Sparks - Daniel Ricciardo

Fifty Six

📍22nd September 2022 - Perth, Australia

After a few minutes, Amber emerged from the bathroom, her eyes puffy from crying, but her resolve unbroken.

She found Daniel waiting for her, his face filled with concern and empathy. Without a word, he pulled her into a comforting embrace, offering solace in his arms.

Amber, with tears still glistening in her eyes, looked up at Daniel and said in a shaky voice, "I'm okay, Daniel. I just... It's a lot to process. I thought your mom would be happier."

He nodded, understanding the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. "I know, love. Maybe her reaction wasn't what we hoped for, but remember, we have our families' support, and we're in this together. It's going to be okay. I promise. I'll never let anything bad happen to you, you know that, right?"

Amber nodded as she sniffled her tears away, "Of course I know that." She admitted sadly. "Why does she hate me so much?"

"She doesn't ha-" Daniel started to talk before being abruptly cut off by his fiancé.

"Don't give me any of that bullshit, Dan." Amber scolded. "She's never liked me and I've tried everything to win her over. You told me that your mom was so excited for when Michelle was pregnant, that she screamed! And this is the reaction we get?"

"Believe me, I'm not too happy about it myself." Daniel admitted. "I thought she'd be happy for her son. She's treating this as a huge mistake."

"It's not, is it?" Amber asked with concern lacing her every word. "You don't think that she was right, do you? Is it too soon?"

"Baby," Daniel cooed as he used his thumbs to wipe over the tears staining Amber's paler complexion, "I'm going to marry you soon. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Starting our own family could never be too soon. I want this more than anything."

"Good." Amber smiled slightly. "So do I. I just wished that everyone's reactions had been a little more enthusiastic."

"Yeah." Daniel nodded glumly. "Nobody seems to ecstatic for us, so they?"

Amber shook her head and looked down to the ground whilst she steadied her breath. As they held each other, Amber's mother, Elisabetta, walked into the house to find Amber in a vulnerable state.

Her maternal instincts kicked in, and she immediately enveloped her daughter in a warm, protective hug, taking over from Daniel.

"Amber, mia cara," Elisabetta whispered, her voice filled with love and reassurance. "Don't let anyone's doubts or concerns diminish your happiness. You're about to embark on a beautiful journey, and we'll be here for you every step of the way."

Amber clung to her mother, finding comfort in her words and the unwavering support of her family. "Thank you, Mom. It just caught me off guard, that's all." Amber said. "You're happy for me, aren't you?"

Elisabetta gently brushed a tear from her daughter's cheek and replied, "Sometimes people need time to adjust to unexpected news, but your happiness is what matters most. My baby girl is having her own baby; I'm over the moon, my love, and we're going to celebrate this journey together, no matter what. We are all here for you."