22
BRYSON
Carleigh will be the first girl my mother has met since college.Carleigh might not voice her concern, but she knows how close I am with my mother, and they need to get along.There are some that say that it doesn’t matter if their parents approve, but it ends up causing issues in the long run.My mother is important to me, and she needs to like the person I’m with, especially if Carleigh ends up becoming my wife down the line.She might not beg me to come over, but she still likes me to visit.I pray today goes good.
I’m up way before Carleigh, and take the time to take a shower, and drink a cup of coffee.The closer it gets to nine o’clock, the more I want to wake her, but she did have a late night.It was her final night at Logan’s until she returns from Hyde Park, and it only cements her leaving.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely happy that she has been chosen for this, but it’s three months apart.It could be worse, and be farther than three hours away, so I guess I shouldn’t complain too much.
As the clock reads nine, my hand gently caresses her cheek, and she slowly opens her eyes.“I know you’re exhausted but we have an hour until the ferry leaves.Time to get up.”
Missing the ferry isn’t an option, because that would not send a good impression to my mother.
Her body shoots out of the bed and into the bathroom.“Why did you let me sleep so long?How am I supposed to be ready in half an hour, Bryson?”
She can be mad at me, but today is going to be stressful.Carleigh needs all the sleep she could get beforehand.I try to cut down the time before we leave by getting her coffee ready so she can drink it while she gets ready.It’s not like she needs to dress up or anything.My mother won’t care what clothes she is wearing or if her hair is in a bun.All she cares about is how she treats me and if I’m happy.
Carleigh’s family is much different than mine.They are more of a stickler for appearance, and even though they didn’t seem to have a problem with me at the marathon, we weren’t together yet.Would they even approve of us being together?I don’t come from money, and live modestly.All they should care about is that Carleigh is happy, but I’m sure there will be more to it than that.Her father will want to know that I can provide for her, and it might not be a huge salary, but we will manage.I try not to let myself get into my head about this.The day will come when her parents come to town, and we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
The shower starts, and she starts singing some pop song.I take this as my cue to go to the kitchen and start the Keurig.I put her mug underneath and lean up against the counter when my phone rings.
“Hey, ma.”
“Just wanted to make sure you guys are still coming before I put lunch in the oven.”
“We will catch the ferry at ten.See you soon.”
Am I worried my mother won’t like her?Not at all.For years, she has pushed me to find someone, and start a family.Carleigh and I won’t be starting a family any time soon, but I think I have found my partner.She always used to tell me she would come along when I least expect it, and she couldn’t be closer to the truth.Carleigh and I didn’t have a wonderful first impression of each other before we moved in together, but we were both desperate.Sometimes, I wonder what would have happened if I never moved in.Would we have run into each other a different way?Not likely.
Everyday living with Carleigh has given me the ability to get to know her on a more personal level, and she isn’t as much as an ivy league girl as I thought.Sure, her parents raised her that way, but she is down to earth.She does worry way too much about what others think, but that comes with the territory when you come from a wealthy family.They expect you to uphold the image, and it’s too much.
Her parents didn’t come to her graduation, which I’m peeved about, but they were away on a cruise.She is in college for many years to appease them, and they can’t even attend her graduation?Carleigh’s parents didn’t seem like this type to me when I met them at the marathon, but sometimes first impressions aren’t what they seem.I spent most of that night trying to celebrate with her and our friends, but they put a damper on her excitement.
The Keurig beeps and I take it to the bedroom, when I hear the shower turn off.She smiles and takes it from me, taking a sip, and sitting on the bedside table.
“So, what should I wear?”she asks, pulling outfits out of the closet.“I really want her to like me.”
I think it’s adorable how worried she is about this.Carleigh is a wonderful woman, and there is no doubt my mom is going to love her.I point to the jeans and t-shirt.“No need to dress up.Take a breath, babe.She’s going to love you.”
She smiles, and the towel drops onto the floor, exposing her curves.My eyes travel down her body, and if we weren’t already running behind I would make love to her right here.She pulls a pair of white lace panties on, and then the jeans over her figure.Her perky breasts get hidden underneath a black t-shirt.I’m one lucky man.
“See something you like?”she asks.
Carleigh takes a seat on the bed next to me, and places a kiss on my lips.“I’m glad you are taking me today.It shows me you’re serious about us.”
Did she not think I was serious before?Does she think I’m going to run away?Listen, there are obstacles in every relationship, and sure the distance will suck, but there isn’t a damn thing that is going to warrant losing her.We are going to make it, distance or not.
“Baby, I’m not going anywhere.I don’t want you to get in your head about Hyde Park.If I wasn’t the type to sleep around before you, then I’m not the type to do it while you’re away.You trust me, right?”
She nods and takes another sip.“With all my heart, Bryson.”
On that note, she gets up from the bed and strides into the kitchen, pouring the remainder of the coffee down the sink and washing the mug.
“Let’s get a move on.If we miss this ferry, we are screwed!”
I grab my flannel, and follow her out the door and down the elevator.
One thing about my mother is she has worried about me being alone.She doesn’t think it’s healthy.She comes from a very old-fashioned time, so I try to be nice about it, but things happen when they are supposed to.Rushing things aren’t going to help anyone.I know she is going to ask about marriage and babies today, but I hope she doesn’t intimidate Carleigh.We are young and still have our whole lives ahead of us, and rushing into those things can’t ruin a relationship.We have to get comfortable walking before we start to run.Cliche as hell, I know, but it’s the truth.