Chapter 1

~.~

May 16, 2019

A quiet Thursday evening in May That's what the Nicholson family was having. My parents – Daniel and Anne – and I are watching the news. Well, I'm not watching it; I am watching Bryan Dechart and Amelia Rose Blaire-Dechart play The Last Guardian on YouTube. We have just finished eating our pizza when there's a knock at our door.

My dad, Daniel, goes to open the door.

"How can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm here to see Becky Nicholson." That would be me. My dad's head peeks around the door.

"Someone's here to see you."

I pause the movie, get up from my spot on the couch and go to the door. I gasp at who I see before me: a man with dark brown hair, golden brown eyes, tanned skin and wearing a light brown fur vest, dark blue pants and boots. This man is none other than my true love – at least in my secret world...until now, that is – Eret, Son of Eret.

I cautiously step forward towards him.

"Do you know him?" My dad asks me.

"I do. I'm gonna go out on the porch so he and I can talk." Without another word, I walk out onto our porch. My dad lingers for a bit, but goes back to sit down.

"Eret? Is it really you?"

"It's really me, my love."

"How...how are you even here?"

"I – I don't know. And I don't know how long I'll be here either."

"Then, I guess we'd better make the most of it."

"We should. Would it be completely crazy to kiss you right now?"

"If it is, then let's be crazy. You would be my first kiss."

"Oh, really?" Eret eyes me slyly.

"Really."

"I'll make sure your first kiss is your best."

I never imagined my first kiss to be with my secret world true love. I'd wished it, of course, but I never expected it to come true.

Eret gently lifts my chin, and, when he kisses me, he's gentle as he lifts me up so I can reach.

I came up to the middle of his bicep before he lifted me.

Anyway, the kiss...it makes me fall in love with him all over again.

I'd always thought that fireworks would go off for your first kiss or with true love.

Those stories can't describe what I'm feeling right now.

Kissing Eret makes me feel like I'm unstoppable.

"Hey, bro! We need your help!"

Eret and I reluctantly break the kiss.

"Even though it was my first kiss, it was definitely the best kiss I've ever had."

"Glad I could satisfy you."

"So I'm guessing it's not just you here?" I ask, as Eret takes my hand as we slowly walk to what I'm assuming is Eret's parents' car.

"My parents and sister are here, too. It's weird because we came into this world, knowing everything about the modern world, including how to drive."

"Really?"

"Really. They have their car parked over there, and I know that they want to meet you."

"How am I going to explain you to my parents?"

"Well, they've seen the movie, but do you think they'd remember me, considering it's been almost two years since they've seen it?"

"I doubt it. But my mom may recognize you since we just saw the third movie a few months ago."

"We can always hope she won't, though."

"There's something good I thought of about you being here."

"And what's that?"

"You can be there for me when my chronic pain hits."

"That I can, my love. That I can. Which reminds me, we'll have to exchange numbers. I know your mum won't be too keen on us sleeping together, even if we're just sleeping."

"Very true."

"I'll try to convince your parents to let me stay for one night with you, then, until we're married, I'll call you and stay on the phone with you until you fall asleep."

"Awww. You're the best."

"No, you are."

"You're both the best. Eret, can I please get some help here?"

"Of course, Amalie." Eret takes a bag from his sister, whilst continuing to speak to me.

"And, my darling, you won't have to be alone when you explain me to your parents. I'll be right there beside you."

"So, what's our story going to be?"

"Well, I'm thinking it should be like how we met – we met on June 13, 2014 at the How to Train Your Dragon 2 premiere, and we've been in a secret relationship ever since."

"Okay. Sounds like a plan. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"I still haven't made you your birthday present yet."

"It's like I told you, love, you don't have to get me anything."

"It's your 30th birthday, Eret. I have to."

(My headcanon is that he was born on May 29)

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Alright, I'll cave. You can make me something. But first, let me properly introduce you to my family before we get introduced to your parents."

"Is it bad that I'm nervous about meeting your family?"

"I'd be worried if you weren't, love." Eret smiles at me as I stand in front of the blue Sedan parked out front of our house. I can feel my heart beating faster as Eret's parents approach me.

"Becky, these are my parents, Eret Sr. and Ruby, and my sister Amalie, who is your age." Eret says, putting an arm around my shoulder, sensing my nerves.

"It's so nice to finally meet you, sweetheart." Ruby says.

I shake my head out of my shock.

"It's nice to meet you all, too. I'm sorry for being awkward."

"It's all right, love. You have no idea how awkward Eret was when he first told us about you."

I stifle a giggle.

"Dad!"

"Um, do you guys want to come in? I'm sorry that you all meeting my parents is so sudden."

"It's all right, my love. And of course, we'll come in. I'm as nervous meeting your parents as you were meeting mine – and my sister." We walk to the porch, each of us grabbing a bag.

I hold open the door for the Nordisks, and they file in one by one.

"It's going to be okay, love." Eret tells me, putting an arm around my shoulder.

We walk in the door together, and Eret moves his arm down to hold my hand, giving it a squeeze. Amalie closes the door behind us.

