Chapter 32:

  Parents

  (Lucas's POV)

  Today started like any other. I woke up in the arms of Elizabeth, nuzzling into her comfortably. The smell of breakfast being cooked in the kitchen by Maya wafted into my nose. I could only smile, hugging Elizabeth tightly. She chuckled and pyed with my hair before giving me a gentle, loving kiss.

  Gods. How did I live before this? It always felt like a piece of me was missing, but now...I truly felt whole. Elizabeth was my better half. There was no doubt in that.

  I couldn't imagine my life without her. I couldn't go back to that hollow, empty existence. Just drifting through life. I couldn't do it. Yet, something gnawed at the back of my head.

  Before I could say anything, Elizabeth was already there with some pills and a gss of water. She always knew right when I started to get a headache. The world spun before me, but quieted the moment I downed the pills. I didn't want to get up, my head rested against her chest, and yet...that food did smell delicious.

  "You should eat something, my love," Elizabeth chuckled as my stomach growled, "Maya made food for us."

  "I know..." I mumbled, holding to her tightly, "I just have to make sure this isn't a dream first."

  "Heh, and if it is?" she mused, stroking the back of my head lovingly.

  "Then, I better not fucking wake up," I grumbled, pouting slightly.

  Soon, I was smiling and giving her a deep, affectionate kiss before begrudgingly sitting up at the edge of the bed. I felt her arms wrap around me from behind, her head rested against my shoulder. The faint scent of lic hitting my nose. I don't know how she always smelled so good.

  "Don't worry,~" she cooed in my ear, sending a euphoric shiver throughout my body, "I'll make sure your dream sts forever."

  I couldn't help but believe her words. They were said with such conviction that I was almost terrified for anyone who tried to wake me. This only served to deepen the passion and love I felt for her. She was completely obsessed with making sure this life was one she didn't regret. One where...

  I grew little mencholic, knowing that she had seen my death so many times. I held my hand over where those beasts had torn me open. Suddenly, her hand entwined with mine and I was staring into her gorgeous green eyes of hers. She had a knowing look within them.

  "None of that," she whispered, lips suddenly upon my neck hungrily, "You. Are. Fine."

  She punctuated each word with a kiss that had me become putty in her hands. I didn't want her to stop, and yet...I turned on her suddenly. Pushing her back onto the bed, I held her hands above her head, staring upon her with a loving, yet pained expression.

  "Yes, I am..." I gave her as best a smile as I could, examining every inch of her beautiful face, "You, however...you have to live with such vivid memories of each one. Let me make sure you're fine."

  She had a sultry look upon her face, almost taunting in its teasing. As if she dared me to try and dare I did. She wasn't the only one hungry. I was ravenous. My lips upon hers drank her in as if it was my st meal.

  Her gasps as I traced my hand along her side were precious. The way her hands dug into my back...she was pushing me away with a heavy breath. Her face flush and heavy with desire.

  "Y-You...py a dangerous game," she whispered menacingly, "Get dressed before you never leave this bed..."

  That sounded like a promise, and one that I was willing to indulge in, but...she was right. I had finally resolved myself. I couldn't ruin the moment by blowing my load early. "Heh...load," I chuckled at my childishness, and she somehow sensed what I had thought, pushing me out of the bed and onto the floor.

  "Pervert," she teased lovingly, standing and sauntering over to her clothes, "I have a few meetings today, but...I'll try and finish them as soon as I can."

  "That's okay," I replied, standing from the floor, my eyes never leaving her as I appreciated every subtle curve in the rge shirt she wore as a nightgown, "I'm not going anywhere."

  "Damn right, you're not," she smirked over her shoulder, catching me looking as I adverted my eyes with a blush to my face, "You're going to be a good little boy and stay close to Maya, right?"

  "Yes, Ma'am," I responded sheepishly, heart beating like crazy.

  Damn, if she didn't know how to get me flustered. I certainly was pying dangerously with her. She was holding herself back admirably, but just then, a few seconds earlier...I had almost lost my life. She would have drained me dry if I kept pushing. Literally and figuratively.

  Somehow, that sounded enticing. Was I a masochist? No...was I? Maybe. No. Yes?

  Well, it didn't matter. All I knew is that tonight...I was going to find out. I was getting ahead of myself. The excitement and anxiety I felt was getting the best of me. All I could do was try and focus my mind on getting dressed for now.

