Chapter 9: "Are you really Andrew's girlfriend?"

When Rachael came down after getting ready, Emma and Tina were enjoying coffee and snacks with her parents in the living room.

"Oh so you decided to wear your sexy black dress," Tina grinned.

"You look great honey," Reeta exclaimed.

"So what is the date plan?" Emma excitedly asked.

Rachael sat on the couch to strap her heels. "It's not a date."

"I don't understand why you are so persistent on not calling it a date."

"And I don't understand why you people are so persistent on calling it a date." Rachael got up. "For the last time, it's not a date."

Just then Andrew entered the mansion.

"Andrew, you are here. Rachael was just wondering where you were," Michael remarked.

"Dad—" she glared at her father. How could he make something up so easily?

"Apologies for being late, I got stuck at work."

"It's alright, you aren't that late." Glaring at her best friends who were about to explode out of excitement, Rachael quickly approached him. She didn't want to wait for someone else to say something highly inappropriate.

"You kids have fun and there is absolutely no need to rush home or anything. Just enjoy yourselves," Michael exclaimed.

Rachael sighed and helplessly shook her head. Her father sounded more excited than either of them.

Andrew smiled and nodded.

…..

[Andrews car]

"We are going to the hospital first."

"Okay," she answered while buckling the seat belt.

The awkward silence returned as both of them did not say a word. Andrew was focused on the road while Rachael was looking out of the window thinking if she should say something.

Running her fingers through the belt strap, she looked at him. Since he had come directly from a meeting, he was formally dressed.

"You look good."

Rachael was startled by the sudden unexpected compliment. "Thanks."

"If you are feeling awkward then I can take you to see grandma some other day," Andrew suggested.

"That's alright, I am not feeling awkward."

"Okay."

….

[City Hospital]

After their brief conversation in the car, no one said anything. It was the most silent and awkward car ride Rachael had ever experienced.

After spending some time with Andrew, she had figured out that he was the silent type. He talked only when it was necessary.

When they entered the cabin his grandma was admitted in, the doctor and nurses were checking on her.

"Andrew, you are here—" grandma Collins exclaimed. Though her voice was very faint, one could easily detect the excitement laced in it.

Andrew approached her and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. "How are you feeling today?"

"I feel better now that I saw you." She tried to hug him but couldn't. There were many tubes and machines connected in her arms.

Looking at Rachael who was still standing near the door, grandma Collins asked, "Who is that pretty lady? Come here, darling."

Rachael smiled and approached her.

"Is she the girl you were talking about?" Grandma Collins excitedly asked Andrew.

When he nodded, she grabbed Rachael's hand. "Oh my God, you are so beautiful. You both look so great together."

Confused, Rachael looked at Andrew. She didn't know how she was supposed to react and what she was supposed to say. Did he really tell his grandma about her?

"Mr. Collins, can we talk outside?" One of the doctors asked.

Placing his hand on Rachael's back, he said, "Stay with Grandma, I'll be back soon."

After Andrew left, grandma Collins insisted Rachael on sitting beside her.

"Are you really Andrew's girlfriend?"

"I—" Rachael hesitated. She didn't know what she was supposed to say. She was not Andrew's girlfriend, she wanted to tell her the truth. But the sparkle in grandma Collins' eyes forced her reconsider her words.

There was hope and anticipation in her eyes which melted Rachael's heart and before she could rationally deal with the situation, she found herself nodding and agreeing with her.

"That's lovely, finally my boy found himself the right one. You have no idea how delighted I am." She looked at her with teary eyes. "Now that he has found you, I can leave this world without any regret or worry."

Gently tightening her grip around Grandma Collins hand, Rachael said, "You shouldn't say like that grandma."

"My days are numbered, I know that very well. I have lived a long life so don't worry about me." Gently caressing Rachael's hair, she smiled, "Now all I wish is for you and Andrew to live a long happy life."

"Don't blame him if he acts tough and unapproachable at times. It's not his fault. My Andrew has been through a lot since a very young age. He has seen things you and I cannot imagine. Be good to him, okay?"

Giving her a weak smile, Rachael nodded her head.

…..