LUNA'S RISE

Meeting of hearts and hesitation

" Sunshine's pouring, love's in the air,

" We're dancing wild, without a care..."

Softly lip-syncing the rock music as I removed my make-up while sitting in front of the mirror, elated and excited for the next day to come, I had a nostalgic sense of happiness that had never been there ever since I attained adulthood. The heavy bass of the music resonated with my very feeling and I could swear it all felt like a dream come true. I never truly believed that I would live to experience a day like this. No, I’ve felt like this these past few weeks. But tonight? Tonight was the very icing on the cake.

As if the splendid date wasn't enough, I still couldn’t believe that Michael would ask me to come along with him to see his family. It was as though the scenery was printed on the walls of my room in playable video tapestries, as well as in the lights and in the mirror. Everywhere I looked, I saw his handsome face as he asked if I wanted to come along with him to see his family, and every moment as it replayed in my mind made my heart warm in a sweet melt that had me almost dying of palpitation.

“~Eek!” I couldn't help but hold my palms to my burning face and squeal like a steaming kettle as I rose and jumped in bed, curling and grabbing my pillow to hug it.

" Fire burns, hearts collide,

" In this love we can't hide.

" Guitar screams, drums ignite,

" Our passion takes flight..."

As the melodious rock music blasted in resonance to my feelings, In just a bit, I fell asleep.

...

The next day, I woke up too early from excitement. It was simply inevitable.

Sitting up in bed, I couldn't help but anticipate what was to come later in the day. The meeting was set to evening, and I planned to take the evening shift off. I quickly picked up my phone to check if I had any message. And quite expectedly, his was first to pop up.

" Hey, sweets. Good morning, and hope you're ready for today?"

My lips curled upwards as I understood what he implied. He was asking if I was still willing to visit his family with him and ensuring there was no change in plan. Of course, without a doubt in my heart, I tapped on the message and quickly typed:

" Are you kidding? I have never been this excited! ~heart-eyes emoji~"

However, he wasn't online so I could only wait for his reply until later. But anyway, I pushed the thought aside, got off of my bed, and went to the kitchen to grab a morning coffee and some toast with a spread of strawberry jam. Almost skipping in joy.

It was 7:23 in the morning already and as a waitress, I had to get to work by 10 AM. Time wasn't waiting for anyone, I needed to prepare myself for work.

After breakfast, I rushed into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, washed my face and came back into the room to find something to put on for work.

I walked towards the wardrobe, pulled it open, and rummaged through it to find something to put on. However, when my gaze fell on the dress that I planned to put on for the event later in the day, I couldn't help but admire it for a moment, imagining how I'd look in them. It was a wine sheath gown with string arms and a slit. Simply gorgeous!

" I also have a pair of heels to match it"

I couldn't help but brim with an antsy smile as the lights shone resplendently on the beautiful dress. I thought it was perfect and couldn't wait to be in them!

"Phew! Soon Aurora, soon..." I convinced myself and only grabbed a white blouse, a jacket and a pair of jean. I quickly changed into them and sat in front of the mirror to comb my long brown hair and tied it into a ponytail. I put on some slight make-up, pouted and smeared my lips with some lipstick, checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing my bag and walking out the front door.

Slam!

I locked the door to my apartment and took the elevator down the building.

Outside, Willow lane was still as vibrant even in the morning of this year's summer. The sunlight casted a warm glow on the lush neighborhood as birds chirped in the melody of the soft breeze and lawnmowers. Few people were already out and about in the cheerful atmosphere that left me feeling eager, relaxed, and joyous. I felt nothing could go wrong today;

" Definitely a good day..." I exhaled with a smile before leaving for work.

Stellar plate wasn't open yet but the staffs and workers were already in, so I quickly headed to the changing room.

I met a couple of my colleagues but most of them I had no relation with. I strode to my usual spot to change, eager for the day shift to be over with already. Even though it hadn't even started yet.

" Someone sure is happy today? What's the catch?" I couldn't mistake the voice. It was Lily Parker's. I couldn't help but smile and shake my head. She had approached from behind me noticing I had just got in.

At first I didn't want to say anything, but I decided otherwise.

" Nothing much, barely something to look forward to. Hey, can you cover the evening shift for me?" I turned around to ask while putting on my white blouse-uniform.

" Hehe. Sure" she said. Lily and I were quite close, so I trusted she had my back. And I knew I could rely on her.

" Thanks, I owe you one"

Work started and ended smoothly. I managed to squeeze some advise out of Lily just as she managed to make me spill the bean. Nonetheless, I left early and returned home to prepare myself for the long-awaited moment of the day. Michael had also texted earlier in the day saying;

" Okay. I'll pick you up by 6. Be ready..."

I got home around 4:53 PM, so I had time to prepare myself. I could only wonder if it was enough. I firstly went into the bath to take a long shower, dried my hair and came back in the room wrapped in my towel. I combed my hair and applied some skin care cosmetics right after that.

A while later, I gently rose to approach the closet in a bid to pick up the dress from earlier. Opening the closet once again, it was as though the whole space was dedicated for this dress alone. My gaze set on it too quickly and I couldn't help but admire it once again. However, I didn't waste time staring at the dress too long as it was time to finally put it on. Michael could be here anytime soon and I still had a lot to do. I still had to make myself look as presentable as I could.

I walked in front of the mirror and sampled the dress for a second before I started putting it on. It took a while, but I managed by myself.

" Oh my! Just as I'd thought" I couldn't help but flash a smile and wink at myself in the mirror. I looked gorgeous!

" Aurie dear, it's just a meeting with his parents. This is utterly an overkill. But I'm not getting out of these hehe!" I lampooned with a giddy chuckle.

I quickly sat back down and added a touch of make-up here and there on my face.

I could see the smile plastered on my face in the mirror as thoughts surged in my mind.

' What do they look like? His parents, are they anything like him? '

I was beginning to get antsy and curious. I couldn't help but picture his dad and mom in his image. Quite old but with kind smile and a dedicated, passionate expression on their good-looking faces just like him.

' How about his siblings? No, more importantly, are they gonna like me?'

I had doubts about this and I couldn't help but stop to look at myself in the mirror for a second;

Honey brown curly hair that cascaded down her back. Alluring face with plump lips, high cheeks and angular chin. Sparkling black eyes that now had a sign of uncertainty in them... I saw beauty in myself.

Along with my stunning body and curves, I was confident in my look. However...

' What if they were a personality type and just wouldn't like me for who I was?'

I became insecure...

I felt a sudden twist in my heart and I had doubts about really going to meet with Michael's family. My whole life, I hadn't been with someone who liked me as much as Michael did. And I didn't want that to end, not anytime soon.

As I continued staring at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but admire my own reflection once again while carefully assessing every detail of my appearance. From my perfectly styled hair to the elegant outfit. I kept wondering if his parents would see the beauty that I saw in myself.

" Haah!" With a deep breath, I reminded myself that a genuine heart and kind nature were what truly mattered. And I believe myself to be of such qualities. I braced myself to meet them and show them the amazing person I am. No backing down!

Knock! Knock!

Just then, there was a sudden knock on the door.

'He's here!' I couldn't help but look down at my bare feet with a wry smile.

...