Last Summer ✔

Sea of positivity: ANGEL

A woman was standing by the open door as they approached, "Welcome to our home, I'm Catherine and this is..."

The man beside her answered, "Daniel, the senior. Please just call me Niel, easier that way. We are Nora and Daniel's parents. Please, come in."

Not once did she turn to Daniel, her companion. She tried to appear strong and capable of socializing.

"You are so gorgeous, " Daniel's mother gushed, swooning and ushering them to the dining area.

"Thank you, Mrs Smith. A woman as beautiful as you complementing me? I appreciate that." Musa tried to remain calm, but her smile was shaky. Her hand was clammy agaisnt Daniel's. And her hold had tightened.

"What drink do you prefer? I have wine-"

"Non alcoholic, thank you." She cut off Niel, and realised her mistake. "I'm sorry for cutting in before you could finish talking."

Her face had begun to sweat too, her chest felt constricted.

Niel waved her off, "Argh, no need to apologise. I do that too when someone offers me cheese based meals." He chuckled.

Musa sighed, giving a small smile as she watched Catherine speak to the helper while Niel fixed a napkin on his chest.

She felt warm breath agaisnt her temple, "You're doing great." Daniel whispered, leaving a nerve calming kiss on her hairline and squeezing her thigh.

She realised both her hands were on the table, not remembering when she let go of Daniel's hand.

"Where's Nora?" His deep voice interacted for the first time tonight.

"Still on her way from work, say she'll be here in a few minutes. So, Musa, are you comfortable talking about that day? You know, when you saved Nora from..."

"Mother, we spoke about this..." Daniel rubbed his thumb on Musa's thigh, making her watch him.

"I just... I know Nora won't be able to hold herself back. She might even cry. She doesn't know you're here. I'm sorry." Catherine was first addressing Daniel, but now was looking for comfort from Musa. For approval.

"It's okay." The girl smiled, "Yes I'm still a little out of it, being in an unfamiliar space, but I can get through the night. Right?" She looked to her companion, her eyes glassy with tears.

Daniel grabbed and kissed her knuckles, "Of course! I'll get her from the door, make sure she doesn't overwhelm you."

The father looked at them, then shared a look with his wife. "Thank you for trying, Musa. It means a lot to us. We apologise if you feel forced or anything like that. We just, we owe you. A lot."

Musa relaxed a little, "You do not. Well at least not anymore. Daniel saved my life too. If it weren't for him, I'd have been crushed into a million little pieces that are hard to recognize." The image made her shiver.

"Good karma." Catherine grinned, accepting the drink offered by their helper.

"That's what my friend said, good karma."

The thought of Buhle made her visibly relax into Daniel's comforting touch on her thigh.

Niel started talking about Daniel's friends then, as he was growing up and now as an adult. But nobody touched the dating subject.

Even as Nora came in enthusiastically, ruining Daniel's plan of warning her before she walked in. It wasn't as horrible. Musa was still a little cautious about the things she said and how she said them. She noted everyone's tone when she was addressed directly, never feeling like leaving early.

"I need a better job." Nora stated, ignoring her parents who were chatting between themselves.

Musa groaned, "Me too. But I'm happy where I am. I just wish they paid more."

"Isn't that just ironic? I get paid well, I just hate the job. The people too." Nora grumbled, stuffing her mouth with food to muffle her complaints.

The two of them laughed at their irony, going back to silently having their dinner.

"We have to leave," Daniel said to Musa, but his parents heard too.

"Oh, so soon? I made desert to go with your cookies!" Niel said, looking disappointed.

But Daniel was adamant, much to Musa's confusion. "We have a routine to follow. I'm sorry father." He stood then, opening his palm for Musa to take.

And she did, hesitantly.

"Can we at least take some with us? This is rude Daniel." She asked, whispering to him.

The man sighed, but accepted.

The trip back to his apartment was quiet. She was wondering what she did wrong to make him want to leave before dinner was finished.

"Hey," she heard his voice call beside her.

"Hm?" She looked at him, curious.

"Are you upset?" He asked, taking her hand in his.

They were parked under his garage, she noticed. They had arrived, and she had spaced out.

"Upset? No. I'm not upset Daniel, just... wondering what happend back at your parent's house." She dared to look into his eyes.

"Hm." He opened his door and shut it behind himself.

"Come on." He said, watching her sweet eyes scan him from inside the car.

After her exit, he locked it, ushering her.

"This is why we left early." He said once they were in the kitchen. He took her medication out and put it in front of her.

"Oh. I forgot." She said, turning red from embarrassment.

He served her desert and brought a glass of water for her to have her medicine, taking her to bed afterwards.

No words were exchanged in the half hour they spent downstairs. There was no need to. She was appreciative of his care, and he was just doing what felt right. Looking out for the woman he loved.

"Goodnight sweetheart." She said to him after he got comfortable beside her, his arm around her waist.

"Goodnight. And thank you for coming with me to meet my family." He kissed her neck.

This was what it felt like to be loved. To love.

"You are my angel, with invisible wings." She whispered into the pillow.

Her smile felt permanent. And the sleep that came after it, peaceful.

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