Chapter Twenty-Nine

If I could choose between a car ride or motorcycles with Fabian, I'd definitely choose cars. Why? Because being in a closed space when he drives makes him a different person. On his bike, he had a certain mischievous aura, but in a car, he's definitely a sweet boyfriend type.

For the past hour, we've been playing corny car games to pass the time. Eventually, they evolved into our own version of games, and it was hilarious.

"Okay, okay. I have another one," I cheered as our laughter died down. "What's the most confusing way a girl could break up with someone?"

"I don't know, but I sure do hope it doesn't happen to me," Fabian said with a chuckle. I got excited to share my lame joke, so I spun in my seat as far as the seat belt would let me so I could see him better.

"Leaving a note on your old car she borrowed saying, 'this isn't working.'"

Out of mere courtesy and pure sweetness, Fabian laughed as if it was the funniest thing in the world, though I knew it wasn't. And that was precisely what made our game so enjoyable. He'd laugh at everything I say, and I'd find it incredibly hilarious because I knew he was just his charming self.

My stomach hurt, and my throat felt dry, so I decided that we'd both had our fair share of 'hilarious' jokes for one day.

I took a gulp of my water as I refocused on where we were heading. It was out of town, though I had a feeling that we'd be there soon. I didn't get the chance to ask Fabian who he was taking me to meet, but I knew it was someone important to him. Since he picked me up from school, he had been in a great mood, so I knew this was important to him.

"Can I give you a little advice?" Fabian asked after a moment of silence. I returned my attention to him with a slight nod. "Don't ever try stand-up comedy," he said, and instead of feeling offended, I bellowed out a laugh because I knew he was right. I'd leave the jokes to him.

Still, I playfully pushed him with an eye roll. "Whatever. Not all of us can be clowns, you know?"

"Are you suggesting that I am a clown?" he asked, feigning hurt.

I shrugged. "Who the cap fits, let them wear it."

Instead of replying, he reached over and grabbed onto my cheek with his teeth. I quickly shoved him away, praying that the second of distraction wouldn't cost us our lives. Luckily, the road was still clear, and our path was straight. Sometimes he really does play too much.

"Where are we going anyway?" I asked as I wiped his saliva from my face.

"We're almost there."

"That doesn't answer my question." I rolled my eyes. "Fine, who are we going to see then? It would be nice to have a heads up."

His complexion suddenly changed to bright pink, and I noticed that slight pull of his cheek, showing that he was biting it from the inside. I only ever saw Fabian like this when he was telling me his true feelings for me. Still, a small simper lingered on his pink lips, so I knew it wasn't anything horrible.

I reached over and rested my hand on his knee, and his gaze shifted to me quickly before refocusing on the road.

"It's my-uh -my old man." My eyes widened as he said that.

He was taking me to see his dad? I immediately glanced down at my attire, hating that he didn't tell me sooner. I would've worn something better than ripped jeans and a sweater when I changed. Instinctively, I lathered my palm with spit and attempted to tame my messy tendrils back into my bob shape.

Fabian had the gall to laugh at me, and I threw him a glare from the corner of my eyes. If he only wasn't so secretive or a fan of surprises, I would've been more prepared. I would've gotten a gift or something!

"Paris, relax. My dad is literally the chilliest person. He'll love you."

I huffed. "Fabian, I really don't appreciate that you didn't tell me." The tone of my voice came off more serious than I intended, but it didn't faze me. The situation really bothered me. He sensed my stern approach and stiffened too.

"This is why I didn't tell you right away. You'd want to dress up and spend hours trying to get me to tell you what's his favourite champagne or something so you could get it and-"

"Well, excuse me for caring."

"I know, Paris. And I am not saying that is a bad thing. I adore you for your kind heart and ability to care about the simplest things to the greatest extreme. But this version of you-the purest version-is who I wanted to introduce to my dad. You don't need a fancy dress and slicked back ponytail." He reached for my hand, and I let him hold it as he placed a lingering kiss on my knuckles. The small gesture drove my nerves insane, and the irrigation slowly diminished. "You're perfect."

That did it. Every concern I previously had gone through the window as fast as it came. I sometimes hated that he had this effect on me, but what can I say? He's a charmer.

"Fine," I huffed in defeat. "But still, first impressions are vital. When I met your mom, I was passed out in your room, and-"

"And she loves you," he cut me off by saying before kissing my hand again. "He will too."

