Epiphany: Happily Ever After?

Chapter 1: The Enagagement

It was the week of Thanksgiving and Mia was finally finalizing her plans for the holiday weekend. She and her boyfriend were going to spend the holiday with her family as they always had. She was so excited for the trip because it had been a while since she had been home. On the other hand, her boyfriend Derrick, who everyone called him Rick was nervous for a whole other reason. Although he was used to being around her family, this time would be special because he was finally going to propose to his long-time love.

The lovebirds have been together since they were freshmen in high school, now they were sophomores in college. They had made it all these years without any major breakups, and on top of that they were abstinent. But it's not like Rick hadn't tried, they weren't perfect, but they tried hard to abstain. Nonetheless, Rick was excited to ask Mia to marry him, he knew she would say yes, but he wondered if her family would approve. His mother loved Mia like a daughter, but Mia's mother never wasted a moment to show her disdain for him. Thursday would be judgement day for their relationship, but he was confident in his girl.

Wednesday afternoon they hit the road to Indianapolis from Nashville and enjoyed music and friendly banter.

"So, babe where should we go after we finish school? Should we stay in Nashville, go back home, or ATL? My sisters are really hoping we go back to Indy. They miss living with me, but I told them they should just go here for school or wherever we are." Mia asked.

"I really don't want to go back to Indy. And it's not like we live together, so you have plenty of space for them to move in. But I'm not sure where we should live. I haven't really given it much thought honestly" He answered.

"Well we could live together, but you keep blowing me off." She said with an attitude.

"If we moved in together it would be extremely hard to keep my hands off of you. That would-be torture!" he stroked her thigh.

She giggled and pushed his hand away, "Stop silly! But I understand. I don't trust myself either, so us staying apart is a for the best."

"Right."

They continued the rest of the way laughing and singing to the music.

When they arrived, Mia was welcomed with hugs by her mom, sisters, and other family members. Rick was only hugged by her sisters and other family. When he noticed her mom didn't speak he said, "Hey Mrs. H, how are you?". She just looked at him.

That made Mia uncomfortable "Mom, he spoke to you? Why are you being so mean?"

With a snarl, Deborah said "Because I don't like him and y'all know that."

It seemed like the more Mia and Rick got closer over the years the more her mother started to hate him, and the crazy part is they never gave her a reason to at all. They never got caught doing anything or lying about doing it, she just didn't like him.

Not one to hold her tongue like her mother Mia looked puzzled "Why?"

"If you must know, I don't want to be nice to the guy that is sleeping with my daughter."

Now Mia was really confused, "What? Sleeping with your daughter..."

Rick interjected "Ma'am, I'm not ..."

"Babe I got it, Ma we aren't having sex. We never have. Can we talk in your room for a second?"

"Sure."

So, Mia, her mom, and her sisters went into Deborah's room.

"Ma, what makes you think we are having sex?" Mia asked.

"You mean to tell me y'all have been together all this time and y'all haven't done it once? Not even close" her mother questioned.

"No, we haven't had sex, we rarely even sleep in the same bed. We live in separate homes, like ask them they know all about my relationship and how I feel about waiting." Mia pointed to her 3 younger sisters.

"But you forgot one question, have y'all been close?"

Mia sighed, "Of course we have mom, we've been together almost 6 years. We aren't perfect, but we try really hard to keep doing the right thing. So outside of the sex thing, do you have any other reason to not like him?"

Her mom shrugged, "I mean I could think of something but no. I didn't think y'all would make it this far, so to know he has been a gentleman makes me feel more at ease."

"So now will you give him a chance?" Mia looked at her with puppy dog eyes.

"Yes, I will, but if he messes up one time. I'm going back to my old ways." Mia hugged her mom. She was so happy they cleared up all the misconceptions.

Mia spent some time with her sisters and cousins, but it was getting late and they need to go get checked into their hotel. Her youngest sister Chanel sighed, "Do y'all have to go? Y'all just got here." Mia hugged her "Yes we got to get checked in, but I'm here for the whole weekend, so we will have plenty of time together Pooh." Then they hugged everyone and left. Once they arrived at the hotel and got settled, Rick asked what happened with her mom. "Well in her mind she was convinced we have been fucking since high school. I told her we hadn't and my sisters backed me up, but by no means are we perfect." "We aren't but I respect your wishes and only go as far as you allow. But that's the only reason why she didn't like me?" Mia nodded "Yep, she said she will let it go and as long as you don't give her a reason to dislike you." "Come here (he wrapped his arm around her) I'll never hurt you so she doesn't have to worry." They kissed and went to bed.

The next day, they arrived early to the house so Mia could help her mom cook whatever was left and run errands if need be. This time Rick was greeted with a hug from her mom. Everyone was shocked, but said nothing. In this family, you learned to leave well enough alone. They all quickly got to work so dinner would be done by 3pm. Laughter and music filled the house as more and more family members arrived. By dinner time almost all of Mia's aunts and uncles and many of her cousins were there to eat. The Thanksgiving spread was amazing as usual! After dinner, it was time for a longtime family tradition to go bowling, but before they went Rick wanted to make his move. So, before everyone gathered their coats Rick called to Mia "Hey babe can you come here for a second?". They stood in the middle of the living room, "What's up? You ok?" she asked. "Yes, but I have something I want to say." Now he had everyone in the rooms attention. "Mia, I have loved you since we were 14 years old. You've seen me at my worst and you've seen me at my best. You challenge me to be better, and when I fall you are right there to pick me up and cheer me on. I can't imagine my life without you, because you spent so much time in it. So, can you do me the favor and be by my side forever? Will you marry me baby?" She was totally speechless, they had talked about marriage and what not here and there, but she didn't think much of it. Down on one knee, he looked up at her awaiting her answer, "Yes, yes baby I will marry you!" she exclaimed while a tear fell down her face. Her family cheered and awed around her. Rick hugged and kissed her. He was so happy she said yes, because this was truly the love of his life. After the lovebirds had their moment, Mia's sisters and cousins came over to hug her. It seemed as if they were happy for her, but she was searching for the approval of her mom. It didn't take long for her to get her answer. She came over and hugged her daughter and whispered in her ear "I am happy for you Baby Girl. I really am." That was music to Mia's ears. After everyone that wanted to say something to the young couple did, they were off to the bowling alley.

On the way, Mia called his mother. When answered Mia screamed "Ma I'm getting married!!". Lisa beamed "I know baby, I'm so happy for y'all..." "You already knew?" Mia was shocked and looked at Rick while putting her phone on speakerphone. "Now babe, you know I couldn't do something like this without telling her." Mia sighed " I wish you could've been here." "I saw it! He Face Timed me in, you didn't know it but I saw it all. I'm ready to start planning." "Me too Ma, ahhhhh I can't believe I'll get to call you that for real now!!!" Mia beamed with so much joy. "You absolutely will baby! But hey I will talk to y'all a little later, I gotta go finish cooking for these folks over here! Love y'all" Lisa said. "Love you too" they said in unison. "This is the best Thanksgiving ever!" Mia thought to herself.