Chapter 5
When they drive up the pathway, Betty is in awe. This is the most beautiful place she's ever been to. It's a huge soft white brick mansion. With some wine and roses growing up the brick wall. Giving it a very romantic fairytale look. And in the middle of the pathway is a fountain, with at least a dozen different plants growing in it. It almost looks like a place out of a fairytale.
'Hey, you coming?', she didn't even realize, that they have already stopped. Daniel stands a few feet away with both his and her bags thrown over his shoulder. His hand stretches out to her, a loving smile lighting up his features. She climbs out of the car and walks over to him. Taking his hand in hers. Brilliant smile beaming up at him.
Strolling up to the house, she hugs his arm to her, giving him her most loving smile before placing a cute quick peck on his cheek. He takes his arm from her and brings it around her shoulders. Pulling her closer into his side. Her hand draws gentle circles on his back, before slowly slipping in one of his back pockets.
'Mmmh, you smell so great, babe', he murmurs into her hair, kissing the top of her head. Oblivious to them, Mr. and Mrs. Meade stand at the front of the house. Watching the little display of affection delightfully surprised. They heard their sons car and wanted to greet him. What they didn't know was, that he would bring a special surprise along.
'Thank you', she whispers and buries her nose for a few seconds against his neck, when they climb the stairs up to the mansion.
'Betty, what a lovely surprise', Mrs. Meade says, eyebrows arched up.
'Hi Claire, it's so nice to see you again', throws her arms out to the side and hugs the woman in front of her fiercely.
'Daniel, why haven't you said a word?', Bradford says to his son, while taking Betty's hands and smiling bright at her. 'Hello Betty'
'Wait, what do you mean? I thought you would know that I was coming?', she asks confused.
'We had no idea, he hasn't said a word', and all three are slowly realizing what is going on. Turning around they only see a very sheepish Daniel, who has a short awkward chuckle on his lips.
'It may has slipped my mind?', he says slowly, a soft rosé blush tinting his face adorably.
'Telling your parents that I'm coming along?', Betty says on the verge of laughing.
'In my defence...', he says eager looking at Betty's arched eyebrows, before he lets his head hang low, shoulders slump down and heaves a deep sigh, 'I have no defence'
'Oh, don't worry. We'll love having you here, Dear. We're happy you feel comfortable enough to join our family weekend'
And they couldn't do much more then to smile at her.
'Thank you,' Betty says small smile bright and infectious. Daniel's arm moves around her, pulls her into his side. His own smile just as bright. Oh, will you look at that. It's better then Claire ever predicted it. She just realizes it once more. Every time she sees them together, they seem to be closer. And Betty is an honourable family member for years. If Claire could, she would have adopted her two years ago. She already feels like a daughter to her. It was really about damn time. And the happy, loving smiles? They speak volumes. And grow wider and deeper with every passing week. Yes, she can enjoy this, very much. And she will.
'Now, come on in, Alexis and DJ are already here. Oh, and Daniel I told you before. You're sister brought a man. Don't say anything stupid', Bradford scolds his younger son.
'Don't worry, he will be on his best behaviour, won't you?', Betty says, looking pointedly at Daniel.
'Of course, you wouldn't let me slip up anyway', Daniel says, smirking at Betty. Who's giving him a soft loving smile.
Oh, yes, they are good together. Their friendship paved the way. And thanks to that, their relationship can be strong and vital. And if she listens close enough, she thinks she could here some bells ringing in the not so distant future.
They settled in Daniel's old room, which had still the old posters on the walls. When they first stepped into it, Betty thought they must've gone through some kind of time portal. But then she thought about everything that happened to him and couldn't help but wonder, when the last time was, that they were here. As a family.
'You know, it's great to see all this. This side of your younger self. I always wondered who you were growing up. You are so much like your mom, which is a great thing. Believe me. You should be thankful. I know I am. But there is something inside you, a little fraction, that only shows when your at work. Or whenever your worried about someone close to you. And I do believe that you own that from your father. It makes you successful in what you do', Betty says, wandering through his room, looking at all the posters, pictures and magazines. Picks up an old cap of his and puts it on her head, throwing him a playful smile. He half sits, half lays on his bed, supported on his arms, examining her on her expedition through his past.
