A Melody of Faith: I'll Wait for You 🍂 ✔️

Chapter Five: The Dinner Invitation

Hosana sat on her bed, the soft hum of the air conditioner the only sound in her room. The thrill of her recent celebration still lingered, but the warmth of her conversation with John left a pleasant, lingering buzz in her mind. She picked up her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she found John's name. Taking a deep breath, she dialed his number.

"Hey, John," Hosana said as soon as he answered, her voice bright and cheerful."Hi, Hosana! What's up?" John's voice was warm and familiar."I just wanted to say thank you again for hosting such an amazing party. It was a night I'll always remember," she said sincerely. "Also, I was wondering if you'd like to join us for dinner later. My mom and Julia are making something special."John hesitated for a moment. "I'd love to, but I have basketball practice this evening. I'll do my best to swing by afterward.""I understand," Hosana replied. "Just wanted to let you know you're welcome to come if you can. It would be great to have you there.""It was a pleasure hosting the party for you. I'll try my best to make it," John said earnestly. "See you later, then!"After hanging up, Hosana found herself pondering over their conversation. Her thoughts wandered to whether John's feelings for her went beyond friendship, but she quickly brushed it aside. He was undeniably attractive and kind, but she didn't dwell on it too much. For now, she was content with the idea that they were just friends.In the meantime, Paloma and Hosana busied themselves getting ready for dinner. Paloma opted for a casual yet stylish outfit—a flowy, navy blue dress paired with simple accessories. Hosana chose a soft pink blouse with a fitted skirt, feeling both comfortable and elegant. They shared a few giggles and compliments, enjoying the preparation as a bonding moment before the evening's festivities.John and his family, meanwhile, were also preparing for the evening. Julia and their mother, dressed in a lovely green dress and a sophisticated black ensemble respectively, complemented John's choice of a crisp white shirt and jeans. He even brought a bouquet of flowers for Hosana, a gesture he hoped would make up for his delayed arrival. He glanced at the clock, noting that practice would run later than expected. As dinner approached, Hosana's family set the table with care, the aroma of home-cooked dishes filling the house. The doorbell rang, and with a glance toward each other, the family gathered around to welcome their guests.When John finally arrived, he was greeted warmly by Hosana's family. His face brightened when he saw the beautiful spread on the table and the effort everyone had put into the meal. Hosana, with a smile, took the flowers from him and placed them in a vase. "Thank you, John! These are lovely," she said, her eyes shining with genuine appreciation. John smiled back. "You're welcome. I'm sorry I'm a bit late.""It's perfectly fine," Hosana assured him as she led him to a seat. "Let me serve you some food."As she placed a plate in front of him, their fingers brushed, sending a soft jolt of electricity through her. She could sense a shared warmth in their interaction that seemed to linger in the air.The dinner was a pleasant affair, filled with laughter and lively conversation. They talked about their future goals, with Hosana excitedly sharing her plans for Berklee. John spoke of his hopes for basketball and future ambitions, engaging the family with his enthusiasm. The conversation flowed easily, making John feel more integrated into their lives.When the conversation turned to the upcoming move, Hosana's family mentioned that they would be heading to Boston for a week to get a feel for the city and prepare for her departure. Julia's eyes widened in surprise."You're leaving for a week? That's quite a trip," Julia said, her voice tinged with both pride and concern. "I'm really proud of you, Hosana. And I'd be more than happy to help you pack. We'll be here for you."Ana chimed in, "I can help out too! I want to make sure everything is perfect for you before you leave."The support was heartwarming, but John couldn't shake a twinge of sadness. During practice, he'd found himself contemplating the depth of his feelings for Hosana. He had always seen her as a friend, but now he wondered if there was more to it. His gift of the blue gown had been a token of friendship, yet his heart whispered of something deeper.As the evening wound down, Hosana's family thanked John for coming and expressed their eagerness to have him help with packing and preparations for her move. John, while feeling a bit wistful, agreed wholeheartedly. "I'm really happy for you, Hosana. I'll definitely stop by again to help with the packing," he said, his voice sincere. "Just know that I'm here for you."They parted ways with a mutual sense of warmth and connection. Hosana watched John leave, her heart full of mixed emotions, but she felt grateful for the support of her friends and family as she prepared for the next chapter of her life.