One Last Chance

First Christmas With You

Engfa parked her car at Char's condo's lobby where Char's parents were waiting patiently. Charlotte sat in her seat for a while, just taking in the sight of her elderly parents in affection.

Papa Austin was sitting on the bench, slightly slouched as he looked around with a kind, patient smile. He was wearing a simple dark green polo shirt with black pants with a little burret on his head, his feet tapping a music only he knew in his mind.

Mae Dara sat next with him, dressed in a comfortable matching green blouse with a flowy long skirt. They were talking softly to each other with peaceful smiles.

Charlotte got out of Engfa's BMW and called out softly,

“Dad, mom, we're here. Let's go!” Charlotte smiled beautifully as she held onto her father's arm.

“Hi, sweetheart. Wait a second, let me carry this.” Papa Austin leaned down to carry a leather bag to which Charlotte immediately took over.

“What's in this?”

“Everyone's presents, silly!” Papa Austin let out a hearty laugh that made Charlotte's smile widened. Engfa came out of the car and bowed to Char's parents with a smile.

“Sawadeeka Po, Mae. Merry Christmas ka.” Engfa greeted and exchanged a brief hug with the elderly parents before opening the car doors for them.

“Merry Christmas, Engfa. How are you?” The elderly asked as Charlotte put the bag in the car boot. Engfa conversed with them slightly before getting into the car seat with Char.

“Oh wow, my car has never been this full.” Engfa chuckled, behind her was Char's parents and Phalo in her carrier between them. Next to her was her passenger princess, Charlotte with Tofu and Gyo on her lap.

“It's Christmas Eve!” Charlotte grinned excitedly, her excitement so contagious even Tofu barked a few times and wagged her tail.

“Are we all ready?” Engfa grinned and started driving when everyone nodded.

“Engfa, is your mother's house far from the city?” Dara asked in Thai.

“It's around 2 hours drive with all the traffic, Mae preferred to live in the outskirts from all the hustle of the city.” Engfa replied, she glanced next to Charlotte who was putting Gyo gently in his carrier by her feet so he could settle in comfortably for the journey.

“This is so fun, I can't wait to see mae and P’Daad.” Charlotte smiled at Engfa.

“It's just Christmas, teerak.” Engfa shook her head with a content smile.

“It's not just any Christmas, it's our first Christmas as a family.” Charlotte said meaningfully, Engfa's smile widened and her dimples appeared as she exchanged happy looks with her girlfriend. Behind, the elder couple smiled at each other, inside they were feeling very happy that their daughter had finally found someone.

The car journey was smooth with Christmas melodies playing in the background, Charlotte would sing aloud happily while Engfa was more reserved with outsiders in the backseat. Nevertheless, she hummed to the songs and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel.

Her heart felt full and warm everytime she looked to her left, and her once empty car seat was now occupied by her beautiful, feisty and lively girlfriend. Her son now also had siblings to accompany and sleep with him when she was away.

Around 3 in the afternoon, the white BMW pulled up to the familiar 2 floors terrace house with a large beautiful yard filled with pots and bushes of plants.

“Mae, we're here!” Engfa called out loudly the moment she got out of the car before she proceeded to open Char’s door and carried Tofu in her arms. Charlotte got out and carried Gyo out as well while her parents took Phalo.