Chapter 61: The Formal
Thomas was in the cafeteria with his friends as two dogs were setting up a banner for the formal. Most of the whole school had already got their dates, But Thomas wanted to do something special for Tori. Thomas looked down at his food and started eating. "Have you asked Tori yet mate?" Liam asked his friend. Thomas looked at his friend as he swallowed his food. "Not yet, but I will, it just has to be perfect," Thomas said. "I get that," Liam said as he took a drink of his milk. "What about you? Did you ask anyone yet?" Thomas asked. "Nah, I'm probably going alone," Liam replied before going back to his food. Thomas nodded while eating. After lunch they all went to their classes and then at the end of the day Thomas went to his car where Tori was waiting for him. "Hey babe," Thomas said as he kissed his girlfriend. "Hey," Tory said with a smile before kissing him back. They then got into the car and Thomas drove Tori home. After Thomas dropped off Tori, he then went home.
Thomas parked his car and then went inside the house. Thomas went to the kitchen and sat at the counter and started on his homework. "Hey mate! How was school?" Bandit asked now coming into the kitchen to make a shake after he just went for a run. "It was fine…dad?" Thomas asked, looking up from his homework and looked at his dad. "Yes mate?" Bandit asked, looking at his son. "Did you ask mom to the formal?" Thomas asked. "Oh! Is it that time already?" Bandit asked while taking a drink of his shake. "Yeah, I'm actually nervous to ask Tori so I wanted to know how you asked mom,"Thomas asked. "Well… my first formal we didn't go together because she was with your uncle and second… hmm… actually we never went together," Bandit said now thinking about his past. "Did you go with anyone?" Thomas asked as he got up from his stool and went to get some juice. "Well… there was this one girl I went with and I just asked her out mainly to not be lonely," Bandit explained. "Let me guess, you wanted to make mom jealous when she was with uncle Rad and went with this other girl huh?" Thomas asked while taking a drink of his juice. "I! Well.. yeah!" Bandit said, crossing his arms. Thomas chuckled. "Well that got me nowhere," Thomas said before going back to his homework.
"Hey! Do you want some real dad advice?" Bandit said, leaning on the counter. "Alright dad, what advice do you have?" Thomas said, putting down his pencil. "Just do what you feel is right mate, trust your heart," Bandit said with a soft smile. "Now you sound like Chilli," Thomas said with a chuckle. "Hey! I do take her advice too," Bandit said, raising his eyebrow. "Dad?" Thomas asked, looking at his dad. "Yes mate?" Bandit asked. Thomas looked down before asking. "Did love change for you? After you and mom were divorced? And then getting married to Chilli?" Thomas asked. "After what happened with your mum and I, it was very painful for me and then I met Chilli everything started to heal," Bandit explained. "Oh," Thomas said again looking down. "I still had lots of love for your mum mate and I know it was super hard for you and for all of us," Bandit explained. "I wouldn't change anything though," Thomas said looking at his dad. Bandit was surprised by this. "You wouldn't?" Bandit asked. "I wouldn't have my sister's today if it didn't happen, I do miss everything that you and mom had but, Bluey and Bingo are everything to me," Thomas said with a soft smile. Bandit smiled as he rubbed the top of his son's head. "You're a good brother mate," Bandit said with a smile.
Thomas smiled before going back at his homework. "Your mum should be home with the girls soon, I'm gonna jump in the shower real quick and then start dinner," Bandit said looking at his son. "Sounds good dad, I'll be here eating this banana," Thomas said, reaching for the fruit. "Great! Don't get too full mate! I'm making spaghetti with meatballs," Bandit said as he walked towards his bedroom. Thomas chuckled while eating his banana and continuing his homework. After awhile Bandit had showered and dried his fur and came out to the kitchen to start dinner. Thomas had finished his homework and was watching tv while his dad started dinner. "Do you need help, old man?" Thomas asked with a chuckle. "Sure mate!" Bandit said happily while looking at his son. Thomas smiled and turned off the TV and started to help his father with dinner.
Chilli then walked in with the girls with some groceries. "Is that you babe?" Bandit called from the kitchen. "It is! Is that the spaghetti and meatballs I smell?" Chilli while going upstairs. "It certainly is mom," Thomas said while still helping cook. "My two boys are cooking for the ladies," Chilli said with a smile before giving her husband a kiss and then a kiss to her son on his head. "We sure are," Bandit said with loving eyes to his wife. "Mom, can I ask you something?" Thomas asked while Chilli was putting the groceries away. "Of course you can, sweetie! Lay it on me," Chilli said with a smile. "In high school did anyone ask you to the formal?" Thomas asked while placing the garlic bread on the pan.