  Thankfully, the smell of bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast helped to distract myself enough for me to settle down a bit. Now, my thoughts were on my stomach. That was until Elizabeth pnted a tender kiss upon my cheek and pulled me into a hug from behind.

  "Thank you..." she whispered, and neither of us had to say why she was thanking me.

  I knew from the soft tone of her voice that she was thanking me for distracting her, and so I simply nodded, for she had done the same.

  "I love you, Ellie," I told her sincerely.

  "I love you, too, Lucas," she replied and turned my head to kiss me once more.

  Were her lips always this sweet? Did I even need to breath? Breathing was overrated. I simply wanted to live upon her breath. She would be the oxygen which filled me lungs, she...

  "Damn it!" Maya's voice rang out with impatience from the other room, "Are you two up yet, or am I gonna have to eat all this myself? Azure, go get them!"

  We reluctantly broke away from each other with a bashful, admonished expression upon our faces. Like two children caught doing something bad, but it was the only thing that felt right. The rushing sound of Azure flying through the hallway and bursting open our door was enough to send us into a fit of giggles.

  He nudged between us, pushing with his head to move us along. He was growing. Now about the size of a typical house cat. He mewed angrily, impatient to get us moving.

  "Okay! Okay!" I ughed, taking Elizabeth's hand in mine as we left the room, "We're going! We're going!"

  Making a sound that was as close to an approximation of a huff, Azure proudly sat upon my shoulder as we entered the kitchen. As if to say "I got them!" which earned a loving scratch under the chin from Maya as he purred.

  "Sometimes, I wonder if he's your bond," I mused, earning a coy side eye from Maya, "The little traitor..."

  "I do apologize, Sir," she replied professionally, pcing a pte before me as I sat at the table, with another next to me as Elizabeth joined, "If you wish, I can refrain from interacting with him."

  The sound Azure made was adorable. It was as if he had just gasped, shocked even at the suggestion. I chuckled, petting him affectionately to sooth his nerves. He was soon purring happily once more.

  "No, that's fine," I said, though I knew she was only joking, "I'm gd you two are getting along. I'd never ask you to limit yourself."

  Maya smirked gently, a pyful, warm expression as she set her own pte opposite of us. There were eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and juice waiting for us as well as toast. As she sat down, adjusting herself like a proper dy as if by habit, we began to dig into the food.

  "Even if you did, I'd have to refuse, Sir," she teased as Azure quickly moved into her p once she was settled, curling up happily, "You wouldn't want to make him sad, would you?"

  "He really is a traitor..." I grumbled, narrowing my eyes at the little traitor who way too eagerly went to her p instead of mine, "But, no. I wouldn't. Him or you."

  "Heh, thank you, Sir," Maya let out a soft snort, not quite a chuckle, "You're too kind. Now, eat before it gets cold."

  She urged, motioning to the food as I began to grab some. As I did, I was too preoccupied with eating to notice that Maya and Elizabeth exchanged a look of tender amusement with each other. Leading Maya to be a little flustered, rolling her eyes as Elizabeth chuckled.

  "Hmm?" I inquired, egg half-way in my mouth, "What's so funny?"

  "Nothing, dear," Elizabeth assured me with a look of coy delight, "You gonna eat that egg, or just...?"

  "Mhm!" I quickly scarfed it down, a little embarrassed.

  The atmosphere was warm, and I truly felt at home. Comfortable and without a care in the world. Yes, today started just like every other day since I met Elizabeth. Filled with good food, love, and above all...the feeling of safety.

  I had everything pnned for tonight. It was perfect. Nothing could ruin this moment. That was until I felt my phone buzz within my pocket. Curious, I gnced at it while chewing on a piece of toast, only to begin choking upon it when I saw who the notification was from.

  "Lucas!" Elizabeth was right there, patting my back as Maya stood, ready to assist if needed.

  Azure flew around in concern, but I simply held up my hand to assure them I'm okay.

  "Is everything alright?" Elizabeth asked in concern, "Take it easy, my love..."

  "Y-Yeah, I'm good, I just..." I took a long drink of milk to wash down the toast before leaning back in my chair, "It's, uhm...my mother."

  A sense of dread washed over me as I cursed my forgetfulness. Right there, upon the screen of my phone was a text message.

