More than a Crush

Scene 18 : A proposal in Paris

The flight to Paris was filled with both excitement and anxiety. I couldn't help but feel nervous about how my parents would react—especially my father. My heart raced as I thought about the potential challenges. Zac wasn't Muslim; he was Jewish, and I didn't know how my family would respond to our relationship.

Zac noticed my restless fidgeting and placed a comforting hand on mine. "Hey," he whispered with a gentle smile. "It's going to be okay. Your parents love you, and once they see how much I love you too, we'll get through this. I promise."

I nodded, trying to believe him, but the worries still clouded my mind. I closed my eyes and focused on what Lena had told me before. Follow your heart. Your parents will understand because they love you. They'll see how happy Zac makes you. Her words echoed in my head, offering some comfort.

When we landed, all the tension in me melted the moment I saw my parents waiting for us. I ran into their arms, hugging them tightly, feeling the familiar warmth of home. My three younger sisters stood nearby, whispering excitedly to each other. They knew exactly who Zac was, and I could tell they were both curious and excited.

"Mom, Dad," I said, pulling back from the hug, "this is Zac."

Zac stepped forward with a friendly smile, shaking my father's hand and greeting my mother warmly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you both," he said, showing the genuine charm that had captured my heart.

Lunch was soon served, and we all gathered around the large dining table. The meal began pleasantly, with my mom and dad politely asking Zac questions about himself. After a bit, my mom turned to Zac with a kind smile.

"So, Zac, tell us a little about your family," she asked, genuinely interested.

Zac smiled warmly. "I come from a close-knit family. My mom, Starla, is such a loving person, and my dad, David, always pushed me to follow my passions. I have a younger brother, Dylan, who's one of my best friends. They've always been incredibly supportive of me, both personally and professionally."

My mom nodded approvingly. "It sounds like you have a wonderful family."

"They really are," Zac said, glancing at me with a soft look. "Family means everything to me."

The conversation flowed, but I could sense the moment coming when my father would want to dig deeper. Sure enough, after a few pleasantries, he cleared his throat and looked Zac squarely in the eye.

"So, Zac," he began, his voice steady, "what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Zac didn't falter. He took a breath and answered with sincerity. "I love your daughter deeply. She's not only the love of my life but also my best friend. I can't imagine my life without her. My intention is to spend the rest of my life making her happy."

There was a brief pause before my three younger sisters, who had been quietly observing, broke the tension by bombarding Zac with movie-related questions.

"Zac," one asked excitedly, "what's it like working with Hugh Jackman? Is he as cool as he seems?"

Another chimed in, "And Zendaya! Is she really as amazing as we think?"

Zac chuckled, clearly amused by their enthusiasm. He answered each question patiently, telling stories about his movie experiences, his co-stars, and behind-the-scenes moments that made everyone at the table laugh. It helped ease the tension, and the rest of the lunch passed in a more lighthearted, casual manner.

Once lunch was over, I volunteered to help clear the table, and my mom joined me in the kitchen. As we moved around, loading dishes into the sink, I knew it was time to tell her why I really needed to come home.