Chapter 2

After they had admitted their feelings towards one another, Paige and Walter were at a loss as to how to proceed, in fact they (particularly Walter) felt a little awkward and nervous about the situation they now found themselves in.

"Umm, I'll be back in a minute, I just have to make sure that Ralph is ready for bed"

"I can come with you if you want?"

"Ok"

Paige then led Walter to Ralph's room and knocked on the door before walking inside to find Ralph sat at his desk, working on his math problems.

"Ralph, put the pencil down and get into bed, you need to sleep" said Paige

"But I haven't finished the problem"

"You're mom's right buddy, sleep is important, it helps you to function properly throughout the day as well as contributing to your mental and physical well being".

"Ok"

"Good, have you brushed your teeth?"

"No"

"Then go do that now please"

"Yes mom"

Ralph left the room, leaving Paige and Walter alone in there, the former then shut the curtains and put away any of the toys that were out.

"If you want to come to the garage a little earlier tomorrow, then we'll all be around to help Ralph with his homework if he gets stuck".

"Thanks, I might just do that"

A few minutes later, after putting Ralph to bed, Paige and Walter were sat in the living room on the couch, talking.

"There's a new restaurant, ... and well, I was wondering if ... what I'm trying to say is, will you umm ..."

"Walter, are you asking me out on a date?"

"Yes, will you come?"

"I'd love to, when?"

"Friday night, it's the opening of a new Chinese restaurant on Melrose Avenue, I thought you'd like it"

"It sounds great, what time are you booking the table for?" asked Paige.

"7"

"Cool, so thanks for the offer to help Ralph with his homework"

"You're welcome, he's a great kid, you've done an amazing job with him"

"Thanks, but that's not true is it, I didn't even recognise that he was a genius, I just thought he was challenged"

"Paige, don't beat yourself down, if it wasn't for you, nurturing him, he wouldn't feel as comfortable as he does around other people, he's a nice, polite kid, not all of us were at his age, that's down to you".

"Walter, can I ask you for some advice?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"Drew really wants us to move to Portland with him, but this is our home and Ralph considers all of you family and given recent events, I don't know what to do, please help"

"Never mind the fact that you have lived here for years and that your job, that pays for Ralph and his specialised needs is here, but if you leave, I'll be sad and my life won't be as good".

"Are you saying you'd miss me?"

"Yes, we all would, you and Ralph, your friends as well as family"

"And there's always Skype and we can visit him whenever or he could come here"

"Exactly, it's not like Ralph's relationship with his father has to suffer, I didn't have a great one with my dad, but Ralph doesn't have to be like that"

"I need to think about all of this, there's a lot to consider"

"There is, anyway, I should be going"

Paige leads Walter back to the front door and opens it, but before Walter leaves he kisses her on the cheek.

"I shall see you tomorrow"

"Bye Walter"

Walter then left the apartment and headed back to the garage, meanwhile Paige was stood on the other side of the door, having just closed it and she smiled, while biting her lower lip before heading to her own bedroom.

End of Chapter