  >From Mom: So, when were you going to tell us you have a girlfriend?

  Everyone froze in that moment, a mixed look of confusion and relief upon their face. It was Elizabeth who realized why I had a look of horror upon my face. Pcing a comforting hand upon my shoulder as she spoke with a tender understanding.

  "You didn't tell them, did you?" she spoke softly, and I simply nodded as if in a daze.

  "Yep..." I sighed, sinking into my chair, "...Shit."

  "Shit indeed," Elizabeth shook her head in exasperation, "Honestly, love, what am I to do with you?"

  "Heh...save me?" I looked up at her with an awkward, pitiful smile.

  "Hmm, well..." she affectionately ran her thumb along my chin, "How could I say no to that face? I'll not have you face them alone."

  "My savior, truly," I chuckled, looking towards Maya who appeared a little distant, yet relieved, "You're welcome to come as well, Maya. I might as well introduce everyone."

  Azure mewed, as if asking if that meant him as well.

  "Yes, you too, traitor," I teased him, but he seemed pleased with himself, holding his head high and smug.

  "Are you...sure, Sir?" Maya inquired hesitantly, "I am simply your bodyguard and-"

  "And friend," I interrupted firmly, "A dear one at that. You saved my life, Maya. You're more than just a bodyguard. Always have been."

  "Listen to him," Elizabeth chimed in, "Mainly because he'll need all the help he can get...even I won't go against his parents. They're lovely people. It's just..."

  She gnced down at me, and we shared an incredibly knowing look.

  "They're a little...much," I finished her sentence, dreading how much they'll fuss over everything, "They're not bad people, mind you. Just..."

  "Overbearingly loving?" Elizabeth suggest, which I shrugged nonchantly.

  "That's one way to say it..." I ughed, resigning myself to my fate, "Either way, I'll need all of the help I can get. Maybe, if all of you are there, they'll divide their attention and I'll survive."

  "You make it sound as if you'll die," Maya stated, a little concerned, "Are they that bad?"

  "No, no," I shook my head, leaning forward as I looked absently at the food on my pte, "They'll just ask a lot of questions and probably stuff our stomachs so full we'll feel like we're dying..."

  "Ah, that does sound...horrible," Maya replied, a little confused and slightly amused by the thought, "I'll be honest, Luke. I was concerned for a moment..."

  Her using my name didn't escape my notice as I smiled warmly upon hearing it. Though, I couldn't help but notice that her gaze appeared distant. As if she was thinking of something else. Reaching across the table, as if on instinct, I touched her forearm lightly, which seemed to suddenly snap her back to reality.

  "Sir?" she inquired, and I softened my smile.

  "It's alright," I told her, "They're good people. I promise. Where'd you go?"

  She gnced at Elizabeth, who simply shrugged as if to say "It's up to you" before looking back at me. Maya toyed with the bracelet I had gotten her as a present, which filled my heart with joy that she even wore it at all. I was gd she liked it.

  "My parents..." she began, hesitating for a moment as she gathered her thoughts, "They weren't good people. I'll tell you more some other time, but...I'm gd your parents are good people."

  I felt my heart go out to her. I could feel the pain in her voice when she mentioned her parents, but I didn't want to push it. She said she'd tell me more when she was ready. I was just happy she told me this much. I always knew her past was one filled with pain.

  "Well, don't worry too much," I reassured her with a kind smile, "You might rethink that when they try to adopt you."

  "A-Adopt me?" this threw Maya off, which was a little funny, "Why would they...what?"

  "Ha, yeah, didn't I mention?" I chuckled, happy to see Maya back to herself, "If you're not careful, they might like you. It's a terrifying thought, truly. They'll never leave you alone."

  "W-What?" Maya was truly puzzled, looking to Elizabeth for help.

  "It's true," Elizabeth told her with a nonchant shrug as she sat back down next to me, "The few times I met them in the past...gods, how many pies did they send? I think I had one every week at least."

  "Really?" I looked at her curiously, though nodded sagely, "That does sound like them, yeah. You have no idea how hard I had to fight them to let me leave the house and live on my own...and don't even get me started on me trying to convince them not to send me money."

  "Why did you have to do that?" Maya was curious now, and it was kind of cute how interested she was, giving me her full attention now.

