At Long Last
**********
For the first time in my 21 years, I did not attend Thanksgiving at Uncle John's. I flew with Elyse to her home in Atlanta and joined her family for the holiday. I really enjoyed myself, and was surprised that Max joined the Andersons for the meal. His mother and father were also there and I met Elyse's older brother, John. He was really a nice guy and a partner in a thriving medical practice.
I was treated so well by everyone that I knew I would never be apprehensive about joining them on holidays. This was a good sign.
As I went back to school, I was thinking how much I was in love with Elyse. When I got back, Miranda came to visit me and told me everyone missed me at Thanksgiving. I explained to her how great it was with Elyse's relatives and Miranda was pleased. She gave me a big hug and I walked her home. She told me that when she was home, she started dating a guy she dated in high school, Rich Braver. I remembered him and he had always treated me very friendly. I was really glad for her and I told her so.
It got strange again at the last frat party before Christmas break. I was standing there with Elyse enjoying myself, when she had to go to the restroom. While standing there alone, I was blindsided by April walking up to me and saying, "Ronnie, I'm so sorry that I was so stupid and selfish before. Do you think there is a chance for us to get back together?"
"Oh boy, I got a quit coming to these parties; no, April, not a chance. I'm with someone now that thinks of me, not just herself. Have a nice life."
She just turned and walked away and I could tell from her movements she was sobbing. Well, she made her decision, and she blew it. About that time, Elyse came back with another beer along with one for me. I stood there, putting my arm around her and holding her close to me.
"Is something wrong sweetie?" she asked.
"No honey, as long as you're with me, nothing can ever be wrong."
She just kissed me hard on the cheek and said, "Oh, Ronnie, you say the sweetest things."
A little later the beer got to her and she went to the bathroom again. Standing there minding my own business I got the shock of my life, when up walks the one person I never expected to see again, Ambrosia Carver. She was obviously drinking heavily evidenced by her staggering gait.
"Ambrosia, what are you doing here? I thought you were above all this stuff after you graduated two years ago."
"I'm here with a friend, but I'm glad to see you. Ronnie, I'm really sorry that I wasn't strong enough for you. I miss you and would really like another chance."
"I'm with someone now that actually is strong enough for me. I'm with her for good. You let me down, Ambrosia, you broke my heart and you missed your chance."
She began sniffling and turned hurriedly to walk off. This encounter really bothered me because I had had such deep feelings for Ambrosia. It revived old feelings and emotional injuries. I watched her walk away, knowing it would be the last time I would probably ever see her. Elyse came back and saw me and looked at me questioningly.
"Did something happen, what's wrong?"
"Just don't leave me again for the rest of the night, please."
She stayed close to me the rest of the night and I avoided further awkward moments. We went back to her place and made love the entire night. We lay there after making love, sighing and making our Christmas break plans. After making our plans, I asked her to marry me. She was so excited she was jumping up and down on the bed. I had bought a ring that Miranda had helped me pick out. Elyse was so happy that I was going to pop the question. I slid the ring onto Elyse's finger and it fit perfectly. It was meant to be there and I knew it.
Part 12 Feeling the Burn
Elyse and I decided to share the Christmas holiday between families, her with me for Christmas, and New Year's with her family. My uncle John set up a party with just family and good friends so they could meet Elise the Saturday before Christmas. We were going to fly to Atlanta the day after Christmas. Tabby was none too happy to see Elyse with me, especially when she saw the ring on Elyse's finger.
I introduced Elyse as my fiancΓ©e to everyone in the family and they treated her like gold, everyone was so happy for me. Even Tabby managed to wrinkle a smile onto her face. I could see right through it, but I wasn't worried. Uncle John was elated and told Elyse she was getting a hard worker, but it was a shame she really couldn't pick her men better. She assured him that she had chosen well. He just chuckled and hugged her, welcoming her into the family.
When the festivities died down, Elyse, Miranda, and I walked back over to the house after thanking Uncle John for the party.
While we were talking in the living room, Elyse said, "Everyone was so nice to me at the party, but I could tell Tabby was very angry."
"What did you expect," said Miranda. "The last time you saw her, you kicked her ass. I don't think that was going to endear you to her. That and you're going to marry her man."
I was standing hugging Elyse with my right arm and kissing her cheek. I just said, "She never was a good loser."
"Just so you know you're my man; I own you now."
Miranda kind of looked surprised and a little put out, knowing how talk like that disturbed me.
I said before thinking, "You sound like Tabby."
SLAP, she slapped me so hard and said "You SON OF A BITCH."
"That's it, now the imitation's perfect."
She just stomped off crying into the bathroom and locked herself in. Miranda looked at me and said, "I don't think she liked being compared Tabby."
"YOU THINK? She slapped me hard enough that my ears are still ringing. You know I can't stand that owning talk."
"You'd better go talk to her, Ronnie."
I went to the bathroom door, knocked and asked her to unlock it. As she unlocked the door and opened it I saw her face street from crying. "God, Ronnie, why did you say that to me? You compared me to that bully. That hurt me so badly."
"Well they could sure take your fingerprints off of my face, if you want to talk about hurt."