After a while I stopped eating and just took in my surroundings. Everything here was so nice. The lighting, the music, the smells and even the temperature of the room. It was cozy, but not so cozy you'd want to fall asleep. It was a wonderful choice for a first date. Wren finished his plate then waved down the waiter. A minute or so later, the waiter came out with a dish that had a sparkler in it. It was quite the display!
He set it down at our table and I watched the sparkler fizzle out. When the waiter took it away, I saw some sort of breaded caramelized dessert, with apples and two big scoops of ice cream. We each lifted a spoon and took up a bite. Wren moved his spoon towards me and I moved mine towards him. We fed each other again, taking a bite at the same time. It was absolutely marvelous, sweet and savory. I was glad I'd saved some room.
We ate it slowly, taking our time even as the ice cream melted. I felt we were in no hurry. I didn't know about him, but I wouldn't mind if this meal, this night went on forever. It had been a long time since I felt this good and I planned to cherish every second of it and him...no matter what happened going forward.
When we were nearly done, we started talking again, "So what do you do with yourself, Mindy?"
"What do I do?" I repeated, titling my head.
"When you are not working, what do you do all day?"
"Oh well I read-"
"What?"
"Books."
"Yes, but what kind of books? Romance, adventure, thriller?"
"Mostly romance and mystery. I love a good mystery."
"Hmm," said Wren. He took a sip of his Roguer, then went on, "Any authors you like."
"A few, Tevia Telone. Febe Dasker, Micheal Morday."
"What else do you do, read and?
"Oh, I play video games."
"Really, what kind?"
"Adventure, casual, I'm big into simulators. I like being able to live all sorts of different lives. Like owning your own bakery or a machine shop!"
"I see," said Wren, "So your big into escapism, with your books and games,"
"I guess. It's just fun to do things I can't really do now."
"Hmm, Darrow's Park makes more sense now." He said it like he'd come to some conclusion.
"What about you? Why Darrow's park?"
"I knew the previous owners and staff. They needed my assistance on a few things and when a friend of a friend fell ill, I took over for him."
"Oh well that was nice of you."
"I think it worked out in my favor," he said, giving me a wink."
"Well then both our favors," I said, giving him a wink back.
We talked for another hour or so off and on, mostly about Darrow's Park and what we thought if it. I told him I'd been going since I was a child. I talked about the commercials and the time I went for my sister's birthday. I found out he hadn't been to Darrow's until his twenties. He thought it was pretty run down, but he wasn't much for theme parks.
I couldn't help but notice he was a bit vague. When it came to me he wanted to know everything. Yet when it came to him, he'd say a few things here or there, then quickly switch back to me. Perhaps he was guarded too or maybe he took longer to open up.
Eventually, the waiter returned with the bill. Wren looked annoyed, but quickly paid and got boxes for everything I couldn't finish. It came out to like five boxes. They were able to put three in a bag so there were two large bags. I wanted to carry one of them, but he refused. As we got up to leave, I took out my cash.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Maybe I could leave a tip?"
"No!' he hissed. "I already left a tip when I paid."
"Yeah, but it's good to leave something at the table too. Like you might tip on the check, but sometimes everyone doesn't get a cut or a very small one. My mom is a waitress, and they'll sometimes pull tips from tables at the of the night to share."
"This isn't that kind of place." he said, but looked at me and let out a sigh. He took a bill out of his wallet and set it down on the table. "Still, if it will make you happy,"
"I can pay." I said, holding up my cash.
"Please keep your money," he said, "Or I'll insist on giving you some of mine."
"Oh no," I said. "I don't mean to fuss, I just- You've already paid for so much."
"As I said when you are with me, you shall want for nothing."
"And what about you?" I asked as we walked out, "What do you want?"
A smile spread across his lips, and he got this look in his eyes, "I already have everything that I want."
He gave his ticket to the valet and they soon brought his car around. He put the food in the back with my backpack, then we got in. He buckled me in again and gave me a quick kiss before we dove away.
"Do you need my address?"
