Chapter 5: Meeting the parents.
I'm back baby! Nothing to report so lets no delay anymore and get started!
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"Papa!" Lila exclaimed surprised…
She hadn't expected her father to be home…Her parents were always on some business trip, always too busy to spare her the time of day…It was only then had she realized how close she was to Nathanael…speaking of who…he was deathly pale and breaking out into a cold sweat, silently shaking in fear.
"Lila!" Lila's father exclaimed in surprise before his gaze fell on the fragile looking boy who was currently freaking out. "Who is this?" He demanded in a cold voice. Lila and Nathanael quickly separated, creating as much distance as they could between each other.
"B-b-bonjour…My name i-is Natanae-."
"I didn't ask you." Nathanael gulped and Lila merely frowned…since when did her father care about her personal life.
"S-sorry…" Nathanael mumbled apologetically…this caused Lila's frown to deepen…Why should Nathanael apologize? He was just being polite!
"Chi e questo ragazzo?" (Who is this boy?)
"Lui e un amico…" (He is a friend) Lila mumbled in response. The older man raised an eyebrow in disbelief and gave a cold side glare to his daughter's 'friend.'
"Terribilmente amichevole." (Awfully friendly.) Lila frowned and a light blush dusted her cheeks.
"E...?" (And...)
That was all Lila had to say in order to get her point across. She didn't care what her father thought and that one word held a good deal of subtext; subtext, such as, why do you care? I can do what I want, leave him out of this, and don't mess with my personal affairs. Lila's father could tell that Lila was serious about this. He couldn't recall her ever talking back to him...then again he wasn't ever there for her to talk to...But, if she thought he wasn't going to be a nosy father, she had another thing coming. His gaze fell on the redhead who, moments ago was uncomfortably close to his daughter. Was this the type of guy his daughter liked? The boy was small, pale, and looked like fragile china. Lila could do better...This wasn't a man this was a little boy who could never protect his daughter.
"You, boy, what are your intentions with my daughter." He asked in a straightforward manner.
"Intentions…? Oh! There's a misunderstanding! It's not like that…." The boy said, with his hands up in surrender.
"So what you're saying is you don't think my daughter is good enough."
"No, no, no! That's not what I-I meant…Your daughter is very beautiful…wait d-don't' misunderstand…I-I just want to be friends. I promise, sir!" The boy's face resembled a ripe tomato and Lila's father could tell that the boy meant no harm. However, one quick look at his daughter and he could see her obvious disappointment in the boy's response…Something resonated deep within him and the man knew it was time to step up and become a father…even if it meant trifling in his daughter's affairs and love life.
"I see…if that's the case…Come back here tomorrow morning. I'm sure you know that we just recently move here and we still haven't fully unpacked, it would be nice if Lila's new friend could help out."
"R-really…Okay! I'll come back tomorrow. It was nice meeting you, sir…Guess I'll see you tomorrow…" He said to Lila.
"Yeah guess you will…and thanks for dropping me off." Nathanael smiled and Lila decided to be bold. With no hesitation she placed a quick kiss on Nathanael's cheek. "Ciao!"
With that she pushed both herself and her dad into the apartment and slammed the door shut. Leaving Nathanael confused and flustered. He stood there for a few seconds trying to process what just happened…then it clicked…
"That's right…it's a French and Italian custom to kiss someone's cheek …But they only do that with people they are comfortable with…meaning… Lila really DOES see me as a worthy friend!"
Nathanael was happy with his reasoning and although still slightly flustered, since he didn't know people still performed that custom, he was still happy. He walked off with a smile of relief on his face completely unaware of the double meaning behind the kiss.
Meanwhile, Lila's heart pounded in her chest…She didn't move from the door.
"When should I start handing out the wedding inventions?"
