Abe and the Amazing Promise

"(Not Just Patience) Love is a Virtue, too!"

Since Huckleberry Larry, Petunia was gone for a training program in the field of filming and theater. When she heard that her adoptive father is starring at a Veggie Tales episode, she decided to cancel the training program to witness her father. Besides, it would end two days later. So she just left earlier than the others.

Petunia was picked up by Pa Grape from the airport. He drove from there to their home. While driving, Pa informed her of what happened the past times.

"Congratulations about the role, by the way, Dad." Petunia said.

"Thanks, sweetheart. And did you know that my cousin would be assigned at Sarah's role?" Pa informed.

"Why?" Petunia asked.

"Your mom's got a phobia in front of the camera, remember? She didn't last there for more than five minutes in the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." Pa sighed.

"Oh, right."

Pa Grape took a turn from his usual route, which struck Petunia strange.

"Dad, why are you turning to this street? This is where the rich guys live." Petunia inquired.

"I have to stop by at Archibald's house to get something. Besides, Larry's house is just across the street. I figured you might want to see him after long months." Pa smiled.

Petunia blushed. She just hates it when her father teases her about her crush about Larry, but it's slightly sweet. Pa halted his car in front of Archibald's house which was a big one. He told Petunia to be back in the car after seven minutes and Petunia nodded in obedience.

This street was wide and the houses are usually big and far apart from another so Petunia had to walk a little distance to reach Larry's house. She was enjoying the scenery, the ecstasy, the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly people. That was until she saw something she didn't dream of.

At a distance, Petunia could see Larry with a female cucumber at Larry's age. The two were chatting and laughing and discussing some matters. On Larry's lawn, three kids were playing and, at one point, "attacked" Larry. Larry fell on the grass, laughing.

"Now, kids, stop that." The female cucumber said.

"But, mom…" the oldest kid whined.

"Go inside and wash up. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. That means you, too, Larry." The
cucumber said.

"Thanks for doing this, honey." Larry smiled.

"Oh, anytime." The woman replied.

They got in the house and Petunia saw no more. She turned her back from Larry's house and headed to Archibald's house. But she thought for a while. She can't go back to her father and her godfather like that. She needed to be alone. Just in time, her cellphone rang and she answered it.

"Hello, Dad?" Petunia said.

"Petunia, let's go. I got the tape from Archibald already." Pa said.

"Um… actually, I figured I needed some space. I'm here at the park. I'll go home after a while." Petunia informed.

"Is Larry with you?"

"No. I'll just be home in a little while. I need some time alone."

"Well… if you say so."

Petunia immediately hung up and sat on a bench at the park. It was a good thing no one was there; otherwise, it would be embarrassing to cry a bit. She didn't really weep. She just let her tears roll down. She just hoped Larry was content living his life with a sweet family. Petunia looked to the sunset as her tears dried up. She could still go on without Larry. But how? It was hard for her to leave the city, and it would be certainly much harder to let Larry go. But she could try.

Meanwhile, Larry drove his car to the studio because he had to get something. On the way, he had to pass by the park. Then, he noticed a redheaded rhubarb sitting on a bench. He was suspicious, and his suspicions were correct.

"Petunia?" Larry asked.

Petunia snapped out of her thoughts, hearing Larry's voice.

"Oh. Hi, Larry." she mumbled.

"What are you doing here?" Larry questioned.

"I just came from Archibald's home. I figured I could sit here for a while. I was just about to leave."

"Let me ride you there." Larry offered.

"That's very kind of you, but…" Petunia said uncomfortably. "I'll just take a cab."

"I'm your friend, Petunia. I could just give you a ride home. It's worth the patience."

"No thanks."

"Come on."

"I'm good."

"Really?"

Petunia sighed. She couldn't take it anymore. "Fine."

She walked to Larry's car and opened the passenger door and hopped in. Larry stepped on the gas and drove. Petunia and Larry kept silent for half of the trip. She felt awkward to talk with Larry about his family. But she couldn't bear it, so she broke the silence.

"So… how old are your kids?" Petunia asked.

"WHAT!"

Larry slammed the brakes in surprise and pulled over to a curb. His eyes were wide with shock as he stared at Petunia.

"What are you talking about?!" Larry asked.

"I-I saw them outside your home. There were three kids on the lawn and you were talking to this woman!" Petunia explained.

"I—"

"I just hoped you found a great family and that you're happy." Petunia sighed.

Larry calmed down a little bit, seeing Petunia upset. He spilled the words to her in a calm way.

