The Bodyguard

Chapter 31 - Patience

I swear my phone isn't working properly, it is impossible that time moves this slowly.  It is only lunchtime yet I've been in lectures for what feels like 10 years already today.  I know it's just because I'm excited about my date with Gabriel tonight.

I decide it's finally time to tell my Mom about him.  I've been holding off because I didn't want her to judge me for moving on so quickly and I haven't even told her about Jason and I ending things yet.

She answers on the first ring, which takes me by surprise and I find I'm not as prepared as I thought.

"Hi love, I was going to call you tonight, we haven't spoken properly in ages.  I know you're busy, but I miss you and I was starting to worry because I hadn't heard from you."

"Hi Mom," I mumble.  I feel guilty now for not calling her sooner, this is not how I wanted this conversation to start.

"What have you been up to?"

"Just work and lectures really," I lie.  This is going really well so far.

"Are you planning to come home any time soon?  I'd like to all get together because it's been ages since Christmas and now Peter has left home too, I'm really feeling it."

"I don't know, let me think and get back to you.  Actually there was something I wanted to talk to you about," I start nervously.

"That sounds ominous," she laughs, but I can hear the concern in her voice.

"Jason and I have broken up."  I think that's the best place to start.

"Oh no!  I'm so sorry, I thought you two were good together."

"Well obviously not, he was cheating on me Mom with two other girls!  I can't forgive that."  I know she was hoping Jason and I would last and I know she's friends with his Mom Amanda, which makes things difficult.  Clearly Amanda didn't tell her about her son's antics.  I'm hoping that by telling her why she'll accept it and not expect me to get back with him.

"No, I would expect you to forgive that.  I have to say I'm surprised, I didn't think he was that kind of boy.  He always seemed so nice and like he cared for you.  Are you ok love?"

"I am now.  It happened over a month ago, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I just wasn't ready to talk about it."  I hope my excuse is enough to stop her being too upset with me.

"You could have told me, I'd have understood and I would have been there for you."

"I know Mom, I didn't want to worry you."

"It's my job to worry about you, I'm your Mom!"  She sounds frustrated now so I need to change the subject so I can tell her the real news.

"Please don't judge me, but I've started seeing someone else. I know it's fast, but he's amazing and far better for me than Jason ever was.  I hope you'll be happy for me."  I hold my breath and wait for the judgmental comments to begin.

"Wow!  That was fast!  Tell me more, what's he like?" She asks, digging for information before making up her mind as to whether I'm making a huge rebound mistake, I can feel it.

"He's so lovely, his name is Gabriel and he's a bodyguard.  He lives in the countryside in a small town called Greenwood about 30 minutes from Lakeland City.  He has a beautiful cottage, but I think he has a place in the city too."  I know this information will impress her and help her get on my side with this.

"Wow!  A bodyguard, that's exciting, at least I know he'll look after you.  So he isn't studying like you then?" The last question is her asking me his age I'm sure.  She knows no one my age would have such a lifestyle.

"No Mom, he's 30," I admit sheepishly.

"30!  Ok... well if he makes you happy then that's all that matters.  They say age is just a number.  I want to meet him soon though ok, I need to see what a 30 year old man's intentions are for my baby girl."

"Mom don't you dare embarrass me or you won't get to meet him at all," I threaten.

"I will definitely need a date for you coming home now and I insist you bring Gabriel with you, I won't take no for an answer."

"I'll talk to him, but I'm not sure we're at the meeting the parents stage yet.  You might need to be a bit patient with me on this and when you do finally meet him please stay calm."

"Me? Patient? Never!  You know how impatient you are and we both know where you get it from," she says laughing.

"Very funny," I retort sarcastically.  "Anyway, I've got to go.  I need to eat quickly before my last lecture then I can get home as I'm seeing him tonight." I add.

"Oooh where are you going?"

"I don't know actually, but he always plans something amazing so I don't mind not knowing, I know it'll be fun anyway,"

"Have fun and don't forget to talk to him and let me know when you're coming to visit!"

"I will.  Bye Mom."

I hang up and breathe a sigh of relief.  I'm so glad she took it so well and I got that Mom instead of the judgemental one today.  I was half expecting a long lecture about jumping from one thing to the next or his age, but she was surprisingly ok.

I head to the cafeteria since I'm short on time and grab a salad bowl.  I don't want to fill up in case we go out for dinner tonight.  I can't remember what time he said to meet now.  I know he said Tuesday night and I said I finish at 4pm, but we didn't make any firm plans.  I'm not good not knowing things, but I trust Gabriel and he's never let me down before so I'm learning to just go with the flow.  Maybe my Mom was right and I really don't have any patience!