Allison
I was lying in bed when my body jolted at the sound of my phone beeping nearby. I stretched out my hand, feeling for the device on the bedside table. My fingers closed around it, and I pulled it toward me. Checking my phone, I saw that it was a message from Jayden, telling me he wanted to take me out tonight on a date.
I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a thrill of excitement. I reached for my walking stick, but then I noticed something – my leg didn’t hurt as much as it had before.
I chuckled and rubbed my leg, teasing it, “Are you feeling better because of Jayden’s effect? Did you miss him that much?”
I decided to test my leg, putting my weight on it without the stick. To my surprise, I was able to walk to the bathroom without any discomfort. As I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I heard noises coming from downstairs. Curiosity got the better of me, and I hurried down to see what was going on.
That’s when I saw Sally’s so-called biological mom hugging her tightly, tears streaming down her face. “Oh, my goodness, I’ve missed you so much, honey!” she exclaimed.
I felt a surge of protectiveness toward Sally, and I pushed the woman away, my voice firm. “What are you doing here? Did you come to snatch my sister away from me?”
Sally turned to me and signed, “It’s fine.” Then, she turned to her mom and signed, “What’s going on? I thought you weren’t going to come back. I thought you weren’t going to see me after that day you left me.”
Her mom’s eyes welled up with tears. “Why wouldn’t I come see you? I love you so much, and I miss you so much. I’m really sorry for whatever happened in the past. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Sally’s expression remained guarded, and she signed, “I don’t know what to say right now. I know why you’re here you want me to come with you, right?”
Her mom nodded, but Sally continued, “I’m still thinking about it.”
“No problem, honey. Take all the time you need. Just know I love you so much.” She kissed Sally’s forehead and stood up straight, noticing my mom approaching.
My mom cleared her throat, her eyes narrowing.
“I want to thank you for taking care of my daughter. I appreciate it,” Sally’s mother said.
“But you’re trying to take her away from me, aren’t you?” Mom asked, her tone turning cold.
Sally’s mom held up her hands. “I’m not trying to take her away from you. I’m just trying to bring her back to her real mom. There’s a difference.”
“Real mom?” I scoffed inwardly.
“And no!” I added, my voice loud and stern. “She isn’t going with you. She’s staying with us. Sally, let’s go upstairs.” I held her hand, but she didn’t even budge.
I felt concerned, sensing that Sally was up to something.
“Why aren’t you moving?” I asked, my brows furrowing. “Why aren’t you following me upstairs?”
Sally signed, “Please, you guys should calm down. I’m still thinking about this, and for now, I think I just want to be on my own.”
Then, she turned and left the house, probably to go for a walk. I watched her go, then turned to Sally’s mom, my expression firm. “Please leave our house. We don’t want to see you here.”
Sally’s mom looked remorseful, her eyes filled with regret, but I didn’t care. She nodded and replied, “Okay, then goodbye but I’ll be back,” before leaving.
My mom turned to me, let out a deep sigh and said, “You shouldn’t be too harsh. I think she’s genuinely regretful.”
“I don’t care,” I snarled, shaking my head. “She can’t just come and try to snatch my sister away like that… after many years.”
I headed upstairs, my mom following behind me. As soon as I reached my room, I grabbed my phone and called Jayden. He answered immediately, and I asked, “Are you done with work? Should I start getting ready for our date? I really need to get out of here.”
“Actually, no,” he sighed. “I have another meeting. Is everything alright?”
“I guess so,” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “It’s actually still the matter with my sister and her mother.”
“Everything will be okay in the end, Allison, and as for the date, it’ll be tonight.”
I giggled, excitement building up inside me. “I can’t wait!”
Jayden’s voice turned sweet, and he said, “Me too. By the way, I’m missing you so bad, Allison.”
“But you saw me this morning, right?” I laughed, teasing him.
Jayden’s response sent shivers down my spine. “It doesn’t matter. I’m still missing you so bad, baby. I wish you were here with me… by my side.”
“I miss you too.” I chuckled.
***
Night descended swiftly, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. I stood before the mirror, smoothing out my dress and running a hand through my hair. I felt a thrill of excitement as I anticipated the evening ahead.
Jayden arrived promptly, his car purring softly outside. My heart skipped a beat as I saw him step out, a bouquet of flowers in hand. I felt a rush of affection and kissed him softly on the lips.
“For you, baby,” he whispered, stretching his full hands toward me.
“Thank you,” I whispered, taking them from him and inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers.
As we bid farewell to my mom and Sally, the two exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes sparkling with glee. I waved goodbye, feeling excited and joyful.
We drove to the cinema, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of music from Jayden’s car. I felt my heart swell with happiness, grateful for this romantic evening with the one I loved.
Upon arriving at the cinema, we purchased our tickets and popcorn, then slipped into the dimly lit theater. The movie began, a romantic tale that had us both smiling and laughing.
As we sat together, hands intertwined, I felt a deep sense of connection with Jayden, and I knew he felt the same way. Besides, he kept stealing glances at me, smiling, his attention barely on the movie.
During the movie, we shared a tender kiss, the popcorn forgotten in our hands. It was a moment of pure magic, one that I would treasure forever.
As the credits rolled, I turned to Jayden, my eyes shining with happiness. “This has been one of the best days ever,” I whispered, my voice filled with emotion.
Jayden smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I loved every moment of it, too.”
As we walked out of the cinema, hand in hand, I knew that this was just the beginning of our happily ever after. With Jayden by my side, I felt invincible, ready to face whatever life had in store for us.