by HMD
She pulls out muffins, scones, a fruit salad, croissants, a thermos full of coffee and some yogurt. I'm bewildered by the amount of food that she's brought. She laughs lightly.
"I like a variety." She says as she hands me a blueberry muffin remembering that it's my favorite. She's so damn cute.
I take it with a thank you and she just nods taking a healthy bite out of her scone. She shakes the thermos, silently asking if I want coffee. I let her cater to me because she's made it clear that she enjoys it.
We have our breakfast on the beach watching the sunrise and I prepare myself for the gift I want to give her. I take a drink of my OJ hoping it'll take some of the nerves down. I grab the bag and hold onto the straps. I look at her and even though she doesn't know what it is she already looks grateful.
"So I got you a little something. It's not much and if you don't like it just tell me I promise not to get upset or anything. I just wanted to get you something that reminded me of you and hopefully you like it..." I'm rambling.
She places a hand on my leg and rubs it comfortingly. I release a harsh breath and hand her the bag.
I nibble on my bottom lip nervously. She pushes the tissue paper aside and pulls the biggest gift out first. I squint my face as if I'm in pain, the anticipation of her response is killing me. She gasps and I take that as a good sign.
"Emma..." Then nothing... "It's…" What! It's what?! For the love of God tell me! I'm gonna pass out. She doesn't say anything. She's running her fingers over the engraving of her name at the bottom of her leather bound journal. The pages like cloth, thicker than normal, it absorbs the ink of fountain pens so it doesn't run through to the other side.
"Do you like it?" I ask because I'm really not sure.
"I love it so much! Thank you." She holds it to her chest hugging the intimate object and I want to pat myself on the back, she kisses me and I rather that gesture instead.
I tell her she's welcome when we separate and point to the bag.
"There's one more thing."
She dives into the bag excitedly and pulls out a square velvet box. She looks at me quickly before opening it. She opens it slowly and gasps for the second time. Gasping equals good just in case you weren't sure.
She whispers my name again and it does something to my insides. I swallow down the rage of hormones and focus on my girlfriend. She lifts the sterling silver heart and it's two pieces on the same chain.
"Do you get the other side?"
"I'm supposed to, but I'm giving them both to you. The jagged heart is how you found me it's only right that you get my whole heart, not half. You made it complete and that's how I want to give it to you."
"It's beautiful Em thank you. I love everything you gave me. They're both so special in such a special place. You're so amazing."
I give her a crooked smile and she holds out the necklace for me to put on. She turns around and squeals excitedly. I giggle as I lift the jewelry over her head. She pulls her hair out of the way and I fasten the clasp. I gently kiss the back of her neck making my way to the side. She leans further into me and I slide my hands down her arms engulfing her in a hug.
"You're so beautiful." I tell her and I know she understands that I'm not just referencing to her looks. She tells me thank you and we stay quiet for the duration of our time.
We make our way off the beach once the sun is completely risen, hand in hand.
"I just had a crazy idea." I tell her and it really is crazy. Old Emma wouldn't even mention it but I'm turning a new leaf.
"Mhm." She subtly urges me on and we disconnect our hands once we make it to the car.
"Do you and your family maybe want to come over for dinner tonight?"
"Really?"
"I know crazy right?"
She giggles and nods in agreement. "Only because it's you." She answers as we climb inside the car. I want to counter but she is right.
"So do you think your parents will go for it? I think it's time they met."
"Definitely." She starts her car up and backs out of the spot.
"Oh and bring Doc, that way I don't have to share you with Ty. He'll be so distracted by the dog." I laugh and she shakes her as she joins in.
"You're not a good sharer."
"Not when it comes to you."
-
I enter the house and it's buzzing with the normal morning energy. I find my mother again in the kitchen cooking breakfast for my father.
"You love what you do right?" I ask as I hop on the counter and swing my legs haphazardly. She smiles brightly.
"With every fiber of my being."
