A Harmony With You: Book Four

Emma

I roll my eyes at the man in front of me. He has not stopped talking for the past ten minutes.

I check my Apple watch on my wrist and see that it has been over an hour already since I arrived at this fancy restaurant. I cross my legs under the table and clear my throat. The man finally stops talking and does a nervous chuckle. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to talk so much. I just get very passionate about my job sometimes."

"I'm sure being a chemist is very amusing," I say with a fake smile.

"It sure is! Did you know--"

"I'm sorry, but I have a meeting tomorrow morning and must return home already."

"Sure! Can I drive you home?"

"That's alright. I have my own car. Thank you."

The blonde man does a nervous chuckle and quickly gets up to pull the chair so I can get up. I take my purse and start to the front counter so he can pay. He quickly gives the waiter his credit card and I look at my phone. Hopefully, my sister isn't working the night shift so we can talk about my stupid blind date.

"Oh no."

I look up and see the blonde man has sweat running down his temples as he looks back at me. He scratches the back of his neck with his stupid chuckle. "I am so sorry, Emma. Let me go to the bank real quick to get some money. It seems that my card has declined."

You have to be kidding me now.

I give him a nonchalant glare without a single word and just take out my wallet. He tries to stop me, but I give him another glare and he lets go of my wrist. I give the waiter my credit card and he also does not say anything to me. He only obeys as I ask him to give me the receipt.

The blonde man is nervously quiet on our way back to our cars. He follows me to my car and hesitates before saying, "I had a great time. I'm really sorry about the payment. I'll--"

I give him the receipt and a tight smile. "Don't worry. You can pay me back as soon as you can."

He's left in awe at my blunt response, but I don't care. I want this night to end already. So I give him a small nod and start inside my car. But he quickly takes my hand and says, "I was wondering...if we could go to your place sometime or mine to have some wine maybe or..."

My insides turn with disgust and I have to hold back an expression that reflects that. So I only give him another tight smile and say, "Sorry. I live with my parents still."

Surprise runs through his expression. "You do? That's interesting."

I nod. "I must go now."

"Then how about we do a second date at my place?"

His eyes twinkle and I am on the verge of slapping him in the face. But I hold back my anger and say, "My father will probably kill you if he finds out I have gone to a man's place. However, I was not planning on another date. Thank you for your time today."

His eyes are wide and I don't hear him try to convince me anymore as I get in my car. He knocks on my window, but I ignore him as I start my car. He has to step away as I back up and give him a small wave before racing out of the parking lot. Finally, I let out a breath.

Thank God that's over. My mother will hear me this time...

Like always, she pretends to be reading on the couch when I enter. She quickly gets up and gives me wide eyes filled with curiosity. "How did it go, honey?"

I stop in my steps and let out a long sigh. I drop my purse on the sofa across from hers and give her a frown. "Mom! Why do you keep doing this to me? I don't even like white men!"

Her tender expression disappears and her eyes shine with anger as she prepares to bicker with me. "Hey! You ungrateful punk! I'm only looking out for you!"

"How? How?! This is just a waste of my precious time."

"Your sister won't be getting married any time soon. You're my only hope left!"

I scoff and let my mouth fall in disbelief. "Why are you so eager to get us married?! Do you not want me to be here? We can leave if you want."

"It's not that, you punk! I want to have grandchildren before I die!"

I let out a laugh. "You can't die yet, Mom. You still have Kayla to take care of. Trust me. God won't let you go yet because of her."

She throws a pillow at me and I catch it with a roll of eyes. "You should be thanking me! He was a nice man! He is a scientist. He's respectful. Handsome. He will take good care of you!"

"First of all, I already have to put up with listening to Lianne talk about her work every time she is here. Second, do you know what happened after dinner? His card declined. I had to pay!"

My mother is left silent at this and she tries to look for an explanation to defend him. But she stutters and I scoff. "Right. This will be the last one I accept for you, Mom. I have to get ready for a meeting tomorrow."

My mother follows me into my room. "How dare you treat your poor mother like this! We are not done talking!"

I turn around and cross my arms on my chest. "I will marry someone that understands me. I think I only talked once during that whole meal. When I find a man who listens and isn't another disgusting narcissist, then I'll finally make you happy."

My mother is left speechless at this and it hurts to see guilt run through her eyes. I know now what Lianne used to see at this time of her life. She also had her share of blind dates and arguments with our mother. But I watched her stand her ground and let her passion rise even more. I don't have a problem following in her footsteps for that.

I let my expression soften as I say, "I have to get ready for an important meeting tomorrow with a few parents, Mom. Please..."

She steps out with her firm look and quiet eyes. But she stops at the door and softly says, "Did you at least have a good dinner? If you want...I can make you something right now."

I do a small smile and nod. "Yes. I did. Thank you for choosing a nice place for us, Mom."

My mother does a small nod and says, "I knew you would like it. Anyways...sleep well. Don't forget to put on your alarm."

"I won't, Mom. Is Lianne working the night shift today?"

She nods with a smile. "She won't be back until tomorrow evening."

"Okay. Have a good night, Mom."

Without another word or smile, she closes the door behind her and I finally breathe again. I sit on my bed and look at the many pictures around my room. It looks like the room we had before we moved to this city, but now I have diplomas and pictures with supervisors that remind me of what I have achieved on my own. I feel as proud as my sister does and I take my favorite picture from this past year.

A picture of my family smiling by my side as I hold onto a bouquet after getting the diploma of becoming the new junior manager for the company. I run a thumb over the picture and my heart is reminded of the promise I made to myself many years ago. I promised I would do anything to fight for what I believe in. I will stand firm for those who are weaker. I will stand taller for the small. I will fight for the pure-hearted. I will find families willing to bring a genuine smile back to a child who has lost hope. I want them to see the good among the tears just as I did all these years.

I just want people to finally listen for one day...