The cold autumn was gradually invading the city of Boston. Not long before, Halloween pumpkins were gone from the windows of shops and restaurants. The red, green and yellow colored leaves adorned the tops of the trees and covered the ground the Boston Common, where squirrels was engaged in collecting dried fruits before the arrival of winter.
That evening, rang the doorbell cheerful in Samuel´s apartment. Tracy was the one that came before and opened the door.
Was her father Thomas, with his girlfriend, Lauryn.
-But, what a surprise! -Tracy was pleasantly surprised. What are you doing here?
-We had some business in Boston, and Lauryn and I think of doing a surprise visit to you. -Thomas said-. We interrupt something?
-What nonsense! -Samuel interjected- We were so happy to see you again. Coincidentally, my parents arrived tonight at Boston. They're gonna be here for a while.
-So let me reserve a table for dinner -said Thomas. What do you think, 'Top of the Hub' or an exquisite dinner with dessert in 'Cheescake Factory'?
-Any site will be fine dad -said Tracy very happy.
The dinner between the three couples was delicious. Sam and Diane, newcomers to Boston, were happy with the whole family. They began their new stage in their lives on the right foot.
After dinner, they accompanied to Sam and Diane to their home in Beacon Hill. When they reached to the house of Samuel and Tracy, Lauryn exploded with a joyous exclamation:
-I can no more! -said smiling while shared a smile full of complicity with Thomas. Tomorrow we have booked a big surprise that we presume you will love.
-What is it? -Tracy asked in an almost infantile way. Come Dad!, Tell me!
-No my girl ! -said Thomas smiling. Up to tomorrow you will not know it…
The impatience and excitement had to wait until the next morning. After breakfast, Thomas and Lauryn picked up to Samuel and Tracy. After crossing the city, they stopped at a lovely house with garage located in the exclusive neighborhood of Brookline. Stepping off the car, they approached the house.
-What means all this, Dad? -Tracy asked dam of emotion, though her heart could sense the answer.
-Tracy, is for you -replied with a wide smile. But you'd better come over and look. I think you'll like it.
They went and saw the house. It was a two-floors house with attic. It was beautiful, elegant, bright and welcoming. It could live comfortably a family of at least four members. Tracy enjoyed with everything. Samuel looked around smiling, but his dark eyes betrayed his true thoughts. In the end, Thomas discovered the surprise ending.
- But there is more -said Thomas exultant. Look in the garage.
When they arrived they found a beautiful Audi Q3 dark gray. Tracy was beside herself, full of joy and happiness. Lauryn, Thomas and Tracy watched smiling; happy as parents who would see their children opening some presents by the Christmas tree decorated. Then, Samuel decided to express his disapproval to the situation.
-Excuse me- said Samuel with serious and grim face as he walked back into the house through the door connecting the garage to the kitchen.
-Wait a minute. Now I come -Tracy said his father and Lauryn while she went to the meeting with Samuel.
Once in the kitchen of the house, Tracy found Samuel supported by the sink, head bowed and with arms folded.
-Can you tell me what happened? -Tracy asked almost taunting.
-Nothing -Samuel replied in a cold and distant manner-.
-Nothing? That sounds like a joke on your lips. Nothing! -repeated rhetorically Tracy.
-Will you now make a plea, Mrs lawyer? -Samuel said with unfriendly tone.
- You're going to mess with me? -Tracy said in surprise-... I don´t believe it.
-I know!- sorry, but is this house ... the car ... I don´t want .
-Why not? -Tracy said about to break into tears- I like it…
-Because doesn´t fit with our dream -Samuel said-.
-Well, -Tracy said angrily while eluded her some tear. It wasn´t our dream ... It was your dream …
At that time, the discussion was interrupted by the tall figure of Thomas coming through the kitchen door.
-Tracy -Thomas said in a quiet tone . You can leave Samuel and me alone..? It is time of that we have a conversation.
Tracy obeyed and left the room leaving alone the two men in her life. Thomas waited for her came out
-I want to have an honest conversation with you. Is it possible? -Thomas asked.
-Of course -Samuel said with aplomb.
-What I saw just now I did not like anything -said Thomas. What happened? Do you still love her? Do you feel pressured by all this? ...
-Thomas, in the space of time that I've known you, I've fond of you. I see you more than the father of Tracy, as someone closer, like family. Can I open my heart?
-Of course, you can speak with confidence -said Thomas grateful. Moreover, I'd appreciate it.
