FATED TO BE YOURS

Chapter 4: Mom's Forever Baby

As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit for the evening, my father's playful voice drifted from the living room, "Hey, Mon, did you forget to ask permission before going out on this date with Nop?"

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Dad, I'm not a teenager anymore, and besides I'm getting married," I called back, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

My mom's voice chimed in from the kitchen, a hint of caution in her tone, "Remember, just because you and Nop are engaged doesn't mean you can stay out late at night, Mon."

As I stood there, adjusting my dress, my mom's voice filled the room with praise, "Mon, you look absolutely stunning! Your dress is perfect, and every detail suits you beautifully."

I couldn't help but smile at her words, feeling a surge of confidence wash over me. Before I could reply, my dad glanced at the clock and raised an eyebrow, "Hey, Mon, what time is Nop supposed to pick you up?"

I checked my watch, my heart sinking as I realized it was already past the agreed-upon time. "We were supposed to meet at 4 pm, but it's almost 5 now," I admitted, my disappointment evident.

My dad nodded thoughtfully, "Well, why don't you give him a call? Maybe there's just a delay or something."

Taking his advice, I reached for my phone, fingers trembling slightly as I dialed Nop's number, hoping for an explanation for his tardiness.

As Nop's voice came through the phone, filled with regret, I couldn't hide my disappointment. "Nop, I thought we agreed you'd take me out for dinner today," I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.

Nop sighed on the other end of the line, "I'm really sorry, Mon. My car broke down earlier, and I'm still at the repair center trying to get it fixed before the race event I registered for."

His words only added to my disappointment. "So you're prioritizing your car over our plans?" I couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at his choice.

Nop paused for a moment before replying, "No, of course not, Mon. I just didn't expect this to happen. I promise I'll make it up to you as soon as I can."

I dropped the call, unable to conceal my disappointment. Standing up, I faced my parents, frustration evident in my expression. "I've changed my mind. I'm not going out anymore," I declared, my footsteps heavy as I made my way to my room.

My parents exchanged amused glances, a teasing grin playing on their lips. "Looks like someone's plans got derailed," my dad quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

I shot them a half-hearted smile before closing the door to my room, the weight of the evening's letdown settling in.

As I sat in my room, still feeling the sting of disappointment, my mom's voice echoed from the hallway, calling me for dinner. With a heavy sigh, I pushed myself up from the bed and made my way to the dining room.

As I settled in at the table, my parents exchanged knowing glances, their curiosity evident. "So, what happened with your date with Nop?" my dad asked, his tone gentle.

"Well his car broke down, and he was still at the repair center so it can be fixed before his racing event," I replied but my mom furrowed her brow in concern, "Isn't his racing hobby a bit dangerous?"

I nodded, understanding their worry. "I know, Mom. But Nop promised he'd stop after the wedding."

My dad nodded thoughtfully, "Well, accidents are unpredictable. It might be best for Nop to stop, at least until he can ensure his safety and others'."

My dad added, his tone serious, "You know, Mon, now that you and Nop are starting your new life together as a family, maybe he should consider finding a new hobby, something safer."

My mom nodded in agreement, her expression filled with concern, "We just worry that if Nop doesn't stop his racing hobby, something bad might happen. We want what's best for both of you."

I nodded, grateful for my parents' wisdom and concern. "I'll talk to Nop about it," I promised, feeling a sense of relief knowing that my parents were looking out for our well-being.

As we sat down for dinner, the conversation naturally turned to our wedding plans. My parents, with eager anticipation, asked about the details of the ceremony and reception.

I hesitated, my disappointment evident as I replied, "We haven't really discussed the details yet. Nop is still busy preparing for his last race."

My parents exchanged a concerned glance, sensing my disappointment. "Are you okay with Nop prioritizing his race over your wedding plans?" my mom asked gently, her voice filled with empathy.

I sighed, frustration evident in my tone, "Honestly, Mom, Dad, I'm starting to get really annoyed with this race. If it weren't for my love and support for Nop, I would have lost my patience by now."

My parents exchanged glances, understanding the strain this situation was putting on me. "It's important to communicate your feelings with Nop, Mon," my dad advised, his voice calm and reassuring. "Your happiness and the success of your wedding plans matter too."

As my dad offered his advice, a somber realization washed over my mom. She looked at me with a mix of sadness and pride, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Oh, Mon," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion, "it's just hitting me now that you'll soon be leaving our home to start your own family."

I reached out to squeeze her hand, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Mom, I'll always be your baby, no matter where I am," I reassured her, my own eyes welling up with tears. "And I'll never forget everything you've done for me."

My mom nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips as she squeezed my hand. "I know, sweetheart. It's just hard to accept that my baby is growing up so fast."

"Mom, even though I'll be living with Nop, it doesn't mean I'll forget about home. I promise to visit as often as I can, and you and Dad are always welcome to come over and spend time with us."

We shared a moment of understanding and affection, both knowing that no matter where life took us, the bond between a mother and her child would always remain strong.