Heartache

Chapter 20 - Do We Have Your Blessings?

Chapter 20 - Do We Have Your Blessings? 

Jason’s P.O.V

I stood outside Libby’s house. Hesitating to open the door, I took a step back and began walking back and forth with my mind blank.
“Jason?” a voice called. A voice I would recognise a mile away. My heart beating fast.
“Hello… D… Mr. Anderson” I choked out, getting ready to run.
“Why you standing there? Come in” Dave said coming towards me and slamming his arm around my neck. I smiled nervously as we entered the house.
“Sit down” he said. A few seconds later Mag came followed by Libby who by the way was looking beautiful and a few strange faces.
“These are some of Libby’s relatives, just here for a visit” he said smiling at me. I faked a smile back.
“Err Mr. Anderson could we talk… in private?” my heart racing already, and I only mentioned the talk.
“Jason I have guests over, can’t it wait for later?” he whispered to me, helplessly I nodded ruining my first chance. I waited while Dave spoke to the people and helped them settle in which took hours. Libby, most of the time was too busy to even talk to me which left me stuck in complete awkward silence with two males, who could be older than my grandfather.

After hours of boredom and waiting, the guests were beginning to leave. It was nine in the evening and now was my last chance.
“Mr. Anderson can we talk now. It’s important” I said interrupting his and Mag’s conversation. Libby’s eyes wide.
“Sure. We’ll go to my room” he went up with me following. Suddenly I felt someone’s hand grab hold of my wrist.
“What’s wrong? Why are you going to talk to Dave in PRIVATE?” Libby asked adding empathies to the last word, confusion filled her face.
“Nothing for you to worry about. I’ll talk to you later okay” I said hiding my anxiety and squeezing her hand. I turned away from her and followed Dave who was already out of sight. I hurried along catching up to him. He was waiting in his room. The nauseous feeling kicked in.

“What do you want to talk about?” he asked as soon as I entered the room. It was my first time coming in Mag and Dave’s room. The room had lilac walls, a king sized bed, a double wardrobe, a dressing table, a sitting area with a T.V, and a few wedding and family photos hung up on the wall. I inhaled. Then exhaled.
“We should sit” I said. My body stiff, I took a seat on the single sofa with him opposite me.
“Jason what’s this about?” he asked, his body language hard.
“Okay I wanted to ask permission before I do what I will do… I…” as I was about to speak his phone rang. “Mr. Anderson please. Hear me out first” I said. Nodding his head he closed the phone and crossed his arms.
“Okay go on”
“I… I love Libby” the words hurried out but by his facial expression I could tell he heard exactly what I said. Just as I was about to fight back he said,
“I know”
“Look I love her a lot and I… sorry did you say you know?” I said rewinding the conversation in my mind.
“Yes I know” he repeated.
“How. Did Lob… I mean Libby tell you?” confusion filled my mind.
“No Libby didn’t say anything. Jason I agree I’m not the kindest person but when it comes to my family I know more than I’m expected too.” he said smiling. I stood up and began walking around the room.
“So if you knew why didn’t you say anything?” I asked still walking around the room. I felt annoyed that he already knew but at the same time a little relieved.  
“Because I wanted to hear it from you. I just want Libby to be happy and I needed to know whether you’re the right person for her, after all I am like her father” He said calmly facing me.
“So what you’re saying is that you knew from the very beginning and I was s***ing my pants for absolute no reason?” I said looking straight at him.
“In a way yes. Look Jason, like I said I wanted to know if you’re the right guy for her. No uncle would want their niece to fall for someone who can’t face her family. You made me proud son” he said. The word ‘son’ struck me.
“Thank you Mr. Anderson” I said reaching for his hand.
“Jason your family and I called you my son. Son’s don’t shake hands, they hug” he said pulling me into a manly hug as you would call it. Our manly hug only lasted a few seconds, it’s still a little awkward.
“I have a request” I said as he released me.
“What is it?” he asked. I told him my idea and surprisingly he agreed to help with a condition.
“Jason I’ll help on one condition” he said as I nodded. “I want Libby to finish her studies first”
“Dave I’m perfectly fine with that. I waited this long another two years won’t do any harm” I said, in reality I was smiling at him but in my mind I was already shooting.