"Are you so eager for this night to be over?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, I just well, eventually, I'll need to go home,"
"Eventually, isn't now, is it?"
"No, but it is getting late?" I said, looking outside. We'd probably been at the restaurant three or four hours.
"I don't know about you, but I'm full," he said.
"Yeah, I am too."
"Well, when I get full I like to walk it off. How would you feel about taking a nice stroll through the park?"
"Uh, it's kind of dark," I said, looking outside again. It was super dark now and all the streetlight were on.
"Yes, well that is what street lights are for."
I bit my lip as I looked at him, then looked back outside. "I suppose we could go for a short walk," I didn't want this date to be over so soon, and I had a feeling he didn't either.
He smiled and I noticed the car sped up. There weren't a lot of other cars on the road, but we passed them all, weaving in an out of lanes. At one point he took up my hand and squeezed it. I liked how it felt. I liked being with him like this, and hoped we could spend a lot more time together after tonight.
It didn't take us long to get to the center of the city. They had a nice park with a large pond and several interconnected gardens. I had never been here at night. When we parked, I noticed our car was the only one in the lot. I saw street lights along the walking path. Everything was well lit, but again I didn't see anyone else.
He insisted on getting my door then got out. He came around the front of the car and opened my door. I got out and he took up my arm in his. From there we proceeded to take a stroll through the entire park, for about an hour. We didn't see a single soul the entire time and it felt like we had the whole world to ourselves. I admired the lake at night and enjoyed his company.
We talked a little, but mostly walked and enjoyed the night air. I realized this had to be the most adult date I'd ever been on. A fancy dinner and a stroll through the park. Brett and I had mostly gone to fast food restaurants or movies. Sometimes we counted grocery shopping as a date. They weren't bad dates, but I could tell the atmosphere was different with Wren. Honest he made every situation different because he was unlike anyone I had ever been with.
We eventually made it back to the car and I realized I was cold. I shivered as I got in. He shut my door behind me, then went around the back of the car. He got in and started the engine, but he didn't pull out of the lot. Instead, he turned on the heat and pointed all the fans at me. He even started rubbing my arms and offered me his coat, but I soon warmed up.
"It's fine," I said, sitting back in my seat. The warmth felt nice and made me feel a little sleepy.
"So what now?" he asked, "We could find some small twenty-four hour diner, get some coffee and talk more."
I yawned then said, "I work tomorrow."
"So do I." he said. He yawned then turned the heaters down.
"What I'm saying is coffee will keep me up."
"Then get cocoa, milk, tea, juice, ice, soda, water."
I laughed as I realized he was listing off almost every type off drink. Clearly he wanted to keep things going, "I love cocoa, but it is super late and my family will probably start to worry."
"Ah, you want to call them. I could take us to a payphone."
I could just imagine that and how much more they'd freak out, if I randomly called then from a payphone. They'd want to know where I was and just what I was up to. I didn't need the grief. "No" I sighed.
"Okay," he pouted. "I'll take you home."
I gave him my address, he nodded then pulled out of the parking lot. Things were dead quiet on the way to my place. It was like a twenty minute drive from the park. He seemed upset. Was he really that unhappy things were ending? Had he enjoyed the date that much or was it something else all together? Had I said something or didn't say something? I furrowed my brow unsure. I didn't know how to read him yet.
Eventually, I saw the sign for the Vista Sunset Complex. I was home already. I let out a sigh. It was suppose to be be my day off, uneventful, but everything today had been so unexpected! I wondered when I'd ever have a day like this again. We pulled into the parking lot and parked. Before I could unbuckle, he turned to me with a look of desperation.
"Do you really have to be home so soon? We could catch a late night movie. I'm sure something is playing somewhere."
I chuckled thinking he was being cute, not wanting to let me go. It was nice being wanted. "I'm sure there is, but again, it's late. Maybe we can do something tomorrow?"
"Hmm, well could we just sit here for a bit?"
"I suppose," I said
He seemed pleased with that, "So what did you think of dinner?"
"It was wonderful, probably the best dinner I've ever had."
"And me?" He asked, "Do you regret the helmet coming off."