'You have this firm hard-ass boss side to you. That no one expects. And when you show it, everyone is taken by surprise and would never dream of going against you. Well, except Wilhelmina, but that is a totally different story', she puts his cap back down and goes over to his desk, eyeing the trophies. 'You use it wisely, you know. You would never use it to manipulate others, or have your way, even though you know you're wrong. I love that about you. And I only know a little bit of what it must've been like for you. Growing up with a father like that, that expects so much from you. Expecting you to be like him. When you clearly had no choice. It must've been hard. And I'm amazed that you didn't break completely under that pressure. I know I would've. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. And I think you are the perfect mix between your parents. Strong will, gentle soul and the knowledge how to use your authority wisely', she wanders over to his bed, standing in front of him. Looking down on him she smiles softly. He sits up, and beckons her to stand between his knees, his arms around her waist. When her hands gently cup his neck, he looks at her, soft smile never wavering. She brings her forehead to his, breathing in all that is purely Daniel. When she looks in his eyes, she can see her world. Right here in front of her. She doesn't know what she would do, if he wouldn't be there to support her, cheer her on, comfort her or make her laugh on a bad day. She can't think about it. No, she refuses to think about it. The thought of a life without him to painful. Bringing her back to this moment, she takes one look at his eyes, that are brimming with love, takes in a deep breath and whispers softly, 'I love you, Daniel, so much'
His smile is brilliant, his eyes wet, but it's ok, cause these are happy tears. And if she can't see him like this, then no one ever can. Because she knows everything about him. All the shady and dark bits, he wished would stay uncovered. She knows it all. And is still here. And this is the happiest he's ever been. Nothing matters. Not who he is, or how much money he has on his bank account. No, the only thing important right now, is that somehow this miracle happened. Betty Suarez really is in love with him. Somehow it just gets into focus right now. It's not the first time they say it. And she doesn't even have to say it, because he can see it in her eyes. In a way it was always there. Visible. Though it is nice to hear. And right now? In this moment? This is what he wants. Her. In his life. Creating a live with her. Intertwining their life's in the most wonderful way.
'I love you too, Betty, so much', he whispers, a single tear slips down his cheek. She catches it with the pad of her thumb, wiping it gently away, before kissing him sweet, loving and slow. It's not rushed. And he doesn't need to explain. She understands. It's been three months. But in this moment, they both acknowledge what is going on. They know where this is heading. And they know that the other knows as well. Everything is being revealed as to how it is. It's a freedom they experience.
They freshen up and make their way downstairs. In search for Claire and the rest. The first aunts and uncles have arrived and everyone gathered together in the living room around the huge coffee table. Chatting animatedly with each other. Catching each other up on what they have missed the last few years. When they walk into the living room, everyone turns around to them. Huge infectious smiles in place, an open and warm atmosphere lingering in the air.
'Daniel, oh, it's so good to see you. We have heard so many lovely things about how you're doing', one of his aunts says coming over and engulfing him in a big bone crushing hug. Releasing him, she turns around to Betty, mustering her from head to toe.
'And this must be your girlfriend Betty. Claire told us only wonderful things just then', she says to Betty and engulfs her in a hug as well. Which leaves Betty stunned. 'Oh where are my manners, I'm Georgina'
'Hi, it's so nice to meet you', Betty smiles up at her.
'Oh my, Robert, will you look at that. Isn't she a gorgeous little thing. Betty, we have to talk later', Georgina says, making room for her husband to greet them as well.
'Hello, darling, I'm Robert, you can call me Bob', Bob shakes Bettys hand enthusiastically, before clapping Daniel on the back. 'It's good to see you, Daniel'
Betty had to bite down her giggle, that threatens to spill at any second. She can't see why he was so scared. They are lovely, but then again, who is she to judge. She wasn't here back then.
They greeted his other Aunt and Uncle and cousins with their significant others. It was a huge round and everyone was so nice and welcoming to Betty. There were definitely odd looks. She can't deny that. But no one said anything about the fact that Daniel so obviously has changed his ways. No, they all seem relieved.
'Wait a second, do I get that right, that there are only Meade men? No daughters whatsoever?', Betty asks a little shocked, looking through the round of people around her. She couldn't believe it. She never saw or heard something like that before.
'Except for Alexis, but that is a totally different story', Daniel says a little to loud for Betty's liking. She gives him a quick jab in the side. Takes his breath away for a few seconds. And smiles like nothing just happened. 'That you know all about'
'Oh, isn't she a feisty little thing. Lovely, just lovely', his Aunt Veronica gushes. 'She's a keeper, Daniel'
'It is true though. Over generations there is no documentation that shows that a Meade man ever had a daughter. It seems that to this day, Meade men can only have boys', his Uncle Reginald explains. The snort comes out, before Betty could even register it. And claps immediately her hand over her mouth.
'Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I didn't want to...', Betty starts to apologize, when Bradford holds his hand up, gestures for her to stop.
'It is quite alright, Betty. We know it's rather funny', he chuckles.
'It's rather unbelievable and seems a bit impossible. I mean it's only a fifty-fifty chance. How are the odds that every single time, male sperm would defeat female? It's a known fact that male sperm is fast, but has no condition, while female sperm is slower, but persistent. It's rather about your timing of conceiving then anything else. This would make an interesting study, you know. It's never been heard of. I mean a whole lineage of just men', Betty rambles, leaving everyone speechless. A pleasant smile on Claires face, brimming with pride for this young, bright woman in front of her. Daniel's low chuckle the only sound in the room.
'Oh my god, I'm so sorry', she tries to hide her redden face behind her hands. And Daniel just keeps chuckling, pulls her close and kisses her head. He takes one of her hands in his, kissing her palm. Keeps her hand in his and squeezes it reassuringly.
'And that's my Betty to you', he says adoringly. She smiles shyly up at him, sticking out her tongue to tease him. Daniel twists her hair, what earned him a shocked look from Betty and a mock-shove against the shoulder. Which only makes Daniel laugh harder.
'You were right, Claire. They are lovely together', she hears one of his aunts whisper to Claire, watching the little display of affection adoringly.
They are already seated around the table when the doorbell rings. Bradford excused himself to let the last remaining guests in.
'You know, I still can't get over the fact that you two are actually dating. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you. It's just, now we know for certain that you do stuff, which is weird to think about', Alexis says, a little cocky smile on her lips.
'And I'm not aloud to say anything? This is not fair', Daniel whines looking at Betty. Who gives him an expectant look.
'What your brother is trying to say is 'Thank you, we're happy for you, too', Betty says matter of factly, smiling at Alexis and chuckles erupt around the table.
'And Betty I have to say, that smile is just wow. You look really great', Alexis says serious.
'Thank you', Betty says happy.
'She was always beautiful, you were just to blind to see it', Daniel growls. Betty places her hand on his arm. Calming him down effectively.
'I know that, dumbass, but now she is more openly beautiful. It was meant as a compliment. I'm sorry if I was out of line Betty', Alexis counters back.
'It's ok, I get it', and with a sharp look at both of them adds, 'And you two better stop now, before your dad comes back'
'Yes, Mam', Daniel salutes with a smile.
'You're five years old, you know', Betty says, swatting at his hand and another fit of laughter erupts around the table.
'Who's five years old?', rumbles a deep voice through the entire room. And Betty sees the effect it has on not just Daniel, but everyone. The chuckles immediately die down and they're all slumping a little further down in their chairs. As if they're trying to hide. This must be the infamous Uncle Ronald then. And throwing a look his way, she sees almost an Bradford Meade doppelganger. He has the same hard features, retreating hairline and authoritarian aura. But this one. This one is a lot thicker around the waist.
His eyes are searching the room. Looking out to whom the unfamiliar voice belongs to. When finally finding it's source. He looks sharp at Betty, taking in her sitting appearance from head to waist. Scrutinizing her and his eyes land interestingly enough on her breasts, almost drooling. Casting a fleeting glance on Daniel, his arm around her shoulders, face buried in her hair. He looks at her breasts again, seems magnified by them.
'My eyes are up here', Betty says just as sharp, and does him the favour of taking his presence in, just the way he did with her. And she doesn't like what she sees. Not at all.
'Who are you?', he growls, walking over to the table and takes a seat near the couple. Daniel's arm slings further around her, pulls her into his side protectively.
'Beatriz Usoa Suarez', Betty answers confidently, head held high, a sweet smile on her face and with a very unusual slight Mexican accent. 'I don't expect you to get it right. You can call me Betty, just like everyone else' And Daniel is in awe of her. Out of the corner of her eyes, she can see Bradford and Claire smile at her with pride. Which gives her self esteem another little boost.
'Ok, Betty, tell me, who are you and what do you do for a living', he growls, breaths still shallow from the short walk over to the chair. His look full of scrutiny, judgement and disgust. His eyes take in his nephew. See the way he's wrapped around that little Latina.
