Chapter 7: 7.Disapproval
Mia and I went on a shopping spree today, and it was so much fun! We picked out cute outfits and makeup products, and we even got some gifts for our mothers. I can't wait to give my mom her present - I think she's going to love it!
Now we're driving back to our hometown, and it's such a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and everything just feels so perfect. Mia is driving, and she looks so cute with her sunglasses on. I can't help but smile every time I look at her.
As Mia and I drove into Mystic, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The streets were just as I remembered them, lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. The harbor was filled with boats bobbing in the water, and the salty sea air filled my nostrils. It felt good to be back home.
As we drove down Main Street, we passed by Mystic Pizza, the iconic restaurant made famous by the 1988 movie. The building was painted a bright shade of red, with a white sign that read "Mystic Pizza" in bold letters. Mia turned to me, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Can we stop and get a slice of pizza?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
I grinned. "Of course! It's practically a rite of passage for anyone who grows up in Mystic."
We parked the car and walked into the restaurant, the sound of happy chatter filling our ears. The interior was cozy and welcoming, with red and white checkered tablecloths and vintage movie posters adorning the walls. The smell of fresh pizza wafted through the air, making my stomach growl.
We ordered two slices of pepperoni pizza and two cans of soda, and took a seat at a booth by the window. As we ate, we chatted about our plans for the summer, and reminisced about old times. It felt good to be back in Mystic, surrounded by the people and places I knew so well.
After we finished our pizza, we walked down the street to the local boutique, where we browsed through racks of clothes and shelves of makeup products. I tried on a sundress, twirling around in front of the mirror, while Mia picked out a new shade of lipstick to try.
As we walked back to the car, our arms filled with shopping bags, I felt a sense of contentment settle over me. Mystic may have been a small town, but it was home, and there was nowhere else I'd rather be.
I was so excited to be back in Mystic, and even more excited to see my mom. As we pulled up to the driveway, I could see her sitting on the patio with Mia's mom, Diane, and both of them sipping glasses of wine. My mom was wearing a flowy sundress and a wide-brimmed hat, while Diane looked chic in an oversized jumpsuit and sunglasses. They both waved as we approached, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Welcome home, girls!" my mom called out, standing up to give us both a hug.
Diane did the same, grinning from ear to ear. "We've been waiting for you! How was the drive?"
As we hugged them back, I felt a sense of warmth and love that made me feel so grateful. We followed them inside, the smell of fresh flowers and home-cooked food filling our noses. The living room was cozy and inviting, with plush sofas and colorful throw pillows. My mom had set out a platter of cheese and crackers, along with a bottle of wine, which she poured into glasses for everyone.
Then my mom asked me about my ex-boyfriend. I tensed up, not wanting to talk about him, but I knew she wouldn't let it go.
"Have you heard from him lately?" she asked, taking a sip of her wine.
I shook my head, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "Not really. I think he's finally gotten the message that I don't want to talk to him anymore."
Mia chimed in, "He's such a jerk. I can't believe he treated you like that."
I smiled at her, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks, Mia. It's been tough, but I'm trying to move on."
My mom gave me a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, honey. You deserve someone who treats you right."
I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and safety being surrounded by my loved ones. I knew that no matter what happened, I would always have their support and encouragement.
It was a typical family gathering, with everyone chatting and laughing, catching up on old times. I was excited to see my brother and his family, but I knew that my dad's questions were inevitable. As soon as he walked in the door, he started grilling me about my life choices, like he always did.
"Your mother told me that you and your boyfriend broke up," he said, his tone disapproving. "Don't you think it's time to settle down and start building a family? Your career won't make you happy in the long run."
I felt my face flush with anger and frustration. Why did he always have to bring this up? I knew that he meant well, but his words felt like a dagger in my heart. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool.
"Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I'm happy with where I am right now," I said, trying to sound confident. "I don't need a man or a family to be happy. I have my career and my friends, and that's enough for me."
My dad looked at me skeptically, his eyes narrowing. "You don't want to get married or have kids?"
I shook my head, feeling a sense of defiance rising in me. "Not right now, no. Maybe someday, but for now, I'm happy with my life the way it is."
My brother and Kayla chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension. "Hey, let's not make this a big deal. Everyone has their own way of living their life," Kayla said, smiling at me.
I felt a sense of relief wash over me, grateful for their support. I knew that my dad would never fully understand my choices, but I didn't need his approval. I was confident in myself and my decisions, and that was all that mattered.
My dad's face turned red, and his eyes narrowed in anger. "You're being selfish and short-sighted," he said, his voice rising. "Life isn't about having fun and chasing your own dreams. It's about creating a family and leaving a legacy. You won't truly be happy until you become a mother."
I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, and I knew that I had to get out of there. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door, ignoring my dad's protests.
"Where are you going? We're not finished here," he said, his voice echoing through the hallway.
"I need some air," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll be back later."
As her dad continued to yell at her, she felt her heart race and tears stream down her face. She knew that she needed to get out of there, so she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Her best friend Mia was waiting outside, and she quickly wrapped her arms around her.
"Are you okay?" Mia asked, her voice full of concern.
She shook her head, still feeling shaken from the argument with her dad. Mia took her hand and led her down the street, away from the house. They walked in silence for a few minutes, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the wind.
"I'm sorry," she said, finally breaking the silence. "I know that he's my dad, but sometimes he just doesn't understand me."
Mia squeezed her hand, a look of understanding on her face. "You don't have to apologize," she said. "You have every right to live your life the way you want to."
Mia walked beside me, her arm wrapped around my shoulders. She could sense my sadness and frustration, and she knew just what to say to make me feel better.
"You're doing pretty good with your life," she said, kissing my forehead. "You're smart, talented, and beautiful. You don't need anyone's approval to be happy."
I felt a sense of warmth wash over me, knowing that I had such a supportive friend by my side. I knew that I could always count on Mia to be there for me, no matter what.
"Thanks, Mia," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude. "You always know just what to say to make me feel better."
Mia smiled, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "That's what friends are for," she said. "We're here to support each other through the good times and the bad."
Once we got back to my parents' house, Mia and I went straight up to my childhood bedroom to watch TV in bed. I was feeling really emotional from what my dad had said earlier and couldn't stop crying. Mia tried to comfort me by kissing my cheek and making me feel better, but as our eyes met, it was like something clicked. Suddenly, I realized that I was starting to develop feelings for her. I didn't know what to do or how to feel, but I knew that I wanted her to kiss me.
I leaned in towards her, and she didn't hesitate to start kissing me. We lay in bed cuddled up kissing each other. Just then my dad opened the door without knocking and became angry as he saw us kissing, he immediately started yelling at us to leave. "No wonder your man left you, get out of my house!"
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