She slid down the base of the door, face beet red in embarrassment…why…out of all the days to be a nosy, supportive father did he chose today…She could hear her father's booming laughter, bouncing of the walls and entrapping her in a cage of embarrassment…
"…I hate you…" She mumbled quietly
"I love you too sweetie…Now come on, I got take out!" Please, if there's a God let my soul depart from my body in the middle of night or better yet let the fiery pits of hell open up and swallow me whole…Nothing happened…Guess I'm an atheist now…
The sun carefully peeked in from the window and with no curtains insight the sun unmercifully let its rays drown the room in gold. My eyes fluttered open slowly as the blurry shapes of my room came in focus. I stretched out my limbs and gave a yawn. Lazily I got up and made my bed and when I was done I went to look at myself through the vanity mirror. My chestnut colored hair was slightly tangled and it looked as if I had messily teased it. My blunt bangs were messily framing my face and I combined the knots out of them using my fingers. After I was happy with how my bangs looked I grabbed my brush and began to brush the knots out of my hair until it gently cascaded down my shoulders like a lush river…I grabbed my two orange hair ties and styled my hair into its normal style…I starred at my reflection, with no second thoughts I grabbed two extra hair ties and tied up my long hair into two pigtails. Satisfied I went out to scavenge for leftovers. As I made my way towards the kitchen I could hear the hissing sound of boiling water.
"Buongiorno!" A perky female voice said. I jumped back in surprise. There was my mother in the kitchen making coffee, an unusual sight since most of the time she's off at work. Her short chestnut hair, which was normally always brushed and well maintained, was now filled with knots and disheveled…and she never looked happier, with her warm tan skin and sparkling grey eyes.
"…Buongiorno…" I responded softly, still a little tired.
Grabbing an apple juice box from the fridge I decided to go and make a quick salad. I walked towards the white wooden cabinets and took out a bowl and as I passed by my mom I swore that I saw her eyes glint mischievously…I didn't pay it any mind.
"So…when am I going to meet your soon to be husband?" I spat out the juice from my mouth and dropped the bowl I had been carrying.
"W-w-what!" My mom just giggled.
"Your father told me…"
I was fuming…and I glared at my dad who had recently walked in and made the wise decision of turning around and walking away as soon as he saw the killer aura that I emitted. You better run…!
"It's not like that! He's just a friend…who happens to be male…and is kinda cute…and really nice…BUT he's cute in a TOTALLY platonic way…He's like a small kid you want to hold not a man you want to marry…besides…you've never bothered asking me about my personal life…" Suddenly my mother's grey eyes clouded over with sorrow.
"We're never here to ask…We…thought with the move we could become better parents and have a bigger role in your upbringing and personal life…" Her face clouded over with grief and guilt "I'm sorry we were never there for you…but we want to be with you now…" I felt my heart break…the guilt in my mother's voice was genuine and so was the pained expression she wore…
"Thank you…I'm really glad to hear that and about Nathanael he'll be coming here shortly to help us unpack."
"So his name is Nathanael…what would your power couple name be? Nathalila? Lilthanael?"
"Ma'ma!"
"Sorry! It's just this is the first time I've ever heard about a boy you're interested in…besides the typical pop stars and idols…I want to milk it for as long as I can! Oh, this is so exciting! I can finally become that embarrassing mother that every daughter fears she may have!"
"You're way too excited for this…" I grimaced...
"She's got a point, Aurora you can't just embarrass your daughter…" For a second time in that morning I jumped in surprise to see my father standing behind me, arms folded.
"But, Cornelio…!" Mom whined…
"That is…you can't embarrass our daughter by yourself…Do you know how long I waited, all those embarrassing baby photos and school yearbooks will finally be put to use! We'll do it together!"
"YAY!"
"Mama mia…." Was all I could say…I decided to give God another chance…Please o' Holy Father save me…
Walking up the stairs I could feel my blood pump quickly through my veins. I was very nervous because, today I would be meeting Lila's family. It was still relatively early in the morning so I really hope I wouldn't be waking them abruptly if they were still sleeping. Gently, I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The door opened and out came Lila.
She was adorned in knee high black stockings with white stars and short blue shorts. She wore an oversized shirt with the phrase 'I woke up like this.' She had her normal strands of hair tied up, but instead of having her long hair fall down her back like a chocolate river she had put them up in pigtails. I couldn't suppress the smirk that made its way onto my face.
"I thought you said pigtails where for little girls." Lila flushed.
"Well…it's nice being a little girl every once in a while." I giggled. "W-what do you think?"
"You look cute, but I much prefer your normal style."
Lila's heart did a mini summersault. Suddenly a bright light flashed rendered both of us momentarily blind.
"Huh?" I said in confusion.
"Oh will you look at the two, Cornelio?" I heard a feminine voice say, presumably Lila's mom. She was of average height with short bob styled chestnut brown hair. She had Lila's button nose and face structure.
"Very sweet. Glad we caught that moment on camera." The man from yesterday said.
Lila was horrified…I guess God really is dead…or he enjoys my misery…
"Oh! You must be Nathanael. You really are cute." I flushed from the complement.