"Yes! As a matter of fact my high school sweetheart actually gave me a formal proposal," Chilli explained, now sitting at the counter. Thomas then placed the garlic bread in the oven and turned on his timer. "Oh yeah? How did that go?" Thomas asked, looking at his stepmom. "Will he drove me to the beach and had rose petals laid out in a shape of a heart and then got down on one knee with a poster in his hands and asked me that way, I know it's something out of a movie but it was sweet," Chilli explained. "Wow, that must have been nice," Thomas said, now sitting next to Chilli. "Oh! Are you going to ask Tori to the formal?" Chilli asked, looking at her son with glee in her eyes. "I-I um yes?" Thomas answered looking back at Chilli. The girls then squealed from behind them. "we have to get you ready for the big night!" Bluey said, wagging her tail. "Yes! Have to pick out your tuxedo!" Bingo also wagged her tail. "And get your corsage to give to Tori," Chilli said, joining in on the fun.
"Oh no you don't!" Bandit said, looking at his family. "Hey! What's the big idea!" Bluey said glaring at her father. "Yeah!" Bingo added "this should be good," Chilli said crossing her arms. "Since the day he was born I've wanted to have him experience a formal here in Australia because his mum went to one and I went to one it wasn't with her but that's despite the point. I want to give him the proper things for his first formal! Father and son!" Bandit pleaded his case. "But!" Bluey started to say until Chilli chimed in. "Fair point," Chilli said, uncrossing her arms. "What?!" Both girls said while looking at their mother. "Listen up kids I know you want to help your brother but dad has a point," Chilii said looking at her daughters. "He does?" Bluey asked, still confused. Chilli nodded in response. "Listen mate, This is something I really wanted to do with him since he was a little ankle biter just like yourselves," Bandit explained. "And when's your time to get ready for the formal I will help you two get ready," Chilli further explained.
"You will?" Bingo asked looking at her mother, "Will you make us look like Princesses?" Bluey asked her mother while wagging her tail. Chilli chuckled with a nod. "I will make you two very beautiful," Chilli said before hugging them tightly. Thomas smiled upon seeing his family happy. "But, dad?" Thomas said, looking at his father. "Yes mate?" Bandit said, now looking at his son. "What would be the perfect formal proposal?" Thomas asked, looking his father in the eye. "Well, what does Tori like mate?" Bandit asked, giving his son his full attention. "She does like flowers roses to be exact," Thomas answered. "Did you ever give mom or Chilli anything special for dates?" Thomas asked again, looking at his dad. "Say no more son! I was all over presents when the time was right!" Bandit said proudly.
"Then name it dad," Thomas said now intrigued by hearing what his father would say. "Before you say anything, let's clarify what you're about to say," Chilli said looking at her husband. "You see sweetheart you dad had a hard time… well… expressing himself of how he felt to impress me," Chilli said looking at her son. " I beg your pardon?" Bandit said, looking at his wife. Bluey and Bingo started giggling. "Can it big guy," Chilli said before continuing. "Your dad would do things that he had already done for you mum," Chilli explained. "Hey! How do you know that?" Bandit asked, looking at his wife. "Emily and I had many talks about you than you think," Chilli said with a sly look. "L-Like what?" Bandit asked nervously. "Good things don't worry," Chilli said, winking at her husband. Bandit then let out a breath of relief. "Anyways, your mum didn't have any hard feelings with your dad doing the same things, he would do to impress her with dates or things like that," Chilli explained. "When he first invited me over to his apartment for dinner, he told me he didn't know what to make since your mum taught him how to make most of the things she knew," Chilli further explained. "Dad didn't know how to cook?" Bluey asked. "I did too!" Bandit protested. "He did sweetheart, he was just fresh out of that chapter of his life. He also knew how to cook from Nana but there are some things you just don't forget," Chilli explained to her oldest daughter.