  "Well, they just couldn't afford it," I shrugged, expining to her how we didn't exactly grow up wealthy, "Living was expensive, and though they had stable jobs, I knew they were budgeting like crazy. I'm an only child, but growing up it felt like I had a million siblings."

  I expined how my parents were like an open door for all of my cousins and the other kids in the neighborhood. They fed, clothed, and often watched them when their parents were busy at work or needed a break. It wasn't a quiet life, which is why I was grateful when we moved. It felt like I was finally getting the privacy I longed for.

  Unfortunately, my life wasn't so simple. I mean, it wasn't complicated either. For a few years after we moved, my parents decided to open their home to kids who had either lost their parents or were going through unfortunate times. They fostered them until they found more permanent homes.

  I didn't mind this, but I never really connected with any of them. Despite their busy lives, my parents always found time for me. They never made me feel neglected or unwanted. However, because they were so busy, they eventually had to stop fostering kids. The st one leaving when they turned eighteen.

  Perhaps it was because of this that they tried to hold onto me so tightly. They were never able to have other kids, and though they thought about adoption, they decided instead to invest all of their time and money into me. I was appreciative of their efforts, but I knew it took its toll.

  Prices weren't getting better, and they refused to let me help at all. So, I had to put my foot down with them. I loved them, but I couldn't let them self-destruct themselves. They deserved to have their own money to finally spend on themselves.

  As I came to the end of my expnation, I gnced at Elizabeth with a slight look of guilt.

  "Sorry, I did kind of lie before" I said, a little sullen as it weighed on my conscience, "Technically, I wasn't an only child. My parents fostered kids for a few years. They still keep in touch with some of them."

  "I know," Elizabeth said with an infuriating amount of smugness, "You usually forget that part."

  "I...do?" I felt even more guilty and a little ashamed, "Damn...I'm horrible."

  "No, you're not horrible," she assured me with a chuckle and a comforting hug, "It's just that you never really think about it. It was normal to you. Your parents helped changed a lot of lives."

  "Yeah, they really did..." I felt a swell of pride enter my heart for them, "Still, they are a bit...much. In a good way, but...damn. Anyways, foster care doesn't really pay you. They just reimburse, but that was fine for them. They just liked to help, and since they couldn't have any other children after me...well, they doted on every single child that came through our doors."

  "Long story short, Maya..." Elizabeth chimed in amusingly as she brushed my hair with her hand lovingly, "His parents have a lot of love to give to a point that it can be a bit much. Sound familiar?"

  Maya winced, though her expression was soft. In fact, I think it was the warmest I've ever seen her face became. I honestly grew entranced by it.

  "That's a good look..." I muttered in awe, not knowing I had spoken out loud, and when I did, I was completely oblivious, "What does she mean, Maya?"

  Maya blushed, clearing her throat as she shot a pyfully deadly gnce at Elizabeth. Sighing, she composed herself.

  "My...sister," she told me, her voice becoming incredibly tender, "She's currently attending college, thanks to Miss Falcrest."

  "Really? That's amazing," I marveled at learning Maya had a sister, "I'm gd to hear you have someone who loves you. Maybe one day you'll introduce us?"

  That seemed to be the magic sentence as both Maya and Elizabeth tensed a little. Furrowing my brow, I gave them both a puzzled look.

  "Okay, that was weird..." I said, gncing between them, "Care to expin what that reaction was about?"

  "Well, love..." Elizabeth slowly pced an arm around me, rubbing my shoulder as if consoling me, "It's possible, but..."

  "Yeah, no, that's..." Maya attempted to formute the words but found it hard, "This is a little awkward, but..."

  "Love, her sister is worse than your parents," Elizabeth finally stated, with Maya grimacing slightly.

  "Really?" I gave her a dubious look, unconvinced of that, "Worse than my parents?"

  "Trust me," Elizabeth said with nervous chuckle, "I know that's hard to imagine, but...think of her as someone like me...to you. That's pretty accurate, yes?"

  "It's not, not true," Maya shifted in her chair a bit with a nonchant shrug, "She's also very...excitable as well."

  "Wait, wait...We'll get back to the excitable bit ter, but..." I held a hand up as I pinched the bridge of my nose with the other, removing my gsses as I tried to understand what they were saying, "Are you telling me...Maya's sister is as obsessed with her as you are with me?"

