Second Chance (Anthony Rizzo)

(16) Mama Bear

Jessica

As the summer continues to go on I learn more and more about this world I woke up in. Thanks to Anthony I've gotten into music, baseball, sight seeing, and so many other things that gives my life more entertainment than laying in my backyard staring at the sky. And in the nearly two months we've been together I've gotten to know the man under the baseball cap and see a lot of this life from his eyes. And he is someone who is a avid lover of life, someone who sees the best in everything. And slowly I'm starting to come into my own with him by my side.

As for today Anthony's parents were in town and he was insistent on me meeting them. He's met my parents so it's only right I meet his too. Plus I was excited to see who raised such a immaculate man.

"How do I look" I ask him as I hold my arms out. We were to meet at a nice restaurant to have lunch and I was a little nervous, I'm not going to lie. Dating Anthony means that I too have to make a lot of people happy and his parents mean the world to him. I really wanted them to like me.

"You look like a ray of sunshine, absolutely beautiful" he tells me as he grabs my hands and pulls me into him. He gives me a kiss and I have to admit, I did feel better.

"You ready" he asks.

"As ready as I'll ever be" I assure him.

We walk in and find his parents sitting at a table. I've seen pictures so I knew their names and what they look like.

His mom turns around and spots us walking over. Her eyes get big as I start to walk slower under her stare. She has a very maternal, loving look to her that made me feel safe. A smile grows on her face as we get closer, her stare stays on me watching my every move.

Suddenly she gets up from her seat and meets me in front of the table before pulling me into a huge hug. She smelled like sugar cookies and felt like a teddy bear. My eyes slam shut as I hug her back. Anthony warned me that his mom was a hugger, but not the best hugger in the world.

"Mom" Anthony tries.

"No no, it's okay" I assure him as she starts to laugh at me.

We break apart a little as I sit in her arms. She looks me over like she is refamiliarizing herself with me before she smiles big. "Hey dear, it's so good to see you" she sighs and I smile back.

"It's good to see you too. Anthony has told me all about you guys, I'm really excited to meet you" I insist.

"Me too" she nods.

We finally make it to our seats and Laurie takes her place next to John and I sit next to Anthony. We order some drinks and appetizers before we start talking.

"So Jessie, what do you do for fun" John asks and I shrug.

"Still trying to figure that out. I like going new places, seeing new things. So much of this world is new to me and I definitely appreciate it more now that I would have if the accident never happened. I've been trying to catch up on everything I missed but I feel like I will never be able to replicate those things I knew. So I'm learning through fresh eyes, seeing the world for what it is and trying to find my place in it" I say.

"I would love to try and start over on a few things" John laughs.

"You know, there has been a few bright sides of all of this and that's one of them. Life can get repetitive, predictable at times. Doing the same things over and over again causing stagnation. I have to relearn a lot of things and it gives me the opportunity to not have to learn the bad things again. Maybe I make the same mistake and learn the same lessons, but the bad friends I'm sure I had in college and all the stupid mistakes I made won't be missed. Outside of the accident I don't know much hurt or pain but Anthony here makes sure of that" I say as I squeeze his leg.

"I hope he's been treating you well" Laurie insists.

"He's been the best part of my life, from the very first day we met. He's not sheltering me like my parents do and he's not telling me things he thinks I want to hear. He's letting me see things for myself, discover who I am all on my own" I smile.

"Good" his mom nods.

We order our food and I loved the roasted chicken I got. Anthony lets me try some of his steak which was actually really good. I wasn't all into red meat but when prepared correctly with a good amount of spices it was actually enjoyable. Once lunch was done we order desserts as Anthony and I share a sundae. Nothing in this world is better than ice cream so I enjoy a nice spoonful as I smile. Tasty.

"So are you joining us later this week at the children's hospital" Laurie wonders.

"I am! I'm super excited because the last few times Anthony went I had therapy or I wasn't feeling well. I can't wait to see the kids and try and put a smile on their face. Anthony showed me some of the stuff he does and I'm honored he's letting me be a part of it" I admit.

"I know you're going to fit right in" Anthony insists.

After a wonderful lunch it was time for Anthony to get ready for the game tonight. He invited me to come but I didn't want to cut into more of his time with his parents so I let them hang out together before the game. Anthony drops me off at my house and walks me to the door.

"I'm really sorry for my mom earlier. I know I said she was a hugger but I didn't think she would go full on momma bear before you guys said a word to each other" he insists.

"I actually really enjoyed that. It felt... right. Your mom is a wonderful woman and she really loves you. I'm happy I got to meet her" I assure him.

"You sure it wasn't too much" he asks.

"Sometimes we all need a hug, we just don't know it. But when we hugged I could feel her joy and happiness, things she wouldn't be able to tell me she showed me through a hug" I say.

"Then can I give you a hug" he asks and I smile.

"I would love one" I assure him.

He pulls me in tight and I latch my arms around him. Looks like I was worried for nothing.