Strength |✔️

twenty

Neil (two months later)

Knocking on Alisha's door, I straighten out my collared shirt and jeans as I wait for Alisha to answer. Today is the weekend of Monika's wedding, and I couldn't be more excited, especially going with Alisha. Ever since Faith's birthday party that one night, Alisha and I have gotten stronger together, as a couple. We've been dating for a couple of months, and we hit our three-month mark today.

I adjust the flowers in my hand and see the note attached to them. On it is a sweet and simple note I wrote to her, just me basically saying how wonderful and she is and a miracle in my life, which is not a lie. I meant it from the bottom of my heart.

Seconds later, Alisha opens the door, welcoming me with a bright smile on her face. Her hair is neatly brushed and shines against the gaping sunlight at her window. Her eyes glow and as she smiles, her dimples push into her cheeks. She's wearing a nice, sunflower dress and wedges, since we are going straight to my parent's house and staying there for one night, and then we will leave together to go to the wedding, which is in a Marriott at Virginia Beach and the other events being held there. And, as she was telling me for the past month or so, she wants to impress my parents, and at the attire she's wearing, she's not joking.

I clear my throat and hand her the flowers. "Happy three-month anniversary, cutie." Alisha blushes and takes the flowers. "Aww," she says, gazing at the flowers. "Neil, you didn't have to do this!" Her grey eyes follow mine's, as her skin flushes with colors. 

"Of course I did," I reply, and give her a hug. She releases and gestures me to come in.

She grabs her bags and I grab my mine's, us strolling out the door. We aren't supposed to be here during winter break, but if we wanted to, we can. Alisha didn't want to leave college, so I stayed with her here most of the time, since Faith was gone. I did sometimes visit my parents, but I was mostly here with Alisha, since I didn't want to leave her alone.

I haven't told my parents yet that I am dating Alisha, though. I told Monika, and she told me to tell our parents, but I refused. I wanted to tell them in person, so I can convince them and have them see from my point of view, since I know they won't approve me and Alisha together. God, I just hope my parents don't say anything embarrassing to her.I grab my car keys as Alisha and I make it into the parking lot. Unlocking my car door, Alisha sits in the passenger seat while I sit in the driver's seat. To think, I haven't drove in a while, since everything I need is right here at UVA. Igniting the engine, I reverse and pull out of the college, and into the highway.

Alisha blasts the radio, playing the Top 40 Pop Songs playlist. I cringe as she sings terribly, but in a cute way, to the songs, and when she notices the horrified look on my face, she cracks up and sings even louder. I glance at her and see the happy expression planted on her face. Her mouth is wide open as she sings, and her eyes widen with excitement. I love happy Alisha.

Finally, I give in and sing along as well, holding her soft hand as I drive.

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Alisha

After about an hour or so, Neil finally parks the car in front of a single family home. Neil told me that they used to live in a big house, but after Monika left for college and med school, his parents didn't really want a huge house, since they felt lonely in it. I eye the house. It looks cozy and welcoming, just like Neil.

Neil and I decide to grab the bags later and we trudge ourselves to the front door. My heart starts to beat fast. What If his parents don't like me? And I know they know who I am and what my past is; I sure hope his parents allow me and him together.