Disclaimer: I don't own anything 'In A Heartbeat' related whatsoever. I only own the story, and the characters that I made up.
A/N: The last time I updated was a very long time ago. There's no excuse for the long delay, and I'm really sorry. I understand if you don't even want to read this anymore. Nonetheless, I want to finish this no matter how long it would take me. I made a pledge a long time ago with other writers here, and we swore to write IAHB fan fiction even if it's canceled. If you're still reading this, thank you for bearing with me. I really appreciate it. In case you have forgotten about the past, just read the previous chapters.
Parent Trap
The General's Daughter
He looked at his surroundings as he turned to her street. He remembered the first time he came across this road. It was dark with sirens blaring in the background. It was a stranger to him. And hauntingly, it was the place where he met General McLemore.
"Hank? Why are we stopping?" Marianne asked. "My house is right there."
"Exactly."
"Is something wrong?"
"Maybe you should just go in alone. I don't want to disturb your old man."
"Hank…" she started.
"What?!?"
"Never mind. I'll see you tomorrow."
Marianne stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut before Hank could say a word. Feeling guilty, Hank ran after her.
"Wait!"
"I don't want to talk to you."
"I forgot to ask you something."
"What?"
"Is your dad home?"
"Why? You're just going to run off anyway?"
"Please just answer the question."
"Yes. My dad is here."
"Good. Let's go."
"Go where?"
"I'm walking you to your door."
"But…"
"Come on."
Before she could say something, Hank grabbed her hand and led her to the door. Without any sign of hesitation, Hank rang the doorbell.
"Mr. McLemore!"
"Hank! What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm calling your dad. I need to give him a piece of my mind."
Suddenly, the door flew open and out comes the general.
"Hank! Thanks for bringing my daughter home safely. Won't you come in?"
"Well, you know what, I'm not afraid of you. Most of the time I might appear to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of you. No way. Not a single bit of fear in my body. I know you hate my guts and that's fine with me, but I'm not going to run away from you. My feet are firmly on the ground. And just so you know, I like your daughter a lot and I care about her. Do you know whom I don't care about? I don't care about you. I don't care what you say or what you think. Especially about me. I'm not going to let you ruin our relationship. No way. You can scare me all you want and make me suffer for all I care, but I will NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY YOU!"
Hank stopped for air and looked at the general. To his surprise, Mr. McLemore had a smirk on his face. 'What? No looks that can kill? No hate stare? No nothing?'
"I see I struck a nerve there. I don't know if I deserved all of that. All I asked is if you wanted to come in."
Hank's right brow rose up.
"Excuse me?" he wheezed.
"Would you like to come in? We were just about to have dinner."
"Are you talking to me?"
"I don't see anyone else that I could possibly be talking to."
Hank looked over at Marianne, who mouthed 'Please stay.'
"Okay."
Hank followed Marianne's father to the dining table. There was a spot on the table that was prepared for an extra person. 'Is that for me?' Hank jolted when someone patted his back.
"Nice speech," Jake said.
"Thanks… I guess."
Hank seated himself beside Marianne. After a short prayer of grace, the five of them proceeded to eat dinner. Although he said that he doesn't care what Marianne's father thinks, Hank continued to eat with proper etiquette.
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After dinner, Hank was called to the patio by the general. He abruptly followed him and the lack of fear that was shown on his face was simply pure acting.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Hank started.
"Don't be. I found it rather amusing. I've never had a person say such unpleasant things about me in less than half a minute."
"Once again, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. It's just that…"
"I knew it was going to happen soon. Most of the time, I don't even expect it. Marianne has had many suitors in the past few years."
"And you're telling me this because…"
"All of them ran away. All of them left them left her hurting. My little girl was heartbroken one too many times."
"What are you saying?"
"…All of them but one exceptional young man. No… He didn't run away. He stood up for her unlike the rest. He didn't give up. Do you know who that man is?"
"Well, Marianne really didn't tell me about her past. I don't see how I could have known about this guy."
"That man is you, Hank."
"Me?"
"You're the one who stood up for her. You're the one whose feet are firmly on the ground. You're the young man I thought I'd never meet in a thousand years."
"Excuse me, sir, but I thought you hated me."
"I thought I did, too, until now. I see the way my daughter talks about you. She likes you a lot. I just want what's best for her."
"Are you saying that all of that was just a test?"
"Well, yes and no. Every time I see Marianne crying, my anger for your likes has gotten higher and higher. When I met you, the first thing that comes to my mind is that you're just another one of them - athletes, quarterbacks, jocks… People who think they can come and go as they please. You certainly fit that stereotype."
"I guess I do."
"I shouldn't have judged you ahead of time. I guess we didn't exactly meet on pleasant terms as you recall."
"I remember. I prayed to God that I'd never see you again, but He had other plans. I'm glad we met again. I guess there are always obstacles to pass when it deals with someone special."
"Well, I'm glad we had this talk. My stint at the school is over now. I won't be back for some time."
"I'll look after Marianne for you, sir."
"You can call me Mr. McLemore."
"Really? I've gotten used to calling you 'sir' and 'General McLemore.'"
"Well, whatever fits you. You're not a bad kid, you know that."
"Thanks. You're not so bad yourself, General."
"Why don't we come inside? I think it's about to pout put here."
"We might as well. I better head home. My dad must be looking for me."
"Hey, take care of yourself, all right?"
"I will. Bye, sir."
"Goodbye, Hank."
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After saying goodbye to the rest of the family, Hank walked out with Marianne.
"Hank, thanks for what you did today. Um, did you mean what you said about me?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Good night, Hank."
"Good night, Marianne. Sweet dreams."
"Only you," she smiled before closing the door.
"I guess dating the general's daughter is not that bad after all," he said to himself before walking to the car.
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That was it for this chapter. I hope you liked it whoever you are. Thanks for still reading this. Your effort is greatly appreciated. Until the next chapter : ) … And like always, I'll be back! ~ Scarlet182