"Anyways, don't be scared to take your dad's advice on these things. I know he probably had a great idea for you," Chilli said again with a wink to her husband. Bandit smiled at that before looking at his son. "Alright mate, here's what you do," Bandit said as he started to explain what his son could do to ask Tori to the formal. After dinner, Thomas was helping clean up and out the leftovers away for his parents and doing the dishes and helping run it. "Hey mate?" Bandit said, looking at his son. "Yeah dad?" Thomas said, looking at his dad while loading the dishes in the dishwasher. "Thanks for making dinner with me, it was really nice," Bandit said with a smile. "Your welcome dad," Thomas said with a smile. Bandit looked at his son and then hugged him tightly. Thomas was taken by surprise and hugged his father back. They both then wagged their tails as they hugged. Bandit then lets go of his son and looks at him with a tear in his eye. "What's wrong dad?" Thomas said, tilting his head to the left. Bandit sniffed and wiped his tears away from his eye.
"Sorry mate, it's just my little boy is going to the formal and then soon next year you'll graduate," Bandit said looking at his son with ears folded down. Thomas then placed his hand on his fathers shoulder. "I'll always be your little boy dad and I'm not going anywhere," Thomas said with a soft smile. Bandit started to perk up with a smile and then again hugged his son. Thomas then hugged his dad once more before breaking the hug. "Can I finish the dishwasher?" Thomas asked with a chuckle. "It's okay mate I got it you can go do whatever you teenagers do nowadays," Bandit said with another smile as he started to do the dishwasher. "Alright dad thanks," Thomas said as he patted his dad on the back and then went to his room. Bandit was wagging his tail while doing the dishwasher.
The next morning, Thomas got up and started to research the best places to do his formal proposal. Thomas then found the best place to do it at. "The Wheel of Brisbane is a great place!" Thomas thought in his head. Thomas then shut his laptop and then went downstairs to join his family for breakfast. Chilli had made breakfast which was french toast with bacon. Thomas sat down at the table eager to tell his parents where he was going to tell Tori his formal proposal. "You seem excited sweetheart, What's the rush?" Chilli asked while serving the french toast and bacon at the table. "Is dad awake?" Thomas asked, feeling hyper at telling his father what his plans were. "He's taking a run and will be back in a few minutes," Chilli said now sitting with her family. "You seem to be jumping Thomas, are you sure you're okay?" Bluey asked her brother while looking at him. "Yeah, did you eat too much sugar," Bingo added. Thomas was about to say what his been holding in just until his father walk into the house.
"Dad!" Thomas said while getting out from his chair and raced to see his dad. "Hey mate I was just-" Bandit said just as Thomas almost tackled him. "I know the perfect place to ask Tori!" Thomas said with a wide smile. "O-oh yeah?" Bandit while being confused at his son telling him. "The Wheel of Brisbane!" Thomas said rather loudly. Bandit then formed a smile. "That's perfect!" Bandit said, now wagging his tail. "That's a great place!" Chilli added. "I better get things ready for tonight," Thomas said about getting ready to go out the door. "You're not going to eat breakfast mate?" Bandit asked, looking at his son. "Oh yeah!" Thomas said as he started to go back to the table in the dining room. After breakfast was finished Thomas quickly cleaned up his plate and then went out the door. "Mum, is Thomas okay?" Bluey asked, looking at her mother. "Yes sweetheart he is, he's just well… In love," Chilli said, realizing her step son is in fact in love. "Really?" Bingo asked, also looking at her mother. "Just like his father," Chilli said, looking at her husband as he was washing the dishes. Thomas rushed to his car and drove off to the nearest flower shop.
Tori was playing with her little brother Ronnie in her room. "Tori?" Ronnie asked, looking at his sister. "Yes?" Tori said looking at her little brother. "Have you talked to Thomas lately?" Ronnie asked. "Well I did see him at school," Tori said with a warm smile. "C-Can you ask him I-If I can play with his sisters again?" Ronnie asked looking down from his sister. "Yeah! I can ask him," Tori said as she placed her hand on her brother's shoulder. Ronnie then started to wag his tail with a small smile. Tori's phone then rang, Tori then looked at her phone and saw that it was Thomas. Tori smiled and then picked up her phone and answered it. "Hello babe," Tori said, now laying down on her bed. "Hey babe! What are you doing tonight?" Thomas asked nervously while sitting down on the hood of his car. "Nothing really, why?" Tori asked with a light chuckle. "Can I pick you up for some ice cream?" Thomas asked, looking up at the sky. "Sounds good, what time?" Tori asked while staring at her ceiling. "How about six thirty?" Thomas asked, now getting off his car.
