unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Meeting Expectations

As we pulled up to Ella's family home, I noticed her fingers tightening slightly around the steering wheel. Her normally relaxed posture was more rigid, her gaze fixed on the house, and I sensed a subtle tension in the air.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

She hesitated before offering a small, tight smile. "Yeah. It's just... they don't really get my work." She sighed, glancing at me. "They always thought I'd end up doing something... I don't know, a little more conventional. I think they're still hoping I'll change my mind."

The words hung in the air, and I felt a pang of sympathy for her. Ella's dedication to her career as a surgeon was one of the things I admired most about her. It was a calling, one that gave her both purpose and fulfillment. But I understood that her parents, perhaps holding different dreams for her, had a hard time seeing it the same way.

As we approached the front door, she paused, taking a deep breath. "Let's just... let's just focus on the positives today, okay? I want them to see you and not get too hung up on everything else."

I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Got it. Whatever you need."

The door opened to her mother's warm but slightly hesitant smile, her eyes flickering between me, Ella, and little Leo, who trotted up with his own brand of joyful innocence. After greeting us with a gentle hug, her mother led us inside to the warmth of their cozy home, where her father and brother were waiting by the fireplace.

"Ella, Leah," her father greeted us, his voice warm but carrying a formality that made me feel like I was being appraised, "it's good to see you both."

Over the course of the next hour, we settled around the kitchen table, and I felt the conversations drifting between light family banter and unspoken tensions. Her family had an easy rapport with one another, but I sensed that when it came to Ella's life in the city—and particularly her career—things became slightly strained.

As her mom served coffee and dessert, she looked at Ella with an air of careful curiosity. "So, are you still... working those long hours?" Her tone was gentle, but I could hear the underlying concern—and perhaps frustration.

Ella's expression shifted slightly, her smile faltering. "I am, Mom. But it's... it's rewarding. I know it's intense, but I love what I do."

Her father chimed in, his brow furrowed. "Ella, we just worry that you're not taking care of yourself. Surgery is a tough field. Is it worth the toll it's taking on you?"

Ella took a deep breath, clearly choosing her words carefully. "I know you're concerned, but being a surgeon—it means everything to me. I'm helping people. It's something I've worked hard for, and I feel... complete, even if it's difficult."

I couldn't help but reach over, resting a hand on her back, offering silent support. She glanced at me, her eyes softening, as if my presence reassured her.

Her father's gaze turned toward me, appraising yet again. "Leah, does it worry you, the hours she's working?"

I chose my words carefully, not wanting to overstep but also wanting to stand by Ella's choices. "I know it's demanding, but I think it's something she's really passionate about. And in my experience, finding that kind of purpose isn't easy." I paused, meeting his gaze. "It's something I admire about her."

Ella's mom smiled gently at me, but I could still see a flicker of disappointment when her eyes shifted back to her daughter. "We just want you to be happy, Ella. We always imagined you'd have... a bit more balance, maybe even consider a family someday."

Ella's face softened, but I could tell she was holding back a response. She wanted them to understand without feeling like she had to defend her choices, and my heart went out to her.

"Mom, Dad," she began, her voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of vulnerability. "I know I've chosen a challenging path. But it's one that makes me happy. I might not have the 'perfect' balance you had in mind, but I'm doing something that fulfills me." She glanced at me with a soft smile. "And I'm not alone in it. I have Leah. We're building our own kind of happiness."

There was a pause, and I noticed her parents exchanging a look. After a moment, her mother sighed, reaching out to touch Ella's hand. "If it's truly what you want... then we'll trust your choice, sweetheart. We just needed to hear it from you."

Her father nodded, looking more thoughtful than before. "We only want the best for you, Ella. And maybe... maybe we're just old-fashioned." He looked at me, a gentle acceptance in his eyes. "Thank you for standing by her."

Ella's relief was visible, a weight lifting from her shoulders as her mother leaned over to hug her. I could see that they were still coming to terms with her choices, but the acceptance—even tentative—meant a lot to her.

As the evening continued, we sat in comfortable conversation, sharing memories and stories. I could see Ella's shoulders relax, her smile growing more genuine. And Leo, in his own little way, helped lighten the atmosphere, curling up on each of their laps in turn, winning over her parents with his boundless affection.

When it was time to leave, Ella's mom hugged her tightly, whispering something I couldn't hear. But the look on Ella's face as she pulled back told me enough—it was a look of comfort, of reconciliation. As we walked out the door, hand in hand, I could tell that while they didn't fully understand her choices, they were willing to try.

As we climbed back into the car, Ella leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

"Thank you," she murmured, a warmth in her eyes that made my heart swell. "For standing by me. For being here with me today."

I smiled, lacing my fingers with hers. "Anytime, Ella. I'm with you, no matter what."

With Leo nestled in the back seat and the quiet of the night surrounding us, we drove home, both of us feeling a little lighter, a little more understood. This was a new year, a fresh start, and while there would always be challenges, I knew that together, we could face whatever came our way.

A/N: Let me know what you guys think of the story so far and if there is anything particular you guys want to see in the story? xx