'So you are the Spanish Inquisition. I was expecting it from his parents, but not his Uncle', Betty jokes, and sees a few small smiles appear around the table. 'Like I said my name is Betty, I'm 27, my family lives in the Jersey Heights of Queens, but I have an apartment in Manhattan and I'll work at NYJ as an Editor. Anything else you like to know? Like my height, weight or measurements? You seemed quite taken by some of them'
Uncle Ronald looks speechless. He has no idea what to say. This little Latina in front of him has more guts then a room full of business men. But defeat is not something a Meade can handle. For sure attack is still the best defense.
'Daniel since when do you like 'em smart? You haven't said a single word yet. You let her speak like that? And get away with it?', his uncle attacks them both now.
And Daniel is fighting for control. His breaths are strained, every muscle in his body tense. His whole being screams at him to act. To do something. To make it stop. For Betty, for him, for everyone. He knows that he promised Betty and his father to stay calm. Not to say anything. If it was Alexis or any other topic. Don't say anything stupid. That was, what he told himself, going into this weekend. But his Uncle is out of line. Attacking them like this. Attacking Betty like this. She is nothing but the most beautiful force. Like sunshine. And if his uncle doesn't shut up, he might forget himself.
'Mmmh, maybe it's time for my birthday spanking', Betty says under her breath, taking a calm sip of her water, all eyes are on her. The nerve she has, to stand up to him like this. Daniel is taken so much by surprise by her statement. And if he's honest with himself, he's getting seriously turned on by her confidence and self esteem right now. Which is a bad timing. Marc running, just think about Marc and how funny he runs.
'Oh come on, Daniel, don't tell me you've changed. Now that is something I can't believe', Claire looks tense. Hell, you could cut the tension in this room right now. And he's so done to not say anything. If his uncle can be so unbelievable rude to them. Then for sure he is allowed to say something, right? He doesn't have to take his shit.
'I don't expect you to believe it. And quite frankly I couldn't care less. But I'm expecting you to accept it, and most of all respect her', Daniel says firm hard-ass boss in place, and Betty gets absolutely giddy inside. She couldn't stop her body's reaction. The dreamy little smile on her face, the way her body melts into his. And how his scent engulfs her and makes her loose all trains of thought? Yeah, she's really turned on right now. God, he's so hot when he's hard-ass boss.
Daniel and Betty look at each other. Smiling lovingly. Daniel strokes Betty's cheek with the back of his hand. And turning to his Uncle one last time, he gives him a hard look. And Betty could swear she hears his aura crackling around him, a delightful shiver running down her spine. 'Disrespect her like this again, and you'll get to know me'
'How can you...', Uncle Ronald wants to say something again, but he is cut of by Claire.
'Ronald, you are out of line', Claire hisses.
'This stops now, I don't want to hear the end of it, Ronald. Do you understand me?', Bradford says sharply, before turning his attention to Betty. 'Betty, I'm very sorry about all of this. If I would've known that this would happen I would've uninvited my brother. I hope you can forgive me'
'Oh no, please, don't apologize. None of this is your fault', Betty smiles sweet and honest at Bradford. She is the most extraordinary young woman he has ever met.
He and Claire smile proudly at the couple. They handled this very well. And when Claire lays her hand lovingly on her husbands, they are ready to move on.
'Well, when this is settled then, I believe we wanted to eat. I hope no one lost their appetite', she says eager to move on from this distraught scene.
'Ronald, you haven't even met her yet. She is such a wonderful young woman. Smart, kind, funny, gorgeous. She is everything we all ever hoped Daniel would find', his Aunt Georgina hisses from the side.
Uncle Ronald sits uncomfortable on his chair. Taking in the happy and carefree scene that unfolds around him. He has anything but an appetite.
'Ok, don't take this the wrong way, but why are we sneaking out to the pool house?', Betty asks under her breath, looking just as confused as Mike.
'Babe, why are you whispering?', Daniel smirks at her.
'Why are you whispering?', she counters back.
'Because your whispering and why are you walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame', he chuckles.
'Well, I don't know, it seemed appropriate for the situation', she defends herself and stands upright.
'You're adorable', Daniel chuckles, sneaking his arm around her waist.
'Thank you', she beams up at him.
'God, you're worse than I could've ever predicted. Mike we should've done this alone', Alexis groans.
'What? No, it's so much more fun with them. They're so cute. Don't you think? Look at them, they're so in love', Mike says, taking her in his arms.
'I don't know, Betty yeah ok, she's cute. But Danny? That's my brother you're talking about, I only see the doofus idiot he always was', Alexis says.