As long as she does. I know my dad appreciates the things she does, being a housewife is the hardest job. My mom calls it being a domestic goddess and she's amazing at what she does. I don't ever want her to feel as if what she does goes unnoticed. She pats my leg softly, that's her way of telling me to get down.
I wring my fingers together as I muster of the courage to ask about dinner tonight. She looks down at them then smirks.
"Want to tell me something?" She asks knowingly.
"I know it's sort of last minute and we can just go out to dinner if you want but I'd really like it if..."
"Yes." She says sweetly.
"Ma you don't even know what it is yet."
"I'd do anything for you sweetheart you should know that by now."
"Okay can I at least tell you what it is so you can plan accordingly?" She nods once and I continue. "Grace and her family are coming over for dinner tonight."
The smile on her face is huge. I would think feeding an extra three mouths would throw her off but she's glowing.
"Oh Emma that's an amazing idea. I'd love to meet the Cassidy’s. Their daughter is so lovely I can only imagine her parents. I'll get started right away. Anything particular you want me to make."
I shake my head. "Whatever you want mom everything you make is awesome."
I'd say she smiles again but the one she was sporting previously never left her face. She finishes up my father's breakfast and like clockwork he steps into the kitchen and grabs her by the waist kissing her neck softly. I should be grossed out but it's cute to see that they're still so much in love after twenty-two years. Gives me hope that the love I have for Grace isn't puppy love it's something that could last. She giggles and swats him away ordering him to eat his breakfast.
"Hey kid how's it hanging?"
I laugh at my father’s attempt to sound hip and pat him on the shoulder. He tried... can't fault him for that.
"It's hanging dad. You'll be around later?"
"Yeah unless you're kicking me out." He quips before taking a sip of coffee.
"Grace and her family are coming over for dinner so, you know, be here."
He winks at me and then looks at his wife whose nose is buried in her homemade cookbook.
"So that's the reason she's smiling more this morning. You had something to do with it?"
I just shrug and jump off the counter my mother told me to get down from ages ago.
He grabs my hand and squeezes it gently. I take a step forward closer to him and he whispers in my ear.
"You're doing great kid, all we want is for you to be happy. The happier you are the happier we are. We're just glad you're letting us in."
I look at him and give him a bashful look. He places a fatherly kiss atop my head and lets me go. I head out of the kitchen giving my mom a gentle kiss on the cheek before I'm completely gone. I jog up the stairs and think about how happy I've been. This is the week I've been dreading, the anniversary of the passing of McKenzie and George. It's like the grief I've been dreading has somehow vanished. Like the anticipation was worse than the circumstance. I feel my phone go off and I already know that it's Grace anyone else that would contact me is in this house.
I answer the phone and I'm smiling like an idiot already. I probably should catch a grip but I haven't felt this high on life in...ever so pardon me if I float away.
"Beautiful."
I answer as I reach the final step and walk to my room.
"Am I ridiculous for missing so much this quickly?"
I walk into my room and drop onto my bed. "Not at all, if it is then consider me ridiculous."
"So my parents are in for tonight. Doc is excited as well." I hear a bark in the background and we both giggle.
"Clearly. My mom is really excited to meet your parents as well. She's got her head buried in her cookbook trying to find recipes for tonight. It's going to be a feast I can already tell. So don't eat too much today."
"I'll try not to but I'm sure I can manage. I'm a bit of a food monger. James and I used to bet who could eat more of what on different holidays."
"Well that's certainly something you can do with Ty, I swear that boy puts it away like no other. He eats like a grown man."
She laughs but I'm serious. It's jaw dropping really. We chat about nothing in particular for a while and I feel the mood shift. She's a bit distant and I want to clear it up right away before we ruin our good streak.
"What's the matter?"
"I was just thinking about your departure."
"Grace don't think about it okay. We still have some time together."
She sighs and I know ignoring it won't make it less painful. "I know but I'm still sad."