"No," I said, "You were wonderful too, everything was." I felt my face turning hot and knew I had to be blushing.
We sat for a moment, then he asked, "When was your last date?"
I opened my mouth, but didn't say anything. I paused trying to think and I honestly couldn't remember the last date Brett and I had. Maybe grocery shopping? I cleared my throat then said, "About two years," I knew how awful that sounded, like what was wrong with me that I hadn't dated in two years, but I'd rather be honest.
"Two years!" he sounded shocked, "Did you lose someone?"
"Sort of," I said, "Like they didn't die, but they left." I bit my lip, this all sounded so bad. Two years for a death would be understandable, but two years for just being dumped, I could see how bad that was.
The car was dimly lit, but I could see he was closely watching me...no doubt waiting for me to go on. I hadn't wanted to get into this but I didn't want to leave things there. "I-Well, uh, my last relationship meant a lot to me, and I've been taking some time."
Taking some time sounded better. Like I'd made the mature choice to step back and get some perspective...instead of wallowing in my misery.
He ran a hand over his mouth then said, "Must have been some guy, two years. How far did it get?"
Again, I hadn't wanted to get into this so soon. I didn't want to tell him everything, but maybe I could tell him enough, so that he'd understand why I was guarded and needed to take things slow. "We were engaged, but it didn't work out, he wasn't ready." That seemed clear enough without going into too much detail. I hoped he didn't press any further as to why. Honestly I didn't know. His mother had just said he wasn't ready...but why wasn't he ready? The question ate at me.
Wren snorted, pulling me from my thoughts. I was surprised by his reaction, "Hmp, to ask for your hand in marriage and not fulfill his promise, this man has no honor. You needn't worry about that with me. I am a man of my word." He lifted my hand and kissed it.
I nervously chuckled, then said, "Well uh, if this uh, does go any further, we'd uh, need to take things slow."
"Slow, right, okay. So confessing my undying love for you, after one date, is too soon?"
I chuckled, thinking he was joking, "Yeah a bit,"
"Hmm," he said rubbing his jaw. "How about a kiss? Would that be too soon?"
"I guess not. I mean it isn't our first," I'd kissed him or rather he'd kissed me so many times now I'd lost count.
He smiled and gave me a quick kiss, then asked, "How about two?"
"I suppose that one was pretty quick," I said, thinking he was being sweet.
He kissed me a little slower, then asked, "How about three?" He didn't wait for my response, stealing a kiss. "Then four," he said. I could feel his hot breath on my skin. He kissed me again and I smiled, thinking he was being sneaky.
"Five," he said, then gave me a very passionate kiss.
He leaned his whole body into me, moving his arms around me, before he tangled his fingers in my hair. I let out a moan as he didn't ease up on the kiss. I lost myself in it for a moment as his cold lips pressed so tightly against mine. His tongue made its way into my mouth and he tasted so sweet.
He pulled from my lips, but came right back. He kissed me again and again, then moved to my cheek and ear. He traced my jaw line with kisses and I let my head fall back as he covered my chin, neck and shoulders. He slipped his hand from my hair and we embraced for a good minute.
When we pulled apart, I saw the windows were steaming up and he dared whisper, "Six."
We were well past six at this point and he knew it, but I didn't protest. Our lips locked again, but didn't stay together long. Once more, he moved to kiss my cheek, then trailed down to my jaw line, neck and shoulders. His kisses were light and in quick succession. It had been so long, far, far too long since anyone had kissed me like this! I knew we should stop, but I couldn't help myself! I was hooked to his touch, his smell and the way he made me feel! He wanted me and I wanted him just as much, if not more so!
I had my hair up in a loose bun and he pulled it free. He put both his hands through it, messing it up and we laughed for a moment before we began making out. This was so bad! I was in a car, in the parking lot of my apartment building and we'd only been on one date. I was getting caught up. Once again, I knew I should stop, this was insane...wonderfully insane!
