Finding Love

CHAPTER 3

The Break-Up 

Ruth was frozen in her spot after listening to  Caleb and his mother's conversation. "Caleb, this girl could be after your money," Diannah Scott warned trying everything to convince him against this relationship. "Mom, Ruth is one of the most genuine people I have met. She does not want my money. I can assure you of that. Ruth does not even like to take gifts. Ruth is natural, kind different, and real in every possible way. Mom, I love Ruth and want her in my life," Caleb confessed wholeheartedly. Dianna Scott was a bit bewildered and displeased that Caleb felt so deeply for this girl. 

"Caleb you are young and you don't want to settle down already. You make it sound as if you won't date anymore," Mrs. Scott pointed out. "Mom, I know how my heart feels and she has captured it," he said. "Caleb, I can't support this relationship. This girl may be nice but she is not the girl for you.  Ruth is a bit too different for your taste," Mrs. Scott continued. "What are you trying to say? " Caleb said a bit annoyed with his mother. "Well, her family background is not pretty and she is also plain compared to your past girlfriends," Mrs. Scott stated.  "Ruth has more class than the girls of my past and she does not need designer clothes to make her adapt into someone she is not," Caleb stated passionately. "Just give her a chance and get to know her," Caleb suggested.

"I can see your feelings are clouding your sound judgment. If you continue to see this girl, prepare to support yourself financially. I will not release your trust fund to you when you turn twenty," Mrs. Scott said sternly.  "Get her out of your system because she is not worth losing your inheritance," his mother warned. Caleb was shocked by his mother's ultimatum. He was not prepared to walk away from Ruth. 

Ruth took a deep breath and returned back to the dining room table. She kept replaying what Caleb's mother had said.  This was not turning out as she anticipated. Mrs. Scott obviously did not think she was good enough for Caleb. How could she ask Caleb to give up everything for her? Ruth did not want him to eventually blame her or become bitter. Could their love survive this? Caleb kept a watchful eye on Ruth after the dinner was over. He had no idea that she heard the conversation he had with his mother. He knew something was off because she was really quiet and distant. As they drove back to the dorms he held her hands to connect to his girl. "Ruth, what is it?" he asked worried. "Your mom does not like me. I don't think she feels as if I am good enough for you," Ruth admitted. Caleb pulled the car over and proceeded to talk to Ruth.

"I know you are good enough for me regardless of what my mother says or believes. I would do anything to be with you. You cannot get rid of me that easily," he continued. Ruth looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Caleb you can do better. I know my family background is terrible and I am not like the other girls you have dated," Ruth stated. "Where is this coming from Ruth?" Caleb asked confused. "Maybe we should.................." Ruth stated holding back the tears. "Don't you say it," he said closing his eyes afraid of the words that she was about to say. "Ruth, I have never compared you to my past girlfriends because you have surpassed them on every level. I love you and want only you. Please don't give up on what we are building here," he pleaded. Ruth started to feel bad for the pain and agony she saw on his face but she was not going to let him throw away his future for her. 

"Caleb, I was in the restroom when I heard your conversation with your mother," she finally admitted. Caleb was stunned at the revelation. He felt horrible and embarrassed she heard it all.  Ruth took his hand realizing he was in a state of shock. "It's okay Caleb. You are not responsible for your mother's opinions," she reassured him. "How much did you hear?" he asked trying to take it all in. "Everything," Ruth admitted. "I am so sorry you heard it but my feelings remain the same for you," he stressed. "What about your inheritance?" Ruth asked. "What about it Ruth? I don't need money to be happy or to be with you," he said sternly. Ruth turned away and warned him, "you are saying that now but I don't need you to hate me later on."