"Mom, Dad, this is the Nordisk family: Eret, Sr., Ruby and their daughter Amalie. And this is their son, Eret." I look to Eret and he nods at me.

"Eret is my boyfriend and he's my true love."

"And she is my true love." Eret says, looking at me.

"I thought Aaron was your true love." My dad asks, referring to my ex-boyfriend who broke up with me the day before my birthday.

I flinch at the mention of Aaron's name…things didn't end well between us. Thankfully, only Eret notices my flinch and squeezes my hand.

"I thought so, too. Eret and I just grew apart for a while and my ex took his place…until he dumped me. I texted Eret that night after the breakup. Eret's…he's…" I stop talking, thinking back to when I said Aaron was my one reason to stay alive.

I can't make that mistake again; losing Eret would destroy me.

"It's okay, love. I was there for you, is that what you were trying to say, darling?" He asks me.

I nod.

It's then my dad launches into the typical questions.

"Do you smoke?"

"No, sir. Never have, and never will. I wouldn't want to damage my Becky's lungs."

"Drugs?"

"No, sir. Nothing illegal. I do take an anti-depressant, though."

"Drinking?"

"Rarely, sir."

"Any criminal activity?"

"Sir, I regret to say that I do have a criminal record. I...I used to capture dogs for dog fights. Some friends helped me see what I was doing was wrong and my ex-boss disappeared and he hasn't been seen since. I regret every moment I spent capturing those poor dogs." Eret takes in a shaky breath and I squeeze his hand.

"When I met your daughter, my life changed again, and the only thing I wanted to do was to make her happy. She completes me and the last thing I want to do is hurt her."

"And Eret completes me. He makes me happy. He's been there for me like no one else has." Eret and I look at each other lovingly.

"Eret, do you have a job to support our daughter?"

"I do, sir. I co-own a small bookshop in England with my sister, Amalie. She's Becky's age. I know Becky has her own business, but maybe she'd consider taking it over there someday. After we're married of course. There's a vacant shop next to mine that seems perfect for Becky's baking business." I look at Eret, shocked.

"Are you serious?" I ask.

"I am very serious." I nod.

"Thank you so much! I will definitely consider moving my business to England after we're married." I say.

"You're welcome, and I wouldn't expect anything less, my darling." Eret says, kissing my forehead.

"Wait, wait, wait. You came all the way from England just to see Becky?"

"Yes, ma'am, I did. I couldn't stand the thought of being away from her any longer, so we came as soon as we could."

"Before you make any big plans to move her out there, how did you meet?" My mom asks.

"We – " Eret and I look at each other, having spoken at the same time.

"Sorry." We laugh at each other.

"Will you two lovebirds just tell us already?" Amalie asks. I look at Eret, and he nods.

"We met on June 13, 2014 at the How to Train Your Dragon 2 premiere, and we've been in love ever since. It wasn't really love at first sight, but through the many Skype calls and texts, we grew to like and eventually love each other." Eret says.

"I always thought that when I met my true love, it would be love at first sight and we'd fall in love immediately. But our love for each other didn't happen overnight. It took time." I say, looking at Eret.

"Beautifully put, love." Eret tells me.

"So, wait. You were with Eret and Aaron at the same time?" My mom asks.

"No, Mom." I start, but am unable to come up with my next sentence. Eret finishes my thought for me.

"We decided to take a break, ma'am. I was okay with her seeing other people. But if I'd known she'd end up with emotional scars, I never would have let her."

"We are having a family get-together in a couple of weeks for a combined Mother's and Father's Day. Would it be too soon for you all to join us?" My mom asks.

Eret's parents look at each other.

"Of course it wouldn't be too soon. We'd love to meet the rest of Becky's family." Ruby says.

"Now, there is the thing about me and her. Now, she and I both agree to wait until marriage to...well, you know. But I was thinking and hoping, as this is our first time seeing each other in person in almost five years, that I could stay with her tonight. My parents and I are planning on buying the house down the street."

"If the both of you promise all you'll do is sleep."

"We promise." Eret and I say.

"All right. Eret, you can stay. But what about your parents and sister?" My mom asks.

"We've planned for that, ma'am. We have an air mattress for my parents, and I've always been comfortable on the couch." Amalie says.

"You're all okay with this?" My mom asks. Eret's parents and sister nod.

"All right."

That night, my dad goes to his room, my mom to hers, Eret's parents to the craft room with the staircase next to it, and Amalie stays in the living room, and Eret and I go upstairs to my room.

Eret goes into the bathroom, so I take that opportunity to get ready for bed: take my pills and put my pajamas on.

Eret soon comes out of the bathroom; I go in, go to the bathroom and brush my teeth.

Afterwards, I head back into my room, and Eret is waiting for me.

"I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

"Me, too."

We go to bed, me cradled in Eret's arms, and sleep soon overtakes us.

~.~

At church a few days later, I finally pluck up the courage, with Eret encouraging me, to get baptized.

Eret is there to hug me and congratulate me after it's done, my mom in tears, happy that I finally did it.

Her tears were the reason I put it off for so long, but Eret being there with me finally gave me the courage I needed to do it.

A couple weeks later, we head over to my grandparents for lunch, my hand encased in Eret's the entire way there.