He pulled my shirt up and over my head and I just knew there was no turning back. We were doing this! He ran his hands behind my back, snapped off my bra, then he grabbed hold of my breasts. He massaged them and I let out a deep moan, followed by several heavy breaths. You could no longer see out the windows! His hands were cold, but it still felt amazing! It didn't take them long to warm up and before I knew it he was sliding a hand down the front of my jeans.
His fingers slipped between my lips then slid up inside me. I let out an unexpected yelp. I hadn't expected him to enter me so easily. I guess I was a bit more exited then I realized. I moaned grasping hold of his arm as he moved his fingers about. I felt so sensitive and yet… hungry. I understood what he mean now when he said he was famished.
I looked into his eyes as he worked me up. He definitely knew what he was doing. I let out several hot breaths of air and ran my hands over his chest and shoulders, pleading for him not to stop.
I grasped hold of his shirt and he helped get it up and over his head. I took a good look at him and saw his chest and abs. I remember Jules saying his man had a six pack. Wren had one too. Maybe it was a Dark Knight thing, considering they'd both played him.
I ran my fingers over his muscles and gasped, "Wow! You work out!"
A sly smile spread across his lips as he undid the buckle on his belt, with one hand and responded, "I'm gonna work you out"
He jerked his fingers inside me, thrusting and swirling. I cried out and nearly came, but he pulled his hand out. I looked at him like he was crazy. He put the fingers that had been inside me, in his mouth and licked them clean. My eyes went wide and I no longer thought he was crazy, I knew!
"Uhh, don't do that!" I said, shaking my head.
"Why not?"
"Uh, I don't know...it's."
"Do you not swallow, when you give a blow job?"
"I swallow," I admitted.
"Then how is this any different? Why can't I have a taste?"
He had a point, "I don't know," My cheeks heated up. "I guess I just feel self-conscious about it. You were licking your fingers like you'd just dipped your hand in a bag of chips."
"Well you are quite tasty," he teased.
He leaned over me and unbuckled me. I hadn't even realized my seat belt was still on. A second later he pulled on something, the front seats fell back and the last of my common sense went out the window. We made out, rolling around the front seat, from the passenger's side to the driver's side, tangling our limbs around one another until he laid me flat on my back.
He pulled back then and just looked at me, like he was mesmerized or something. We locked eyes and he hovered his hand over my hair, face, neck, shoulders and chest before he finally rested his hand on my breast. He softly caressed one and then the other, before giving each a might squeeze, to the point it was almost painful. The entire time we kept our eyes locked.
He had my full attention and I had his. My heart raced in my chest as I couldn't wait to see what he...what we did next! He got a sly grin on his face as he kept squeezing my breasts as if he knew he was in full control of this moment. Honestly, he could have done anything and I dare say I would have gone along with it and I couldn't blame it on the alcohol. He was just so intoxicating. His gaze, smile, smell, taste and touch, all of it drew me in, and held me in a way no other had.
He finally broke our gaze. He lowered his eyes to my chest before he sunk down and his cold lips connected with my left nipple. He covered it with his mouth. Though his lips were cold, his mouth was warm, hot even and he soon heated up my nipple. I hadn't realized how hard they were. The car was a bit chilly now, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be for long. He swirled his tongue around my nipple before he began to suck. It was light at first, then slowly intensified until I let out a moan. He let go of the nipple, then and moved to the other, giving it the same treatment.
When he pulled up, I heard the rustling of his pants and felt something hot fall against my skin. I realized he'd pulled himself out and I looked down, wanting to see it. I could hardly get a look at it over my own chest. I reached out for it and he took my hand, guiding it. My hand soon connected and I ran my fingers along it, pulling and squeezing. It felt so good in my hand and was a decent size, nothing too massive nor anything to scoff at.
He soon pulled it from my hands and helped me get my jeans and underwear down to my ankles. He lopped off my shoes and fully yanked them off the rest of the way. I was now laying on my back ,in the front seat of a car, in nothing but my socks. He took me in again, tangling his fingers in my public hair before he loomed over me and I felt his member again as my legs parted and it hit my inner thigh. I reached up grasping hold of his neck and pulled him to me. We passionately kissed as he positioned himself and I wrapped my legs around him, locking my ankles.
