Seventeen
Vanessa's POV:
Time moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Time is a funny thing really. Five years have passed but it feels like five days sometimes.
Brooke and I decided right out of high school that we wanted to work at the new LGBTQ Youth Center that was opening near us. Now, Brooke mentors young teens who went through similar things she went through. I run the art program. We love what we do, and we love making a difference.
"Morning, babe." Brooke said, bounding into the kitchen of our shared apartment.
I grumbled my response and Brooke smiled. Some things never change.
"Do you have a class this morning?" she asked.
"No, not until 2pm."
"Alright, well, I have a session with Amelia this morning and she's bringing her mom, so wish me luck. What are you doing this morning then?"
"Oh, nothing. Good luck with Amelia." I changed the subject and kissed my girl as she left.
I got my phone out and texted Nina. All of us girls were still really good friends.
Me: She's gone, are you ready?
Nina: Yes, always. Does she suspect anything?
Me: No, I don't think so.
Nina: Good, okay. I'll meet you there.
I sent Nina a thumbs up and grabbed my bag. When I got in my car, my phone rang and it was my mom.
"Hey, ma."
"Hey Vanessa. Just checking in. Did you get it yet?"
"Nope I'm on my way there now, going to meet Nina."
"Alright well let me know when you get it. Are you getting yourself one too? Or are you waiting?"
"I'm going to look. We'll see."
"Alright well good luck, and I love you!"
"Love you mom."
I hung up right as I reached my destination. Nina was already there, a smile on her kind face that welcomed me years ago.
~*~
I got to the center around noon. I wanted to bring Brooke Lynn lunch.
"Hey babe," I said, setting her lunch on her desk and giving her a peck on the cheek, "how'd your morning go?"
"Good, I think Amelia and her mom are making progress."
"That's great! So why don't we have a date night tonight?" I asked.
"Sure, what do you want to do?"
"Oh no, it's going to be a surprise." I smirked. She didn't like that at all. She glared at me. "Sorry, babe." I winked.
We ate our lunch in silence, with periodic glances her way from me.
"Do I have something on my face?" she asked, wiping her face self-consciously.
"No," I rolled my eyes, "I'm just in love with you."
Brooke's cheeks turned pink and she smirked, "okay, what did you do?"
My eyes widened, "nothing!" I laughed, "I just love you."
"You're up to something." Brooke muttered suspiciously.
"Nah." I got up, "but I have to go get ready for my class. Love you!"
Out the door I went. I'm just glad I was getting it done tonight. I don't think I could wait.
Half hour into my class, Brooke Lynn interrupts.
"Hey babe, can I borrow you?"
I nod and follow her to the hall.
"My parents want us over for dinner tonight." My face fell. "I know babe, but we can still whatever afterwards. It sounded important."
"Okay." I sighed, "what time?"
"6." Brooke kissed my cheek and went back to her office.
~*~
"Babe! You ready?" I called into the bedroom. It's 5:30, and we need to go.
"Yes, I'm coming."
Brooke walked out and my mouth watered. Shorts and a halter blouse.
"Looking hot, mami." I winked, "I can't wait to peel you out of those clothes later." I slapped her butt.
"Nessa." She warned, “let’s go, if we don’t go now we won’t make it there.”
The drive to her parent’s was quick, but I still had time to think. Over the years her parents have accepted her for who she is, and have accepted me as her partner. Growth.
"Alright guys." Her mom says, "there's a reason we called you over." Her mom looked nervous and Brooke looked anxious as well. "Brooke Lynn, I'm pregnant."
Brooke stared for a second, then laughed, "very funny, mom."
"I'm serious."
She sure looked serious. I looked at Brooke's face as it cycled through different expressions. Firsst was grossed out.
"Mom!" she yelled, "wha-! No! You-! EW! You basically just told me you still have sex~"
"Well we aren't dead, Brooke Lynn." Her mom rolled her eyes, "we can still have sex, don't be ridiculous."
"It's not safe!"
"It's not completely ideal, but so far everything is healthy." Her mom shrugged, "I've made it past that three-month mark, and, well, your father and I are excited."
Brooke Lynn was processing everything. She looked down at her hands and then up at her mom.
"Well. I hope you don't do the same stuff to this one that you did to me."
"Brooke Lynn." Her mom sounded sad, "I will never forgive myself for what happened. Please be happy, please."
"I'm...shocked, mom, but if you're happy then so am I."
Brooke Lynn hugged her mom; it was a beautiful sight. After dinner, Brooke Lynn and I went out by the pool, hand in hand.
"Thank you for coming with me tonight. I'm sorry our date night wasn't perfect."
"Well, it's not over yet." I smiled. "Brooke, do you remember the first night we kissed?" I asked her.
"Yes." Her face turned so red that I could see it clear as day under the moonlight, "we were skinny dipping."
I stood facing Brooke Lynn, and I leaned in and kissed her nose softly, and then her lips. Then I took a step back, got down on one knee, and pulled the ring box out of my pocket. I could see Brooke Lynn's mind racing, her breath hitched.
"Brooke Lynn, I love you and I want you in my life forever. Will you marry me?" I said with a smile.
Brooke Lynn gasped, and I knew from the look in her eyes what her answer was.