Cherry on top

Another couple had awakened, and they too were on the brink of the start of their relationship just like Maria and Steve were. In some ways, even like Laila and Noah were as well. At least for the current Laila, who although married for several years, had only been a part of that marriage for a few short weeks. But unlike Maria and Steve, the relationship between Rebecca and Anthony was progressing a bit more quickly, making their morning start with some very important matter. The matter of informing Anthony's parents of their engagement, which should prove to be an even more surprising event than usual for the parents, as in this case his parents aren't even aware of the existence of a relationship. Much less being aware that it was one so serious to result into an engagement.

However, although their relationship appeared quite serious and far progressed on the surface, a big part of that was indeed just on the surface. Because although it was Anthony and Rebecca that had gotten engaged, it was Maria and Steve that were currently living under the same roof, while Rebecca and Anthony had just gotten through their first date a mere few hours ago. Making it as fresh, wonkily and wobbly as a newly born fawn. Although this is true, the fact that she and Steve had spent more moments of romance together, did not stop Maria from hiding in the kitchen from her newly acquired roommate. At that very moment, as she waited for advice from Laila on how to navigate through this situation, Rebecca and Anthony were getting ready to pay Anthony's parents a visit in order to tell them of the good news.

Anthony was standing outside in front of the complex he and Rebecca were both living in. He was placing the suitcase Rebecca had packed for the long weekend in the trunk as she was pacing back and forth, riddled with nerves. "I am so nervous to meet your parents. Is what I am wearing okay? Do you think they will like me? We should stop somewhere to get them a gift first. I can't show up empty handed when I tell them that I am to become their daughter-in-law." Anthony chuckled before slamming the trunk shut and grabbing Rebecca by both arms to make her pacing stop and look at him. He then lowered his face to close the distance between them, and looked straight into her eyes as he said, "You look perfect. You are perfect. Just the way you are. You will be fine and my parents will not only like you, they will adore you. After today, they will brag to whoever wants to hear it, and to all those who don't, that you are their daughter-in-law. So, stop worrying and let's get going otherwise we will never make it in time for tea."

Anthony had planned to use the days off that Noah had gifted them to spend some time in the town where he had grown up. The drive to the town where his parents lived was quite long and it would be a waste to just drive over and back after sharing the news. Since they didn't have to return the same day, he figured they could use the days off to extend their stay. He wanted to show Rebecca around and let her see some things from his childhood. Of course he would make sure there was enough room for courting and romance as well. After all, that had been Noah's purpose when he gave them the days off. To spend time together as a couple as well as handle the things they have to handle. So, for that there was a date planned for each they would stay in his hometown and enough time reserved for them to rest up, walk around and spend time with his friends and parents. Although it seemed like very much to do in very little time, Anthony was convinced it could be done and that Rebecca would enjoy it quite a lot.

When Anthony told Rebecca about Noah's gift, it was very early in the morning. He had come to pick her up and suddenly surprised her with the free days and the idea of extending the visit to his parents into a trip to his home town. She looked at him with a blank stare as she blinked a few times before asking him if he was serious. He excitedly confirmed and pushed her back inside as he told her there was no time to waste and she needed to start packing. Although he insisted on keeping the itinerary secret, he gave her enough instructions to help her pack. In a daze Rebecca placed the clothes she had picked in her suitcase as she thought about the sudden change in their plans. She was pleasantly surprised by how the conversation of that evening had ended. When Noah insisted on talking to Anthony in private she had not imagined this to be the outcome, but she was very happy with the gift her adoptive brother had chosen. She was happy to know he considered himself her brother in the first place, and that she was not the only one feeling there was more to their relationship. This was just the cherry on top.