I wasn't thinking about anything else. I was just here, ever present in the moment. If this was a romance novel, it would be the part where I would be flipping through the pages, not wanting to miss a beat! Yet again this wasn't a book, it was my life and there was a gorgeous fucking man on top of me, settling between my legs! He actually wanted me, Mindy Evert, the throw away bride!
He looked down at me and we locked eyes again as I felt his member at my entrance. My heart was going a bazillion miles a minute. I was surprised he couldn't feel it, let alone hear it. I was so wet and had probably never been this wet in my entire life. He sunk in hard and deep with one mighty thrust. I threw my head back feeling him go all the way up.
Every fiber of my being lit up with pure joy and I let out the most lecherous moan! I felt like I was sinking into a hot tub up to my chin. It had been a while, it had be- My eyes shot wide open and my jaw dropped as I realized I'd never felt anything like this before. He- He wasn't wearing a condom! It had completely slipped my mind. I'd never done it without a condom. I just- I- I didn't expect in a million years to be in this position!
I started to speak, but he pressed his lips against mine and it took my breath away. Fuck it! FUCK IT! My mind turned to mush. He pulled back and slammed his glorious raw cock into me. I let go digging my nails into him. I could vaguely feel the seat at my back and saw out of the corner of my eye that the food contains had opened as he deliciously bashed into me. Everything fell away as I closed my eyes and just focused on the sensation and the sound of him madly clapping my brains out.
Oh he knew! He knew what he was doing! I bit my lip as I struggled not to scream out. I dragged my nails across his back, begging for him to keep going. Oh nothing had ever felt so great. My entire body was on fire, he covered me in kisses, running his face against mine and pressing his chest against my breasts. He buried himself deep inside me again and again.
It was hard, hot and oh so good! So fucking good! It didn't take me long to whimper as an orgasm tore through me. My muscles clenched down on him as euphoria overtook me. I felt it bubble up inside me and spread out. He didn't let up for a second even as I bore down on him.
After a few well placed trusts, he began moving us around the car, front seat, back seat, it didn't take long to get disoriented. At one point, my beasts smashed against the cold window as he took me from behind. Oh, if anyone I knew walked by just now I'd die, but would I ever die happy!
It felt even better from behind! He adjusted me several times, then went to town on me. I loved the feel of his balls smacking into me on impact. The side of my face fell against the car window and slid down as I squealed out another orgasm, making a sound I'd never heard before. He played me like an instrument and got things out of me I didn't know were possible. Screw buying a lottery ticket, I felt like I had won and this was my prize!
He pulled me from the window and moved us so that he was on bottom and I was on top with my back to him. I think this was a reverse cowgirl! I rode him grinding my hips as another orgasm overtook me. He dragged his hands down my sweaty back and took my hair wrapping it around his hand. He yanked like he was commanding the reigns of his horse. My head fell back, my chest shot forward and he thrust up into me. I hadn't had sex like this in years, not even then! This was a whole new ballgame and I fucking loved it!
My fourth orgasm nearly crippled me. My heart was pounding so fast. I'd masturbated enough times to know what a strong one was and how my heartbeat and pussy would pulse in sync. I closed my eyes as he moved us about the car again. I let him position me however he wanted. He put me down on my stomach and dug his hand into my hips.
He unleashed then and the entire car shook. I heard him making savage grunting sounds as he pumped into me. Then suddenly he stiffened and let out this boisterous roar. I thought I was loud, but this guy had a set of lungs on him. Lions beware! I closed my eyes as I felt warmth fill me. I knew what this was! I knew he was cumming deep inside me, but I was so far gone, I didn't panic. I just enjoyed how it felt to have a man cum inside me for the first time.
I realized I'd been missing out. It added this whole new layer to everything. We stayed pinned together for the longest time, and I wondered if it was normal for it to go on this long. I swear he was dropping a massive load. It started to spill back out and he finally pulled out of me. It gushed out then as I just laid there on my stomach with my head turned to to side.