"That sounds like a plan," Tori said, now getting up off her bed. "Great I will see you then," Thomas said, now walking around his car. "Sounds good babe, oh Ronnie wants to know if he could set up another play date with your sisters," Tori said as she walked out of her room. "Done! They have been asking about him non stop since the last time they've seen him," Thomas said with a chuckle. "Great, I will see you in a few hours," Tori said with a smile. "Great see you then," Thomas said before hanging up the phone. Tori then hung up the phone and then went to her brother's room. "Thomas said that he will set up a new playdate for you and his sisters," Tori said with a smile while looking into her brother's room. "Really?!" Ronnie said wagging while looking at his sister. Tori nodded as Ronnie then stood up and hugged his sister. Tori wagged her tail hugging him back.
Later that day Bandit was in his study getting some work done, when Chilli walked into the study with a basket of laundry. "Have you heard from Thomas since this morning?" Chilli asked, looking at her husband. "Well…" Bandit said as he looked at his phone seeing no text or call from his son. "No actually," Bandit said looking at his wife. "Have you?" Bandit asked with a little concern in his voice. Chilli chuckled as she shook her head before she walked into the study placing down the basket of laundry. Chilli then kissed her husband and looked at him while he was wearing his reading glasses.
"These reading glasses that Dr. Dingo recommendations are really making you look hot babe," Chilli said with a smile while playfully rubbing the side of her husband's head. "Yeah but it makes me look old," Bandit said looking down. "Aww I think it's cute," Chilli said, kissing his head before picking up the laundry basket. "So you have heard from Thomas?" Bandit asked, a little worried. "No, but I think he's on a mission at the moment," Chilli said while going downstairs. Bandit was about to text his son about where he was since he was gone since breakfast but Thomas beat him to it.
Thomas: Hey dad I'll be home after dinner don't wait for me, I have something really special for Tori to ask her for the formal.
(Texting)
Bandit: okay mate, don't stay out too late.
…..
Thomas: I won't dad, I promise.
…..
Bandit: Okay mate, I love you.
…
Thomas: Love you too.
Thomas then puts his phone away with a smile and just waits by his car as the sun starts to set. Soon Thomas then got into his car and drove to Tori's house. Tori had just finished dinner with her family and had let her parents that she was going out with Thomas to get some ice cream. "Has he asked the formal yet?" Tori's mother asked, crossing her arms with a smile. "Not yet, I'm actually nervous, maybe this is it," Tori said looking at her mother. "Well if he asks we will… have a girls day getting your ready and make sure that you look your very best," Tori's mother said with a smile as she brushed her daughters hair out of her eyes. "T-Tori Thomas just pulled up," Ronnie said looking out the window. "Okay! Thank you Ronnie," Tori said with a smile. "Have fun, be safe and don't be nervous," Tori's mother said with a smile before giving her daughter. "Thanks mum;" Tori said, giving her a hug before going out the door.
Thomas quickly got out of his car and helped Tori into his car. "What a gentleman," Tori said with a smile. "Anything for you my lady," Thomas said as he closed her door and then got on the driver's side of the car. "Ice cream?" Thomas asked as he pushed to start his car. "Yeah! I've been having a sweet tooth lately." Tori said as she buckled up. "Sounds good," Thomas said as he pulled away from Tori's house. It was long for the ride to the ice cream shop as Thomas parked his car and the two went and grabbed some ice cream. The two then took a walk towards the wheel of Brisbane, where a dog working the wheel was holding a very large bouquet of roses. "Oh! Are these for me?" Tori asked surprised by them. "They are," Thomas said with a smile while eating his ice cream. Tori then took and smelled them. "They're so fresh too," Tori said with a smile. "Have a seat," Thomas said, helping her inside the wheel. "Thank you," Tori said getting inside. Thomas then got in as soon as she sat down.
The ride then started to go up and then stopped to let others on the ride. "Roses ice cream and this wonderful monument? What are you planning, Thomas Heeler?" Tori asked while blushing at his thoughtfulness. "You'll see," Thomas said while keeping his eyes on her. Tori chuckled while still blushing hard. The ride then went up again and then stopped at the top. Thomas and Tori were now on the top of Australia. "Tori?" Thomas asked, still keeping his eyes on her. "Yes?" Tori said, looking back at him. Suddenly the sky lit up with drones that spelled out. "Will You Go To The Formal With Me?" Tori gasped upon seeing it and then looked at Thomas before hugging him with tears "yes! I will!" Tori said, crying. Thomas hugged her back and then kissed the side of her head. Unfortunately only one drone went down from the battery being low. "Uh that wasn't supposed to happen," Thomas said nervously. Tori started laughing before kissing him and holding him.