  "I mean, that's the gist of it, yeah," Elizabeth answered simply, though added, "Of course, not exactly like me. I want to fuck your brains out. Her sister doesn't like her in that way."

  "Ellie!" my eyes widened in mortified embarrassment, "You can't just...say that!"

  "Why not?" Elizabeth mused coyly, poking my cheek pyfully, "It's the truth."

  "Even so!" I could feel my face grow warmer and I felt like I probably looked like a damn tomato right now.

  At least, I definitely felt like one. Even Maya looked to be a little flustered by such a btant statement. Though, she was more composed than I was. All I could do was listen to Elizabeth's infuriatingly angelic ugh, though I couldn't say I was mad. Just incredibly shy hearing her say that out loud.

  Eventually, things began to settle down and I replied to my mother.

  >To Mom: Yeah...Sorry about that. Things have just been incredibly busy.

  An immediate response.

  >From Mom: I saw that. You're free today, aren't you?

  I grimaced, gncing up at Maya and Elizabeth to let them know, but they were already one step ahead of me. Just as I looked up at them, Maya met my gaze as she just put away a tablet into her inventory.

  "I just cancelled all of El's meetings," Maya told me, giving me the go ahead to confirm with my mother, "We're free today."

  Elizabeth gave a warm smile hearing Maya use her nickname, and I'll be honest, it was heartwarming to see. She was slowly, but surely, rexing around us.

  "I swear, it's uncanny how you knew..." I muttered, chuckling to myself, "I figured Ellie did, but you, Maya? Psychic."

  Maya simply gave a small, almost smug smile as I replied to my mother.

  >To Mom: We are now.

  >From Mom: Perfect. How does lunch sound?

  >To Mom: Sounds good.

  >From Mom: :* I'll make your favorite.

  Well, our fate was sealed now. Putting the phone back in my pocket, I took a few, calming breaths. I didn't like doing things st minute, especially when it changed my pns for the day, but it was my parents. Elizabeth, sensing how anxious I felt, pced a comforting hand upon my shoulder.

  I gave her as best of a smile as I could. Her presence was always so calming, and now that Maya and Azure were coming as well...I felt like I truly might make it out in one piece.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, cont.)

  I was nervous. Of course I was nervous. When you have overbearingly loving parents who treasure you above all else, you'd also be nervous with them meeting someone like Elizabeth. Did I think it would go well? Yes, but that wasn't the point.

  I wasn't nervous about them meeting so much as I was worried about them competing. I was mentally preparing myself for the scrapbook my mother was sure to bring out. All of my embarrassing moments growing up on dispy to not only Elizabeth, but Maya as well. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Elizabeth had simir pictures somewhere.

  I'd have no idea how she got them, and honestly...that would be a question for another day. Sometimes, it was better to not question how someone like Elizabeth acquired things reted to their obsession. That being me.

  I was just content to remain blissfully unaware...until my curiosity got the better of me. Otherwise, it was just an unnecessary headache. Still, I liked to think that Elizabeth wouldn't just pull them out of her wallet or her inventory, but then again...I knew how protective my mother was. She would probably test Elizabeth to see if she was actually interested in me.

  I could already see it now. The battle of giants while the rest of us look on as innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Though, my father would probably be holding a sign up that said something like "Go! Honey! Go!" or what have you. The only one my father obsessed over more than me was my mother. It was honestly quite adorable how much they loved each other.

  Though, that itself was a little embarrassing growing up. This prompted me to immediately blush as it made me think...would I embarrass my kids the same way? With how much I loved Elizabeth, and if this life went well...we'd surely have kids, right? I'd definitely not shy away from showing her any affection.

  "Are we just like them?" I muttered to myself as I hid my blushing face behind my hand, "Oh, gods."

  "Everything alright, love?' Elizabeth inquired, pcing the back of her hand upon my forehead, "You look flush and are burning up. Do you need anything?"

  Her sudden touch made me jump as I moved my head quickly away from her while simultaneously looking at her completely startled and befuddled. Raising an eyebrow, she took in my expression before a rather sinister, mischievous smile spread across her lips.

  "Love..." she cooed, suddenly looming over me in the backseat of the car, "What is it that you're thinking about? Nothing...naughty, I hope. Or maybe I do hope."

