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Chapter 14

What did I get myself into?

Tobias' POV

I pace back and forth in the small library. My hands are digging into my pockets as I carry on about what a dilemma I just got myself into. I run my hand through my hair, sighing as I contemplate on what to do. Maybe it's not too late to cancel, to turn this around… Then again what would be my excuse, I can't be sick, she'll see right through that. I can't say my car broke down, that's for sure. I'm so screwed.

"What has gotten into my Tobias?" Hana asks, standing at the doorway of the library. It's probably a good thing she does not enter. The library is small, not sure there will be enough room for us both to stand. It has two large cushy chairs, both on the opposite side of each other, with a small table in the middle, the walls are filled with shelf to shelf books.

"I… um… I did a stupid thing, Hana," I confess, careful not wanting to say too much.

"Nonsense, come tell me what has happened." She insisted on finally stepping into the small room and taking a seat in one of the two chairs. She gestures to me to take the other one. I don't hesitate. Hana has always been a mother to me, wanting the best for me, caring for me even when I didn't deserve it.

"Hana, I asked Tris out." I might as well get straight to the point. But I remind myself that for obvious reasons Hana can't know the whole truth.

"And what… You changed your mind? Did she not say yes?" She asks, confused.

"No. Nothing like that.. I mean yes, she did agree. But I just… don't know if it's a good idea," I confess.

"I see. Tobias, you have always thought the worst about yourself… even when you were a little boy. You could never see what others see. What my Zeke and Uriah sees in you. What I see." She says, her tone full of affection. "Tris is a lovely girl. Someone that could make you happy, perhaps someone to make you see what others do." She continues, "You should give her a chance, perhaps you won't be disappointed."

"It's more complicated than that, I'm afraid." I add. Running my hand through my hair for what could only be the millionth time today. What a mess?

"It always is, dear. Now what can I do to help you? Do you have a place to take her in mind? Any plans?" She asks. I shake my head, no.

"I don't know this place at all. I don't …" I let my words trail off as she nods her head in understanding.

"Not to worry my dear. I'm sure Natalie and I can help you." She says, smiling as she stands up. What? Wait!

"I don't think Natalie will approve of me…" For the obvious reasons she can't know about. Although I'm beginning to wish she could know. I would love to get her guidance when it comes to what to write in my report.

"Nonsense, Tobias. Natalie is as open hearted as I am. Surely she would be pleased that her daughter is finally getting out for once and taking a break from this place." She insists as she walks towards the kitchen doors and towards Natalie. I feel my stomach drop at the thought of what Natalie might say to me, the man that is here to help his father buy their business and possibly change it all… asking her daughter out. Although there is a part of me that knows for sure that she won't be pleased, even go as far as forbid me from taking her out. A part of me hopes that she is just as pleased with the idea.

"Ms. Natalie… We have some exciting news!" Hana begins wasting no time as she walks into the kitchen with me right behind her. I instantly cringe as she speaks. Did she have to start off that way?

"Oh really? And what may that be?" Natalie asks, curiously. She places the large spoon she was stirring what looks to be spaghetti sauce down on a glass looking plate. She wipes her hands on her apron as she walks a few steps towards us. Her smile pauses when she sees I'm entering the kitchen with Hana.

"It seems that my Tobias has asked your Beatrice out on a date." She announces. Her smile is wider than ever.

"Oh he has?" Natalie asks, I watch her eyes glance my way. Probably thinking if this is really the best idea given the circumstances. What do I say to that? I don't even know if this is a good idea myself… but I'm willing to find out. "Well… that's something." She finally says. Well at least she did not curse me out or slap me beside the head."So where are you planning to take her?" She asks, curiously. If only I knew.

"Well that seems to be the big question… Tobias has no idea where to take her." Hana points out. Thanks Hana, thanks.

"Oh well… that will not do." Natalie says, shaking her head. I suddenly feel like I'm invisible as they both talk among themselves about my dilemma. It amazes me, no doubt they could probably plan Tris' and my life for the next five years. Tris' and my life? Can we go on the date first?

I make a few words out as they chatter. Words like candle light and outdoors have me wondering just what they are thinking. I wonder if I should take a seat, not knowing how long this could take with these two. One thing is clear, they both chatter like two old very close friends. A picture in my head is forming of them two over the years. Finally they both stop talking, turning towards me for the first time in minutes as if they realize that I'm still here.

"Why don't you head upstairs Tobias. Natalie and I have things taken care of down here." Hana insists. I hesitate for a minute, wondering if I should ask questions or something.

"Better get going… We don't have much time." Natalie says, excited. "Oh and best to dress warmly." She says, her voice filled with excitement. I scratch my head as I walk out the double doors, wondering if this was indeed the smartest thing I could have done. I guess it's too late to change it now. I shake my head and rush upstairs to take a shower and get dressed for my big date with Tris. Hoping and praying that in the least Natalie and Hana won't humiliate me for whatever they have planned for us tonight.