Soul Mates

Ch2 - Tragedy Strikes

Chapter 2 – Tragedy Strikes

“Congratulations, baby.” My father kissed my forehead and my mother, Erica, gave me a tight hug.

“I can’t believe you just graduated and now you’re engaged.” she exclaimed. “My last baby is all grown up.”

That gushy scene in movies when someone’s parents are just being emotional about their kids growing up really does happen in real life.

“I’m still your baby, momma.” I said and that made her smile.

“It was very gentlemanly of Tanner to get our permission first before asking you to marry him.” My dad said. “I knew then that he would be the perfect boy for you. I’ve always known, though.”

“Tanner is a good guy, Becca.” My mother agreed. “I’m glad you’re with him.”

I smiled and looked over their shoulder at Tanner who was being congratulated by his parents, Tracy and Hector Hall. As if he sensed me looking at him, he turned his head and his eyes met mine. We both smiled at each other.

I glanced down at the diamond ring on my finger. On the scale of 1 to 10, my happiness is at 100. Everything in my life right now was perfect.

Riley appeared and put his arm around our mother’s shoulders. “Are you guys ready to leave?” he asked us.

“What do you mean?” I said.

I looked around to see that a lot of people were starting to leave. After Tanner had proposed to me, everyone went and ate. Right after that, there was a lot of crazy dancing involved and tons of mingling. Now, it was past 10 and everyone was getting tired.

“The rain’s gotten worse; it’s really bad out there. There's a storm warning all over the news. So, I’m driving you back home.” Riley said to me.

“It’s fine, Tanner can take me.” I said.

“Bec, he lives on the other side of town. It’d be dangerous to go back and forth. Especially over the Lambertville bridge. I couldn’t see a thing when I crossed over it!”

“Then he can just stay over tonight.” I argued. I wanted to be with Tanner. We were newly engaged, there was no way I would let him out of my site now.

“Why are you so stubborn?” Riley asked.

“Why are you so bossy?” I spat back.

“Bec—“

“That’s enough, you two.” My father interrupted but you can see a shadow of a smile on his face. “We were just talking about how grown up you two are and now you’re acting like a bunch of 3 year olds.”

Riley and I rolled our eyes.

“Becca, you can go with Tanner.” My mother said. “Make sure to be safe. Wear your seatbelt.”

“Yes, mom.” I said then stuck my tongue out at Riley. He just rolled his eyes once again.

After another kiss on the forehead from my dad and one from my mom, I hugged the three of them goodbye then headed over to where my fiancé was.

He stood there with his parents and his 6 year old little sister, who ran over and hugged my legs when she saw me heading their way.

“Hey there, Hannah.” I greeted and lifted her up in my arms.

“Tanner told me you’re going to be my sister now.” She said. Her gray eyes, that were similar to her older brother’s, twinkled in excitement. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a ponytail, exposing that cute baby face of hers.