One and Only

Chapter Eighteen - Love

Shaun and I sat on the driveway and talked until 6 o'clock because he had to go to night school. Before he got into his car he kissed my hand and squeezed me tight. I told him I loved him and he buried his face in the crook of my neck for a long time.

Mum came home and I told her all about my day, showing her the lovely gifts I gotten. She laughed and hugged me and had some of the chocolates.

"Sounds like you and this guy are getting quite serious," she said warily, watching me like a hawk.

I nodded. "He's a really good person. I can't wait to introduce him to you, mum."

She hummed. "Well, how old is he?"

I took in a breath. "Nineteen."

"That's a two year difference, darling."

I sighed. "Yes, mum, I can do maths."

She leaned over the kitchen bench at me. "I know, but... men of that age generally tend to be less innocent that girls of your age."

"Oh, so he's a man, but I'm a girl?"

"No, that's just the word I used. What I mean to say is that I'm concerned. I want to meet this boy. If he is bringing chocolates and roses and love notes to my girl while she's at school, I want to know what his intentions are."

"Mum, he's a Christian!"

"That means nothing. He is still an nineteen-year-old with a pretty young girlfriend. I want to know what he's after."

"He cares about me."

"I'm sure he does, darling. But so do I. Will you bring him over for dinner or something tomorrow?"

I nodded. "Yes, mum."

She frowned in thought and gave me a look. "Has he ever been in this house with you?"

"No, mum, he usually comes by himself."

Her lips tightened. "Don't speak to me like that, Ruby. Has he ever been here?"

"No," I told her. "We were sitting on the driveway for a while before you came but he didn't come inside. I don't know why you're so worried. We've never even kissed."

"What I'd like to know is where you met this boy."

I smiled. "At the church last month."

"What were you doing at the church?"

"Walking past it."

She was silent. It was quite a lot to take in with a big teddy bear sitting in front of her on the kitchen bench. Her eyes wafted over the roses and the hundreds of little bits of paper. After a while she gave me a hug and kiss, then we took a seat in the living room.

"Your father and I have raised you with high standards, Ruby. You are a precious young woman. We trust you. Just remember that you are still so young. This is your first boyfriend. I don't want to see you giving yourself to this boy."

I smiled warmly at her, fighting off the embarrassment I felt. "You and dad must have done a good job. I won't be giving my body to anyone anytime soon."

She breathed a sigh of relief. "I love you, darling."

"I love you too, mum," I hugged her, then left her to her thoughts.

When I got into my room I closed the door behind me and leaned against it. Now my next mission was to get mum to like Shaun.

I tidied my room and changed into my pyjamas, thinking of Shaun coming to dinner. Before I went to bed, he texted me:

I finished night school. What are you up to? xo

Immediately I rang him. "Shaun, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

"Er..."

"No, no, I mean... are you available for dinner?"

He laughed. My heart melted and I sank into my bed coverings. "Oh, yes I am, why?"

"Well my mum wants to meet you."

There was a pause. I knew there would be a pause. "I was beginning to wonder if you had parents. Yes, I'll be there, love."

"Thank you. I can't wait to see you."

"Ruby?"

"Yes?"

"When did you realize you loved me?"

I sighed pensively, smiling like a fool. "It was when I turned around and saw you on my front lawn, begging to know my feelings, almost on your knees. And then I knew that I never wanted to see you in pain, and that I wanted to make you smile every single day."

"Then why couldn't you see - "

"Because I'd never felt that way before, Shaun. It took a while for me to understand."

Somehow I could hear his mouth move as he smiled. "I understand."

"I do love you, Shaun."

"I know. I love you too. You can't begin to imagine how much."