TIFFANY’S POV
It’s been a week since her return from the hospital, and the cast on her shoulder has finally been taken off. Although she still felt slight body aches at times, she was healing and could do most things herself.
Shawn has been supportive and tolerating and she couldn’t ask for a better partner. Her father too was, and so were his parents too. Everyone was nice to her and it made her feel loved and accepted.
It was a Saturday and she was seated on the bed and reading a book, when a knock sounded on her door. She knew it was Shawn so she asked him to come in.
“Hey,”
“Hey.”
“So, it’s Saturday and I was wondering if we could hang out. You know, have fun and all that. What do you think?”
She went silent as she contemplated. She always craved the outside world and would really love to explore. “Yes, I would love to.”
“Okay. Get dressed and I will be waiting for you downstairs. Look your best, please.” Then he walked out.
She quickly set down her book and got down from the bed to get ready. After contemplating, she decided to wear a lovely summer dress with a pair of sandals, wanting to feel comfortable all through their time out.
As she finished getting dressed, she made her way downstairs. Shawn was sitting on the couch in the sitting room and waiting for her.
“You look amazing,” He complimented.
“Thank you,” She replied as she bowed her face in shyness. The way he was looking at her made her heart flutter.
They made their way outside, and He led her to the car and opened the door for her. As they drove, he asked her where she wanted to go.
She thought for a moment before answering, “How about we go to the beach? I want to feel the sand between my toes and listen to the sound of the waves crashing.”
“Perfect idea. We’ll have a little picnic by the beach. What do you say?”
She nodded in agreement.
As they arrived at the beach, She took in the scene before her. The sand was warm beneath her feet, and the salty breeze filled the air. They found a nice spot under the shade of a palm tree, setting up a blanket and picnic basket.
They spent the day talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Shawn even surprised her with a flower he had picked along the way, making her heart skip a beat as he fixed it on her hair.
As the sun began to set, they packed up their things, ready to leave.
“Thank you for today,” she whispered.
Shawn turned to look at her, his eyes sober “No, thank you. Thank you for fighting to stay alive and returning to us.” And then he engulfed her in a hug.
After disengaging from the hug, they walked to the car and drove home.
“I’m so famished. Those snacks are so light.” Shawn said as they got home.
“Maybe we should make something to eat.”
“Yeah. I will fix our dinner. Go up to your room, freshen up and rest. I will let you know when I’m done.”
“No, I want to stay back and watch you.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go.” He said and led the way to the kitchen.
“What would you love to have?” He asked and opened the foodstuffs fridge.
“Anything is fine.”
“I will make us pasta, sauce and meatballs.”
She shrugged and asked him to do his thing.
He moved around the kitchen, effortlessly preparing their dinner. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic filled the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation.
“Do you need any help?” She offered, wanting to contribute to the meal preparation.
“Sure, you can help me make the meatballs.”
She eagerly washed her hands and joined him at the counter. She watched as he mixed the ground meat with bread crumbs and eggs. As she scooped the mixture and rolled it into small balls, they chatted and laughed over Shawn’s jokes.
Once the meatballs were browned and the pasta was cooked, they dished their dinner and sat down at the dining table to eat.
The first bite of the meal was heavenly, and she couldn’t help but let out a satisfied moan. “This is amazing,” she said between bites. “You’re a good cook.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
They continued to eat and talk, until they were done.
“Thank you for dinner,” she said after clearing the plates.
“Thank you too. We made it together.”
“I’m tired and would like to retire to bed. You should do the same. Good night.” She bid him goodnight and walked upstairs.
SHAWN’S POV
It was Monday, Tiffany was returning to school and he was going to drop her off.
As they drove to school, He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “So, how are you feeling about going back to school?” he asked, concerned for her well-being.
She sighed and looked out the window. “Honestly, I’m nervous. I mean, I’ve lost so many memories, and I’m not sure how I’ll fit in or if people will treat me differently.”
“I understand your concerns, but trust me, you’ll be fine. You’ve always been strong, Tiffany, and this is just another challenge you’re going to conquer.”
She smiled weakly, and he could see the sadness in her eyes. “Thank you so much. I appreciate your faith in me. It means a lot.”
“You are welcome. And remember, if anything ever gets too overwhelming, just let me know and I will figure it out”
As they arrived at the school gates, He turned to her. “I’ve arranged for my driver to pick you up after school, okay?”
“Thank you, Shawn. I appreciate your kind gesture.”
“Have a nice day at school today.” He waved goodbye, his smile lingering as he watched her walk towards the entrance of the school.
After he was sure she was safe inside, he drove off, headed for work.
He got to work and found his father waiting at the reception. He was having a conversation with the receptionist.
“Oh, there you are , son.” Mr Gold said and turned to him.
“Good Morning, Dad.”
“Good morning, Son. You are late to work.”
“Yeah. I dropped Tiffany at school. She resumed today.”
“Oh. That’s good news. Let’s go up to our office and discuss.”
“Sure.” He replied and they walked into the elevator and got in.
They got to his office and he offered his Dad a seat as he made it to the coffeemaker to make them coffee.
“Here,” he said and handed a cup to his Dad.
“Thank you, Son.”
After a brief silence, Mr Gold broke the silence.
“How are you coping? You look stressed out.”
“I have been fine. It’s not been easy being there for her and my position now as chairman. But, I’m not complaining. I will do anything to ensure she gets better.”
“I’m so proud of you. I really am. These past few weeks, I have watched you evolve into a focused young man who is saddled with a lot of responsibilities and still handles them. I applaud your efforts, son.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
“You are welcome. Your mother insisted I come see you. She traveled for a meeting in San Diego.”
“Mum and traveling. I will call her when I get home from work today.”
“That will be nice. I will take my leave now. Have a nice day.”
“And you too, Dad.”
He smiled as he watched his father leave the office. He cherished moments like that, because he always had the opportunity to talk to his father on a fatherson level.
The remaining part of his day went uneventful. It was filled with work, lunch break and disturbance from Rachel.
Soon, it was time to pick Tiffany from school. He could easily ask his driver to do it, but surprisingly, he found himself enjoying taking care of her.
He took his jacket from where it was hung and picked his car key before walking out.