I LOVE YOU

PETER

"Come on. Your mom should be wondering where we are." I tell Gwen who is still locked in my embrace. "Okay." I swing us back to her apartment. We walk in together, holding hands. "Hi mom! Pete's with me." Gwen tells her mom, her spirit suddenly brighter. "Hey Pete! Where have you two been? Supper is ready!" Helen tells us. "Ms. Stacy we were visiting, um, George..." I say, insure of how to put this. "Oh. How...thoughtful of you guys. Valentines Day was...his favorite." She starts to choke on the words and crumbles in front of us. I immediately let go of Gwen's hand and rush towards Helen. I wrap my arms around her and sooth her. She surprisingly hugs me back but very gently. "Th..thank you Peter. I'm so glad you're here. You've always been here for us. Gwen and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. I smile slightly, the corner of my mouth rising up slowly. Helen and I rock back and forth slowly. "Well, I better get dinner ready." She says. I then let go and take my spot next to Gwen. "That was nice, hugging my mother. She's right, we really are lucky to have you Peter." Gwen whispers. "Thank you." I reply before moving into the kitchen and helping Helen set the table for three. Once we say down, we prayed. "Peter, would you like to say grace?" Helen asks me. "Umm, sure?" I reply, not sure what to say. Gwen seems to notice my discomfort and says "Pete, just thank god for the food and for anything recently." "Oh...okay. Dear God, thank you for this lovely meal, made by Helen Stacy. And thank you for these beautiful, amazing women that I have the privilege of dining with. Take care if George, we all miss him. Thank you." I finish. "Peter, that was amazing! You should do grace more often!" Helen tells me. I blush and mumble out a thank you. After we finish our meal, I help Gwen and Helen clean the dishes and put away everything. "Peter, you're welcome to stay for a while if you'd like to." Helen tells me. "Okay, I'd love to. Thank you." "Mom?" Gwen says. "Yes, honey?" "Can Pete stay the night? Please? He can sleep in the extra bedroom." "Well... Is it okay with your aunt?" She asks me. "Yes. She have me permission for whenever. But I don't want to make you feel like I have to. I can go home if you'd like." I say, trying to be modest and not to push anything. "No...no I like the idea! Please, stay!" "Okay, okay I will." I reply, glancing at Gwen who's smile is a mile wide and is clearly lighting up the room.