Precious Possession
913 Words
My mom and I get busy cooking our meal while dad is upstairs unloading their stuff that they brought from Lakewood.
When we were about to eat I follow my mom because she said that she wants to have Austin stay for dinner.
We find him slaving his way on the car that seems to be failing his efforts. I can tell, I'm impressed. Without even knowing I slip a small smile on his way.
"No, thank you, ma'am. I see that you're having a family dinner. I don't want to intervene."
"Don't be silly. We cooked lasagna and honey-lime roasted chicken. It's plenty for four. You can continue that after dinner."
"You had me at the honey-lime roasted chicken," he says with an undertone of excitement. Without glancing our way, he wipe the black stain off of his hand with a cloth and makes his way inside.
"Perfect," my mom says almost cheerfully as we head towards the dining table where my dad is already sitting.
After we say our grace, we begin to pass on the food and indulge in the juicy, savoury meat and creamy lasagna. I didn't know that I was hungry until I take a bite.
I can't help but be conscious that Austin is sitting across from me with his ruffled hair haphazardly combed back which gives him a rugged look. Dad lets him borrow his shirts that surprisingly fits him well.
He takes a sip of water as he's genuinely engaged to what my dad is saying.
It's nice to see my dad so happy. Being away from them makes me really appreciate them more than I could. He is nice to everybody but my ex, Tim so I'm not surprised that he's comfortable with Austin.
If he only knew him, all of his thoughts will change.
"...so that's why the French police chased us back to the hotel," the old man laughs after gulping down his food. "Foolish or brave?
"Foolish," Austin answers as he cuts the meat on his plate.
The table grows silent. Oh, dad is not going to like that, I thought.
Frank lets out a booming laugh, patting Austin's shoulder, "Honest, something I could count on."
"I think your dad likes him," mom whispers from my right. I just nod as I take another bite of my food.
Next thing I know, dad turns to me, "So, Heidi. Where's that Tim guy?"
Tim, the guy I've dated when I was in the city. He came across as cocky to my parents and they were right. He was a narcissistic man with a God complex. He belittled me in every way that he could and that just lowered my self-esteem.
"We broke up."
"Yeah. I told you he's a piece of s**t. You don't need em."
"Tim?" Austin interjects. I know that he's feigning innocence because he knows every milestone in my life and he was there every time Tim and I had our fight.
"You know, Austin, from the very start, I could feel that he's not good for her. But she never listened to me-."
She cuts him off. "Frank, leave your daughter alone. She doesn't want to talk about it."
"Thanks, mom," I chuckle. Even though I am focused on stabbing the lasagna with my fork, I can feel Austin looking at me.
He knows that I was deeply hurt where Tim is concerned. He knows me better than anyone and I don't have to explain to him the pain of being left in the rain on my birthday by my now ex-boyfriend without a single penny to my name.
He knows.
I am doing the dishes when my mom enters the kitchen with the additional utensils. Dad joins Austin back at the garage where they are really pushing to save his precious possession.
"He's charming."
"I know mom, that's why you married him."
"I'm talking about Austin."
That makes me stop on my tracks.
"Wait. What are you implying?"
"Nothing. It's just that, I am getting older and I need to at least see you happy with someone for once."
"Are you forcing me to-."
"I'm not forcing you to anything. I am glad whatever path you take. But the question is, are you?" she shrugs, "I don't know, it's just a nugget of thought."
That makes me think. Does mom really think that I am unhappy with my life? Am I unhappy?
I'm just tired of toxic relationships and I don't want to force anything to belong to anyone.
Austin's face pops into my head. I scrub the pan lid with gusto, without facing my mom.
A loud shout from the garage catches our attention. I lock eyes with mom before we bolt to the door.
We rush in only to see the car's engine roaring in its usual ugly cry. A sign that they practically brought it back to life. It is loud and annoying me sometimes but it's our old precious car that was bought when dad got his first job at the mayor's office in 1987.
My heart flutter when my mom runs towards dad and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
I'm happy that they're happy. And to be honest, I'm kind of proud of him.
"You are a genius, dad. You fixed it."
"It's not me, Heidi. Austin fixed it when I was about pack up the tools."
What?
My dad gives Austin a short hug then pats his back. I have never seen my dad this happy except when he found out that I'm graduating with honors in high school.
Austin's gaze land on me from the distance, making me shiver with a taunting halt.
So, Buttercup. I hope you keep your word.
Damn, he used my words against me.
- Writer
