One Chance

Chapter 12

I directly head to my room once i'm inside my house. The last few minutes are still going on in my head over and over again. I change into comfortable clothes and head into the kitchen to make myself something to eat. I make a simple pasta dish for dinner and set aside some for Amanda and go to watch some TV. I'm almost done with my food by the time Amanda comes home. 

She grabs the food on the table and joins me on the sofa. We sit quietly while she eats. I keep my eyes glued to the screen, hoping Amanda doesn't notice the wide grin on my face. As soon as she's done she turns to me with a smile on my face and says, " you were never good at hiding things or acting even when we were kids. Your face gives it away. I know something happened  and it's clearly written on your face. You look happy which is a nice change from last night. From what i can gather, things must be settled with Toby right?"

"Well, yes...something did happen. I really didn't expect it, but he waited for me outside the restaurant. He apologized for last night and we cleared things. He also said he wants a relationship with me and we kissed. " I say in a hurry, without waiting for her reply, grab our empty plates and take them to the kitchen to wash. 

As expected she follows me and just stands there waiting. I finally allow myself to look her in the eyes and smile. She sighs and then laughs. 

" You know I happy for you. I only ever want you to be happy. I will hurt him if he ever makes you cry. And also this is so exciting." Then gives me a hug. 

I have always loved this about Amanda. She is always there for me. No matter what happens she is someone I can rely on. She is my person. 

" I know..." I say when we finally let go. 

" I want you to know that Mark told me he talked to you today. He said you seemed upset. But after seeing and hearing you now, I'm happy things turned around for you." She replies back. " I should probably let Mark know you are okay." She adds and walks to her room. 

I knock on her door and let her know I'm going to sleep. He gives me a small smile and a nod and  goes back to texting. 

I let out a chuckle and make a note mentally to ask her about her and Mark tomorrow. I go back to my room and before I know it i fall asleep. 

I wake up the next day clearly feeling much better. To my pleasant surprise there's a text from Toby saying good morning and wishing me a good day. I reply back enthusiastically and get ready. 

Amanda and I decide to skip breakfast at home and go to the bakery. I missed having breakfast with my family yesterday because I was out of it. They are as happy as ever to see us. We have a wonderful time before we head out to work. 

Work as usual was busy and nothing could ruin my good day. I got my work done as soon as I could and head to the bakery to work. 

After a while, my mom comes up to me and says," you seem very happy. It's like you have fallen in love or something". 

An immediate blush creeps up on my face giving it away. My mom is quick to catch on to it and takes me to a table to talk. 

" So.... What's been happening? I see I got it right. Is it Toby? He seems like a nice guy. You should make him meet us. Call him for dinner or something. It'll be great."

" Mom....how do you always do this." I give her a hug. " It is him. Well, we went out a few days ago and then I almost misunderstood him and then well we cleared it and we are together now." I say , and see the confused look on her face. 

" Okay, you know I love you but sometimes you say everything in a way that leaves me confused. So breathe and tell me everything. " She says while I calm myself and tell her the whole story. 

After I'm done, my mom is silent for a minute. She finally looks up at me and with a smile that always makes me feel safe and loved, she says ," well, now I have to meet him. Call him to dinner tonight. I'll go make your favourite food. " 

With that we end up closing the bakery before time. I call Toby who immediately agrees to dinner. I go home and change my clothes really quick. I reach my house just as Toby shows up and we walk inside together. 

My parents are all ready and as we sit together at the dinner table I am nervous. My dad breaks the silence and greets Toby and he looks so calm and collected. They end up talking for a while with my mom chipping in once in a while. 

The food is delicious as always and it keeps me occupied against all the conversation. Toby keeps up with them so well, that I almost forget that it's their first proper meeting. 

My father and Toby end up having so many similar interests and the look on Toby's face makes me happy. He looks like he is genuinely enjoying it. There are no forced conversations or awkward silences. 

My mom finally brings in dessert. I almost immediately grab it but my mom stops me to serve Toby first. I put on a small scowl at which my mom laughs making a joke about it. 

" You know my daughter really loves dessert. It can be anything. Whenever she was sad or mad , she would immediately be happy once I make her a dessert. She's easy to please." She says which makes me super shy that I end up covering my face. 

" Yeah, she was always the quiet child. Didn't need a lot of things and never asked for much. Little things make her happy. She loves us as much as we love her." My dad says which only makes my face go visibly red. 

" That is very good to know Mr and Mrs Holden. Lucy is special." Toby says completely catching me off guard. 

" She is..." My parents say in unison. 

" We wanted to know you better. After meeting you today, we couldn't be happier. Please take care of her, she's all we have. You are always welcome here. Don't be a stranger." My mom adds and by this time I have just given in and continue to eat my dessert. 

" That's very nice of you Mrs Holden. Thank you for inviting me. I plan to keep Lucy happy for as long as she will have me. " Toby replies.

We all just chat a little more before Toby and I leave for the night. We walk out and he insists on walking me home. 

" I had a lot of fun today. I like your parents. They remind me of mine, I'm sure they would have liked them too. " 

" I'm sure all of them would have gotten along well. My parents love interacting with others. My parents really liked you too. You didn't seem nervous at all." I say grinning. 

" It didn't feel intimidating. You were awfully quiet but I felt at home. " He says squeezing my hand once reassuring me. 

" I'm glad then. We should do it again. Tell me what your favourites are, I'm sure my mom would love to make them. " I say feeling so much better. 

He nods and we just walk quietly to my house hand in hand. 

We reach my house and before he leaves he kisses me and it makes my feel like the first time. But this time it's just so much better. 

" I'll see you again soon. Take some rest. Goodnight" he says before walking in the direction of his house. 

I walk inside clearly elated and tell Amanda about the day. Amanda is more excited than me that Toby already met my parents. We talk late into the night and everything just feels right.