Just One

Chapters 27 and 28

Chapter – 27 NICK "It's been a long time since I felt so fulfilled."

I come home wholly exhilarated, overflowing with joy and excitement. How can I find sleep amid so much energy pulsing through my veins? I don't feel the slightest bit sleepy; on the contrary, I feel like jumping and screaming with happiness. The memory of Anna kissing me on the lips in front of everyone lingers in my mind. Just imagining that I no longer need to hold back every time I long to touch and kiss her... Ahhhh! Maybe a cold shower might help calm my enthusiasm.

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At 7 am, my alarm clock sounds in the room. Even after the cold shower and only four hours of sleep, my excitement doesn't want one bit. I jump out of bed, and, to the upbeat sound of "Fetty Wap," I take another shower. Now I'm ready to go out.

I arrive at the airport at precisely eight o'clock, anxiously awaiting my father in the arrivals area. My eyes scan each passenger who comes out, full of anticipation. I miss my father deeply. Our last conversation brought us closer in a unique way, something we hadn't experienced before due to his frequent travels. It was precisely his absence that led my mother to file for divorce. So far, they haven't signed any official documents, which gives me hope for a possible reconciliation. My father's presence at Christmas lunch with us and with my mother's family could be a good starting point for a reunion. I hope that my happiness and my love for Anna can affect them both.

My father is an exquisite man, and his job requires him to wear suits daily. His suits are always tailor-made, with a slim cut that highlights his incredible physique. The chosen fabrics are of high quality, and many of them have elastane, ensuring comfort and mobility. He exercises regularly, working out more than I do. It's not hard to spot him at the airport; although he's not wearing a suit, his favorite Yankees cap often accompanies his casual, stripped-down version.

I exchange a warm hug with my father, and since I'm still euphoric from the night before, I can't hold back the urge to share the big news: "Dad, I have great news to tell you. Guess who's going with us to Uncle Ned house?" My father smiles, waiting curiously for the answer, and I continue: "My girlfriend! Remember that girl I told you about, my friend Anna? Well, we're finally together. Mom and Pri don't know yet, we're going to surprise them, because it all happened yesterday. Dad, my Christmas was perfect. When you meet her, you'll understand why I'm so happy."

My dad hugs me and, laughingly, says: "Are you in love, man, hahaha? That's great..., enjoy it, Nick. It is the best time of our lives. I can't wait to meet her. Come on, let's go and get her."

As soon as I parked the car outside Anna's house, my father and I got out. While I'm about to ring the doorbell and call her, my father waits beside the car. Mr. Dante, Anna's father, answers the door and welcomes us very politely, inviting us in for coffee. At first, my father declines the invitation in order not to bother so early, but Mr. Dante insists, and he ends up accepting. I introduce the two of them, and while they chat enthusiastically, I eagerly await Anna's arrival.

Anna shows up in the kitchen, always beautiful, even just after waking up. I greet her with a warm hug and a quick kiss on the lips, introducing her to my father. My father looks at me, winks, smiles, and welcomes Anna with two kisses on the cheek. Mrs. Mariana joined us while Mr. Dante took the opportunity to give me some instructions. After Mr. Dante comments to my father that I probably got too little sleep, my father takes on the responsibility of driving the car.

During the journey, I can't help but look at Anna through the vanity mirror to make sure she's really there with me. We talk almost the entire way since she is very communicative and knows how to relate to anyone of any age. With just a few minutes left until we arrive, I start to feel anxious about imagining people's reactions when we come together.