Is this destiny?

Sarah froze for a moment. Then her mind started working like crazy. 'She saw me coming out of his room. Right? Should I say yes and admit it, or no. But denying it is a lie. What are consequences of each response? Why am I hesitating? Why does she look at me like with disappointment in her eyes?'

Sarah concluded that there is no point in denying the truth. She took a deep breath, steeled herself and nodded, "Yes." She looked Sophia in the eyes, without a hint of embarrassment.

Sophia was surprised when she saw Sarah's determination. 'She is really committed to this relationship.' Sophia had number of arguments to scold her sister how she is too young for an intimate relationship, how it's irresponsible, and any mishap can be dangerous. It is her duty as an older sister to warn her of all potential issues that could happen if she rushes into intimacy. Did she think of an option that he is playing with her? But when she observed how her sister is not wavering, all her arguments seemed to disappear.

"Are you using protection?", Sophia asked.

Sarah was stunned for a second. Then she nodded.

"Don't ever sleep with him without it. Unless you want to catch a STD or get pregnant." Sophia warned her.

Sarah nodded.

Sophia looked at her for few seconds. It looked like she wanted to say something else, but no words came out. Sophia turned around and left the room.

Sarah was just standing, looking at the closed door. 'It was the first time someone asked me such a private question'. She felt like her relationship with Aiden is in danger, and that she needs to protect it. For a moment, she was embarrassed to talk about it, but then she found her courage. In the future there will be many who will challenge their relationship, with good or bad intentions. Only if she is brave, she will be able to defend her right to be with him.

Sarah took a deep breath and headed to take a shower.

...

During breakfast all six of them were at the table. Stella was excited about upcoming party. She traveled a lot, but when she was home, she enjoyed having people come over. Stella entered her matchmaking mode, listing who all is coming out of youngsters and who is a good match with whom.

"Mark will be here also. Sophia, I think you should give him a chance. I see how he looks at you", Stella was teasing Sophia. The fact that Sophia and Mark used to date was known only to the sisters. Even to her sisters, Sophia never admitted that Mark is her ex. But JoAnna and Sarah have their own guesses that during their 6 months internship, 5 years ago, Sophia and Mark crossed the line of friends and colleagues.

Sophia just nervously smiled.

Sarah felt that she needs to help her sister, "Mom, can you stop your matchmaking efforts? We have a guest. What will he think?" Sarah was reminding her mom that Aiden is present.

"What guest? I see him as a family already. He is such a good young man. Let me see who is coming. I'm sure I can find him a match also.", Stella didn't give up. She wanted to find a girl for Aiden also!

Sarah's face became ugly. She looked at Stella, "You really can't help yourself, can you?"

JoAnna burst into laugh. "Hahaha, mom, you really need to stop. I can't hold my breakfast down."

Stella looked at JoAnna, "What is so funny? I'm only speaking my mind. Just look at him, handsome, well mannered... I would not mind even if he is dating one of my daughters."

Sarah's ears perked up.

Aiden was looking down at his plate, keeping busy with his breakfast. His lips slightly curved into a smile.

JoAnna looked at Aiden. "Yes, yes. And I can tell that he is also very smart, since he knows what is good for him. Look how quiet he is. No matter what he says he will just dig a hole for himself.", JoAnna laughed.

"When airports open, we will go to visit a friend in hospital." Sarah changed topic.

"How long will you stay? You will be back by New Year's, right?" Edward asked.

"I didn't think about it yet. Our friend from University had an accident and is in a hospital. We will go and meet up with Vivian first and then go visit him. There are no plans beyond this." Sarah explained.

"Is it serious?", Stella asked.

Sarah looked towards JoAnna.

JoAnna frowned. She didn't want to be connected to this, but still responded. "His life is not in danger, but he didn't wake up yet."

"Oh, that sounds serious." Stella looked at Sarah, "You know, I am happy to see that you call someone your friend." Then she looked towards Aiden, "Aiden, you take care of Sarah. Keep her safe."

"I will do my best, Mrs. Hill.", he answered politely and glanced at Sarah.

...

