Every New Beginning... (Chris Evans AU)

.70.

Chris POV

Two weeks have come and gone since Valentine's Day. Two weeks since I've held Opal in my arms and seen her in person. Thankfully, that's about to change as my swearing in ceremony is coming up the day after tomorrow.

My phone rings as I maneuver my car through Atlanta traffic, trying to get to the airport before my parent's flight lands. I press the screen to accept the call, thankful that it's sitting up on the base and not in my pocket. I connect the speaker before answering. "Hello?"

"Officer!" the voice bellows from the other side.

"Pops! How are you, sir?" The smile that spreads across my face has become a normal occurrence of hearing his voice on the other line. It's not unusual for him to call me. I'm pretty sure Opal doesn't know but Pops and I speak at least twice a week, me calling him once and him calling me once each week. 

"Ornery as ever," he chuckles out.

"Doing good then I take it," I laugh back.

"Listen Christopher, tell my granddaughter here that I can travel just fine," he pleads with me.

"Opal?" I ask, looking over my shoulder to merge into the left lane. Traffic is insane. I can't believe my parents chose to arrive during five o'clock rush hour.

"Hey, babe." I take in her voice. It's not cheerful at all, probably more agitated than anything.

"What's going on you two?" I ask, searching for better clarification. I've seen them playfully argue at the hospital months ago, but nothing that warrants anyone getting between them or moderating a disagreement. 

"Pops here wants to come up for your ceremony." Okay, I think to myself, not a big deal. "I was planning on flying and already bought my ticket because old man here said he didn't think the doctor would let him travel."

"Okay.." I drag the word out a bit. "So, I'm assuming the doctor told him differently now?"

"Yes, they did," Pops interjects proudly. I can actually picture him sitting up in his chair a bit straighter, shooting Opal a looking gloat.

"So, what's the problem?" I ask tentatively as I bypass another car going slow in the fast lane.

I hear Opal let out a huff before speaking. "The problem is I'd have to change my flight since there's no vacancies on the one I'm already booked on. It would have us arriving in Atlanta at 7 am tomorrow morning."

"I don't really see the problem, love," I tell her honestly as I pull into short term parking at the airport.

"She doesn't want you to have to come pick us up so early," Pops admits. 

"Pops!" she yells out, obviously not wanting me to know the real reason.

"Tell her she's crazy. I know how much you love her and you'd pick her up at 3 am if necessary."

I smile to myself, wishing that she could see my expression. "You sir do have a point. Your Pops is right, Ope. I don't have a problem doing that."

"No, I'm not gonna ask you to do that," I hear her say. "If you have to be up that early, I'd rather you spend time with your parents." She releases a sigh. "Fine, Pops. I'll switch flights and rent a car. I think my hotel room has two beds, so hope you don't mind sharing."

"I most certainly do mind sharing," he scoffs back at her. I'm starting to think they've forgotten that I'm on the line still. "What if I find a red headed lady friend? She ain't gonna want to share a room with you."

  "Kill me now," Opal huffs. I can picture her holding her head in both of her hands with her eyes squeezed tightly shut, her lips curled in disgust.