-You´ll see . Of course I love your daughter . I adore her . In the short year we've been together, I've been tempted to propose to her on more than one occasion, but I think we are very young, and I have nothing to offer her. I look forward the day when I can propose marriage really!
-I understand what you say... what I do not understand is why you have discussed with her…
-When we started living together, we decided to go to my apartment, I work at the bar to pay the rent and to be together ...
-Now I understand what you mean -Thomas interrupted Samuel. Making yourself...
-Basically -Samuel said. This house is beautiful. I thank you from the heart, seriously, it's very generous of you. But it´s away from the dream that she and I had once. I aspire to one day I can offer something, something that would be ours.
-You're a fighter, I'm not your father, but I hear you speak and make me feel proud. I think Tracy had reason when it was fixed in you. But do not turn your zeal of overcoming into pride. I was your age and I didn´t have the help that I try to offer. It was hard, very hard, believe me.. I even lost my Lois …
In that moment, A few knuckles were heard on the door of the kitchen.
- We can go?. We have arrived -said Diane. We saw the door open and thought you were inside. Is very nice ...
-Yes, What a hut! -Sam said with his habitual good humor. There are many tiles in these soils to which we must polish... Is that right, Diane?
-Sam! -Diane protested- Do not be ordinary!
-Dad, Mom?, What are you doing here? -Samuel asked surprised at times.
-I informed them..Thomas clarified. I quoted here this morning to see the house.
-I do not see happy faces - remarked Diane. You are very serious ... Where are Lauryn and Tracy?
-In the garage -Thomas said. Then, he explained what happened to Samuel.
-I see -Diane said- I think we should talk with my son.
Thomas was silent, leaving talk to the parents of Samuel. The first to speak was Diane:
-This house is beautiful and cozy - Diane said very sure of herself. You can not live in any house. You must live in a house where your spirits harmonize with that of the house, and I have a feeling that here you fit... you would be very happy in this house. It is a unique opportunity that should thank Thomas.
-That's all very well, but the fact is that we, Tracy and I, can´t keep this house and car with my salary. You already do very much for me and I do not want to burden anyone else. I want to start from scratch. I want to get things slowly and by myself. Mom, you can understand me...You started working in a bar to not seek help from grandma...isn´t it?
-Listen, Samuel -Sam interjected. What you say is all well and good, but Coach also helped me to go out of the alcoholism and to extract forward "Cheers". I started thanks to Coach. You could go further if you accepted the help that Thomas and we will want to offer you.
-You? -Samuel was increasingly surprised.
-Yes, we three -said Diane. We will share the costs of this house and car to help you. By the way, I have not yet seen the car ...
-And one remark -said Sam. Your mother did not put to work in any bar, instead in MY BAR -Sam said with his best smile- I do not exactly paid her a fortune, but ... well, she was there working ... and you know why?, do you think for not asking for help from your grandmother?... Nope.
-So, why was, according to you? -Diane said.
-Because you were mad for me from the first day- said Sam full of pride.
-You're a cocky! -Diane said apparently upset, amid the laughter of the other three - How could you possibly say such things in front of your son and Thomas? Besides, that's not true.
-Ah! Not? -Sam said, still smiling.
-Not!- Diane said hastily -Well ... not at all ...
All burst out laughing again. Hearing the laughter, Lauryn and Tracy came in and joined the rest of the group. The laughter died down slowly when Samuel spoke again:
-Ok - This time I´ll admit your help -Samuel said. But hereinafter want you respect our plans and how we want to do things. No more aid. No more pressures. No more anything. OK ?. Tracy? Dad?, Mom? Thomas ?.
Everyone looked and nodded silently. -Thomas spoke:
-I think I can speak for everyone. It will be as you say, unless something unusual happens, of course. Now, if you'll let me, I´ll show the house to your parents.
While Thomas and Lauryn taught the house to Sam and Diane, Samuel took her arm to Tracy, separated from their parents.
-Sorry about earlier -said sheepishly Samuel- I didn't want to ruin the party.
Tracy looked smiling to Samuel - I know it, I've heard all through the door. So.. you've been tempted to marry me!?… Huuuh !, For when you want, I'll be ready and prepared to say yes.
Tracy and Samuel kissed each other.
-I think this house is perfect for us... as your mother says, do not you think? -Tracy said- What I did not understand very well is what saying your father about polishing the floor tiles….
-When we're alone I'll explain you. -Samuel said with an enigmatic smile-.
Pay attention to last chapter.