I still wasn't freaking out. I knew I should be. Seriously! No condom and fucking in a car. Yet I was still so calm. I wondered how long this feeling would last. I kind of liked it. He came back down and I felt his chest against my back. He rolled us to spoon and I nearly passed out, feeling sated. What a day! What a night! A delicious meal and a fantastic fuck! Even though the car was slight uncomfortable, I felt like I could just sleep for ages. The sound of our breathing filled the car now and the windows were solidly fogged over.
He kissed the back of my neck, then my shoulder before putting his teeth against my skin. He gave me a love bite, then squeezed me tightly like he'd never left me go. I was beyond overjoyed. Yeah, I think he liked me! There was no doubt in my mind now or my pussy. I let out a laugh and he kissed my ear.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing, it's silly,"
"I love a good laugh. Tell me"
"I-I wasn't sure if you liked me until today and now I have no doubt."
"Hmm," he said, rubbing his hand over my hip, then squeezing my ass. "I'm glad I could clear things up."
I laughed, "See silly,"
"Not silly," he said. He lightly kissed me, then continued. "I always want to know what's on your mind."
"Trust me you don't, even I don't sometimes. Plus don't guys hate that question? You know, what are you thinking?"
"Ehh, not all of us. I like to know. Why if you said you still had any doubts, I'd have no choice but to keep you here, all night long." He rubbed his face against the back of my head and buried his noise into my hair. I swear I heard him take a deep sniff before he continued, "Hmp I still might."
"Oh no!" I said, finally gaining some sense.
I sat up and even more of his seed came seeping out. I started to look for my clothes. "We can't stay out here all night! My parents are libel to call the police, if not the neighbors! I'm sure someone heard us."
"Probably," he said. He yawned and didn't seem worried at all as he put himself away.
I found my shirt and quickly slid it on. My jeans were on the passenger's side floor. I picked them up, but couldn't find my underwear. I looked around, thinking they must have fallen somewhere. He casually put on his shirt then watched me. I don't know why, but I suddenly felt very...uhh, embarrassed or self-conscious or shy. Maybe all of them rolled into one big messy ball of emotions.
My thoughts were racing as I frantically searched. Eventually, I gave up and slid on my jeans just to move on from this awkwardness. I slipped on my shoes, then dared to look back at him. He had a shit eating grin on his face and I felt flustered. He was so cool and collected, while I was a complete mess! Inside and now out as I realized I had some pasta sauce on me and other food bits.
"We made a bit of a mess," I said, pulling a noddle from my hair.
He looked around, but just laughed, "So worth it." Then he looked at me and repeated it, "So, so worth it. You were absolutely delicious."
He said it like he'd freaking devoured me. My cheeks grew hot and I said, "Right."
He leaned over and kissed me again and then again. I felt like we'd get caught up, if I didn't put a stop to this. I placed my hands on his chest and gently pushed him back, "Oh no mister, not again."
"Just one kiss," he teased,
I groaned, but said, "One, the last one,"
"No," he protested.
I chuckled and said. "The last one for tonight,"
He pouted but leaned in and gave me another passionate kiss that lasted far longer than it should have. I fumbled with my door handle as we still had our lips locked. I got my door open, then pulled back and got out. From there, I tried to get my backpack and what food boxes hadn't been opened or straight up crushed in our excursion. I also grabbed some napkins that came with the food boxes and tried to clean up some.
He came up behind me as I was bent over and pressed himself against me, "I don't think I can let you go," He said, then let out a heavy sigh.
"You'll have to," I said, pulling back. I stood upright and turned to face him, "I need to sleep, but I'll see you again tomorrow,"
"It is tomorrow," he said, backing me into the car. I really hoped it wasn't that late! He kissed me again and I swear it took all my self control to pull us apart. I gathered my things, took a bag of the boxes and managed to keep my distance from him as I said, "Goodnight!"
