Chapter 21

After Elisa's shift ended, she went to her parent's house to check on them and to tell them about her new love.

She rang the doorbell and her mom answered the door. "Elisa, this is a nice surprise. Come in."

Elisa made her way to the living room. "Is Dad here?"

"He doesn't get off work for another few minutes," Diane replied. "What's wrong? This sounds important."

Elisa blushed. "Mom, it is. I wanted to tell you both something."

Diane grabbed Elisa's hand. "Sweetheart, tell me now. Your father can know later."

"I've met someone," Elisa said.

Diane put her hand over her mouth. "Really? Tell me all about him."

"I met him at work. He was a transfer and I had to show him the ropes. As time went on, we got to know each other a little bit. Now, we're dating."

Diane hugged Elisa. "I'm so happy for you. Honey, are you sure about this? I know how difficult it's been since Jeff."

"It was but I told Jason about Jeff and he understood where I was coming from. We're taking it one step at a time."

"Elisa, does he know about the gargoyles?" asked Diane.

"I introduced him to the clan a couple of nights ago. At first, it was a shock. He's learning to accept them. It's a lot to process."

"Tell me about it. Leave it to my kid to attract strange company."

Elisa gave her a mocked hurt look.

"Don't give me that. You'll learn when you have children."

Elisa laughed. "Yes, mother."

Diane asked, "Does he have any siblings? What about his parents?"

"Jason has siblings here in New York but I haven't met them yet. As far as his parents, he does not talk about them. I think something tragic happened."

"Oh, dear. We would love to meet him," said Diane.

"Love to meet who?" Peter chimed in. Neither of them noticed his presence.

"Hey, daddy," said Elisa.

"Hey, sweet pea."

Peter walked over to Diane and kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, sweetheart."

"Hello. I was telling Elisa that you and I would love to meet a friend of Elisa's."

"This friend a guy?" asked Peter suspiciously.

"Yes, dad. His name is Jason Conover."

"How long has he been in the picture?" asked Peter.

"Only a couple of months. And yes, he knows about the clan and he's accepted that part of my life," Elisa explained.

"Good. Are you okay about dating after Jeff?" asked Peter.

Peter didn't think he could bear seeing his oldest daughter in that kind of pain again. He hoped this young man would be fit for his daughter.

"I'm fine. As I've explained to mom, Jason and I talked about him. We have an understanding."

"I can't wait to meet him. Don't worry, I'll behave," said Peter.

"Ugh. Please don't embarrass me."

"Sweet pea, I won't embarrass you. I'll just rattle his cage a little."

Elisa rolled her eyes. "Ok, there's no stopping either of you. Oh, can it just be the four of us?"

"Maybe. But Derek wants to bring his date to the house. A girl named Margaret Reed. She's a high school counselor," said Diane.

"How come I didn't know about this?" asked Elisa.

"Perhaps because he wanted to surprise us just like you," Peter answered.

"Haha, very funny. I have to go."

"All right, sweetheart," said Diane.

Elisa hugged her parents. She walked to the door and turned around. "Almost forgot, Vivian would like to see the both of you. So go over to her place sometime."

She winked at them and walked out the door.

Peter kissed Diane on the temple. "Our little girl is going to be fine after all."