Chapter twenty-seven
I opened the apartment door, smiling and humming. This drew the attention of my grandmother, who stirred in her armchair and squinted to notice me.
“You look happy.”
“I am.” I sighed as I plopped down on the sofa next to her.
“Does it have anything to do with what happened yesterday?”
“Not just yesterday.”
She checked the time on the television screen before asking me questions again.
“Were you with him?”
“Yes.”
“That's good.”
“We told the girls that we're together.”
“Together?” My grandmother frowned when I said it again.
“He told me about us being boyfriend and girlfriend... I don't know.” My speech became hurried as I feared my grandmother's judgment. “Do you think it was too fast? That I should be more cautious? I think...”
“Helena,” he interrupted me, “you have to do what your heart tells you, child. Life is hard enough. It gets even worse when we don't do what we think is right.”
“My mother just followed her heart, and look what happened.”
“Her mother had always been a little lost. She never knew what she really wanted, and that left her aimless.”
“And if he's not the right guy, he seemed like an asshole at first...”
“You'll only know if you try.”
“You're right.”
“I'm happy for you.”
“Thank you, Grandma.” I got up to hug her.
We stayed like that for a while until I went to my room, took a shower and when I lay down on the bed, I picked up my cell phone and was surprised by a message from Thomas.
Thomas:
The twins are very excited about the news.
Helena:
I don't want to disappoint them.
Thomas:
Neither.
I know it can be complicated dating a man who already has daughters and a past. I hope I don't make the situation uncomfortable for you in any way.
Helena:
I love them, Thomas.
Thomas:
Then you've certainly chosen the right woman.
Helena:
I hope so.
Thomas:
Now, let's move on to adult conversation.
Helena:
Do I need to be afraid of that?
Thomas:
Only if you don't like a few bites.
Helena:
I didn't know you were the cannibal type.
Thomas:
I can tear off a few pieces, but I'll start with your clothes.
Helena:
Wow! That's how scared I'll be.
Thomas:
You don't have to. I know how to be a good guy too.
Helena:
I haven't seen that part yet lol.
Thomas:
I'll try harder.
Helena:
I hope the girls aren't around.
Thomas:
They're in another room watching television.
Helena:
Not so bad.
Thomas:
Can I pick her up again tomorrow? This time, bring her to my house.
Helena:
Sleep in your house?
Thomas:
In my bed.
Helena:
It's too soon. I don't want to confuse the girls.
Thomas:
Why would they be confused? They already know we're together.
Helena:
It's different from starting to sleep together.
Thomas:
He wanted labels and now he's afraid of commitments.
Helena:
That's not it.
Thomas:
So what is it?
Helena:
I just don't want them to think that I'm trying to occupy a position in their lives that isn't mine.
Thomas:
What other people think is their business, and we're not in front of a jury to prove anything.
Helena:
I know...
Thomas:
Daphne is dead, and nothing will change that. Believe me, I would have done something if it were possible. The twins miss their mother, no matter if she's biological or not. No matter how hard I try, there's a void.
I'd be lying to you if I said they didn't expect you to occupy that position.
Helena:
And what do you want?
Thomas:
May it work out. Not just for them but for me too. As much as I'm afraid.
Helena:
I'm afraid too. It's a normal human thing.
Thomas:
So, what do you say about my invitation?
Helena:
I'll think about it.
Thomas:
I thought you used good arguments.
Helena:
And he did.
Thomas:
So?
Helena:
Okay, I'll go.
Thomas:
Great!
Helena:
Now I need some time to prepare for my next classes. I bet I won't be able to do anything in the evening tomorrow.
Thomas:
You'll do a lot of things, but it certainly won't work.
Helena:
Pervert.
Thomas:
I didn't say anything too much.
I'll let you concentrate. I also have work to do.
Helena:
See you tomorrow.
Thomas:
Good evening.
When we stopped messaging, I hugged the phone, sighing. It was hard to believe that I had felt so much anger towards that man just under a month ago, and at that moment, I was falling in love. He had great arguments, and it seemed easy to understand how he always won every legal dispute.
I sat on the bed and took a deep breath as I squeezed my knees together. I wasn't just going out with a handsome and interesting man to find out what the two of us could become. There were two beautiful girls, twins, motherless, who had seen in me a figure that had been absent for many years. Was I ready to take over the family that another woman had left behind?
As much as I loved my students with all my heart, I focused on looking after my grandmother, studying, and being a good professional. I hadn't bothered to date, let alone build a family; staying with Thomas meant I'd have to deal with a ready-made one. It would be a more complicated mission than my heart would let me feel.