He didn't say anything. He just looked at me like he was in love or something. There was no way! I had to be reading into things! I quickly turned and dashed to the stairs. I got to the top and turned around to see he was still standing there. I waved, but he didn't budge. He just kept staring at me with that look on his face. I turned to open the door, but thankfully realized I should take a second to fix my hair and clothes. I worried my parents would be able to tell I just had sex. I really hoped not!
I opened the door a minute or two later. I stepped inside and immediately shut it, then put my back to the door and let out the heaviest sigh. Before I could think, I heard voices, more then usual. I heard mom, dad, and... I furrowed my brow realizing I could also hear my sister and I assume her husband. It had to be late! What were they doing here? I bit my lip worrying something might have happened.
My mom stepped into the hall a second later as I was taking off my shoes, and asked, "What took you so long to get home?"
Before I could answer, my sister came up behind her and said, "We already ate," She held her stomach and beamed, "I couldn't wait!"
"Okay," I said, "I already ate- Before I could finished, Joanie took her hand off her stomach and cried out, "I'm pregnant!" And just like that all my news was off the table.
"Oh," I said.
"What do you mean, oh," My mother said, putting her hands on her hips.
"Great!" I said, trying to put more enthusiasm into it. I was just surprised.
It still wasn't enough, both mom and Joanie rolled their eyes. Then Joanie said "See, she can't be happy about anything. She is such a downer. That's why I waited to tell her,"
Waited to tell me. I guess that meant everyone else already knew. It wasn't like it was the first time I'd been told last. I might have been a little frustrated, but I was far too overjoyed with everything. I swear I could barely keep my feet on the ground
"Well now everyone knows. It's wonderful, we're finally going to have a grand baby." said my mother, beaming with pride.
I was happy for Joanie, yet I couldn't help but notice a double standard. When I told mom I was considering trying for a baby at twenty, she told me that was far too young and she wasn't ready to be a grandmother so soon. I guess two years changed things. I walked up to my sister and said, "Congratulations." I gave her a hug, then pulled back and asked, "Do you know what it is yet?"
They both looked at me like I was stupid, "Ahh, no it's far too soon," said Joanie, then she gave mother a look. "Besides we want to be surprised."
"We'll just get two of everything," My mother said, "That way we'll be set if it's a boy or a girl and be ready for the next one."
"Unless I have two boys back to back or two girls. Oh what if I'm having twins." Joanie said excitedly as she rubbed her stomach again, "A boy and a girl would be perfect,"
"I think two girls would be adorable." My mother said, "We could make them match,"
"Anyway, we'd better get home, being pregnant is so much work. I need all the sleep I can get," said Jonaie.
My mother hugged her. "Call me when you get home, so I know you're safe."
"I will," she said, walking to the door. Her husband, Bart, joined her a moment later, laughing at something my father had said. They left and my parents just stood around the door for a minute embracing.
I went into the kitchen and put my leftover boxes in the fridge. I know it had been a few hours, but it was bread. Bread should be okay, I t-
"You could have been more happy for your sister," My mother said with a sigh, stepping into the kitchen.
"I was happy. I am happy for her." I protested. "I was just surprised. I literally found out the second I walked through the door."
"Well, you didn't show it enough. You should get her a gift, a good gift."
"Like,"
"A car seat, or a stroller,"
"Aren't those expensive?"
"You have a job now and no one to support."
"Uh, I'm suppose to be saving up to move out. I'll have to support myself."
"You know what I mean, you don't have anyone. Your brother has Patrica and your sister is married, with a kid on the way, and your father and I need to start preparing for retirement. You could do a lot for your sister and the new baby."
"Right." I said, thinking she was expecting a lot.
"Maybe you should consider getting a loan. We might have to speed things up with your move. We want everything ready by the time the baby or babies arrive."
"You want me to get a loan to move out?" Did she want me gone that badly!
"And get your sister some gifts. It's the least you can do, given your lack of excitement tonight and a proper wedding present."
"I got her something off her list,"
"We got it and slapped your name on it. You should get her two gifts. Better yet, they could use a new car. Maybe you could get a car loan?"
I looked at her like she was crazy, I hadn't even been working a month, had to move out as soon as I could, from what it sounded like, and now she wanted me to buy my sister a new car. She was crazy! "You want me to buy them a car! I don't even have a car!"