After breakfast sisters went with their mom to set up Christmas decoration for the upcoming party, and Edward took Aiden to the swimming pool.

Swimming pool is in the same building where ladies from Hill household are setting up decorations. Half of the building is indoor pool and other half is what Hills call 'play area'. Division between two areas is mostly solid, with a row of windows, and it can be removed. Then 'play area' and the pool are combined. Hills remove this division when they are hosting pool parties.

Play area is a large open space with a wet bar, several sitting areas, and entertainment such as table for card games, pool table, pinball machines, area for gaming consoles, etc.

JoAnna was looking through the glass window towards the pool. She gave an exaggerated gasp, "Oh, it's getting hot in here!" Then she turned around and gave a meaningful look to Sarah while fanning herself with her hand.

Sarah and Sophia looked towards the pool and they could see Edward and Aiden in swimming trunks, talking next to the pool before jumping in. Sarah and Sophia knew that the comment was not for their father. Sarah frowned at JoAnna gesturing her to stop teasing.

"Girls, focus! Give me that garland!", Stella was on top of the ladder, attaching decorations.

Sophia whispered to Sarah, "I think you should tell mom about Aiden."

"Now?" Sarah was panicking.

"Yes. You have me and Anna for support if needed. The longer you drag it, the messier it will get.", Sophia whispered.

JoAnna was listening, and added, "What will you do if she really starts matchmaking him? He can't refuse because he is polite. It will put both of you in a tight spot."

Sarah thought for some time before nodding. "You are right". She took few deep breaths to calm her nerves, before calling out, "Mom, can you come and sit with me?"

"Oh, just a second. Let me hang this", Stella's hands were full of ornaments. When she finished, she sat next to Sarah on the sofa. "What is it?" Sophia and JoAnna were few steps behind them, listening carefully.

Sarah was nervous, she was not sure how to start. "Hmm, you remember you said that Aiden is good, and well mannered".

"Yes", Stella confirmed. Her face didn't show any changes.

"And you said that you would not mind if he is dating one of your daughters."

"Yes, I said that", Stella raised an eyebrow. Her eyes didn't leave Sarah's face.

Sarah inhaled, "Well, he is my boyfriend."

There were few seconds of no one breathing. Time was frozen.

Stella started laughing, "I was wondering when you will gather the courage to tell me."

"What?", Sarah was confused. She looked at her sisters, two of them smiled and gave her reassuring nods.

"I have eyes, you know. I can see that you like him, and that he likes you as well. Only a blind person would not notice. And I am your mom." Stella held Sarah's hands in hers. "Sorry about my attempt to find him a girl during breakfast. My goal was to get you motivated to come forth and tell me that you two are more than classmates."

"Well it was successful." Sarah smiled and breathed out a sigh of relief.

"I just need to fill in few gaps." Stella told Sarah. "How long are you two together?"

"About two weeks." Sarah responded.

"How far did you go?"

"Huh?" Sarah was shocked. She was definitely not ready for this question.

"Did you kiss? You probably did, these days everything goes so fast. You kids are always in a rush." Stella paused before continuing, "Did you sleep with him?"

Sarah was speechless. She just stared at her mom. She bravely admitted it to Sophia that morning, but with mom, it was a different story.

Stella frowned. "I see."

In the background, JoAnna's face changed to one of shock. She looked like her eyes will pop out. Sophia shook her head signaling JoAnna to keep it to herself.

Stella sighed. "I can't stop you. But I want to remind you to use protection, always. Remember, first school, then job, then love. When I say love that means starting your family with someone."

Sarah's head moved in a short sequence of rapid nods.

Stella looked at Sarah with worried expression squeezing her hands lightly and sighing. 'My baby is all grown up. I hope I taught her enough so that she can make good choices for herself.'

Sarah broke the silence. "Does dad know?"

"No. He would not see things even if you wave signs in front of his face." Stella glanced towards the swimming pool. "He likes Aiden. But I don't think that he is ready to accept him as your boyfriend. Don't tell him yet."

Sarah looked at her mom with gratitude and hugged her.. 'Oh, mom is also on board!' Sarah feels that things are moving into the right direction.

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