A Second Chance (COMPLETED)

Chapter 2

Summer seemed to drag on forever for Tim. Caroline and her family had left for one last family vacation before she headed off to college. It was her Dad's idea, he seemed to be having a hard time dealing with the fact his little girl was growing up. But, Tim understood. He knew soon they would be starting their life together. Off to the same school, living off campus together, that was what got him through the time she was away.

He went ahead to their apartment while she was away, setting up their home. He wanted it to be special for when she arrived. They had talked many times as to how they wanted it to look and he was pretty sure he knew exactly what she wanted. Many firsts would be taking place in this apartment, the most important being intimate for the first time and he wanted to be sure that it would be special, memorable. They both were relieved when one night alone they confessed to each other that they had made the decision a long time ago they would wait until they were ready, that the first time wouldn't be with just anyone. And it wouldn't be because their bodies told them it was time. They both felt that giving yourself to another meant so much more, it wasn't something you gave freely, you couldn't take it back once you did. Just one more reason they loved each other so much.

As he carried another box into the bedroom he smiled. The bed was a four post with canopy, fabric flowing down each post to the floor. He had fastened it to each post with the tie backs she had seen while they were out "window shopping" one day talking about what they would someday have in their own home. He placed the box in the closet at the other end of the room. He had purchased drapes to match the canopy and comforter of the bed. Two small night stands were on each side of the bed with matching lamps. He had found an antique dressing table and mirror that she had described her grandmother had when she was little and would let her play dress up with. On the other side was a large dresser big enough for both of them to use. He had framed her drawings and photos she had taken as well as a few of his own, and had hung them along the walls in the room. He stood there for a few more minutes, smiling "she's going to love this" he said aloud.

He had gone ahead and used quite a bit of money he had been given when his grandmother had passed away to furnish the apartment. He knew Nana would approve, she had always told him to do what made him happy regardless of what anyone else thought. And he did. He wanted to give Caroline everything she ever dreamed of and would do his best to be sure he did. He had picked up extra shifts at a local bar where he worked in the kitchen, sometimes as the cook, to set aside as well. He didn't want to start out as a couple without a job and totally broke. He saved half of what his grandmother gave him and decided he would work as much as he could on his off days and nights from classes.

...

Caroline enjoyed being with her family but she missed Tim so much. She couldn't wait to start their life together on their own. This was the first time they were really away from each other for longer than a day or two. She thought maybe her Dad was trying to test her, keeping her away from Tim to change her mind. But, all it did was make her love for him grow stronger. She knew he was the one, the only one. She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes daydreaming of their life together. Her mother sat in the front seat of the car, looking back at her. She knew, she knew how much they were in love. She liked Tim and knew he would take good care of her daughter. She looked at her husband as he glanced in the rearview mirror at his daughter. She placed her hand on his and said " you know, they are no different than we were and look at us, how far we've come when everyone tried to tell us we would never work out. They will too. It's time you let her live her life." He looked at his wife, as tears welled up in his eyes "I know, I know" is all he could say as he drove back to their seaside home.

...

Austin overheard Tim when he mentioned she would love this and saw the smile on his face as he was sleeping on the couch of the tour bus. He walked over to him and in the highest voice he could muster up he whispered in Tim's ear "I Love It Timmy". He startled Tim so much he rolled off the couch and onto the floor. Austin stood there laughing hysterically as Tim looked up, realizing where he was, "you're such an ass" he told Austin as he tried getting up off the floor.