"How about this, I come pick you up before I get Tyler from school and we can be alone before dinner. That way we can be together for longer."
"You don't have to." She responds cutely. I can picture her pout and I want to kiss it away.
"I know I don't. I want to though. So should I come now?"
She laughs and smirk. "Tyler doesn't get out of school for like another five hours."
"I'll drive really, really slow." She giggles but agrees to my speedy appearance. "I'll see you in a bit."
We hang up and I take a quick shower. When I'm satisfied with my appearance I hop down the stairs two at a time. I inhale deeply and my stomach growls at the aroma. The amazing smells coming from the kitchen and for once I'm excited about the plans involving my family. It's most likely because I'm in the greatest mood I've been in for years.
I walk into the kitchen and my mom has all kinds of kitchen gadgets spread among the counters. Mixers, knives, spoons and bowls litter the kitchen along with every spice from our cabinets.
I grab a water bottle from the fridge and lean against the door. My mother is happily twirling around the kitchen.
"You need anything from the store ma?"
"No honey I'm great."
"I'm going to pick Ty up from school today alright? So you're not overwhelmed or anything."
"Oh that's so sweet of you Emma. Are you off to see Grace?" I blush and look down at my shoes. She comes over and lifts my head by my chin. "It's sweet to see you so in love honey."
"Thanks ma."
She winks then twirls towards the lump of dough she has perfectly packed out on the counter. I watch her as she kneads it and I take in the essence of my mother. She really is amazing. I leave her in her arena and head out to my car. I slide inside the seat and make my way to my girlfriend.
-
I feel like I've slept with a hanger in my mouth. I can't stop smiling and it's because of a certain blonde. I'm glad that I make her feel the same way. Before I know it I'm in front of her house and she's outside waiting for me. Doc is diligently sitting next to her. She stands up from her porch and waves at me. She has a blanket in her hand and as she makes her way towards the car I get out to assist her. As I get closer to her Doc quickly moves forward and jumps up on me. He balances himself on his hind legs resting his front legs on my shoulders. I don't know if I'm really short or this dog is really tall but his face is lined with mine. He lays his head on my shoulder and I notice my girlfriend giggling softly.
"He wants a hug."
"Seriously?" I ask in shock and surprise myself even more as I actually hug the dog. He growls in appreciation then gets back on all fours.
My girlfriend kisses me softly and wipes away the bit of fur that Doc shed onto me.
"Sorry about that." She says with furrowed brows. She wiping the fur away from my chest and I quirk a brow.
"Did you put him up to this so you could feel me up?" I joke and she smirks.
"I don't have to work hard to feel you up Daniels." She winks at me and opens the back seat of my car laying the blanket on top of the seat. Doc jumps inside and sits obediently and I'm extremely impressed.
I open the door for Grace and she gets inside. I hold up my end of the deal and we drive aimlessly and slowly. We stop at the park to let Doc stretch his legs and before I know it it's time to pick up my little brother. We pull up to the school and my brother shouts in excitement when he see the dog in the backseat he completely forgets about the person who owns it in the front seat.
"It looks like your evil plan is working." She teases mildly. I just shrug and try to look innocent.
"I don't know what you're talking about. " Is my response as I get out to get a hug from my little man. He's hugging me but I know his eyes are focused on the Lab in the backseat.
"Hey Em can I show off the dog to Lacey?"
"You gotta ask Grace bud, Docs hers."
He leans to see Grace and she's smiling at him from the passenger seat. She wiggles her fingers at him in a wave.
"Can I Grace?" She winks at him and nods her head for him to take the dog. Doc gets out of the car and licks Tyler's face. He giggles and ruffles Doc's fur. Grace instructs him to hold him by the collar and that he doesn't have to hold too tight. Doc's well behaved.
Tyler walks over to his little crush. The dog is as big as he is and the picture is adorable. I lean against the car, Grace and I watch the scene unfold. Doc sits down and the little girl that I'm guessing is Lacey is going crazy over him.