  "U-Uhm, uh...that's...look, uhm..." I couldn't get the words out as I became rather dizzy with thoughts of children and a whole future together with Elizabeth.

  My whole pn on proposing to her tonight had gone down the drain, but I had been prepared. I knew that she had a hunger in her that couldn't be sated so easily. That the moment I asked her to marry me, she'd devour me till I couldn't stand.

  I knew this and had prepared myself, but now that we were meeting my parents and I was, once again, genuinely thinking about our future together...I simply broke. Especially with her looming over me, sensing something. I was a complete mess.

  I always knew I loved Elizabeth. I felt it. Not just because of whatever connection we shared from our past lives together, but genuinely through our interactions in this one. She was someone I wanted to spend my life with, but when I compared us to my parents...that's when it really hit.

  "My, aren't you flustered," Elizabeth looked upon me sultrily in a way that only she could, "My dear...whatever seems to be the matter?"

  With those words, she trailed the back of her hand nguidly across my cheek sensually. I felt my heart hammer in my chest in a rather good attempt to escape it. It was all I could do to keep any sense of myself present in the moment.

  "Ellie..." I spoke breathily, feeling the heat of her body press close to mine, "Listen, we're almost to my parents pce, so...I, uhm, I expect you to be, uhm...okay, that's not fair."

  As I was speaking, she continued to tease me with her caress. Leaning in, she nibbled upon my ear which is what caused me to call her out. Albeit with a rather shaky voice that wasn't at all convincing.

  "Oh? You expect me to...what?" she asked coyly, obviously pleased and enjoying herself.

  "Ellie...I'm warning you," I did my best to sound threatening, but failed miserably.

  "Ooo, warn me then," she teased, taunting me, "I'm not going to stop until you tell me...what were you thinking about?"

  Knowing that I'd be unable to withstand anymore of her assault in my current state, I braced myself and pushed forward with as much confidence as I could muster.

  "K-Kids, damn it..." I breathed, and for a moment, Elizabeth gave pause, "I was thinking...about us as parents."

  Blinking, Elizabeth's whole demeanor shifted. The menacing, yet alluring, air about her completely disappeared. The lustful, mischievous expression upon her face fell away as a blush slowly began appearing. Carefully, she sat back in the seat with her hands folded too politely in her p.

  "O-Oh, I see," she said with as much composure as she could muster, "Parents. Yes. I mean, that is possible. Yes. Of course. Parents."

  Finally, I was able to get some breathing room, but now I was finding her incredibly adorable. The sudden tonal shift was incredibly too precious. I was slowly able to compose myself and pced a gentle hand over hers.

  "Are you alright, love?" I asked, a little concerned despite how endearing this moment was, "Did I say something wrong?"

  "Not at all, my love," she answered, coming to her senses a bit as she took my hand in hers, "I just...I mean, I've thought about it, but...you really think we'll be parents?"

  "I mean...why not?" I asked with a shrug, "Sorry if it was weird to bring up now. I was just thinking about my parents and how much they love each other...which got me thinking about how much we love each other. And then....well..."

  I expined to her my entire thought process, and the more I did, the more her face softened and became incredibly tender and amused.

  "You're adorable, Lucas," she said as she took the back of my head and pnted a kiss on my forehead, "Honestly, the way your mind works...but that's just another reason why I love you. I'll make sure we'll have a chance to try."

  Her words were comforting. They touched deep into my heart. I didn't know what the future held for us, but I felt like I could believe in her. Believe in us. That things would work out.

  And, in the reflection of the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Maya's face. She was looking on with a soft, almost pleased expression. A half-smile curling her lips. She was happy for us, and this only reaffirmed what I already felt. This life would work out.

  For Elizabeth, for myself...and for everyone else, it had to. I knew the danger of raising fgs, but fuck it. I couldn't help but think this way. I was happy. Happier than I've ever been, and it was only getting better.

  The more time I spent with Elizabeth and Maya, and of course Azure, who until this point had been chilling with Maya in the front, the more I felt at home. Now, Azure peaked his head curiously back at us, tilting it in such an adorable way. I truly wished that this would st forever.

  I started this ride being nervous, but now I was more confident than ever. Elizabeth is who I want to spend my life with. I'd make sure my parents understood that.

  -----

  Nikushimi