It's been 2 years since Hannah's divorce. She doesn't plan on staying single for the rest of her life. She tried going out and meeting people, but they never had what she was looking for. She decided to take the route of trying online dating instead...
Relief washed over me as I watched the police officer step out his vehicle. I rushed to open the door, my cheeks still wet with tears.
"Hello ma'am. I was told that someone was here harassing you."
"Yes, I believe it's the same guy that's been stalking me since I moved here. I-I had a video of him at my door, but my phone glitched and it disappeared," I replied frantically.
"May I take a look, please?"
I handed him my phone with the app open, and he began to look at it throughly before handing it back.
"Can you send that to me? It seems like it didn't just disappear, but got deleted. Are you sure you didn't accidentally delete it?"
"Yes I'm sure. Why would I do that?" I replied looking at him like he was crazy.
"Alright, alright. It's just my job to make sure of these things ma'am. I'll need your phone number, so we can call you when we've figured it out."
"Okay," I replied, giving him my number to put in his book.
"Great, thanks. Also what was the company that did your cameras?" he asked.
"It was Crystal Clear Tech."
"Thanks ma'am. We'll be in touch soon."
I thanked the officer, and closed the door. I needed to get Oreo from under the bed before he's there all night. I went to the kitchen to grab his favorite treats.
"Oreo?! Come here buddy," I said, while shaking the treats container. It took me at least five minutes of persuading him to come out. After finally reuniting, I showered him with hugs and kisses. Holding him tight as we settled into the couch for our favorite rom-com series.
The clock struck 6:00pm, and my mom texted to let me know that they were close. I decided to make their favorite fettuccini shrimp and chicken pasta for dinner tonight. It was a tradition in our family to cook sunday nights. I wasn't planning on doing so, but I opted this night to be special. I was so excited to finally see them again.
*Ding Dong*
"Oh that must be them. They're right on time for dinner," I said to myself, while pulling the garlic bread out the oven.
"Coming!" I shouted.
When I opened the door my mom's eyes instantly watered, and she pulled me into a hug.
"Oh Hannah dear, I've missed you so much," she said.
"I missed you too. Hi dad," I replied, embracing my dad into a hug next. He didn't say anything, but I could feel his warm smile. The way he held me a little tighter told me he definitely missed me.
"Who's hungry?" I said, trying to avoid tears.
Dad rubbed his belly and said. "It sure does smell delicious. I can already tell what it is."
My mom and I both giggled as we walked towards the dining table. I made sure Oreo was eating, then I sat down to join them.
"So, where's this boy we're supposed to be meeting?" my dad asked.
I cleared my throat out of nervousness before speaking. "He um got called into work, so he won't be able make it this time," I replied, with my eyes glued to my plate. I was trying to avoid eye contact with my dad, because I know how he can be.
"Oh, really? I thought... this was a big day for you," he replied, chewing his food in between.
"Yeah, but things happen."
"It's okay, honey. We have plenty of time to meet him. I'm sure we can meet him before you leave to go on the trip," my mom said, while caressing my hand.
I forcefully smiled at her, and nodded my head. "So, how's everything back at home?" I asked, changing the subject.
"It's good dear. A lot of people have been asking about you. I guess... we all just miss you."
"I agree," my dad chimed in.
"Awh, really? I miss everyone too. Let's just say moving here hasn't been easy."
"Why dear?" my mom asked.
I sat there contemplating whether I should tell them or not. They both sat there staring at me with wonder in their eyes. "Uhm, nothing too serious. Just not making too many friends."
"Oh don't worry about that dear. You'll make some friends soon," my dad replied.
My mom stopped eating and studied me, as if she could tell I wasn't telling the truth. 'A mother always knows' at least that's what they say. It was an awkward moment of silence. All you could hear, was me and my dad's forks gentle scrapes of metal on our plates.
"You alright dear? You've stopped eating," my dad wondered.
She slightly smiled at him, and continued to eat. I could tell it was bothering her though. She probably wondered why I wasn't speaking up about it. My dad regaled us with humorous anecdotes, instantly lifting the mood. The rest of dinner was filled with contagious laughter, creating cherished moments I'd treasure with my family.
I was in the middle of washing dishes, when my mom came up next to me to dry them off. We glanced at each other, and a warm reassuring grin appeared on her face.
"Have you been getting enough sleep dear?" she asked.
"Yeah. I mean some nights are hard, but I manage."
She hummed and said. "You seem stressed. Is it because of Derrick?"
"No mom. It's just been a busy week between life and work."
"Maybe you should consider moving back, so I can help out. I know you have a lot of orders to get done. Plus taking care of yourself and Oreo. It's a lot for just you. Or we could consider moving here," she replied, shrugging her shoulders.
I quickly locked eyes with her with both eyebrows frowned. "Absolutely not, to either one. I'm fine mom, really. I'm taking my insomnia pills. I'm still going on runs in the mornings. Plus, if I need help with orders I could hire someone. Just...don't worry," I said, pulling her into a hug.
"Okay, dear..."
We attempted to watch a movie, but they both ended up passed out. I woke them up to show them the guest room. It was getting late anyways, and I had to be up early. I went to my room to finish packing my bags. I was excited to see Star again. Especially since she'll be moving after to be closer to her job at the art studio. I was happy for her, but sad that we wouldn't be close anymore. The house she was moving into was beautiful, and way bigger. I have no clue how she was able to get a house like that.
Before I went to bed I gave Oreo a treat, and took my medicine. I couldn't call Derrick due to him working late, so that cut my nightly routine short. I made sure all the doors were locked and checked the cameras.
I turned on some rain sounds and pulled the cover over my body. As I snuggled with Oreo, my eyelids grew heavy, and I succumbed to a peaceful slumber.
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