"It's always the dog." Grace chortles and I look down at her.
"Busted."
She whips her head up at me. "What do you mean?"
"You just gave yourself away."
"Huh?"
"The day at the park when I was jogging did you send your dog to distract me?" She erupts in laughter but it's forced and she looks away for a minute.
"I did no such thing. If Doc went after you it's because he saw a squirrel or something."
"Is that so?" I ask.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She says it in the same fashion as when I said it earlier when she was referring to my evil plan, which by the way is clearly working. Tyler starts to walk back, walking with a swagger as if he's the coolest kid in the world. He is though so no fault of his.
"Alright Lacey I'll call you later. Say bye Doc." Doc obeys and gives the girl a quick bark.
"How'd you know he'd bark?" I ask.
"Cause Doc knows when we want the ladies." Grace says in a soft tone. I playfully glare at her and she smirks.
Tyler laughs and lets Doc go so he can hop into the backseat. Tyler climbs in and goes on the other side to get into his booster seat.
"Thanks so much for letting me borrow Doc."
"Anytime buddy."
"Hey Em can we get some Italian Ice from Via Veneto?" He buckles himself in and I look at him through the rear view mirror. So there are two people I can't say no to. I agree and he shouts in glee. I'm glad that I'm spending so much to with him but more specifically I'm glad that I get to enjoy all this time with her. I look over at Grace and she's looking out the window. I reach over grab her hand and kiss it sweetly. She looks at me with a smile and I can't imagine being away from her. I'm grateful that this is my last tour because I'm ready to start my life and I'd really like to figure it out with Grace by my side.
We get icees and hang out in the closest park. Tyler runs around with Doc while Grace and I watch from a distance eating our tye-dye ices.
"You know I'm glad I found you when I did. I wasn't going to go to the cemetery that night because I was feeling a certain way that I can't really explain but I'm glad I did."
"I'm glad y
ou did too."
"I wonder if we would've met if it wasn't the cemetery."
"I would've found you between Lara Croft's legs." She teases and I groan.
"I'm not living that down am I?"
She forces her statement out through her laughter. "No way in hell am I letting that go." She kisses me on the cheek, her lips cold from her frozen treat. I pout and she does what I'm hoping for. Giving me a quick peck but I prolong it until her lips are warm.
She pulls back blushing and I'm impressed that I make my first girlfriend as flushed as I have been. Emotions are making up for experience. We finish up and get ready to head back to my house.
-
Tyler runs into the house with Doc by his side. "Keep him occupied in the back bud."
My little brother shouts out an 'okay' as he throws his book bag on the floor by the door and runs towards the backyard with the dog. Grace and I walk into the kitchen and it smells even better than when I left.
"Mrs. Daniels everything smells so good. My mouth is watering just at the scent." My mother blushes and waves a dismissive hand at my girlfriend.
"Thank you dear. I'm just happy to have a crowd to cook for."
"I hardly call three more people a crowd mom." I giggle as I take a brownie from the mountain that my mother has created. She glares at me. "Just one mom...plus two." I say as I grab two more and jump back dodging the handful of flour my mother tried to throw at me. She got some in my hair!
Grace laughs and I can't help the chuckle that escapes me because I do know how my mother gets about her cooking. She set the treats up in a pyramid that I ruined. Before my mother can berate me I pull my girlfriend from the kitchen and up to my room. Once we enter I close the door behind us and hand her a brownie. She takes a bite and she groans in appreciation.
"Right?" She just nods and walks around my room as I take a seat on my bed. This is the first time she's actually gotten the chance to look around my room. We're usually...occupied with each other she hasn't gotten the chance. She stops at a photo of George, McKenzie and I at some party.
"Is this them?" She asks making sure, picking up the picture frame with her free hand. I say a soft yes. "McKenzie is beautiful."