𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 ~ | 𝘔𝘢𝘹 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 (2)

033 || Fine

If I said that I'm fine, it would sound like a lie.

I know that everyone around me was depressed, but I was okay.

Really okay.

The result still hadn't come back, but I had decided that I wasn't going to spend my time worrying about it. I had other things to worry about now.

"What if they hate me?"

My leg was bouncing anxiously as I stared out the window of the car. The trees seemed to blur together as we sped down the highway, the greenery providing a soothing backdrop to the tense atmosphere inside the vehicle.

Max's hand on my leg made me tear my gaze away from the flashing scenery. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, and he squeezed my thigh reassuringly before returning to the road.

"How could anyone ever hate you, Liefje?" He chuckled softly, careful not to wake Clemmie, who had fallen asleep in her car seat in the back just after we had left the airport.

"I can't believe I haven't met your parents yet..." I ran a hand through my hair, feeling my anxiety grow by the second. Max's thumb began to gently caress my knee, sending a wave of calm through me.

"They're going to love you, Sabrina. They've been so excited about meeting Clemmie." His voice was soothing, but I could feel the tension in his shoulders as he gripped the steering wheel.

I tried to smile, but it felt forced. "And what about me? What if they don't like me?"

Max glanced at me before returning his attention to the road. "My dad can be a bit... but my mom is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. She'll love you, I promise."

The car pulled into the driveway of Max's parents' house. It was larger than I expected, with a sprawling garden and a detached garage. The house itself was a mix of modern and traditional Dutch architecture, with large windows and a welcoming porch. 

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I gathered my things and stepped out of the car. Max placed his hand on the small of my back, offering me support as we made our way up the path to the front door.

I couldn't help but feel like an imposter, like I didn't belong here. The nervousness that had been gnawing at me all day intensified as I reached for the doorbell, my fingers shaking slightly. Max squeezed my hand reassuringly.

Clemmie, who was lying in Max's other arm, was just waking up from her nap, her little eyes blinking open and her tiny fist uncurling as she stretched her arms out. I could feel my heart swell at the sight of her, my nerves seeping away.

I heard a faint chiming inside the house, and then the door swung open, revealing a woman with Max's striking blue eyes and unmistakable features.

"Max!" she cried, throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a tight hug. Max grinned, turning slightly to protect Clemmie from the tight hug.

"Hi, Mom," he said, returning her embrace. She pulled away, still beaming. Then her eyes fell on Clemmie.

"Oh my goodness! This must be my new granddaughter!" she exclaimed, reaching out to cradle Clemmie in her arms. 

Max gently transferred her to his mother's outstretched hands, and she beamed with delight as she held the sleepy baby close. 

"She's gorgeous!" she cooed, her eyes shining with love and admiration.

Then she saw me, her eyes widening as she took me in. I waited for something to happen.

"Oh, you must be... Sabrina?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing a bright pink. Max nodded, grinning from ear to ear.