'Ok, could we keep walking and discuss our cuteness factor later, por favor?', says Betty.
'Come on, we're almost there', says Daniel, slings his arm around her shoulders and kisses her hair. When they walk inside the pool house, Alexis has already pulled out comforters, blankets, pillows and a huge basket with all kinds of different stuff.
'Here, Danny, you take the basket, we take the other stuff', Alexis calls over, grabs the blankets and starts walking to the back of the pool house. Mike with the comforters in his arm right behind her.
'Ok, so what's the big secret. You're not telling me there's another secret room? The one at MODE is definitely secret enough', Betty looks up at Daniel, gathers together the pillows and holds the door open for him.
'No', Daniel chuckles short, 'No secret sex room. We're not at MODE', Daniel hears Alexis chuckle and whispering to Mike that she would fill him in later. 'We're having a little campfire'
'What? Really?', Betty says delighted.
'Yes', Daniel says deep in thought. 'We used to do that. Sneak away and have a little campfire. Away from mom and dad, who were even on holidays almost constantly fighting'
'Oh', Betty lays her hand on his upper arm, looks at him apologetic. 'But, it's so much better now, right?'
'Yes, it is', he smiles warm at her. And he's honest. He doesn't just say that. He really feels better about his parents and Alexis. And finally could make peace with it all.
When they make their way over to the little campfire with three benches around it, Betty remembers what she wanted to ask again.
'Hey, by the way, did you ever go in there? You know, at MODE?', Betty asks curious.
'Hell, no, and I will never go there. Just thinking about it gives me the creeps', Alexis and Mike are already stocking the firewood and lighting it up. Daniel joins them, puts down the basket and gets the stuff out. Alexis must've put them there earlier this day. There was wine, crackers, cheese, chocolate and marshmallows.
'Aah, okay, then I get why you said sex room, because it's technically more like a weird dungeon', Betty says, three shocked and huge pairs of eyes are on her, while she grabs a comforter and drapes it over one of the benches, blissfully unaware.
'What did you just say?', Daniel says shocked, standing next to her, holding out a blanket and two pillows.
'You should thank you're lucky stars, really. That mask alone gave me an icky feeling for a whole week. I mean the complete outfit was, something else entirely, but that mask alone was just - eww', Betty says, eyes locked on the bench. Grabbing the pillows and lays them down to soften the seat.
'What?', Daniel asks again, blanket hanging limp from his hand.
'I don't think, that you really want more details. I know you're kinky. But not even you would go there', Betty says, finally taking the blanket. Turning around and sitting down on the bench, she sees three very shocked people looking at her. 'What?'
'I can't believe you just said that. And you're not even blushing', Daniel says shocked, sits down next to her and slings his arm around her shoulders.
'Maybe I'm finally cured', Betty says, smiling sweetly at Daniel and melts into his side.
'Well, that was way to much information, thank you very much', Alexis says.
'Oh, please, you heard and read worse', Betty says, slinging an arm around Daniel's midsection and throwing her legs over his and into his lap.
'Touché', not even Alexis could argue with that.
'Hey', Betty whispers, scooting a little closer she lays her head on his shoulder, looks up at him adoringly.
'Hey yourself', his voice deep and sultry. One hand moving up and down her thigh. 'You okay? Haven't changed your mind just yet?'
'Never', Betty says, violently shaking her head. 'I love you'
'I love you too, babe', cupping her cheek, Daniel bends down, places a soft but passionate kiss on her lips. Her hand wanders over his chest and upper arm and into his neck. Pulling herself as close to him as possible. His skin so hot beneath his shirt, almost burning her. 'God, how are you so warm'
'It's a talent', his nose rubs against her temple, his hand on her thigh softly gliding up around her waist. Betty drops her head on his shoulder, buries her nose in his neck, lets herself be engulfed in his scent and the way his body is wrapped around her.
'Hey, I meant to tell you earlier. You were incredible in there. No one ever stood up to Uncle Ronald like that. Except for our dad. If it weren't for you, I probably would've went of the rails', a shiver runs down her spine. His low voice so raspy, combined with the gentle touches, she fears her body will slowly but surely overheat.
'Thank you, I don't know what happened. I just saw red. And I guess you bring it out in me. As nice as the rest of them seem, you were right about Uncle Ronnie, he is a real work of art'
'Uncle Ronnie, God I would love to see his face, when someone calls him that', he says, kissing her neck.
'You're wish is my command', she whispers against his neck, places a little row of kisses and melts back into his arms.