Ch. 8 - Tears
At last, the long awaited Chapter 8. I know it's been quite a while since I published my last chapter. I'm not saying that I'm really back, but I'm working on it. A lot has happened over the last four years. I had some health issues (a couple of surgeries, and multiple medication changes, including starting to use medical cannabis for arthritis, insomnia, anxiety and PTSD). I finally found the strength to walk away from a toxic job. I was devastated by an inadvertent revelation concerning my family (it's partially the inspiration for another story). I took several months before finding another job, and that included an incredibly inspiring trip to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, where I managed to get my shit together somewhat. I tried a couple of completely different jobs (working in the meat department of a grocery store, and working in a call center for a medical insurance company) before going back to teaching at a different school. And for over five years, I have been under the care of a wonderful counselor who has helped me sort out all of these crazy issues, while also strongly encouraging me to get back into my writing.
Plus, I need to include the standard disclaimer. This is a fantasy, not the real world, although I try to get close to the real world in some cases, and I use a lot of my own experiences to build my stories. In addition, I also write for my enjoyment. If they also bring some joy into your life, that's a bonus.
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Continued from Chapter 7...
Greg was just coming down the stairs after dressing in a golf shirt and khakis. He had no idea what Allison had in mind for tonight, but she did say to dress casual. He was about to have a seat in the living room to wait when he heard her car pull into the driveway. She gave a double tap of her horn to let him know she wasn't going to come in to get him.
Greg stepped out, and then locked the door behind himself. He gave a little smile and wave to the pretty young blonde with the green eyes sitting behind the steering wheel. He took his seat on the passenger side, and leaned over to get his kiss.
They held the kiss for a couple of minutes, continuing to explore their newly discovered love. Finally, they pulled back a little. "Hello, darling, miss me?"
"Oh, sweetheart, how could I not miss you? You are my love and my life."
Allison giggled a little. "It's only been a couple of hours since we talked, and less than 20 hours since we last kissed."
"Far too long, sweetie. Far too long."
She backed the car out of the drive as she laughed again, "You're probably right." She put the car in drive and started down the road.
"I guess I'll find out soon enough, but where are we headed? Or is it a big secret again?"
"No, it's no secret. And unless I were to blindfold you, you're going to figure it out pretty quickly. No, we're headed to the Wallace's for dinner."
"Bill and Carol's?"
"Yep."
"Really? Any particular reason why?"
"Well, I guess because I called Carol and asked her. Look, this may be a little quick. I mean, I know you've kept in touch with them, and I want to encourage that. I think it's very important that you keep that connection with them because of Mary and your kids."
"Okay..."
"But I also plan to be a very big part of your future, and that means that they need to meet me, and get to know me, too."
Greg sat there a little dazed. "Um, don't you think that might be moving a little fast? I mean, you've not even met my mom yet. Well, except for years ago when you were playing volleyball, when my mom and dad liked to come to the matches."
"Yeah..., funny you should mention that."
"You didn't. You invited my mom, too?"
"Well, I didn't, but I did ask Mrs. Wallace to invite her." Allison paused and took a deep breath. "Look, think of it this way. We've both said that we think this relationship is something special. It's not a quick little spark that's going to burn out suddenly. We're in love, and we need to share that with the others that love us. This is just the start. Why wait?"
"What about your parents? Are they going to be there, too?"
"Yes, but not right way. I asked Mrs. Wallace to invite them for dessert, at about 7."
Greg leaned his head back onto the seat. "Wow, this is a lot to take in. I hope we're not overwhelmed."
"It'll be okay darling. It's going to be a good evening."
Within a few minutes they were pulling into the driveway of Bill and Carol Wallace. As was quickly becoming the norm, Allison stayed in her seat until Greg came around the car, opened the door, and helped her out. They gave each other another quick kiss, and then walked hand in hand to the front door.
Greg leaned his head over toward Allison, "We have an audience."
Allison looked to the front window to see three faces watching them come up the front walk. She thought she noticed a slight twinge of guilt as the faces quickly stepped back into the shadows of what Allison assumed was the living room.
Just as they started up the front steps, the door was opened by a smiling woman. Allison quickly assessed that she was in her mid-fifties with lovely platinum hair in a short cut. Even in her fifties, she was very attractive, and obviously kept in shape.
"Greg, welcome, it's always good to see you. And you must be Allison."
"Mrs. Wallace."
"Oh, please, call me Carol. Come in, come in. We're dying to meet you." She pulled Allison away from Greg, and sliding her arm around Allison's waist, Carol guided her into the living room. "Bill, this is Allison. Allison, this is my husband, Bill. And that one, headed over to talk to Greg, is his mom, Debbie."
She was right. Debbie Stevens wasn't really waiting for the introduction. She was headed toward her son to talk to him. "So, Greg, why am I just hearing about this girl now? And why is it through Carol? Doesn't my being your mom rate me a little bit of news on the phone?"
