Never Give up Hope

Chapter Two

My family isn't as close as some families are. We disagree on to many things and have different view points. Like my marriage for example. They went to my wedding, and then my sister had left right after not bothering to say bye. My mother kept giving me looks thinking that I married early because I was knocked up. Yeah, the only part of me she kept eyeballing was my flat...extra emphasis of flat, stomach. My brother on the other hand, was kind of happy for me or just probably for the food that was there. Right after Lucas and I kissed to seal the deal, Landon was already heading over to where all the food was laid out, still covered so no bugs would get to them.

Now don't go misunderstanding me. I love my family, but sometimes you've got to take a break...a big break from them every once in awhile. That's why Lucas and I moved. Our apartment is only like 2 miles away from my moms house, my sister lives in a house 4 miles away, and Landon lives not in New York with us, but in Georgia with his wife and kid.

Our mom said this was a special dinner and we all had to show, including the one in Georgia. Which is great because I haven't seen Ash in almost a year...which reminds me...

"I need to stop by the store real quick." I say to Lucas.

We are both in the car with me driving.

"We're already late. So go ahead." He says.

I smile and pull into the parking lot of the nearest store.

"I'll be back." I tell him, kissing his cheek before going into the store.

I don't need a basket so I go ahead and walk towards the girls section.

Scanning the tons of dolls, I find what I was looking for. A very cute outfit for Ash's American Doll. Grabbing the last one in stock I head over to check out.

The lady, whose name tag reads Lucy, rings my order while smacking on her pink gum.

"That'll be $10.14." She says.

I reach for my purse, but realize I forgot it in the car.

I smile at Lucy. "I forgot my purse in my car." I say while heading to the automatic doors. "I will be right back."

Going outside I realize it's raining a little. Good thing I didn't wear high heels.

I approach the car and open the drivers side door.

"Forgot my purse." I say to Lucas who has a questioning look on his face. When I told him the look disappeared into a laughing one.

I just grab my purse and head back to Lucy.

Taking the money out I hand it to her, but she gives it back.

She's still smacking on her gum. "The man behind you. He paid for your stuff."

I turn to look and see a man who looks like he is about 40.

I smile. "Thank you, but you really didn't have to."

He just waves me off. "I know, but I wanted to."

"Okay." I say heading out. "Thanks again though."

The guy smiles and proceeds to pay for his things.

I got to the car and handed everything to Lucas. I drive past the man and we wave at each other.

"Who was that?" Lucas asks.

"He had paid for Ash's present when I went back in with my purse." I tell him.

"Weird."

I look at him for a split second and then keep my eyes on the road.

"No it's not. He was being nice."

Lucas laughs. "Really? There isn't a lot of nice people in this world anymore."

"Yeah, you have a point...but it's not weird!" I say laughingly.

10 minutes and I pull into my mother's driveway. There are cars in the driveway and of course it looks like Lucas and I are the last ones to show.

Shutting off the car, we head to the front door.

I knock before I open it and see no one in the living room.

I look at Lucas and he shrugs.

We head into the dining room where the voices are getting louder.

The voices which belong to my family stop as Lucas and I enter the dining room. Ha ha...this isn't awkward at all.

"Azenda! Lucas!" Calls Ash, getting up from her place and hugging us.

We hug her back and I hand her the outfit for her doll.

She smiles even wider. "Thank you!" She says heading in the living room where I saw her doll.

I look up and see my family.

"Hey everyone."

They all say hi and Lucas and I sit down next to each other.

"We already started eating because we didn't know when you'd be here...but go ahead and dig in." Says my mom.

Lucas and I steal a glance at each other knowing this was going to be a long night.