Don't Forget To Breathe

Chapter 23

I've spent the majority of my life in a never-ending expectancy.

There were moments that I thought would be definitive or even life changing but they weren't and moments that I never saw coming that changed me forever. What I have come to learn is that you cannot plan a life changing moment. There are things that make an obvious impact on your life like graduating High School, getting your first job, or your first relationship. However, it's the moments that you don't expect that feel the most impactful.

Like the moment you see a woman with tattered clothing being refused service for being homeless. I had no expectations that day other than getting a drink and heading home to my girlfriend. Instead, I found a someone who changed my outlook on life and I couldn't be more thankful.

"I can't do this," she said

"Yes, you can," I told her with a smile.

Camila was dressed in a black peacoat that hid a red dress beneath it as we stood in front of my parents home in Martha's Vineyard.

"What if I break something in there?" she asked nervously

"We replace it" I answered simply

"Look at it" she whisper-yelled in awe staring at the house.

I chuckled at my girlfriend which she did not find amusing.

"It's just a house," I said

She immediately shook her head in disagreement.

"That's a mansion" she stated

"Is not" I argued weakly

"It looks like Hogwarts" she nodded. This wasn't a question, she nodded feeling one hundred percent certain that my parent's house did indeed look like Hogwarts.

"What if they don't like me?" she finally said, expressing her real concern.

"Impossible for them not to like you," I say offering her a reassuring smile.

We took a few seconds to allow Camila to compose herself but before I knock on the door I figure I should be honest with her.

My parents are lovely people and I wouldn't trade them for the world but they've always been a bit harsh to the girls I bring home. After a couple years, they got used to Alycia but this is not to say they ever liked her. It's the whole thing where parents think no one is good enough for their child and though, it can be endearing, it's certainly not fair for the girlfriends.

"Okay," I say, just before knocking on the door. I don't want to scare her so I will simply warn her about the worst one.

"Full disclosure," I tell her "My dad. Don't take it personally" is all I offer her as I knock on the door

Camila immediately offered me a panicked expression "Don't take it personally?" she asked quickly

I nod and repeat my statement one last time.

"Don't take it personally," I say

"Lauren," she whines

I quickly thought of the best possible outcome that she could have with my father and, although unlikely, I figured if she manages to win him over it can't be ruined by something trivial.

"If he offers you scotch, take it"

She scrunched up her nose as I heard footsteps from the inside of the house

"I hate scotch" she said

"Trust me, take it"

It was clear to me that she had every intention of yelling at me for not telling her sooner, or maybe it was for lack of an elaboration, but either way it is too late now.