Amusement
928 Words
DAMIEN POV
I reluctantly left Madeline. Last night was amazing. I didn’t stop over last night with the intention for us to change the dynamic of our relationship. I was struggling and needed to take my mind off of things. My dad’s death was haunting me. I haven’t been able to sleep much. Thinking of everything that I did wrong. I should have been the bigger person and not came around when it was too late. The thoughts were swirling in my mind. I got into my car, driving blindly, until I happened to pass fourth street. I stopped outside of her condo, sitting in my car for what felt like forever before finally getting the courage to walk up to the door and knock. I prayed she was home, and thank god she was. Everything changed last night. I’ve never been a relationship guy. I’ve never even really had a relationship. Flings, sure, but nothing serious. Madeline made me want to be serious. She was different from anyone that I met. Last night, when she told me everything that had happened to her, it only made my feelings grow for her. She’d experienced literal hell, but picked herself up, and created a life she should be proud of.
I spent the day planning a trip to Disney for the both of us. I hope that she doesn’t think that this is moving too fast. We can go as friends if it scares her, I just want to be with her. I was shocked when she said she’d never been to an amusement park. I was a thrill junkie. Disney may not be the most thrilling, but I don’t think there is a person on the planet who hasn’t wanted to go at least once in their life. I booked us tickets for Thursday, and a hotel for both Wednesday night and Thursday night since we have to be back to work on Friday. It’s about a six-hour drive, so I will pick her up tomorrow morning for the trip. I pull out my phone to text her ‘Missing you already. Pack a bag for a few days, I will pick you up tomorrow morning. I have a surprise <3’ A few minutes later I received a response ‘Missing you too. Excited and nervous at the same time. See you tomorrow!’ I need to go visit my mom and make sure that she has everything she needs taken care of before I leave.
I called my mom, inviting her out for lunch today. I will be leaving to meet her at the same shack restaurant that I met Collin for lunch at. I couldn’t wait to tell her all about Madeline. If anyone was going to be happy for me, it would be my mother. I pulled into the pay-to-park lot, paying for a few hours. I walked to the restaurant and got a table for the two of us. The waitress came over and I ordered both my mom and I sweet tea. A few minutes later, mom walked in wearing sunglasses. She most definitely was hiding the fact that she had been crying. “Mom, no one is going to judge you for crying. You just lost your husband.” She sniffled, slowly removing the sunglasses from her face. My heart broke. My mother looked like she’d aged even more since I saw her last. Her eyes were bloodshot and had dark bags underneath. She sat down across from me. “Is there anything that I can do to help?” She just shook her head, still sniffling. “I’m sorry dear. I don’t mean to be like this. I just can’t pick myself up. I loved your father so much. I lost half of my soul when he died.” she explained. A fresh set of tears started falling slowly. “You know dad would hate to see you like this. He was always tough. Wanted the both of us to be tough.” Mom just shook her head “You’re right. I just can’t help it. I miss him so much Dam. It’s been just me and him for so long.” she cried. “I’m sorry I’ve been gone. I know it’s too late for dad and I, but I’m here now. I’m here for you.” She grabbed a tissue and dabbed the tears off of her face. “I’m just glad you’re home. Now tell me about you. Is anything new going on in your life?” she asked. I smiled, thinking about Madeline. “I know that smile. Spill, who is she?” mom gushed. I shook my head “Do you remember Madeline? She came to dad's funeral.” “I do. She was beautiful, but isn’t she your boss?” mom asked. I scrunched my nose “Technically, yes, but it’s just three of us at SANDbar, and her best friend is the owner. I think it’ll be okay.” I thought about it a moment. Gemma was cool. She would be happy for us, as long as I take care of Madeline. “I’m happy for you Dam. Treat her right. I can’t wait to properly meet her.” she smiled and for the first time, it looked genuine. We talked for a while longer. I told mom my plans to take Madeline to Disney. She was shocked to hear that Madeline had never been to Disney, let alone any amusement park. I didn’t realize how much I had missed spending time with my mom.
- Writer
