forum One-on-one (Closed, stalkers welcome)

Started June 04, 2019 by @Periwinkle_

tune

“How fascinating! I’d love to go to New York, see the theatres, the Guggenheim… What brings you to our neck of the woods?” she asked.

"I'm on sort of a sight seeing trip," she explained. "Except I'm staying long enough to experience normal life in the areas that I visit. This was actually the place I wanted to visit the most, since I've dreamed of coming here ever since I was little. I want to go to Te Mata Peak, but I haven't had a chance yet."

She smiled softly, eyes glazing with a memory. "I used to do work there, for some odd jobs. It's a truly special place, and I bet Theo can take you!" she told Piper, looking over at her son. Although her smile seemed sweet, her eyes twinkled with malice one only gets when setting two people up.

"Yeah, that would be fun," she replied, eyeing Theo, doing her best to restrain the blush that was creeping up her cheeks. "But I'm sure he's got plenty to do. Anyway, tell me about yourself! I've heard so many good things about you. What kind of jobs did you do there?"

« Oh! » she exclaimed softly. « Well it wasn’t anything interesting, I would just walk groups of people up to the top and then back down, like a guide, see? » she reminisced, biting her lip. « It really is a wonderful view. »
Theo intently stared at his mother, swearing a completely vulnerable expression that let his absolute love shine through.

“Ah,” Piper nodded in understanding, watching the other woman’s face. “You must have loved it. To be able to be in the mountains every day-“ she felt her voice catch at the prospect, then remembered where she was and attempted to whelve her emotions.

Evelyn’s expression softened exponentially, and she took one of Piper’s hands in hers. « Exploring is an admirable thing, and for you to be able to go along and do it so young is truly gift. Realise how lucky you are, honey, really. Many would kill to be able to leave and travel for years on end. »
She was speaking soft authentic, making sure Piper realised there was no bitterness in her words.

"You're right," she replied as she squeezed her hand. "I appreciate this trip so much, even if I am a little homesick," she giggled. "There are so many places that I've wanted to go since childhood, and seeing pictures on the internet is very different from seeing things in real life. Theo here tells me he has a whole lot of places he would like to visit too," she continued as she looked over at him. "Loutro, Amsterdam, Leadworth, and some other ones too. Sorry, I forgot most of them."

Theo looked up in surprise. « That’s three more than anyone else has ever remembered, so I’ll take it, » he grinned, meeting Piper’s eyes again.
With a cheeky glint in her eyes, Evelyn yawned conspicuously. « Well, children, time for me to rest. Do come back tomorrow though, » she told Piper, squeezing her hand back. « I love you, Theo, and good luck dear Piper. »

“Okay, well it was great to meet you,” she said softly as she gave a small wave. “But yes, I think we should let you rest. And I’m not sure if I’ll be able to come tomorrow, but I’ll do my best.” Then she turned to Theo. “Shall we go?” She asked him in a playful tone.

"Yes, let's," Theo agreed, squeezing his mother's hand one last time before getting to his feet. He made his way to the door, opening it for Piper while Evelyn winked at her son. Theo smiled at her, ducking his head to hide the blush colouring his tan face.

As soon as they were out the door, Piper turned to him. “Your mother is awesome,” she smiled. “She’s super sweet. I really do hope she gets better soon. And she probably will; she has so much life in her, ya know?”

(Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. Merry belated Christmas ❤️❤️)
Theo chuckled quietly. “I definitely know. She likes you, I think,” he said, trailing off.

(Lol I haven’t been on this whole time either so trust me nbd 😂)
At hearing those words, Piper beamed inwardly. “Well, I’m glad. And, Theo-“ she continued somewhat cautiously, “I was serious about that Te Mata peak thing. It would be really cool to go together, but if you’ve got too much on your plate, I understand.”

He looked over at her when she paused. Their eyes met and he smiled brilliantly, eyes glittering with excitement. “I’ll manage. We’ll make it work.”
He carefully reached down to graze her hand with his fingers, wanting to take her hand in his but letting her decide whether to do it.

She grabbed his hand and let her eyes linger on it for just a second. "Cool," she smiled. "Then maybe we should exchange numbers." She gave him hers, he gave her his, and they walked out to the parking lot, having let go of each other's hands for a moment, but putting them back together before they began to walk.

Theo inhaled the freshly cool air, heart skipping every few beats at the fact that Piper… was here with him. Holding his hand, and telling him she wanted to do everything with him. It was beyond a dream. They were about to take off when his phone rang. He ignored it.
They walked a little more and Theo's phone rang again. This time he picked up and mouthed an apology to Piper.
"Mr. Vance, you need to get back to the hospital immediately, it's your mother."
His heart sank and all the colour drained from his face. "Hey, uh…" He slowly turned back to face Piper. "Could you come with me back to the hospital?"

Her giddy thoughts about how they must look holding hands were interrupted by Theo's voice. She realized he was talking on the phone, and stood far enough back so she wouldn't seem like she was listening to his conversation. She picked up on the change in his face: how his smile turned down, his eyes lost a bit of sparkle, and he looked like he might be sick.
"Yeah, absolutely!" She nodded fervently. "What's up?"
As soon as she asked the question, however, she winced and felt like kicking herself. If it impacted him that much, then he probably didn't want to talk about it with her.

« I don’t know, » he started shakily, walking fast. « They didn’t say. They just said it was about my mother and they wouldn’t want me back if it was good news so I don’t know, » he gushed anxiously as he stared ahead.

She did her best to keep up with him as she thought about what to say. She knew just as well as he did that this didn't bode well. But what was she supposed to do, agree with him?

Instead, she put her hand on his back and smiled up at him. "I'm sure it'll be okay," she said in the calmest voice she could. She hoped it would be enough.

Theo nodded silently, speeding even more when they got to the hospital drive way. The nurse they'd seen earlier was waiting at the hospital doors, waving at them.
He rushed to her and looked her in the eyes, going still.
"What's going on?" He needed to know what to expect.

She followed him to the nurse that waved them over, and watched his face intently as the woman tried to answer his question.
"I'm sorry, Theo," she began slowly. Piper saw how much this irritated Theo. "But she doesn't seem to be doing well." The woman paused, as if she were contemplating something, and then continued. "Maybe you should come inside and see her."

« Tell me first, » Theo said brusquely without moving an inch. He sensed Piper was watching him, and he could picture that intent green stare searching for a way to help. So he looked over at her, letting a bit of fear shine through his own eyes. « At least tell me how bad it is, » he asked, his tone rounder and weaker, still looking at Piper.