Chapter 44

Jen had relaxed herself into the sofa watching crappy TV while she waited for her phone call from Tilly, to tell her how things had got on, if she was enjoying her first day away with her parents. Tilly had already talked to Jen about hers and her parents relationship over the years. This was something they never done, never really spent time around each other. Tilly was always focused on growing up so quickly, sticking in at school and when she wasn't doing that she was hanging out with her friends, but even if she did find time to spend with her parents they were also always busy with work. So this was something new to her, something she could enjoy for once.

Tilly and her parents hadn't been in the hotel room long enough to unpack. Without a second thought they left their bags on the beds and headed straight back out the door to see what Spain could bring them as a family, what they could do together as a family, some things Tilly enjoyed and some things her parents could enjoy too.

Firstly, taking a walk along the huge park which was just on the other side from their hotel. A slow walk around, all the little children running riot, the parents keeping a close eye, it wasn't quiet, didn't even come close but that was something they enjoyed seeing. People enjoying themselves, together as families. Something this family should have started doing a long time ago, not just now Tilly was now an adult, ready to go away and do her own things. It won't be long before she will be moving away, to live her own life. That's what her parents had just realized, far to late but it was better now than never that was for sure.

After taking a long walk around the park they decided on something to eat before heading into the shopping center to have a look around. Of course Tilly wanted to go to see if there would be any art gallery's she could take a look at. Something she would rather share with Jen, because she felt the same about art if not loved it more but her parents didn't really understand the meaning behind the paintings, they'd do.

The three were placed to the back of the small restaurant greeted by one of the waiters asking what it was they wanted. It was a nice little place to eat, not to expensive and not really crowded. First the three ordered the thin soup, ordering bistec for their main which was a steak dinner and cake for afters. The waiter excused himself and left the family chatting. Until the matter was brought up, Tilly's mother couldn't help herself.

''Dear do you have a girlfriend?'' she asked

Tilly was taken back from the question. She hadn't a clue where it had come for, and didn't really know what to say. She said NO straight away, but didn't sound true on her word. She totally gave away the situation.

''Why would you think that?'' Tilly asked still shocked to the question.

''Me and your mother have seen a change in you lately that's all and well your drawing on the plane?'' he looked

''Shit'' Tilly thought. Now, after all this time realizing she shouldn't have let herself get so caught up with the drawing. She didn't know what the hell to say, she stuttered and clammed up as she tried to speak. Both parents looking at her waiting for an answer.

''It's alright darling, you can talk to us when your ready?'' her mother said.

Tilly nodded. She felt sick, horrified. How could she have been so stupid. Jen could have been found out if her parents had ever seen her as a teacher before she had been totally careless that was one thing Tilly knew.

Finally the food arrived. Something to take Tilly's mind from the previous conversation from her parents. The starter, the main and the finish was delicious. Filled all three up for the day. Now they could go take a look through the town together, and the art gallery's which Tilly never let her parents forget.

As the three walked their way along the side path they stopped dead in their tracks when a young Spanish man stood right in front of Tilly blocking her way, just staring. Something her parents didn't like at all. It was so forward and ignorant to them, and Tilly being an only daughter and such a daddy girl her father hated it more. Tilly just stood still, looking at the young man. Desperately needing to laugh at him just looking at her, she felt so uncomfortable and the look on her parents faces is defiantly a picture she could laugh at for the rest of her life.

"Eres tan bella" he said "Eres tan bella" again he told her.

Tilly must have looked gormless as ever. She didn't have a clue what he was saying to her. She tried using hand gestures to let the lovely young man she couldn't speak spanish but it was no use. He just kept repeating himself.

Tilly's father took her hand and tried pulling her away to carry on walking, but Tilly couldn't just walk away that would have been ignorant and that is something Tilly is not. Much to her relief an older man close by had walked to her side giggling. He looked at the young man and asked what he was saying in Spanish and to let him know Tilly didn't speak Spanish.

"Eres tan bella" he said again.

''He said you're beautiful'' said the older man.

Tilly smiled. ''Tell him I said thank you'' before walking away from her parents. ''aww he was sweet'' her mother said and Tilly nodded. He took the time to tell her, it was very sweet of him and obviously made Tilly smile.

In no time Tilly and her parents found a huge art gallery. The huge smile from ear to ear on Tilly's face showed it all to her parents. She guided them inside clearly exited to look through the paintings. They laughed to themselves and followed her inside. Very busy, so they held on tight to their daughter, really not wanting to lose contact with her in such a huge place. They watched her, looking so far into the detail, talking about the art, the inspiration within the paintings and sketches scattered around the room. Both parents listened to her every word. Taking pictures of the art pieces on her way, some with her in the pictures. It was actually a lot more fun to see than her parents thought.

When exiting the art gallery after a long two hours which felt like ten to her parents but flew so quickly to Tilly, Tilly was horrified to hear her father wanted them to go golfing together. Tilly obviously thought it was the most boring experience she could ever have to go through, she was not interested one bit but had to go with it anyway after dragging them around listening to her for two hours. Whistling down a taxi to take them Tilly put a smile on her face.

Arriving outside Tilly took a deep breath. This was possibly going to be an hour or two of her life she would never get back. She didn't understand what was going to be different with golfing here to where they lived. When inside they got everything they needed and headed outside to the huge area filled with other men lashing balls about.

Yep, this was going to be a lot of fun.

It had been a very long day that was for sure. Tired from the plane the family decided now would be the time they headed home and had an early night before having more fun tomorrow and the next day. Jumping into a taxi back to the hotel the three relaxed into their rooms and with Tilly being so organized she just couldn't leave her things lying around. She needed to put everything away. So that's what she did, hanging all of her clothes up and setting all her bathroom supplies out before taking a quick shower. Then she could ring Jen.

Jen had been waiting impatiently all day long for Tilly to ring her. It was now getting on 9pm and she wondered if Tilly was actually going to ring her or just wait until tomorrow. She had already took two showers to pass the time away, but now was lay in Tilly's bed, just waiting. She felt so comfortable there, she could smell Tilly's perfume, making her feel at home in no time. Before she knew it, her phone started to ring. She jumped up in excitement and answered the phone.

Tilly, hey how was your first day?

It's been great, eventful

Done anything nice?

Yeah, we took a long walk in the park, went to a huge art gallery oh Jen you should have seen it, it was actually amazing. I took some pictures so I can show you, we went to a small restaurant and went golfing

Golfing? Jen laughed

Yeah, I know dad wanted to go. Anyway I've missed you

Oh god I've missed you too, but at least you're enjoying yourself

The long night conversation went on for a further two hours, talking about what they'd done. Tilly told Jen about the Spanish man who they had a little chuckle about. Tilly's parents had listened to most of the conversation, they knew she had a girlfriend and they knew she was called Jen. All they needed now was to meet her.

Anyway, I'm going to head to bed totally shattered tonight

Yeah, me too. Speak to you tomorrow. I love you

I love you too.

Tilly lay herself down and switched her light of. Her parents bedside lights were already off and Tilly had thought they were asleep. Obviously not, because as soon as Tilly got herself comfortable the lights turned back on and her parents were sitting up in the bed. Tilly opened her eyes to see four eyes glaring at her.

''Your in love? and you never told us about it?'' her mother said disappointed. She always thought this was something she could talk to Tilly about.

''It's a long story, and I am tired'' Tilly said trying to get out of the conversation.

''Tomorrow'' her mother said. Switching the light off.

Tomorrow was going to be a long, eventful day. Tilly had to play her cards right, or they'd ask to meet her and that, was way to much of a risk.