Accept

Chapter 31 Chris

Winters were usually long and bleak in Minnesota, but this year was different. I welcomed the three-day blizzards shutting down the city and confining me to be housebound with Lexie. My roommates were frantically planning spring break trips to escape the Midwestern cabin fever. I found it as an opportunity to spend undivided time with Lexie.

Our relationship had changed since our trip to New York. We watched other couples grow part as their careers started; ours did the opposite. Our lives were so intertwined; I couldn't imagine a life without her and was afraid of the prospect of losing her.

I hadn't heard from Brian since the morning we had drinks. He confirmed my theory of Bella and my dad and I promised to talk to him when an opportunity arose, but none had.

Initially, I wanted Brian to reveal his impromptu meeting with Lexie, giving me a reason to hate him. I was jealous of his ability to appear wherever she was. After talking to him, I found it hard to keep my initial attitude. He was easy to talk to and appeared to understand and listen with an open mind.

I confided my feelings to him about Lexie, admitting the doubt of our future with so many changes in the upcoming year. Was our love enough? Did it make sense to stay together? I know Lexie had the same doubts and wondered if we were making the situation worse by continuing our relationship, knowing it may end.

His advice was honest and sincere convincing me to let fate decide our outcome. However, I took his advice under scrutiny knowing his feelings towards Lexie were more than a crush.

Reality set in after our weekend visit to Chicago and my doubts deepened. I wanted Lexie to move to Chicago with me, solving any long-distance relationship issues we would have. No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to convince her. She was determined to finish school before making any commitments. As hard as it was to admit, I admired her aspirations.

Briefly, she considered the move until she was mysteriously offered a job at the company she completed her internship. I thought it was more than a coincidence between Brian's knowledge of the internship ending and her job offer but refrained from mentioning my theory to Lexie.

Spring was in the air I could see a sadness in Lexie's eyes as we both knew our daily time together was coming to an end. The Bears had notified me of my start date requiring me to attend conditioning sessions with the team in June.

Lexie was homesick needed a break from school. She persuaded me to accompany her on a six-hour drive towards the Canadian border. As drove into the quiet picturesque town, my apprehension grew about meeting her parents. The peaceful, quiet streets were innocent and serene, so unlike my life in New York. Would they like me?

"Well, it's too late to back out now," Lexie said driving up to the neatly groomed split-level house. "We've been spotted." The screen door opened and a woman dressed in jeans and a teddy bear sweatshirt greeted Lexie with a smile and warm hug.

"And this must be Chris," she said hugging me. Her eyes were kind and warm and I felt immediately at ease.

"Hi Dad," I heard Lexie say, a man appeared from around the side of the house. She extended her arms to hug him and I could tell it was a genuine hug. "This is my boyfriend, Chris."

He extended his hand and I was caught off guard by the strength in his firm handshake. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he smiled back.

"You are just in time, I was just about to go out and check the fields, and do you want to come with me? He asked Lexie.

"Really dad. Do you have to do it now? We've been driving all day already." She laughed. "This is my spring break."

I looked at both of them, not understanding what they were laughing about.