When I Met You

Chapter 2 - Blake's POV

I knew I was running late, but I had some office matters to attend to. That's just the way my life seems to run lately. I don't know why I'd expect any less as a 22 year old businessman. You have to work hard, if you want to make something of yourself. Because if you aren't successful, then what are you? My father's voice rang in my ears every time I began to question my life decisions. I mean, it was a Veleno tradition to be a successful businessman. I shouldn't expect my father to bend the rules for his least favorite child. I started to become lost in my train of thought, I almost forgot I was driving. Luckily, I snapped out of it as the light turned red and I was able to slam on the breaks.

God, did I hate downtown traffic! It was one of the many things I hated about my job. My parents were expecting me and Chelsea by 7:00pm on the dot. However, I was still stuck in traffic about 15 minutes away from Chelsea's apartment, whilst the clock strikes 6:35pm. I knew we weren't going to make it in time, and I probably should have called her to tell her to meet me there. After all, it was a 30 minute drive to my parents' mansion. I would have done it too, if she had been there before. But seeing as this was her first time - Wow! We were together for two years and she still hadn't met my parents. I mean I didn't blame her one bit, seeing as they are rather judgemental. - I couldn't let her drive there alone and risk her beating me there. God knows that they'd scare her off before I'd get the chance to show my face.

My thoughts all came to a halt when I saw that Chelsea was calling me. God, I missed her. I haven't seen her in nearly two weeks, because we've both been busy as hell.

I answered the phone. "Hey, babe"

"Blake, where are you? You were supposed to be here 30 minutes ago." She wasn't angry. I know she wasn't. Her voice showed that she is genuinely concerned, which was what I loved about her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, babe. I got caught up in the office, but I promise I'm on my way. Give me about 10 more minutes, okay?" I really hoped that she hadn't worried herself into a frenzy. She tends to that quite often. It was honestly more concerning than it is annoying. I told her that she should probably start seeing her therapist more frequently, but she didn't take it too well. I mean obviously, I didn't mean it in a rude way. I just worried about her. A lot.

She sighed into the speaker, "Oh, okay. See you in a few."

I can't tell if she's disappointed or not. Regardless, I quickly hung up the phone and rushed my way home to her. That's when it hit me. Shit. I forgot the flowers at the office.

* * *

When we finally, but inevitably, arrived at my parent's house, I breathed out an audible sigh. "Are you ready, Chels?"

"As ready as I can be." She replied with a half smile trying to make me feel better about inviting her here.

I place her hand in mine as we walk up the lengthy stairs leading to my old house. It felt weird walking up those stairs with Chelsea. I never pictured that we'd make it this far, honestly. I wish I could have shielded her even longer from them, but it was inevitable that they would meet her sooner or later.

The second we made it up the stairs, I let her hand go. I'm not sure why, because I could have easily knocked on the piece of wood staring at me with my spare hand. I think it might be out of fear, because I know my parents think she was not worthy of me. They made that very clear on the rare occasion that they'd call.

After waiting for what felt like forever, the door finally swung open and I was greeted with a mama bear hug. My mother consistently begged me to visit, but I refused. I know she missed me. She finally loosened her grip to get a good look at me. "My baby boy, look at you all grown up and handsome." The biggest smile appeared on her face, but it slowly faded away the second she realized Chelsea was awkwardly standing there. "And you must be?" She asked my girlfriend.

"Oh, I'm Chelsea." She smiled as she stepped forward to shake my mother's hand. "Nice to meet you."

When my mother finally stopped gawking and shaking Chelsea's hand, she sighed unapologetically. "I apologize. I didn't realize my son had brought a guest."

Chelsea just awkwardly smiled back not knowing what to say. I guess I was so busy that I forgot to mention I was bringing Chelsea. "Sorry, Mum. I could have sworn I told you." My eyes plead with her.

"Well, I hope she realizes that there is only enough food prepared for the original number of guests." She rudely stated as if Chelsea wasn't standing right there.

I looked over to Chelsea, who was clearly a little taken back. I mouthed, I'm sorry towards her, but she just rolled her eyes at me.

The entire conversation at dinner was awkward and I wished that I had just taken Chelsea to eat like any normal human being, but when my mother practically begged me to come to dinner on the exact night of our anniversary, I couldn't say no. I could tell Chelsea wasn't very thrilled at the conversation at hand, so I tried to change the subject. Only, that just made things worse.

I brought up that Chelsea was still in college, because I wanted to shift the topic to someone other than me. I felt bombarded and I didn't want to leave Chelsea out.

"Oh, I didn't realize you were still in college" He put the emphasis on still.

"Yeah, I'm only a junior." Chelsea tried to laugh off my dad's comment as though it wasn't offensive.

"Are you still planning on being a photographer?" My dad interrogated.

"Yes, I am." She grinned, because she thought that someone was finally indulging in her interest. However, that was short lived.

"Hmmm." He was pondering something. "Well, I hope you realize that being a photographer isn't a realistic job." He scoffed at the idea.

Chelsea sat there quietly staring at her hands in her lap. I don't know what she was waiting for since she has such a feisty attitude. I could have sworn she was gonna say something. Anything. But she didn't.

"Son, do you not agree?" And in all seriousness I do agree with him, but I also know how much photography meant to Chelsea. She was pretty damn good at it too, but all those things I would never say. It was my dad. If I didn't take his side, I knew things would end poorly.

I contemplated my words, but ultimately I decided on saying, "No, I do agree."

To which he responded, "Then, why don't you knock some sense into that girlfriend of yours?"