Love Will Find a Way ~ The Final Part of Modern Fairytale

New York Public Library

Roland returned from summer camp and before long, July was approaching. It was a Saturday at the end of June, Henry left early that morning for his high school where he was scheduled to finally take his SATs. Robin and Regina busied themselves with housework throughout the day while their youngest son did his best to stay busy. He read from his ever-growing collection of books, played video games, and watched cartoons like any typical eight year old would. He only bothered his parents every few hours to ask when Henry would be home, wishing he had someone to play with to help ease the boredom. Robin joined his son in the living room for a round of Mario Kart while Regina sat at the island looking over emails and making appointments to see venues for the wedding.

"I'm only available after five on weekdays or during my lunch hour around noon," she explained into the receiver of her cell phone. She listened and scribbled some notes into the notebook she designated as her "Wedding Planner." She placed her hand over the phone and turned to face the couch, "Hey babe, what's your day like on Monday?"

His eyes remained on the screen as he shifted his body to mirror the turn his car was making in the game as he replied, "I can be available if Henry is willing to watch Roland."

She nodded and spoke to the woman on the phone, "Monday at noon should be fine. If anything changes, I'll be sure to give you a call to reschedule."

A number of phone calls were made and handled the same way, appointments scheduled for each day of the week during her lunch break. She contacted a few different bakeries to inquire about cake samples and they arranged to have them delivered to the apartment Thursday afternoon for the couple to try together before making a decision. Some venues offered their own wedding cake options as part of their catering package, but she wanted to be prepared in case those places didn't pan out.

Once she completed her list of wedding chores, she noticed it was growing closer to dinner time and took it upon herself to order a gluten-free pizza. She was much too busy, and admittedly too tired, to even consider cooking. She plopped down on the sofa beside Robin and watched the two battle each other in yet another round of their game. She laughed when her lover tried to cheat by covering the little boy's eyes or when Roland got excited and jumped from the couch, unknowingly blocking his father's view.

"How much longer until Henry gets home?" Roland asked as he placed the controller on the coffee table.

Robin did the same before ruffling his son's hair playfully, "What's wrong? I'm not fun enough for you?"

Right on cue, a very tired looking Henry came sulking through the front door. He dropped his backpack on the floor beside the table and plopped into one of the stools by the island. Regina stood and walked into the kitchen to get him a bottle of water from the fridge. She leaned across the counter and asked, "So how was it?"

"Exhausting," he sighed and struggled to open the cap, "Nothing can prepare you for how long the SATs actually take."

"But do you think you did well?"

He shrugged as he swallowed a large gulp of water, "I survived."

His parents chuckled at his response before the knock at the door interrupted them. She went to her purse and pulled out her wallet as she greeted the pizza delivery boy. Meanwhile, Roland immediately attempted to bribe Henry into playing with him, "I'll do all your chores for a week. Just one round?"

"I love your dedication, but I'm way too tired, kid. I'm yours all day tomorrow, free of charge. How's that?" The teen offered.