Ethan's POV
It has only been about 10 minutes since Payton left with Abigail on their little outing, when Christy came into my room.
"Hello Ethan. Would you mind talking to Benjamin and I in the living room?" Her sweet voice filled my ears, and I quickly gave a response.
"Of course." Getting off of the bed, I followed her out of the room, and into the living room. Payton's father, Ben was already on the couch. Seems like they had this planned out prior. I ran my hand through my hair to get it looking normal. After all I had been laying in the same position for awhile.
"We just want to talk." Ben said, outstretching his hand to the adjacent couch. That's what people say when they are about to drop bad news. I thought. Either way I took a seat on the couch. Christy was now sitting next to her husband. I know this talk is going to be about Payton--but in what connotation, I had no idea.
"I understand that you and Payton have known each other for quite awhile now." Benjamin commented. I knew it wasn't a question so I simply elaborated on the statement.
"That is true. We have been friends since about 4th grade. In the summer of 7th grade I told Payton that I liked her but that was also the summer that I moved, as I mentioned previously." Out of the corner of my eye, I peeped Christy giving Benjamin a side eye.
"So you thought it was proactive to tell my daughter that you like her at the same time that you were packing up to move? What was she going to do with your confession of love when you are going to be an ocean away?" Benjamin question, a little fury behind the question.
"My young mind did not even think about it like that. I was just so caught up in the moment of telling my crush how I felt about her. It didn't occur to me that I was dropping a bomb on her and then leaving. That is the one thing I defiantly regret. Not telling her how I felt earlier..." My face blushed red, as I remembered when I first confessed my love for Payton.
"And where did you guys meet again?" Benjamin had every right to want to protect his daughter, and make sure she is safe, but this sounds more like and interrogation than a talk.
"Well we first saw each other in a coffeeshop in uptown Boston a couple months back. Ever since then, we have been inseparable." I answered. A grunt came from Benjamin, when he heard the last part.
"So...out of all the girls in the world, why Payton? What about my daughter that does it for you?" I thought for a second. What was it about Payton? And then came the rush of memories.
The first time I saw her after roughly seven years, in the coffeeshop. The world just ceased to exist. All I saw was her.
Going to the skating rink and rock climbing, showed me her independent and adventurous side. The way that she trusted me to catch her when she fell cemented our trust in each other.
Seeing how giving she was while we volunteered for the food bank displayed the tender side of her, that I am so used to seeing. But when she offered her scarf to that woman and her child in need, I was completely shocked and taken aback. That was when I realized how much of a gem she actually is.
Our first kiss. Ever. In my house made me long for her lips every time I thought about it.
Seeing how she lit up when she was reunited with her family was an amazing sight to see. Family was obviously a very important factor in her life. Something we share.
Her intelligence and independence is and will forever be a turn on. Payton knows what she wants and will not stop until she gets it.
Her body insecurities is a challenge I am aware that she needs to work through. With me at her side, she will never not know how gorgeous she is.
Finally my answer was ready.
"Payton is such a wonderful and amazing woman. Her intelligence and ability to depend on only herself is something that I admire and look up to. She has already established herself in life, and knows exactly what she wants. Not only is she beautiful on the inside, but she is equally beautiful on the outside." My answer was obviously good because Christy's eyes met mine in adoration.
"My daughters are my world. Payton is not just some fling to play around with." Benjamin warned, his eyes holding mine in a serious manner.
"Believe me sir. I know. When I date someone, the end goal is always marriage. So being in a relationship is a very serious commitment, that I have never taken lightly."
"So you and Payton are dating?" Benjamin asked.
"No we are not dating. We not yet exclusive." At this, both of their eyebrows shot to the sky.
"Exclusive as in..."
"I have not yet asked her to be my girlfriend officially."
"And what are you waiting for?"
"Well," I started, looking down to touch my watch. It had been 10 minutes already. "I was planning on waiting until we got back to Boston. I would rather her be focusing this week on spending time with her family." Benjamin and Christy nodded in approval. I had just noticed that all this time, Christy has not yet said anything. Something told me that she is waiting to ask a big question. One that I think I know she will ask.
"Being in the world that we currently live in, people are constantly looking for reasons to hate on on another. Just keep her safe when I am not around to please. That is all I ask and you have my blessing." My face broke into a smile at his words.
"I promise I will do everything in my power to make suer nothing happens to Payton. I appreciate your blessing." Finally, Christy said something.
"Do you love her?" At first I had no idea how to answer Christy's question. But realizing how Payton makes me feel presented a clear answer.
"I do." Although Benjamin was shocked, his face cracked into a huge smile.
"I knew it! I can tell my the way you guys look at each other. Young love at its purest." Christy jumped up and engulfed me in a hug. on his way to exit, Benjamin patted me on the shoulder. He disappeared right up the steps. After giving me one last hug, Christy disappeared with him.
I cannot believe I admitted that I love Payton.
I am in love with Payton.
••••••••••••••••••
Author's Note
Woah. Double update. Please do not expect this often. But as always, I hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to vote comment and all of that good stuff.
Eilila outtie.
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