Meet the Parents

Rosa announces as she entered, "We're here."

Graysen remains at the door lost in his thoughts.

Rosa looks back, seeing Graysen still at the portico; she admonishes him to follow her.

They find Rosa's parents at the garden having an afternoon tea. They beam upon seeing Rosa.

Draco Eder's streaks of gray hairs give contrast to the remaining black hair. He looks reliable and very insightful. His light brown eyes emit gentleness looking at her wife Violet. Violet looks like she is still in her 30s though she's already about to be 50. She keeps her straight black hair at shoulder length. Her defined brows emphasize her blue eyes. With a good skin texture, she only wears powder and lipstick without any other make-up on. Rosa is a combination of her parents with almond shaped eyes like her father but her blue eyes reflect the mark of the Ricca clan from her mother's side.

Graysen appears relax meeting Draco and Violet but he feels the churning of his stomach as he steps down from his car.

Violet speaks first, "I suppose you are Senator Graysen Andrei? Please have a seat."

Violet's father stands from his seat to shake hands with Graysen.

He tries stopping him from standing. "Oh no, Mr. Eder, do not bother with me. Forgive me for intruding into your house. And please just call me Graysen."

Draco sits down again. "It's our honor to have you here. My daughter already told us about you. And it was you who suggested to see us?"

Rosa steers him to take a seat beside her.

Violet pats Rosa's hands. "I already prepared your father about this."

Graysen is a bit tongue-tied. He is always composed deliberating in the senate but right now he does not know how to start the discussion with Rosa's parents.

Graysen starts saying tensely, "I hope to solicit your permission for us to be together."

"We cannot dictate to her whom she should like. Just like us." Draco reaches out to Violet's hand.

"She is younger than you and you are more mature than her. I hope you have more than enough patience in guiding her." He continues as a reminder.

Violet speaks again, "Rosa is our only daughter and we hope you can take great care of her more than we do."

"Just be at ease that I will take good care of her." Graysen responds with his eyes full of sincerity.

Rosa feels on edge for her father. She does not like hiding anything from him. To end her dilemma, she chooses to bare the whole truth. She speaks softly almost whispering, "There's one more thing."

Rosa's parents and Graysen turn their attention to her.

"Graysen already proposed to me," she announces.

Violet meets Draco's eyes. "We already presume it when you greet us seeing that red diamond ring on your finger." she pacifies Rosa.

Graysen expresses in reverence, "We're sorry if it's so sudden."

"No worries Graysen." Draco seems calm and collected looking at Graysen and Rosa's hands clasp together.

"I hope to marry Rosa soon," Graysen declares.

Draco laughs his eyes returns to Violet. "I suppose love is inevitable."

Graysen suggests, "I hope you can meet my parents this week Mr. and Mrs. Eder?"

"You are an eager young man." Draco shakes his head.

"I am not that young Mr. Eder so I know what I want and need." Graysen glances at Rosa holding her hand more firmly.