I took his word for it, but it was only natural that I was nervous. We remained silent for the rest of the ride. I only spoke to ask him to pull over when I passed a flower shop, where I bought a potted lily for his dad. Fabian, being Fabian, laughed and shook his head, knowing that certain aspects of my personality would always remain the same.

After two hours of driving, Fabian pulled onto a narrow dirt trail bordered by a massive dirt hill. It went on like that for another five minutes until our final destination came into view.

A trailer park.

I was both excited and curious. Fabian's dad lives in a trailer park? I didn't see it as an issue, not one bit. But it never occurred to me that he would, seeing that Fabian's family definitely had some sort of wealth. Either way, I didn't know the story, so I kept my thoughts to myself as Fabian slowly drove through the area.

It seemed like a happy community. Kids played together, people were huddled together talking, and some were pulling wood to a heap in the centre, where I assumed they would host a bonfire once the night fell.

"It's something they do every Friday," Fabian said as if reading my thoughts. "They're like a big family here."

"I can tell," I mumbled, utterly mesmerized by it all. I didn't realize that the car was pulled to a stop until Fabian opened the door for me. I hopped from my seat, suddenly eager to soak up all the warmth in the area.

As if on cue, the door to the house swung open, and all I was met with was teeth. I watched as the man, Fabian's dad, I assumed, rushed down the steps towards us, sporting a beaming smile and wide arms.

First, he pulled Fabian in a hug, where two men laughed and patted each other's backs at what I assumed was a well-needed reunion. Fabian looked so happy, and it simply warmed my heart that he was so close with his dad. I couldn't even remember the last time my dad hugged me like that.

"My boy!" his dad shouted eagerly as he pushed Fabian back a little to look in his face. I simply rocked on my heels as I watched them. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, dad," Fabian mumbled, his ears getting pink like earlier. "Sorry I don't come out here much."

"Ah, that's fine. I know the drive is quite long." Finally, the man pulled away and met eyes with me. First, his eyebrows shot up in surprise before his smile got impossibly wider. It was as if I was staring at the human Cheshire Cat.

"This is her?" he asked Fabian without looking away from me. "My word, she is even prettier than you described," he said as he stepped closer to me. At first, I thought he was going to hug me too, which made me slightly uncomfortable. But I was happy when he stretched out his hand instead.

"Hi. I'm Paris," I mumbled with sudden shyness. "It's nice to meet you, Mr Smith."

"Call me Jim, please," he insisted as he gave me a firm handshake. "You are one special young lady, you know that?"

"I would like to think so." I dropped my gaze as I kicked a stone with my blush rising.

"You are all this guy talks about when he calls. I'm so happy he finally brought you here."

"Dad..." Fabian complained, and this actually made me chuckle a bit. I already liked Jim.

I took a brave step in meeting his eyes again. They looked strikingly familiar, and I realized that Fabian inherited his beautiful eyes from his dad. His never falling smile caused the corner of his eyes to crinkle in three wrinkles, and his hair was dark, but not like Fabian's.

I saw more of Chad in Jim than Fabian. But it was undoubted that all the Smith men were incredibly handsome.

"Oh, before I forget...." I trailed as I ran to the car, grabbing the flower I previously purchased. Jim's eyebrows pulled together in confusion as he observed me, and I could hear Fabian chuckling as I handed his dad the flower.

"I got you a gift," I mumbled like a kindergartener handing in a drawing. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

Oddly, he only shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips as he regarded me for a while. The silence was unnerving, and it seemed like he was reading me from the inside out.

"You weren't lying, Fabian," he said without looking away from me. "She is special."

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I dropped my gaze again. To know that Fabian spoke so highly of me to his dad was satisfying. What people say to your face is one thing, but what is said behind your back holds all the facts about how they view you. This made me appreciate Fabian's love even more.

After thanking me and patting Fabian on his shoulder with a proud gaze, Jim led us inside. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was blown away by the interior. It was simple and homely, yet was so modern and beautiful. I got cosy in his surprisingly excessive couch as he rested the lily on a windowpane.

Fabian sat beside me and immediately wrapped his arms around my shoulder as his dad fetched us sodas. I relaxed in his arms as his dad returned and handed us the drinks.

"Thank you," I smiled, and Fabian rested his on the coffee table.