"Oh uhh thank you Madame…I-I brought a gift…I hope you enjoy it…" I handed them the white box.
"Oh and so gentleman like to…this one's a keeper." Taking the box from my hands she opened it out of curiosity. Inside the elegant, white box was a batch of strawberry macaroons. If I recalled correctly Lila had especially enjoyed them, which made me glad because they were my favorite to.
"Are these macaroons?" Lila's mother asked. I nodded in response. "Oh thank you. Cornelio and I were planning to go buy some later this week to try them. It's like your psych... But, you really didn't have to go to the trouble."
"Trouble…? It was no trouble at all; you can find macaroons in any local café, but, in my opinion the macaroons from Marinette's bakery are the best."
"Well what are you standing outside for, boy? Come in." Lila's dad ushered me inside and closed the door.
"Hope you don't mind but we started unpacking early."
"Oh, no I don't mind. I just wish I could have been here earlier to help you unpack. Speaking of which what can I help you with?"
"I don't mean to be rude…but we will be moving furniture around and…" Dad started.
"Hm…?" Nathanael looked up at him with his bright eager eyes… "Yes sir?" It was disgusting how cute he was and how eager he was to help…
"Nothing…what I meant to say is…you probably want to take that jacket off since we'll be moving furniture and you might get a little sweaty."
"Oh! You're right. I should probably put my hair up to." Nathanael took of his oversized jacket exposing his red sleeveless undershirt, and I wasn't expecting him to be anything more than skin and bones. I was wrong. So wrong.
His svelte body was evenly toned and lean. With wide shoulders and a narrow waist it was clear he had a lean swimmer's like body. Then gathering up his red hair in his hands he took out a hair tie from his jean's pocket and pulled his hair back into a small pony tail. Too hot, hot damn…
"Honey, you're drooling." Mom whispered. I quickly went to wipe the nonexistent drool. My mom just giggled.
I placed my jacket on the coat hanger provided and immediately started helping move the furniture. But, before I did I caught Lila's stare. Her olive green eyes were wide and her mouth formed a little 'o'. I grinned and decided to tease her. I gave her a quick wink and she turned away embarrassed. Most people think I'm nothing but skin and bones; little do they know I like keeping myself in shape by doing yoga and basic workout routines. If we were going to be friends Lila better realize I'm not a pushover and that this little tomato has thorns.
Cornelio handed me a small painting of a fruit basket. I liked it, the colors were unsaturated, which made every fruit look fresh and delicious, and it brought color to the dull white walls.
"Who painted this? I really like." Cornelio puffed out his chest in pride.
"I'll have you know that, that fine piece of art was created by yours truly!" He said proudly.
"You paint?"
"It's more of a side hobby I used to do…I don't have much time to paint anymore." I frowned.
"That's a shame. You should take up painting again; after all you're in Pairs now. What better place to re-find your passion in art than in Pairs?"
"Huh, I'll consider it. Anyway enough talking I already hammered in the nail so just place the painting there and then come help me move the coffee table."
"Yes sir."
"Sir? No need to be so formal, kid…After all your practically one of the family, just call me Cornelio."
"Really? Okay, Mr. Cornelio."
"Also between you and me…I like to give you some advice." I tilted my head in curiosity.
"Advice…?" Cornelio nodded his head solemnly.
"Remember gold is better than silver, a woman's desires overshadow your own, and spring weddings are the best."
"Okay…?"
"Cornelio, what are you telling the boy?" Aurora asked as she walked in with small box.
"Just giving the boy some manly advice."
"I see. Hey, Nathanael, which do you think sounds prettier Nathalila or Lilthanael?" Suddenly out of nowhere Lila pops out and practically shoos her parents away.
"Hey, enough small chat I want to get this done today. Go on." They complied with their daughter's wishes, but mumbled quietly under their breaths. I decided not to ask and instead went to put the painting where it belonged…except…
"Hey, there little red need some help?" Lila asked with a foxy grin on her face. I frowned…
"No. I can do it myself!" I said stubbornly.
Maybe if stand on my tippy toes I can reach it. Lila quietly giggled in the background and I shot her a small glare before finally handing her the painting. She easily placed the painting up and gave me a small, innocent smile but her eyes revealed the taunting nature she was trying to hide.
"I could have done it myself." I said stubbornly.
"Of course you could." She said sarcastically before patting my head affectionately. I pouted.
