A Diamond with Scars

Spotlight

Labor Day weekend....

Anya let out a tired huff as she slammed the trunk of Mark's car. They were going on their first vacation together. Not only were they going together, they were meeting up with Mark's entire family for their annual camping trip for Labor Day weekend. Anya had only met his parents and siblings, this time she was meeting his entire extended family. Although his father, brothers, and of course Maria, love Anya from the beginning...Mark's mother was still hesitant about the entire relationship. Anya didn't blame her, since he had been her patient and some people were still questioning the ethics behind it. Diane was still civil to Anya. Thank goodness.

Letting out a small sigh as she took a moment before going back inside the apartment. Anya hoped in time that the woman would come to like the idea of Anya and Mark being a couple. It would take time, especially after Lori. The name still made her blood start to boil. If she ever met the woman, Anya wasn't sure what she would possibly say or do.

Mark stepped out onto the landing and glanced down at his girlfriend who seemed to be lost in thought. It had been a few months since he left the hospital and started dating her. This trip was very big for his family since he was a kid and he was not the least bit nervous about bringing Anya along. Lori always hated these trips and was a drama queen the entire weekend. They always ended up leaving early because 'the bugs were eating her alive.' Mark snorted and shook his head. Their relationship had been boring as fuck. Anya was excited for the trip. Mark glanced away from Anya who was checking something in the back seat and looked at his prosthetic. This was going to be a real trial. Hiking and walking around the campground...and a special place he wanted to take Anya behind the waterfall. Mark had gone back to work and was doing some stuff back in the streets of Chicago, but not like he had. Now he had a partner as well.

Mark took note that everything inside the apartment was going to be safe. Oscar the fish would be well cared for by Anya's former roommate Amaya, and Mark's condo was finally on the market; leaving all his belongings safely in storage. "Keep this place safe for us Oscar, you're the man of the house!" Mark joked, stepping outside the apartment as Anya made her way back up to double check on him.

Anya heard the little comment he made and couldn't help but snort a little. Mark always seemed to have a way of making her smile or laugh. She was very curious to see how the rest of his family was. Did they have the same sort of humor? If so, she was in for a fun weekend. As long as no one asked her to go swimming. Mark might be okay with her scarred back, but she wasn't really sure she wanted to explain them to strangers. That would not be fun.

"What's with the sour look, babe?" Mark cocked his head to the side after ensuring the door was locked.

"Huh? Oh..." she glanced up at the bright blue sky. It was warm and perfect weather to go to the river. "I just hope no one asks me to go swimming...I mean...I could wear a big shirt..." It was no use in even hiding it from Mark, she voiced all her concerns with him. He did the same for her.

Realization hit him. Her scars. "Don't let that stop you from enjoying yourself, Anya." Grabbing her hand he kissed her palm and smiled his reassuring grin that told her everything would be great this weekend. "Come on, let's go."

Anya was still a little nervous. His mom was still not the happiest that Mark was in a new relationship, despite his feelings being vastly different with Anya. She understood though. Mark had only just gotten out of an engagement and was still getting into a life that was different. It wasn't a surprise that she would have mixed feelings about a new woman being in her son's life. The other dilemma was, how would the rest of his family take to her?

"- and I am sure Minnie has already talked a mile a minute about you to everyone she could get to listen to her." Mark laughed as they pulled onto the highway.