ATHENA.
We finally arrived at my parents' house. My heart raced as we walked in, and I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Azalea was right by my side, her smile lighting up the room. For a moment, I couldn't help but admire her. She always looked stunning in everything but tonight she looks like an angel. Her long white hair was styled in a perfect ponytail, and the jewelry we picked out yesterday matched so beautifully. The pink mini dress she's wearing tonight hugged her figure in all the right places. Honestly, with a body like that, she could be a model without even trying.
As I stood there looking at her, something suddenly occurred to me. Azalea and Harro have such similar face features and white hair. They could easily pass for twins! I wonder if they ever used that to prank people. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they did given how mischievous they are. Just as I completed that thought in my mind, I heard my dad's voice cut through the air.
"Well, well! If it isn't our prodigal daughter." Yikes! He's still upset. "The last time we saw you, you were telling us about calling off your fake engagement. And today, you're bringing a girl to us as your girlfriend? Another plan of yours to avoid getting married?" My heart sank just a little which each word.
"Where did we go wrong in raising you?" came my mom's voice right after, and I gulped. I totally expected them to react this way. They have every right to be upset with me.
"Hi, Mom and Dad," I greeted, forcing my voice to stay calm. It was easier not to address their comments as that will only complicate things further. "This is Azalea, my girlfriend."
The tension was so thick you could cut it with a dull knife but then, Azalea smiled brightly at my parents as she greeted them. "It's so nice to finally meet you two! I just have to say, your home is absolutely beautiful. Athena has told me so much about you." and just like that, as if she'd casted a spell on my parents, they smiled brightly shaking her hand. Did I mention how charming and perfect she was?
"She talks about us?" My mom asked, her disbelief evident. Azalea giggled and nodded, and then she started sharing some of my favorite stories about them. I just stood there awkwardly, listening, feeling like I was watching a weird dream. Was this really my parents? They were actually engaged in conversation with my girlfriend! It was impressive, especially considering how little they talked to Orion when we were together. Actually, that might be because Orion himself didn't talk much.
When dinner was served, my parents were fully captivated by Azalea. She was just so charming; it was hard not to be mesmerized. They laughed and listened to everything she said. Somehow their conversation shifted to Orion, and my parents eyes widened when she mentioned that his boyfriend was her cousin. I bit my lip to hold in laughter. It was just so funny to watch my parents switch their attention so quickly.
By the time we were done with dinner, I was amazed by how quickly things had changed. My mom and dad seemed to have forgotten they were upset with me for lying about Orion or for bringing a girlfriend home. Even my dad was asking Azalea questions about her plans for the future and somehow kids where part of it! Shocker huh?
"So, do you want kids?" he'd asked her, and I nearly choked on my drink. Seriously? We just became official yesterday! How could they ask her about kids already? But Azalea answered with such grace and charm; I found myself enchanted.
"Well, I think it depends on a lot of factors. But I love kids, and would love to have them in the future." she said smiling at my parents. They were eating up her every word, and I was just basking in the warmth of the moment. At the end of the day my parents just wanted me to find someone to settle down with and build a happy home like they did.
"See? Everything turned out just fine!" Azalea said, kissing my cheek when we finally left the dining area. I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude for having brought her with me. She had turned what I thought would be a disaster into something beautiful.
Just then, my mom's voice called from the sitting room. "Azalea? Come on, I've got something to show you!"
Azalea turned to me, a playful smile plastered on her face. "I don't want to brag, but I think your mom is in love with me," she joked, and we both burst into laughter.
She took my hand and led me to the sitting room, I couldn't shake the feeling of relief washing over me. Oh, well! This was definitely not the disaster I had envisioned. I was going to take this win and celebrate it. Azalea being here made everything feel brighter. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally find my way back to my family—and Azalea would be right beside me as we embarked on this new adventure together.