WHAT IF! cole walter

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN, track meet and first date excitement

The next morning, Hollyn woke up to the sun shining brightly through her window. She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, yawning softly. Lottie was curled up beside her, snoring away. Hollyn smiles softly and pat her head before she got out of bed. She walked over to her closet and picked out a simple outfit before heading into the bathroom to take a quick shower. Once she was finished and dressed, she put her hair into a ponytail and grabbed her phone, smiling softly as her heart fluttered when she saw a good morning text from Cole.

After sending him a good morning message, she heads downstairs. She notices her dad was finishing making breakfast, but her mom wasn't around which confused and concerned her. "Morning, dad." She greeted as she walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Morning, honey." James smiled as he turned off the stove. He placed the plate of bacon on the kitchen island. Her eyes lit up at seeing it and she immediately reached over to grab a piece.

"Where's mom?" She asked, taking a bite of the delicious bacon.

"Oh, she's still sleeping. She had trouble falling asleep last night so I suggested she rest in today. I already fed the animals, don't worry." James replied. 

Hollyn nods in understanding. "Okay, is she feeling okay?" She questioned worriedly.

"She's alright, don't worry. Just a bit tired and stressed. That's all." James assured his daughter.

"Okay.." She sighed and took a seat at the kitchen island after grabbing a plate for herself. She grabbed some bacon and eggs, and begins eating.

"So, you and Cole, huh?" James inquired, a knowing smile on his face.

Her face flushes at his question. "Y-Yeah. How'd you know?" She asked, taking a bite of the egg.

James chuckles. "I saw him drop you off last night and kissed you goodnight." He admitted teasingly.

Hollyn nearly chokes on her food and starts coughing, her face growing even more red. "Y-You did?!"

"I'm happy for you, honey. You two have always been so close, and I'm glad you decided to take the leap." James said warmly. "It's nice to see you happy."

"Thanks, dad," Hollyn says, still blushing but managing a smile. "It feels...Right, you know? Like it was meant to be."

James smiles warmly at his daughter. "That's wonderful to hear. It's important to feel that way about someone. I'm glad you're finding happiness with Cole."

Hollyn nods, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "Yeah, it really does feel right. I'm excited to see where things go. It's been a whirlwind, but I think it's what we both needed. We're still figuring things out, but...It's nice to know we're in it together."

As they continued eating, James looks at her thoughtfully. "Just remember, relationships take work and communication. Don't be afraid to talk things through and support each other. I'm sure you two will be just fine."

"Thanks, dad. I'll keep that in mind." Hollyn replies with a grateful smile. "I really appreciate your advice and support. It means a lot to me."

James gives her a reassuring nod. "Anytime, sweetheart. I'm always here for you, whether it's about relationships or anything else." He told her with a fond smile. 

She and her dad ate breakfast and talked about random things. It was nice, spending time with him. Once they were done eating, they cleaned up the kitchen. She then kissed her dad's cheek and went outside. She was surprised to see Jackie and the Walter's on her front porch.

"Uh, hi?" She said with confusion, her eyebrows furrowing. "Not that I mind the visit, but what are you guys doing here?"

"Well, your boyfriend is still pissed at me and didn't give us the key to the car when he left." Alex grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.