Yes to Harry

chapter2

Though engaged, Sebastian and Raina lived in separate apartments, they both had each other's home keys and slept over at will. But unlike the traditional 21st century couples in New Jersey, they did some things slightly different.

They had the approval of each other's family, particularly in Raina's case. Mrs. Leah was completely taken by her daughter's fiance and was counting days to the wedding from the minute Raina had broken the news that Sebastian had proposed 3 months ago. She had always wanted Raina to end up with a financially capable man and for the fact that Raina had that and love as a side dish, in her words, was what she called a lucky charm.

“Many don't have any, daughter. Marry him before spring, what's keeping you both anyway?”

“Mum, we're not all like you, We will fix our wedding when we both agree on a good time. No pressures, forever is a long time.” Raina told her mother. Even though she knew Mrs. Leah meant well for her two daughters, but she would prefer she doesn't try to influence her decisions and would only respect them. She didn't want to be one of those couples, that their parents influenced and pushed them into settling down with a partner they didn't like or was certain they wanted to do forever with.

Her father would've done differently or at least kept her mother in check, had he not left them a year ago. His Kidney stone diagnosis had deteriorated and Mr. Raymond Fisher Pan had accepted his fate when the doctor's couldn't find a donor soon enough to conduct his transplant and he wouldn't jeopardize any of his kid's health for his.

He was a father most would long for, disciplined and incredibly supportive and Raina cried like a child when she learnt about the horrible news. She had found out too late, as Mr. Raymond instructed his wife that she was not told or bothered with it. Raina had last checked on him 3 weeks earlier and though he was emaciated, he looked like a slowly recuperating patient. She had learnt, that was her father's little ruse, to put her off worrying. She would miss him all her days, especially with her mom's growing impatience.

Sebastian's family was easier, he had step siblings so none really had much to say about his choices of who he should end up with or perhaps because they didn't really care that much about who he married. Asides his mother of course, Mrs. Sylvia wasn't exactly forward about her opinions but she had advised him on an occasion behind closed doors.

“She's a very pretty and intelligent lady, I must say. The sooner, the better” Sebastian himself had played her the brief recording of his conversation with his mother. Even if she had met Mrs. Sylvia, twice and both times, she had treated her simply with moderate affection like she would a guest.

But, she was warmer and sounded more compassionate on the voice note, and she also learnt she often asked Sebastian about her.

At Exactly 8: 00 p.m. Raina heard her doorbell ring, and she went to it. She was prepared for the occasion of her eat-in dinner date with her fiance. Her dress was simple, an open back spaghetti high-slit milky satin gown, and her make up was light. Raina's fragrance was particularly bold and intoxicating, a fine blend of cinnamon, jasmine and rose.

Sebastian walked in, with a small bag of wine. He was wearing an off-white shirt and a black Jean pants that revealed an admirable part of his hair-freckled chest and a fraction of its well contoured arms.

Sebastian had dark gray eyes that made Raina picture him a mannequin sometimes. His hair was dark brown and cut in a tousled top style.

Sebastian Harry was one of the few men in New Jersey that had his life all figured out at just 31. He was rich and successful, and came from an average income family but had done well for himself in the short time of his life. Though a second son of a separated mother, he did right, by his half siblings.

He was provocatively handsome, knew it and was intentional about keeping it that way. Tonight, his looks reminded Raina of the first two months into their relationship, she had felt so insecure at the time. Oftentimes, when they both walked into a crowded place, the ladies would check him out endlessly. Worse if she excused herself for a bit, either to attend to a phone call or to use the convenience, she would more often than not, return to her man webbed in a conversation with another lady.

On one occasion, she almost lost it, but got a grip on herself in perfect time, just before it escalated into a scene. With an absolutely apologetic Sebastian chasing after her. She later met him in the middle after an intense conversation, where she learnt that unlike her previous thoughts. Sebastian was more of a victim, he wasn't enabling or entertaining the constant flirtations he got.

But his job as a professional lawyer created the environment, and exposed him to all kinds of people. But to show his commitment to Raina on the subject, he had adjusted his picks. Sebastian became less frequent at any averagely standardized bar or restaurant. He stuck only with exotic places. This effort to make things work between them had raised the bar for Raina and had been one of the reasons she accepted his proposal when it came.

“Hi baby” Sebastian greeted, hugging and kissing both her cheeks the moment he walked in.

“Hi babe, the table is set, have a seat” she signaled closing the door after him.

At dinner, Raina made to fill their glasses with the bottle of Chardonnay Sebastian had brought, but he offered to do it instead.

“Hey I am glad you suggested this” he began while filling out his glass.

“..and I understand that you're unhappy with me earlier, " he continued. I should've done better, hear you out, pay more attention maybe…doesn't matter now, I'm sorry”.

Raina said nothing, she took a bite from the spinach and ricotta ravioli she had ordered, when Sebastian spoke again.

“Don't be like that Raina I'm trying here”

“Right!” she nodded sarcastically.

Come on Raina, I said I'm sorry.

“Mmmh..I guess because you gave a half-baked apology, everything you've put me through the last seven weeks and two days, just got fixed".

“What are you talking about Raina? Sebastian inquired.

Nothing.....forget it. Raina replied.

“I work so hard for us both..” Sebastian began

"..this isn't saying you don't work, but your position and workload in the firm isn't compared. I also call as often as I can, to check on you. I do not cheat...I send you gifts..he paused. Though it's been a minute, we last hang out but I'm here now, aren't I? Yet you seem to always have a complaint waiting.”

“Wow, that's a lot of words babe, even for you. But I appreciate it. Well, I don't want to argue with you, I insisted on dinner indoors so we could talk properly as a couple and try to iron out this growing rift between us.”