"So," Jim said as he relaxed in the chair across from us. "My boy has a girlfriend. I thought it would've never happened."

I spitted a little of my soda on my lap as I tried to suppress a laugh. Fabian? Never getting a girlfriend. It seemed so unlikely to me.

"I'm sorry," I giggled. "It's just hard to imagine Fabian without a girlfriend."

Seeming offended and amused at the same time, Fabian narrowed his eyes at me. "I was single when I met you."

"Yes, but you're such a catch. Surely someone would've swept you away sooner or later."

He rubbed his chin as if deep in thought. "Only one person."

"Who?" My voice became on edge as I narrowed my eyes at him with my jealousy rising.

"You, of course," he smirked. "No one else for me but you."

"And if I didn't run into you that night at the rink?"

"I'd find you another way." He sounded sure of himself, and I giggled with another comeback to throw at him, but then I noticed how his dad was watching us as if he was enjoying the show.

I blushed profusely as I brought the bottle to my lips again to hide my smile.

However, Jim noticed what I was doing and quickly protested.

"Oh no, don't stop because of me," he laughed. "A little bickering between young couples is healthy. You learn a lot about each other that way. Likes, dislikes-it gets stuck in your mind without you realizing."

"What are you? A love expert?" Fabian joked as he pulled me close again.

Jim chuckled as he shook his head. "No, but I've had my fair share of love." Then, his eyes became nostalgic, and though he was smiling, I could hear how slightly sad his statement was.

I figured it was Fabian's mom. I remember when he told me that they separated after what happened to her. It was sad, really. I could see that he still loved her very much. Maybe that's why he loves when Fabian visits. Fabian is, after all, a piece of her.

"So, how-how's Chad and Alex?" Jim asked after clearing his throat.

Fabian filled him in about everything that had been happening, and eventually, I pulled away, seeing that they needed their father-son time. The house wasn't big, so I didn't have a lot of things to look at. But I got comfortable as I analyzed each picture, most of them being Fabian and Chad. Even though Alex wasn't his kid, he still had a few pictures of him too, and I noticed how he occasionally asked Fabian about him in and out of the conversation.

Soon, I realized that I saw all that I could, and I drew to the window where I realized that it was almost dark. The lily I gave him provided a nice touch to the house, and I loved that he appreciated the gift. Jim also seemed to love the idea of Fabian with me. Every time he glanced at him, pride shone in his eyes for his youngest son. It was a lovely thing to witness.

I'm happy I came with him.

"Paris?"

I spun on my heels at the sound of Fabian's voice calling me, and I realized that they were at the door in coats as Fabian held mine in his hand.

"Yea?" I frowned, thinking that we were leaving. I knew we had a long way to go, but I wasn't quite ready yet.

"We're going to the bonfire," Fabian said as he strode over to me and wrapped the piece of clothing around my shoulder.

"That is only if you want to," Jim added, seeming unsure if I'd be into that type of stuff.

"Of course," I quickly replied as I shoved my arms in the coat. "I'd love that."

"Great."

Fabian pressed a kiss to my temple as we all filed out towards the fire that was just starting to grow. Families, friends, kids and couples joined one by one until about a hundred people were gathered at the fire.

Jim didn't waste any time introducing me to his friends, never one leaving out that I was his son's girlfriend. Everyone seemed friendly enough, and I realized that Fabian had quite a few friends here too.

Before I knew it, I felt like I knew them all, and we ate home-grilled burgers and s'mores while men told countless stories around the fire. Some people lingered farther away, most being teens and young couples, yet everything was all unified.

I was stuffed by the time it was nine, and I almost hated that I had to go. In these few hours, Jim and his friends had become some of my favourite people. I'd do this every Friday, and I almost suggested it. I knew Jim would love that idea, but I wanted to run it by Fabian first.

By the time it was nine-thirty, kids had left to head to bed, and older folks left the youth to wrap up the night. Fabian and I were getting ready to go also, and Jim was having a hard time saying goodbye.

"So, is it another five months before I see you again?" Jim asked as he walked us to the car.

Fabian chuckled and shook his head. "No, dad. I'll come around more often. I promise." They shared a long hug, and Jim even kissed Fabian's head before releasing him. The sight almost made me coo. Right after, Jim hugged me too, and this time I didn't feel uncomfortable. I wholeheartedly returned it.