I lifted up the box of clothing and began walking to my room when all of a sudden I could hear my mother's voice and Nathanael's snickers….Oh dear lord… I dropped the box of clothing and ran towards the sound of my mom's voice. Low and behold I saw Nathanael sitting on the couch with my mother holding a big green scrapbook that contained memories that should never be remembered.
"And this one right here was when she was three, aw, look she's holding her favorite plush toy, she called it Mr. Voltie." No, Nathanael, avert your eyes…! But, instead of looking away he raised his hand up towards his smiling mouth and let a giggle escape. "Oh! Honey, I didn't see you there. I was just showing you're friend here some of your baby pictures." I could only stand there as my soul escaped my body.
"Hey, Lila…what's this?"
Nathanael pulled out a small stuffed fox toy. Its fur was dull red and it's once pure white fur was now more grey than white. But, despite the ravages of times it was still soft and squishy with it long soft tail and its golden marble eyes. I gasped.
"Huh! Mr. Voltie!"
"Mr. Voltie…? Wait, wasn't that your stuffed animal's name back when you were three?" I blushed and mumbled a 'yes'. Nathanael burst out laughing. "Shut up!"
"Hahaha…Oh my god! It hurts! Hahaha…I can't believe you still have it…"
"Give it!" I snatched Mr. Voltie and held him close to my bosom, face red with embarrassment.
"I guess you still are a little girl…"
"No I'm not!"
"Wait…what did you use to call yourself back then? Wasn't it Ms. Foxy?" I stayed quite. Nathanael just kept laughing…holding his stomach as he doubled over in laughter.
The living room was fully furnished as was the kitchen and bedrooms. Olive curtains hung from the living room windows and an elegant vase full of roses sat on top of the glass of the black coffee table. Red cushions surrounded the black coffee table. However the walls felt a little bare.
"The walls seem a little bare, don't you think Cornelio?"
"Well it won't be for long. Thanks to Nathanael I'm going to take up painting again and before you know it you won't have enough room on the walls to hold all my masterpieces."
"Thanks Nathanael for lending a hand, you really didn't have to."
"I wanted to." Lila smiled and affectionately rubbed Nathanael's head. Nathanael let out an embarrassed giggle as he sheepishly accepted the gesture. Before either of them knew what happen they were blinded once again by a flashing white light.
"Pa' pa! Ma' ma!" Lila exclaimed, embarrassed.
"Sorry, honey." Her mom sheepishly responded. Nathanael just laughed.
"Well I better get going, after all, tomorrow is a school day."
"Yeah…." Lila said unenthusiastic….Her parents quickly picked up that something was up…and they were about to ask what the issue with school was when Nathanael spoke up.
"Don't worry, Lila…I promise I won't leave your side. Besides, I'm sure Rose and Juleka would love to be your friends, because I sure do."
"Thanks little red…"
"You know I would really appreciate it if you would stop referring to me by my hair color and stature…."
"Hey, if we're going to be friends you're going to have to get used to the nicknames I give you. It's how I show affection, you know."
"I think it's more of your way of teasing me…but if that's the case I'm sure you won't mind if I refer to you as Ms. Foxy, would you." He said cheekily…
"Okay you two stop flirting. It's been a long day and tomorrow you got school."
"D-d-dad!" Lila exclaimed embarrassed by her dad's statement and although Nathanael was a little flustered with embarrassment as well, he knew the man only meant it teasingly…
"I'll see you tomorrow...Oh! and Ms. Aurora, I prefer Nathalila over Lilthanael. "
"Told you, Cornelio, now pay up!" Cornelia grumbly obliged.
"See you tomorrow, Nathanael." As soon as his name left her mouth Nathanael beamed and he decided to be bold. Lila didn't see it coming; she was frozen in place by Nathanael's warm kiss on her cheek. "Ciao." He exclaimed happily and Lila just waved goodbye dumbly, awestruck. Lila stood still for a few seconds before slowly closing the door.
"Darn it! We didn't catch that on camera!"
"Ma' ma!" Lila replied with a frown, but in reality she kind of did wish they had captured that moment on camera because it felt unreal to her and she wouldn't deny it…she felt absolutely giddy right now. No matter what, she knew Nathanael would be there for her and with that knowledge she wasn't so scared of going back to school…that is, if it meant seeing him again.
Another chapter done. R&R please. I think I figure out where the story may go...but feel free to leave your thoughts in the reviews.