"You nervous about meeting the rest of my family?" I ask Eret.

"A bit. But I know that you'll be by my side the entire time. Becky, do you think you could be a little bit more social?" Eret asks me. I raise my eyebrow at him, but then sigh.

"Only for you, Eret. Only for you."

"That's fine by me, darling."

We soon approach the house, and I can feel Eret's pulse quickening under my hand. We let my parents, along with Amalie and Eret's parents, go ahead of us.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine...just nervous. What if they don't like me?"

"They will, I'm sure of it. I'm also grateful I'm not bringing over a girl. I don't think they'd be too happy about that. Eret, just be yourself. I'm sure they'll love you."

"Okay. I'm ready."

"Let's go then."

We head into the house, both equally nervous.

"Would you like to meet my grandma?"

"Well, I've got to start somewhere, and by what you've told me, I'm sure she'll love me."

"That's the spirit."

We go over to my grandma and I hug her, while Eret kneels in front of her.

"It's so nice to meet you, ma'am. Becky's told me so much about you. My name is Eret."

"Well, hi, there, Eret. Becky, is he a friend of yours?"

"He's more than that. He's my boyfriend."

"Really?"

"Really. We've been together almost 5 years now."

"Eret, you better take care of my special angel."

"I will, ma'am. You have my word."

"Well, good. It's not quite time to eat yet, but you're welcome to go introduce yourself to the rest of the family."

"I will certainly do that, ma'am. It was nice talking to you."

"You, too, Eret."

Eret and I head into the kitchen, where we my aunt, along with my uncle and cousin. My other aunt and uncle and cousins haven't arrived yet.

He introduces himself while my cousin pulls me aside.

"I never thought you'd be bringing a boy here before me, Becky. Is this the guy who dumped you?"

"No. This guy is different, much different. Better. We actually reconnected a couple of weeks ago. Showed up at our door unexpectedly with his sister and parents. And I didn't think I'd be bringing a boy home before you either. But, like I said, Eret just showed up, and I'm sure as heck ain't letting him go again. I haven't seen him for almost five years."

"How have you been keeping in contact?"

"Skype calls. Texting. Calling. We took a break when we needed to. But he's the one. The actual one."

"How have I not heard about him?"

"We wanted to keep it secret until we knew for sure we were meant to be together."

"So, he's your true love?"

"He sure is. Even though we haven't been together for that long, we feel like we've known each other forever, and it also feels like we just met, you know?"

"When's the wedding?"

"He hasn't proposed...yet...but we know for sure October 8th is when we want to get married."

"Cause of your parents and our grandparents?"

"Yeah."

"How did you two meet?"

"We met at the premiere of How To Train Your Dragon 2. It wasn't love at first sight, which is what I expected true love to be. Our love for each other had to develop and grow."

"Beautifully put, my love."

"Thank you."

"So, the wedding?" My cousin asks.

"We haven't thought out all the details yet, but I do know for sure I want Eret's sister and my sister to be co-maid/matron of honor. And I also want my two friends Vanessa and Christy to be bridesmaids. Five seems like a good number, don't you think?" I ask Eret, winking at him.

"That seems like a perfect number, love. But who will be your fifth bridesmaid?" Eret asks, getting the hint.

"Hanna, will you be one of my bridesmaids?" I ask my cousin. Neither of us has ever been picked to be a bridesmaid in the three weddings this family has had, along with the fourth that's happening in August, and I told Hanna I'd let her be a bridesmaid in my wedding if I were to ever get married.

"Of course I will! Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome!" Hanna and I hug and I approach Eret.

"It's not too soon to be talking about all of that, is it, Eret? I mean, you haven't even proposed yet."

"I may have snagged the ring your mother gave you as a present and have it in its box. I hope that's not too much pressure on you, darling. My sister will be filming the proposal."

"Wait, you're planning on proposing to me in front of my family? I wouldn't say no, of course."

"It's too much pressure, isn't it?"

"A little bit, yeah."

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking. I won't propose today."

"Eret, please. Do propose. I'll say yes. I want my family to know how much I love you. And how much you love me."

"Really? You'll let me propose to you? Today? In front of your family?"

"Yes to all of those questions."

"Fantastic!"

"Just be sure to surprise me."

"I'll do my best."

The rest of the family soon shows up and we eat, me actually eating something at my grandparents. I'm not too fond of eating in front of people, even family, but I do eat today, and I even come out from my usual spot in the kitchen to be with my and Eret's families.

We soon finish eating, and after dessert of my cousin's cake that she made, Eret brings me to the front of the living room. Amalie takes out her phone.

"May I please have everyone's attention? I know that this is my first time meeting all of you, and I'm hoping I made a good impression, because..." Eret kneels in front of me.

"Becky, my darling, my love, my everything. From the day we met, I knew you were the one. You are my one true love, and will you please make me the happiest man alive by answering this question? Will you marry me?" Tears start to form in my eyes as I nod.

"Yes! Yes, Eret, of course I'll marry you!" Eret and I kiss as everyone applauds.

"Did I do okay?" Eret asks me.

"You did perfectly, Eret."