"Don't worry, Jim. Even if Fabian is going to wait five months to visit, I sure won't," I told him, causing his smile to pull wider.

"Atta girl." He gave out a hearty laugh as he pulled me to his chest again. "Thank you for making my son so happy," he whispered in my ear so that Fabian wouldn't hear. "Continue doing what you're doing."

He released me before I had the chance to tell him that all I was doing was loving him, and just like that, we were gone. I watched in the rearview as Jim stood in place as he watched us go until he was no longer in sight.

I sighed contently as I refocused on the road.

"That was fun," I said with a never falling smile.

"I know. See, he loves you," Fabian boasted, at which I rolled my eyes.

"I was going to ask why he lives out here, but now I can guess why."

Fabian sighed, though it wasn't sad, before answering. "Yea. When he and my mom separated, it was hard on him. I always wondered why he chose to live out here, you know? But then I realized it made him happy. He, too, hasn't gone back to the farmhouse, and I don't blame him."

"So, he could live anywhere he wanted?"

"Pretty much, yea. When he first moved here, I tried to get him to move closer and into a bigger house. But he was happy, and so I make the trip to see him when I can." He ran his hands through his hair, making it unlevelled and impossibly sexier. "Chad doesn't talk to him, though. When mom got too depressed, pushed dad away and eventually ended their marriage, Chad believed that he didn't fight hard enough for mom. He resents him for how she is now."

I frowned at this. "I'm sure Jim tried everything he could." An image of the look on his face when Fabian asked him if he was a love expert earlier came back to me. He evidently adores her. I didn't believe he gave up on her. Then again, I can't see things from Chad's point of view. He's the oldest, after all. He probably felt it the most.

"Well, that's family. We're messed up in our own way, but we're still family. One day they'll work it out."

"I believe so too." I relaxed again in my seat as I watched the stars dance in the sky.

"Hey, Fabian?"

"Yes, babe?"

"Can we come here every Friday or every other week?" I asked, suddenly feeling nervous for his answer.

But I had nothing to worry about. "Sure," he said without hesitation. "Dad would like that very much."

I hummed in response as I rested my head against the seat and closed my eyes. Who knows? Maybe one day Chad would join us. This could be the start of something beautiful.

I let thoughts of fires, burgers and trailers swim in my mind as I accepted the slumber that nudged me. Soon, I was pulled into the world of the unconscious.

...

"Paris? Baby, wake up."

I groaned as gentle arms shook my shoulders. I snuggled into my odd feeling bed even more after brushing the hand from my shoulder.

"Leave me," I mumbled as I tried to resume my dream.

"But we're home," the voice said again, at which I slowly shuffled awake. I blinked a few times as I stretched, and indeed, as my vision cleared, I noticed that we were parked in front of my house. Well, we were more parked across from it under our neighbour's tree.

My consciousness slowly returned as a yawn rose from my chest. I turned to see a very amused Fabian staring at me.

"You drool and snore," he retorted, and I could feel my cheeks burning instantly.

"I do not," I defended but defeated myself by subconsciously wiping the side of my mouth.

However, Fabian simply continued staring and smiling, and after a while, it got creepy.

"What?" I demanded, which only made his smile grow.

"Nothing. I just... can't imagine how I got so lucky."

Again, I had to pull my lip in my mouth to suppress a smile as I dropped my gaze. "What? You like snoring, drooling girls?"

"No," he chuckled. "I love snoring, drooling Paris." He never failed to make me feel loved and unique, and I found myself leaning over to steal a kiss for just being himself. However, bright headlights came flaring through our windshield that halted my movements, and I watched as the car stopped a house away from mine.

I narrowed my eyes at the couple in the front seat, one of them looking oddly familiar. Fabian watched too in confusion, so I knew it wasn't my eyes deceiving me.

"What is my mom...." I didn't finish my sentence because just that instant, my mother-married mother, might I add-leant over, just like I was doing with Fabian, and pressed a kiss to the stranger's lips.

In fact, it wasn't just a kiss. It was a full-on make-out session.

I have felt heartbreak a couple of times in my life. When my cat died, my heart broke. When Colton rejected me, my heart broke. But this? This was far worse.

I couldn't do anything but sit and watch as my mother locked lips with a different man. I sat and watched as my mom cheated on my dad.

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