"Well you ride the bus."
"Cause I don't have a car."
"You could make a few payments, Mindy. She's your sister."
"Don't they both have cars!" I pointed out.
"They could use a van, your sister was talking about it tonight."
"Then why don't they buy it?"
She stepped back and looked at me "Are you not listening, they're having a baby!"
I couldn't believe this conversation! I couldn't believe her! I put my hands in front of me and said "I'm going to bed,"
Without another word I went straight to my room and locked the door. It took me a bit to wind down. One moment I was over the moon, happy to have someone interested in me and the next I was fighting off my mother, who wanted to bury me in financial debt. I had just barely climbed out. I wasn't even on my feet yet! I felt frustrated, but tried to drown it out at least for tonight. I turned on some music, changed into my pajamas, cleaned up a bit and climbed into bed. I ran my fingertips over my lips and thought of him. Things were definitely going to be interesting!
The next morning I woke up early, to my mom pounding on my door. It was barely seven. I sat up and got the door. I forgot that I had locked it. My mother had her hands on her hips and asked, "Did you buy yourself roses?"
It was such a weird question, especially first thing in the morning." No."
"Well then you have roses," My mother said, twisting her face up like she found this inconvenient.
I was still half-asleep, but I went into the kitchen. Sure enough there were my blue roses, dipped in gold. I realized I'd forgotten them last night. He must have dropped them off or something. They still looked so fresh! I wondered if they were the same ones from last night or he'd gotten me more. I breath them in and saw they'd come with a small envelope. My mother had already opened it. My name was on the outside. Inside there was a small card with one line, 'Absolutely Delicious! W.
I laughed, knowing what it meant. I breathed the roses in again and my mother crossed her arms "Who is W? What is this about, Mindolin?"
"I went on a date last night." I admitted.
"Since when?" She asked.
"Last night." I repeated, "I was going to tell you, but Joanie had news."
"You still should have said something! Who is he? Where did you meet him? How long has this been going on?"
"He's a co-worker" I sighed, "I've known him for a few weeks and it was just one date,"
"One date," she scoffed, "And he's sending you hundreds of dollars worth of roses and chocolates. What did you do?"
"Wait? Chocolates?" I said looking around.
"Your father took them. You know he has a sweet tooth. He saw everything on the doorstep, when he went to get the paper this morning."
"Seriously, dad!" I groaned and marched into the living room. The box was already open and he was picking through it. "Those are mine," I said taking the box.
"I didn't know. I thought they were delivered by mistake," he said.
"Then why would you still eaten them?"
"Someone had to. They can't take them back, it's a food safety concern."
"Right?" I said, looking at what was left. He'd worked fast, nearly half the box was gone.
"Who is sending you roses and chocolates anyway?"
"A guy from work!" My mother piped up
"Do we know him?" my father asked.
"No, I barely know him,"
"Exactly," said my mother, shaking her head, "I don't want you jumping into anything right now. You need to be careful." She probably wasn't worried about me, but their precious plans.
"Don't worry, I'm still going to move out,"
"On your own," said my father. "With the new baby, we wont be able to bail you out again."
"Don't worry, you wont have to!" I insisted.
"How can we not, given the last time." said my mother. "Does he know about that?"
I took a deep breath. "He does and he knows I want to take things slow."
"This doesn't look slow," said my mother, gesturing to the chocolates.
"He's just being sweet" I said.
I could tell she wasn't pleased. I went back into the kitchen and filled up a tall glass with water. Then I took my roses and chocolates back to my room. I put the roses in the tall glass and set them next to my bed. Then I got into bed with the chocolates. It was early, but I took two. They tasted amazing and the box looked expensive.
It had been a long time since a guy had gotten me gifts. I wanted to cherish them for as long as I could. I took another chocolate, then set the box off to the side. I curled up, knowing I didn't have to be up for another few hours. I hoped I'd be able to fall back asleep, but I didn't know. I was just so, so, so happy and I hoped it would last.
|
