After stowing my shopping in the car's boot, I quickly hopped back in, needing a moment to digest the whirlwind of events. Dialing Christian's number, I recounted the chance encounter with Charles, though he didn't seem too surprised; after all, I've always been the more adventurous one between us. As I approached the turn for my parents' house, I took a deep breath, ready to unveil my surprise. Parking strategically to conceal the car, I retrieved flowers and gifts from the boot and stealthily made my way inside through the garage, courtesy of my sister leaving the door ajar. Entering the kitchen, I shouted "surprise," catching both my parents off guard.
After the initial excitement settled, I received a notification on my phone, revealing an unexpected text from an unknown number – it was Charles. Nonchalantly replying, I saved his contact as 'Charles 🏎️'. Suddenly, I remembered the envelope in my backpack, pulling it out to reveal F1 tickets,
"We're going to the f1?!" My dad exclaimed loudly whilst my mum laughed
"Yeah and I met Charles before when I was getting the shopping" I smiled back to them
much to my parents' delight. Amidst the ensuing conversation, my phone chimed again, this time with a message from Charles, expressing his pleasure at our meeting and hinting at further interaction.
[Ding] my phone sounds again
"That might be him now actually" I say but both of my parents looking confused
"It was nice meeting you today I can't wait to get to know you"
"You too Charles I'm so tired though I have such bad jet lag I can't wait to go sleep"
Fast forward four days, and my days have been filled with incessant texting and FaceTiming with Charles.
Today, however, I decided to partake in mundane yet cherished activities with my parents. As evening approached, amidst the routine of gardening and dinner preparations.
Sat on the kitchen stool with my mum whilst she's making dinner for her and my dad I get a loud ping on my phone. 'Is that Charles' my mum laughs 'yeah it is lemme see what he wants'
* text with Charles*
Charles: y/n?
Y/n: hey cutie I was just talking about you to my parents what's up?
Charles: I hope it's good whatever you was saying 😅 but are you free tonight?
Y/N: yeah why I don't have anything planned
Charles: I was wondering if I could take you out on a date then tonight me and you somewhere special plus I have something for your family too
Y/n: of course I'll go on a date with you why would I say no to a kind handsome man
Charles: good I'll pick you up at 7:30 then I'll see you later 👋
Charles extended an invitation for a special date that evening. Giddy with excitement, I relayed the news to my mum, feeling a wave of teenage nostalgia wash over me.
With my mum's help, I got ready, donning a stunning black silk dress and matching wrap-around heels, courtesy of her wardrobe selection. As the clock struck 7:20 PM, Charles' imminent arrival spurred a flurry of anticipation. Heart racing, I answered the door to find Charles, resplendent in a black suit, white shirt, and flowers in hand. A moment of mutual admiration ensued before I ushered him inside to meet my family.
Charles charmed my parents, shaking my dads and and kisses my mums cheek saying how lovely it is to meet them both and their daughter is beautiful. My mum taking the flowers from me running water for a vase as Charles tells them he has a gift. With his warmth and thoughtful gesture of F1 tickets, leaving them elated. With a hug and a whisper of gratitude, I bid my parents farewell, stepping into the night with Charles, ready for an evening of enchantment.
Charles: well it was lovely to meet you both and I can't wait too see you at the track but if you will excuse us I have reservations for me and this pretty lady
He exclaims to my parents grabbing my hand gently and leading me to the front door.
