right to do this!" I shouted, My voice quivering with emotion.

"I have every right," Mr. Anderson retorted, his face hardening. "This is for Anita's own good."

Anita, hearing the commotion, rushed over. "What's going on?" she asked, her eyes were filled with concern and worries.

"Ask your father," I'm done here, I said bitterly, turning away to grab my jacket from a nearby chair.

"Jake, wait please, talk to me!" Anita cried out, reaching out to my arm, but I shrugged her off and stormed away, ignoring her pleas.

"I can't, Anita," I said, pulling away from her. "I need to go."

I walked away quickly, not looking back. And don't know his reasons for asking me to stay away from his daughter. Anita stood there, confused and frustrated, as she turned to her father.

"Dad, what did you say to him?" she demanded, with a trembling voice.

Mr. Anderson's face was set in stone. "Anita, you need to stay away from Jake."

What? Why?" Anita's voice rose in anger.

"Just trust me on this Baby," Mr. Anderson said, his voice weary but firm. "I can't explain right now, but it's for the best." and don't forget that I'm doing this for your own good, Anita," Mr. Anderson said softly. "You'll understand someday."

Just then, Mrs. Anderson, Helen, arrived, her face filled with concern. "What's going on here?" she asked, looking between her husband and her daughter. "What's the quarrel all about?" And by the way, why did Jake angrily work away?

Dad seems to think he can dictate who I should or shouldn't be with. I'm no longer a baby, and I know what's best for me" Anita snapped, her eyes blazing.

Mrs. Anderson looked at her husband expectantly. "Sweetheart, what's this all about?"

Mr. Anderson's jaw tightened. "It's for her own good, Helen. She needs to stay away from Jake."

Mr. Anderson refused to meet her gaze. "Just trust me on this. It's better for everyone if Anita stays away from him."

Anita shook her head in anger, her heart torn. "I don't understand, and I don't think I ever will."

She turned and ran into one of the quieter rooms inside the party venue, seeking solace and trying to understand why her father would want to stop her from dating Jake. She closed the door behind her, blocking out the noise from the party hall.

Her mind raced with questions. "Is there something Daddy knows about Jake that I don't? They just met for the second time today. What could have really been the issue?" She sat on the edge of one of the chairs, her heart filled with confusion and worry.

A few moments later, there was a soft knock on the door. "An, it's Mom. Can I come in?"

Yes Mum. Anita answered.

Mrs. Anderson entered, her face full of concern. "Honey, what happened out there? Why are you and your father fighting?"

Anita looked up at her mother, her eyes red from crying. "Mom, Dad just told Jake to stay away from me. He won't tell me why. I don't understand what's going on."

Mrs. Anderson sat beside her daughter, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Your father can be stubborn, but he usually has a reason. Maybe he's just worried about you." But I promise, we'll get to the bottom of this. Just give it some time."

Anita nodded, leaning into her mother's embrace. "I just wish he'd talk to me. I feel so lost."

"We'll figure it out," Mrs. Anderson said softly, stroking her daughter's hair. "Remember this is your party, and the guests are waiting. Now, let's just take it one step at a time."

Late into the night after the party, Anita sat in her room, staring out the window, lost in thought. She tried calling me multiple times, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. The anger and hurt were too fresh.

As she slowly walked towards her bed, feeling tired, her phone suddenly rang. The sound broke the silence in the room. Without even looking at the caller ID, she quickly picked it up.

"Hello?" she said, sounding both confused and curious.

There was a brief pause before a familiar voice spoke, quiet but serious.

"It's Mirabel,"...