*** Evelyn's POV ***
"So?!" My mother prods. She grabs my hands and her face clouds with disappointment. I am so lucky that I didn't put my ring on yet today.
Over my mom's shoulder I notice Rafael disappear out the door with my father. He is going to be so late for work.
"Oh honey, don't you worry. He'll ask sometime soon." My mother sounds like she is reassuring herself more so than me.
The door opens and I really hope that Rafael decided to not go in today. I have no idea what we are going to do and all I can think is that we need to postpone. The thought makes me incredibly sad, though.
"Do we have something to celebrate?" My dad asks as he re-enters the condo without Rafael, making my heart sink more.
"No, he hasn't asked yet." My mom announces like I'm not in the room.
My dad gives me a sympathetic look. I feel my temper creeping up. I am about to unload on them. They have no right to keep showing up unannounced like this. Especially now. It is going to ruin everything.
I am trying to gather my festering thoughts when the door opens. Rafael stands their breathless like he just ran back. Our eyes meet and I instantly feel calmer in his presence. We are in this together.
"Did you forget something, dear?" My mom asks.
I cross to him and he grips me to him, making me feel like the most treasured thing in his world. His eyes twinkle, suggesting his intention to light a match that will surely send us up in flames given the volatile surroundings. And I am ready for it because he is by my side.
"Rafael and I are engaged." I announce without looking at my parents. Both make noises of congratulations, but I cut them off. "We're getting married this weekend. I'm not sure if we'll be able to accommodate your unplanned visit."
"What? What do you mean you're getting married this weekend?!" My mom gasps.
"We're eloping. Small gathering, limited fanfare." Rafael replies.
"Surely, you weren't going to exclude us? Your siblings?" My dad stresses. He looks ready to burst.
"Yes, Dad." I state firmly with clear resolve. "I want to be happy on my wedding day."
My parents wear expressions of shock and confusion. Like they can't even fathom what I am trying to tell them. It shouldn't be a surprise given how much we fight. Hell, even how we left things last year.
"But we're happy for you. Finally, you've..." My mother tries to start spewing some bullshit and I throw up my hands.
Rafael is quick to intervene, pointing an accusatory finger. "That right there, Abigail. You talk out of both sides of your mouth. You're both congratulating her and tearing her down. That's why you weren't invited."
"Don't take that tone with my wife." Dad interjects.
"He's right, Ben." Mom replies, defeatedly. She touches my dad's arm. "I think...I think we should go."
"Go where?! We need to figure this out! We flew all the way here to spend the holiday with them." My dad throws a little tantrum.
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Oral Care
Romantik*** COMPLETED STORY *** Evelyn is stubbornly resistant to fitting her family's model of perfect, demure wife material. She flees her hometown and an unwanted relationship to pursue her career and get away from their ridicule. Following a hot resort...