They got back down to the ground and took lots of pictures and posted them. After everything was done Thomas took Tori home and walked her up to her porch. Thomas held her hand the whole time and looked at her. "Thank you, for this wonderful night, your a great dog Thomas," Tori said as she kissed him on his cheek. Thomas blushed with a smile. "Good night Thomas," Tori said with a smile. "Good night Tori," Thomas said as he let her go. Thomas then goes home with a wide smile on his face. Thomas then parked his car by the house and goes inside. "Thomas Heeler! You cheeky dog," Bandit said looking at his son. "D-Dad!" Thomas said surprised. Bandit having a wide smile on his face, stood up and quickly hugged his son tightly. "Chilli and I are beyond proud of you! And I know your mum is too!" Bandit said, now looking at his son.
"You saw the pictures, didn't you?" Thomas asked with a chuckle. Bandit nodded "I'm proud of you mate," Bandit said while holding his son's shoulders. "I learned from the best dad," Thomas said looking his father in the eyes, Bandit started to tear up and then hugged his son once more. "Now when is the formal?" Bandit asked. "This Friday," Thomas said looking at his father. "Then this week we will get you ready," Bandit said with a smile. "Thanks dad," Thomas said with a smile and a nod. "Did you eat mate? We did save you a plate," Bandit said. "I did, but how can I refuse yours and mom's cooking," Thomas said with a smile. "That's my boy," Bandit said as he ruffled his son's hair.
Thomas went up to the kitchen with his dad and grabbed the plate that was in the oven to keep warm. Bandit and Chilli had made Slow cooked lamb casserole with rice. One of Thomas's favorites when he was a kid growing up when Bandit was at home with Emily. Thomas sat down at the table and started eating. "Just like you remember mate?" Bandit asked while sitting at the table with his son. "Yeah, even better than I remember, I mean since it's coming from you and Chilli, mom made it a couple times after the divorce but I always missed it when you made your Australian dishes," Thomas explained while looking at his dad before continuing to eat. "I know mate, I know," Bandit said softly while looking down.
"Can I help Daddy?" Thomas asked
(Flashback)
"Sure mate!" Bandit said with a smile as he was cooking. "Yay! What are we making mate?" Thomas said, still trying his fathers accent. "Right-o! We're making your mum dinner and we are making Sweet and Savory sausage Curry!" Bandit said, wagging his tail. "That sounds so good!" Thomas said, also wagging his tail. "It's very good! You're Nana made it when I was a kid mate and I never forgot how to make it," Bandit said as he started to show his son how to make this meal from his homeland. Bandit and Thomas shared laughs and had fun while making the Aussie dish. "Do you think mom will like it?" Thomas asked while looking up at his dad. "She'll love it mate it was one of her favourite dishes that Nana made," Bandit said as he rubbed the top of his son's head. Not long after making the Curry, Emily had walked into the apartment.
"It smells so good in here," Emily said, placing her purse down on the couch. "Dad and I made Curry!" Thomas said as he went up to his mother and hugged her. "Oh! I hope it's Nana's Curry?" Emily said with a smile. "It sure is babe," Bandit said while washing his hands. Emily then walked up behind her husband and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for making dinner," Emily whispered to him. Bandit blushed and looked her in the eye," Your welcome babe," Bandit said, giving her loving eyes. "How did it go with work?" Bandit asked, now drying his hands. Emily then lost her smile and started to tear up. "Babe what's wrong?" Bandit asked now holding her while Thomas was busy setting the table for his parents. "I got fired Bandit," Emily whispered to her husband trying not to cry in front of their son. "Em, I'm sorry," Bandit said as he held her close to him. "Bandit, what are we going to do? Christmas is really close and…" Emily said, burning her face into his shoulders. "We'll figure it out Em, we always do," Bandit said softly while rubbing her back. "I set the table!" Thomas said while wagging his tail. Bandit and Emily both looked at their son and smiled. Emily wiped her tears away still with her smile. "Great job kid! You did so good!" Emily said, now coming over to the table to see her son's hard work.
