Two years of dating, one pregnancy scare, and countless amount of phone calls, and a deployment, all lead to this moment. I was finally legal, and John and I were still strong. We decided that we would tell my parents together.
I was back in Hawaii. I moved back not long after moving to Ohio. The biological dad I thought truly wanted to make mends, turned out to still be a deadbeat. I still flew back and forth to see family, giving me and John time. Actually, John and I saw each other more than if I lived in Ohio.
For the first time, the roles turned. He was on leave for two weeks, and was on his way to Hawaii. I was anxious at the airport. I wanted him to just exit already. He finally emerged. We kissed, and he got in the car.
We pulled into the drive. I had told my family I was having a friend over, but failed to mention who. We walked in, and I announced, "Look who I found on the beach!"
My dad looked shocked, in a good way. He had always enjoyed John being around. I think he was also suspicious of us maybe being a couple too. He shook John's hand, hugged him, and welcomed him in.
It was an hour before dinner, and we used that time to talk to my parents.
"John and I have been keeping a secret."
My parents looked surprised, and my dad looking intensely at John asked, "What?"
John spoke, "We have been dating since she turned sixteen. I know I shouldn't have been with her, but we weren't wanting to wait. I understand if you two are mad."
I inserted, "I was the one that wanted to keep us a secret."
My parents looked at each other and laughed. I thought it was that they didn't believe us. My dad spoke, "We know. We know you're moving in a few days, we know you two had a pregnancy scare, we know all of that."
John and I were the ones that were surprised. After the initial shock wore off, I asked, "How did you know? Why did you let me continue to go see him? How did you know I was moving out, I purposely didn't start packing yet for that reason?"
"We read your text messages, we get a copy of everyone's texts. As for why we let you go see him, he makes you happy, and he's a trustworthy guy."
We both stayed mute, unsure what to say. My mom broke the silence, "Go start packing, the three days will go by quick."
I did as I was told. I packed suitcases with clothes, shoes, and accessories. John helped a little, and talked. We were both grateful that my parents were on board, and seemed happy for us.
The door swung open. There stood my tearful ten year old sister, "What does mommy mean, you're leaving?!"
"Yes, I'm moving back to Washington. John and I are going to live together."
I held her while she sobbed. She was close to me, and was devastated that I was leaving. She would be fine, but her heart needed time to heal. I looked up to John, but he was gone. I assumed he was just giving me and her our space to say bye.
That night at dinner, I learned the real reason he disappeared. He had gone to ask my parents permission to marry me, which was happily given to him.