Not Alone

Seven

*2015*

"'My wife and I went slow with getting to know one another and once we both felt it was time, that's when we took the next step,'" I said unable to stop myself from smiling at the memory.  "'Eden opened my eyes to a lot in life from the very beginning.  She also helped me learn to take life day by day and be more laid back rather than constantly worrying about tomorrow.  It was easy to take a step back and look at every great thing I had on my side when I was with her.  I didn't worry about being busy and always working or making music to get ahead.  With her, and who would later be our extension, help I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride.'"

*2003*

Eden and I had hung out one more time before I had the balls to ask her out on a date.  The hang outs had gone identical to the first with a lot of affection, flirting, kissing and, besides the second one where she could stay later, leaving early to be home with Jude for his bath and bedtime.  When I finally worked up the nerve to ask her out, Eden had smiled wide while letting me know that 'it was about time.'  Unlike the three times we hung out where Eden insisted she came to me, today I was going to her and making the hour drive myself.  It may have taken me a bit in order to plan the date, but once I did, I was actually pretty confident she would enjoy it. 

When I arrived at her house, a beautiful ranch style home, it surprised me that it was quiet on the inside.  "'He's with my parents,'" Eden told me noticing my questioning look.  "'Jude isn't a fan of me leaving and instead of upsetting both of us, my parents took him an hour ago for the day.'"

I nodded taking hold of her hand once I pulled away from her driveway.  "I'm sure leaving him even for a couple of hours is hard, especially since you are gone a while for work." Eden nodded as she read my lips.  "Are your parents okay with watching him again while you're with me? I hope it's not an inconvenience."

"'Oh no, they're happy to take him for the day,'" She replied.  "'My parents are supporting me with getting to know you and seeing this through.  They also want to meet you when the time is right.'"

"They do?" I asked turning to her smiling.

"'They do,'" She smiled back.  "'My mom googled you.  She told me I had good taste this time around.'"

I laughed shaking my head.  "She must not have seen the photos of me with different colored hair."

"'Oh she did.  She said you look handsome with your natural color, but still cute with red or blue,'" Eden laughed. "'I don't know who has a crush on you more, me or her.'"

"I'm hoping it's you, but if your mom already likes me than maybe meeting your parents will go smooth."

I pulled up to the first stop on our date.  It was a local bookstore that I had heard Eden talking about being her favorite and because of this, I wanted to check it out together. 'Going for brownie points, Mr. Shinoda?' She wrote in the notebook she carried at all times once we were out of my car.  I had slowly come to notice that in public she would use the notebook rather than speaking.  Her self-conscious feelings about using her voice always came back when strangers were around and at the end of the day, I wanted her to be comfortable rather than uncomfortable. 

"Do I need brownie points?" 

Eden shook her head side to side. 'No, but I didn't get a kiss 'hello' today.  I'm beginning to wonder if I need them.'

"I'm sorry, babe.  It slipped my mind because a part of me was expecting Jude to be home," I told her squeezing the hand I held.  My hand brought her closer to me allowing my arm to wrap around her waist as I dipped my head down pressing our lips together.  "Hello there, Garden."