Bandit with a caring smile brought over the food and placed it down at the table. Thomas sat in between his parents and looked at them happily. "Daddy?" Thomas said, looking at his father. "Yes mate?" Bandit said, looking at his son with a warm smile. "Can we make mommy dinner every night?" Thomas said, still looking at his father. Bandit placed his hand on his son's and and smiled at him. "Of course we can," Bandit said before looking at his wife who also placed her hand on her son's hand. "I would like that very much baby," Emily said as she kissed the top of her son's head. "Let's eat!" Thomas said happily. "Yes! Lets!" Emily said as she started to serve her family. Bandit looked at his beautiful family and smiled. Nothing in this whole world would ever make the Blue Heeler father love his family anyless. He Cherished and wanted to give them the world and when the time was right, he would give Emily another baby someday.
(End of Flashback)
Thomas finished eating and stood up and washed his plate before putting it in the dishwasher. "Dad?" Thomas said, looking at his father. "Yes mate?" Bandit said, looking at his son now out of his thoughts. "Thanks for saving me dinner," Thomas said with a warm smile. "Anytime mate you know I will always make you a home cooked meal," Bandit replied with a smile. Thomas yawned and stretched. "I'm gonna go to bed dad," Thomas said, still stretching. "Alright mate goodnight," Bandit said as he also stood up and stretched. Thomas nodded and then went to his room and went to bed. Bandit smiled and took a deep breath before he also went to bed with his wife.
(Day of the Formal)
Thomas was getting his tuxedo on and trying to get it just right. Thomas and his dad had a few options but they both felt that this one was the right one. "Alright mate, do you have everything?" Bandit asked his son. "Yeah I have everything," Thomas said looking at his dad. "Never the credit card that uncle Prince sent you?" Bandit asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms. "Yes dad, even though you never let me spend anything on it," Thomas said with a chuckle. "Well a twenty thousand credit limit is a high one mate, and I know your Uncle mate I've known him since I was your age, but tonight's special, you need to take her out to a nice place before the formal and have a great time their mate," Bandit said while fixing his son's tie. "Perfect! Now let's go show your mum and the girls," Bandit said with a smile. Thomas nodded and then followed his father out of his room.
"Wackadoo! You look so handsome!" Chilli said looking at her stepson. The girls Squealed with excitement as they jumped up and down while wagging their tails. "He looks like a prince!" Bluey said while wagging her tail still. "Can we take a picture for Bob Bibly?" Bingo asked as she looked at her mother. "Yes, we can!" Chilli said as she grabbed the Camera and took a picture. Chilli then took another one for her and Bandit. Chilli then started to tear up and she lowered the camera. "Mom?" Thomas asked as he walked up to her. Chilli looked down as Thomas held her hands. "Mom, what's wrong?" Thomas asked, making Chilli look at him. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I was just… I was just thinking I watched you grow up in front of my eyes and you're so grown up," Chilli said as she hugged his son tightly. Thomas hugged her back while rubbing her back. "I love you mom, Thank you so much for stepping in for my mom now that she's not here, You're doing great raising me like she would," Thomas said softly while rubbing her back. Chilli started to cry softly before letting him go. "Have fun tonight okay?" Chilli said with a smile as she rubbed his arms.
Thomas nodded before kissing the top of her head. Thomas then turned to his sisters. "Give me a hug, fur balls!" Thomas said as they both hugged him. "Don't turn into a pumpkin before midnight!" Bingo said with a laugh. Everyone laughed at that. "Not tonight little sister," Thomas said as he kissed both their heads. "Alright I have to go," Thomas said as he stood up. The family then waved at Thomas as he drove off. Thomas parked up at Tori's house. Thomas nervously let out a breath and then walked up to his girlfriend's house and knocked on the door. Tori's father, who was a dark red Heeler with a clipped ear, opened the door and smiled at Thomas. "You must be Thomas! Come on in" Tori's father said, still smiling. "Thank you sir," Thomas said walking into the house. "Tori said you were American, where are you from?" Tori's father asked, "California originally," Thomas answered with a confident smile. "Really? And your dads Australian?" Tori's father wanted to know more about the boy his daughter was dating.