"Petunia, that woman was just my sister-in-law." Larry clarified.

Petunia blinked in surprise. "What?"

"She just dropped off my nephew, Harry, to my home because he'd live there now. He's staying with me because he wanted to stay with me and in Tennessee. Mark, his wife and kids, Pepper and Emma, are transferring to the other side of the state."

"But you called her 'honey'." Petunia recalled.

"That was her name: Honey." Larry shrugged.

"Oh."

Now, Petunia was embarrassed about what she thought. She shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and interacted with them. She could've had a little patience.

"Did you actually think that she was my wife? I'm still single!" Larry chuckled.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." Petunia blushed.

"So you learned your lesson in patience. Besides, she wouldn't be my type." Larry said.

"Who would be your type?"

"I prefer not to tell…" Larry fake smiled. My type would be someone like you, Larry thought.

"Did you… happen to think about that because you missed me?" Larry asked.

"That… might be one way to look at it." Petunia reddened.

"Given your case, I think that's the only way to look at it." Larry stated.

"Alright. I admit it. I missed you, Larry."

"I missed you, too."

After that, the couple blushed. They kept on exchanging short glances to each other until Petunia's phone rang.

"Hello?" Petunia answered.

"Petunia, where are you? It's seven in the evening! You should be home by now!" Pa Grape scolded at the other end of the line.

"Dad, let me explain."

"Is Larry with you?"

Petunia sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, he's with me, Dad."

"Are you dating without my permission?!" Pa panicked.

"No! He was just taking me home! I'd be there in a while."

"You'd better be! You have to explain everything to me once you get home, young lady."

"Dad, I'm grown-up. You don't have to worry about me all the time."

"Just go home so we can talk about this?"

"Okay."

"What was that about?" Larry asked after Petunia hung up.

"Dad might set me up with a curfew. We'd better hit the road before he breaks his thorax from screaming." Petunia joked.

"Speaking about dates a while ago… would you mind if you went out with me?" Larry asked nervously as he started the car and drive.

"You're asking me out?" Petunia beamed.

"Well… Yes?" Larry said.

"Sure. I'd love that."

Larry smiled to himself. "What do you know? I guess patience worked out after all."

…

Larry was inside his house now, video chatting with his brother with his nephew, Harry, by his side.

"Hi, Dad!" Harry greeted.

Mark simply nodded. He usually doesn't talk when there are other people around. At that moment, he had guests so he was as quiet as usual.

"Hey, bro." Larry smiled.

Again, Mark nodded.

"Still not talking, huh?" Larry sighed.

"So, Dad, how's it going over there? I can't wait for the weekend." Harry said.

Mark simply shrugged, meaning everything was fine.

"Hey, Uncle Larry, who was that girl you were talking with? Was she your girlfriend?" Harry asked.

"What? NO! She isn't my girlfriend!" Larry defended.

Mark whispered something that only his son can hear.

"Dad says he heard you two are dating." Harry giggled.

"Yeah, okay. We are dating. But how'd you hear about it?" Larry asked.

Harry and Mark looked at each other and tried to hide their laughter. But they can't.

"Ha ha! Uncle Larry and Petunia are in love!" Harry teased.

Mark laughed at his son's comment.

"No, we're not! Patience, Harry! And you think I'm the only one having this dilemma? I thought you said you liked that girl, Katherine, who lives right next to Petunia's house which was also one of the reasons you didn't want to leave Tennessee!" Larry retorted.

Harry reddened and Mark looked at his son slyly.

"Ah! That's nothing!" Harry lied.

"Oh, patience, there, bro. They'll grow up and you'll have grandkids." Larry teased.

"UNCLE LARRY!" Harry protested.

Mark and Larry snickered.

"Not just patience. Love is a virtue, too!" Larry sang.

"Okay! I'm done teasing you! Happy?" Harry said impatiently.

"I know my nephew, don't I, Mark?" Larry smiled.

"You sure do." Mark mouthed.

To help Harry calm down, Mark hummed the "Willing to Wait" Song. Larry joined in singing and, sooner, Harry joined in, too. They were familiar of this song because that was really made by Larry and Mark's mother. And, to this day, they still sang it as a family.

"If you're willing to wait, your work will be great

Be patient and do things right."

"If he's willing to wait, his life will be great

Be patient and Uncle Larry'll spit out the question." Harry teased using the tone of the song.

"That's right, Harry. WAIT." Larry highlighted the word wait.

With this, Mark and Harry laughed. And soon, so did Larry.

I had fun making this story. :))) Review! I hope you liked this!