Athena owns and runs a beauty salon downtown. One day she started receiving random calls and texts from an unknown number.
At first, she brushed it off until they became threats and her best friend, Bethany, urges her to file a police report.
What...
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Once Athena walks off with Mom, I let out a small laugh. I could tell she was nervous and not used to this type of attention from adults that are parents.
"How long have you two been together?" Dad moves to sit in the chair again, watching me sit on the couch.
"Honestly maybe a couple of weeks, it is hasn't been long. It hasn't been physical long."
"You must have fell fast." Dad hums.
"I did, and it has been the best thing ever with her." I smile.
"When is the wedding?"
My eyes widen slightly.
"Yes, I seen the ring. It was a beauty."
"Not sure but she wants just the simple courthouse style wedding."
"Her parents gone?"
"No, they just rarely speak."
Dad nods and lets out a small sigh. "That is sad people can be like that with their own children. I am thankful I found your Mom and gained you as my son. I want you to know how proud I have been of you just like you were my own."
"Thanks Dad." I can feel a soft smile grace my lips.
"One thing though, if Athena doesn't tell your Mom then we don't either. May get the best, priceless reaction out of her that way." Dad laughs.
I agree with him, just as Mom shouts the food is ready. I get up and walk to the kitchen to see right as Mom gently but not so subtle pushes Athena into a chair. Moving to sit next to her she smiles and leans in to me, as I press a kiss to her temple.
"Your Mom is so nice." She whispers.
I nod and grab the first dish to pass it around. Mom out done herself with this huge roast, gravy, and scallop potatoes, with rolls.
"Athena is a very bright and successful young woman." Mom looks at me, making Athena blush.
"I am very lucky." I smile to Athena.
We get the dishes passed around and Mom never noticed the ring. Sure it is not huge but it does shine and is noticeable on her soft pale skin.
I listen as Dad and Mom ask Athena more questions and thankful the conversation stays away from her parents. I just wish there was a way I could help her with them to where they would be more involved in her life.
"We must do this again when Chasity can be here too." Mom smiles at us.
"I would love too!" Athena exclaims beating me to responding.
"Nothing beats having the table full of people."
"Athena this woman loves to talk so anytime you need someone with a soft touch, please know your welcome anytime." Dad pipes up after finishing his plate.
Part of his words I think are underlying meaning behind them with him knowing about her parents.
"Thank you. The meal was fanstatic too." Athena sits back some in the chair.
Right as I watch Athena reach for her drink, my eyes catch Mom leaning up in her chair over her finished plate. I knew it is coming but don't get time to warn Athena before Mom screams out.
It was a chain reaction with Mom jumping up and rounding the chair I am in to see the ring. Athena jumps while I full on belly laugh and Dad is trying to fight it.
"I know it is fast but I do love your son with everything I have." Athena goes shy.
"Oh, who cares if it is fast. My boy always knew what he wants and went after it. I just can't believe the day is finally here and I couldn't be happier that he found the perfect lady for him." Mom tears up.
Athena stands up and wraps Mom up in a hug. I stand and clean the dishes from the table to help with clean up as Mom and Athena get more time together. My heart is so full because my parents are not judging and Athena is relaxed around them.
Hearing feet on the floor, I turn and Mom wraps me up in a tight hug with my arms down at my sides.
"Mom, I can't breath." I barely get out with how her squeezing is tight and my arms against me. Not to mention it is hurting the hell out of the bruised ribs that are not fully healed yet.
Mom lets me go and pats my sides, which again right in the bruise area. Trying not to wince, I slowly breath through my nose. I don't want her to be guilty or feel bad for it.
"I am so proud of you Zack and your father would have been too. Sam has been a great Dad to you and we raised you right." I feel like a small child again when Mom finishes by patting my cheek a little.
"Chas doesn't know just yet so don't say anything to her please. I know that Athena will want to."
"Oh of course." Mom makes to zip at her mouth and makes me chuckle.
"I love you Mom."
I get another hug but grateful not the tight hug again.
I help Mom load up the plates into the dishwasher and heard Dad's deep voice talking with Athena probably from his spot in the chair. They went over so much and I heard them talk about what he done and even her parents.
With everything cleaned, I walk to the living room and Mom joins us. We sit around and talk for a few hours before Athena tries to stiffle a yawn and we bid my parents a goodnight.
Once in the truck and almost at the house, Athena looks over at me.
"Your parents are wonderful."
"They really are." I smile giving her a side glance before looking back at the road.
When pull in and Athena rounds the truck faster than me, making me laugh.
"What are you wanting to do Precious?"
"Maybe a movie night? Tomorrow I am back at the salon and I get to tell Chasity and Bethany." She giggles.
I kiss her lips and open the door.
"Is there anyone you want with us when we go and get married?"
"Just Brit, my parents, Chas and Bethany."
"That is the only ones I want too. Well maybe invite Gaperal if he isn't working." Athena smiles.
"We can try, Precious. Any date you got in mind?"
"The sooner the better. I am not worried about a prenup of nothing because I don't ever want to be away from you."
"We can go the day after tomorrow?"
"That sounds perfect." Athena kisses my lips.
"On second hand, let's forgo the movie and roll in the sheets." Athena smirks, pulling me to the bedroom.