"Yeah! He was born and raised here!" Thomas said with confidence. "Daddy don't scare him,'' Tori said from the top of the stairs. Thomas and her father looked at her and Thomas was speechless. Tori smiled at her boyfriend and walked down the stairs. She was in a light blue dress that brightened her eyes. "H-hi!" Thomas said still unable to talk. "Ah! I love this kid! I was the same way when I saw her mother!" Tori's father shouted while smiling. "John don't you dare scare that boy away," Tori's mother said, coming down the stairs with a camera. "Come on kids, let's get some pictures!" Tori's mother said with a smile. "Do you have it right Celine?" John asked making sure the camera was on. "John I literally work with you on many photography trips," Celine said looking at her husband. John chuckled and kissed his wife on the cheek.
Celine rolled her eyes and then took mainly pictures of Thomas and Tori. Thomas then noticed that Ronnie was watching from behind his parents smiling and seeing his sister glow. "Can we get one with Ronnie?" Thomas asked her parents. "Great idea!" Celine said as she looked at her young son. "Come on Ronnie, let's get some pictures!" Tori said, holding out her arms. Ronnie smiled, wagging his tail. "C-can I?" Ronnie asked, still wagging his tail. "Yeah come on mate," Thomas said with a perfect accent. Ronnie then ran on the opportunity and jumped into his sister's arms. John and Celine laugh before taking more pictures with the kids and they even took silly pictures to make Ronnie comfortable.
Thomas and Tori were off to Thomas's car where they would head off to the restaurant before the formal. "What's the restaurant that you're going to?" John asked as Thomas helped his girlfriend in his car. "The La Vue on the waterfront," Thomas said "fancy! We'll have fun kid and please take care of my daughter," John asked as he handed out his hand for a handshake. "You have my word sir," Thomas said as he shook his hand firmly. John nodded and then let go of his hand. "He's a keeper, Tori! I know when I see one," John said looking at his daughter. "Daddy!" Tori said embarrassed. "John in the house!" Celine said strictly. John waved goodbye as Thomas got in the car. They then drove off to the restaurant. Now at the restaurant they were on the waterfront getting ready to eat their meal.
"How did you get us in here?" Tori asked, still in awe of being in a fancy restaurant. "Well… I had some help," Thomas said with a chuckle. "Let me guess? Superstar quarterback Prince Huskin?" Tori asked with a chuckle. "Yeah you got it right," Thomas said with a laugh. "But it sure is romantic," Tori said as she held her boyfriend's hand. "Yeah," Thomas said with a smile. After they ate their meal at the restaurant it was time to go to the formal. When they showed up along with everyone else in limos. They entered the beautiful arch's entrance and started to dance with everyone. Thomas and Tori met up with their friends and chatted with them sharing what seemed the best of their lives. Even Zach had a date with him. Thomas and Tori got their formal pictures and even shared some pictures with their friends.
It was getting close to the end of the night and there was one last dance to have the ending of a slow dance. Thomas and Tori held each other while slowing dancing; they stared at each other while Tori had her hands around Thomas's neck. Within the light that they were in, Thomas's eyes shifted making his eye color glow for a moment. Tori smiled as she rested her head on his chest. Thomas held her as they danced in the middle of the room. It felt like no one was in the room with them as they danced. Thomas felt safe with her and know he loved her very much. Tori then looked up at him looking him in the eyes and then softly kissed him. Thomas returned the affection and then they continued dance with each other. The moment felt like it was forever and in that moment Thomas knew what his dad meant when he told his son when true love hits you it changes you for the better…
Kodiwolf321 A/N: Guys… there are a lot of things to unpack here, and I have to step back many times trying to create this chapter, the flashback was the biggest moment where I had to step back and breathe only because it hits so hard to where I grow up in and I'm getting emotional writing this now but this was all worth wait and I can't wait for you to see the next eight chapters that finally come together for Sad Faces. Thank you guys for reading this. It means so much to me that you are and you have no idea how it feels for me. If you guys want more content from me you can follow me on Instagram at Kodiwolf321 and we can have a conversation and see me go live and chat! Thanks again, guys! Have a good night and or day!
Chapter 62: Bob's Birthday
Chapter 63: Anniversary
Chapter 64: Movie Night
Chapter 65: Sleepover
Chapter 66: Hope We Meet Again
Chapter 67: Surfers Paradise
Chapter 68: The Wedding
Chapter 69: This Is Us.
Chapter 70: Stay With Me