The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 56: Parents

Alannah sat on Nathaniel's comfortable couch in the living room, her heart racing as she prepared to share her life-changing news with her parents.

Dialing her parents' number, Alannah anxiously waited for her call to connect. Her mother's voice finally came through the line, "Hello, sweetie! How are you doing?"

Alannah's smile widened as she replied, "Hi, Mom! I'm doing great. I have something exciting to tell you."

Her father's voice joined the conversation, his tone filled with curiosity. "Oh, really? What's the big news, Alannah?"

Alannah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I want to switch to a video call. I have something to show you."

Her mother hesitated for a moment. "But, sweetheart, you know that you can't see anything. What's the point of a video call?"

Alannah took a deep breath and mustered up her courage. "Mom, Dad, I have something important to tell you. I had my surgery, and I can see now."

There was a momentary silence on the other end of the line. Alannah could sense something was off. Her parents' voices were filled with hesitancy and concern. Her father's voice finally broke the silence, "Alannah, that's... that's wonderful. We're happy for you."

Alannah's excitement faded as she picked up on the unease in their voices. "Is everything okay, Mom, Dad? You sound a bit hesitant."

Her mother's voice trembled, "Sweetheart, we're happy that you can see now." The call ended abruptly, leaving her in a state of shock.

She sat there, holding the phone in her hand, feeling a mix of emotions. Confusion, disappointment, and a tinge of sadness washed over her. She had hoped for a joyful and celebratory moment, but it seemed that her parents needed time to come to terms with her news.

Alannah took a deep breath and reminded herself that everyone processes things differently. She understood that her parents' reaction didn't necessarily mean they were unhappy for her; it simply meant they needed space to adjust.

With a heavy heart, she set the phone aside and tried to push aside her own emotions for the time being. She focused on being there for Nathaniel and supporting him in his recovery, knowing that she would have to address her parents' reaction when the time was right.

Alannah tiptoed her way into Nathaniel's room, admiring the peaceful expression on his face as he slept. She couldn't help but smile at the sight, realizing that he seemed to be sleeping more than usual. She chuckled softly to herself, knowing that it was probably for the best. If he were awake, he would be rushing outside to take care of his work, always putting others before himself.

Carefully, Alannah slipped into the bed beside him, her head finding its place on his chest. She could feel the rise and fall of his breath, a soothing rhythm that instantly calmed her. The warmth of his body enveloped her, bringing a sense of tranquility she had been longing for.

Even in his slumber, Nathaniel's instinct kicked in. He pulled her closer, his arms encircling her gently. She could feel the strength and love in his embrace, as if he was holding her protectively. A contented sigh escaped his lips, further reassuring Alannah of their deep connection.

As Alannah lay there, wrapped in Nathaniel's comforting embrace, she couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. In this moment, everything else faded away, and it was just the two of them, finding solace and peace in each other's arms.

As Alannah lay in Nathaniel's arms, the comfort and safety he provided couldn't fully distract her from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind. Her thoughts drifted to her conversation with her adopted parents earlier, their hesitant reaction when she mentioned them coming to her. It felt different, their response tinged with an unspoken reluctance.

The sudden end to their phone call added another layer of confusion. Alannah couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. Her parents' abrupt disconnection left her startled, wondering if it was merely a network issue or if there was something more they weren't telling her.

Her mind then wandered to her biological parents, whose tragic deaths had always been shrouded in mystery. The revelation that her parents might have been connected to Nathaniel's father's gang sent shivers down her spine. The implications were overwhelming, and she found herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her own history.

Silently, a deep groan escaped her lips as she grappled with the tangled web of uncertainty and unanswered questions. Alannah yearned for clarity and understanding, yet the path ahead seemed daunting. She knew she couldn't face this alone; she needed Nathaniel's support, his strength to navigate through the shadows that enveloped their lives.

Snuggling closer to Nathaniel, she found solace in his presence. With him, she felt a glimmer of hope amidst the confusion.

As Nathaniel slowly stirred from his sleep, he became aware of the gentle movements and the distant look in Alannah's eyes. Her fingers absently played with the fabric of his shirt, lost in her thoughts. A smile tugged at his lips as he admired her beauty, the way her features softened in the morning light.

With a small groan, Nathaniel attempted to shift his position to face her, only to be met with a twinge of discomfort. Alannah's alertness was immediate, her gaze fixed on him with concern. She bombarded him with questions, her voice filled with worry.

"What's wrong? Are you okay? Is it hurting? Should I call the doctor?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Nathaniel couldn't help but chuckle at her rapid-fire inquiries. Leaning in, he placed a tender kiss on her nose, his eyes filled with affection. "You're very cute," he whispered, his voice filled with adoration.

Feeling her warmth against him, Nathaniel's discomfort faded into the background. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, cherishing the moment of intimacy and connection. Drawing her closer, Nathaniel held her in his arms, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.

Nathaniel noticed the distant look in Alannah's eyes, he couldn't help but be concerned. He gently cupped her face with his hand and asked softly, "What's wrong, love? What were you thinking about?"

Alannah's gaze met his, and she whispered, "I'm alright, Nathaniel. I was just thinking about everything going on, about the past and the present."

Nathaniel's expression softened, and he reassured her, "You don't have to worry, Alannah. I'll take care of everything. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

A tender smile spread across Alannah's lips as she leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, conveying her gratitude for his support. But she couldn't resist the allure of his neck, the place that always made him shiver with delight. She left a trail of soft kisses along his neck, eliciting a shiver from him.

Nathaniel's breath hitched as her lips brushed against his sensitive skin, and he closed his eyes, savoring the intimate connection between them. In that moment, the worries and uncertainties melted away, replaced by the warmth and desire they shared. They found solace in each other's arms, finding respite from the chaos of the world outside.