Chapter 4

• - Butterscotch, my dear, finally.
• - Hi, Mom, I missed you so much too.
• We hugged, and suddenly, I felt so warm and calm inside, like in childhood. When I was little, Mom often hugged me like this before bedtime, after finishing a fairy tale. I adored those moments.
• - Why are we standing on the doorstep? Let’s go inside.
• - Where’s Dad?
• - He went to the store after you called. He’ll bring something tasty since our daughter must be hungry after the trip. Let’s go to the kitchen. I made your favorite lasagna.
• - Mom, sorry, but lasagna is a thing of the past, just like sweets. I’ve switched to healthy eating.
• - Sweetheart, don’t upset your mother. I cooked it with love. A small piece won’t hurt. And your dad will be upset too.
• - Okay.
• Really, what’s the big deal? I can step away from my usual diet a bit. I’ll just work it off later.
• - You’re a bit late. We expected you earlier.
• - I got a flat tire. Had to ask for help at the gas station.
• - Let’s bring in your things. While your dad’s not back, I’ll show you your room.
• We went upstairs, and Mom led me into a spacious room. It was very bright, with beige walls and lots of beautiful paintings. The bed took up half the room. A not-so-small wardrobe stood near the bed, along with a desk and several bedside tables. The wardrobe door had a full-length mirror.
• - It’s cozy here, I like it. But the bed’s way too big—I’ll be sleeping alone, after all.
• - You don’t have to be alone. Your dad and I are already over sixty, and you still haven’t had a baby. We want to see a grandchild already.
• - Mom, it’s not my fault you had me so late. Why would I have a child now? I’m only twenty.
• - It’s the perfect age. The best time to have a baby is before twenty-five. The baby will be healthy.
• - Funny how you didn’t think of that when you had me at forty.
• - I was foolish then. It wasn’t until I had you that I realized I’d spent my life on nonsense. I wanted to build a career, be a businesswoman. And for what? Only after marrying your dad did I understand what truly matters. I missed my time. Now you’re just twenty, and I’m already sixty. Our grandchild will think I’m their great-grandmother.
• Mom even teared up. What’s going on here?
• - Mom, come on now. You look so young—you don’t look a day over forty.
• - Oh, stop it. Let’s go; your dad’s arriving.
• The reunion with Dad was as warm as with Mom. We talked our hearts out, ate tasty treats, and only then did I head to my room to rest.
• I tossed and turned in bed for a long time, unable to sleep. My stomach was full, and my thoughts wouldn’t let me rest. My parents are really over sixty now. Am I being selfish, making them wait? What if they don’t get the chance?
• What nonsense. Of course, they’ll get the chance. I’m not going to throw myself at the first man I meet just to have a baby.
• Thinking this, I remembered the two men I encountered today. Those guys. The first one—definitely not father material. But the second… Too bad I had to leave so quickly. I didn’t even ask his name. Well, I’ll be here all summer—I’ll have time.
• Still, my mind kept returning to the store and what happened inside. I’d never felt anything like that before. That sweet shiver from being close to a man. His eyes burned, his warmth sent shivers down my spine. It’s all because he’s so devilishly handsome. Not my type, of course, but who says I can’t daydream a little?
• Just imagine if he was interested in more than just casual flings. If he wouldn’t leave after one night.
• Ah, dreams. I’ve seen plenty of guys like him. During my four years studying in America, I met many cocky playboys. Not as stunning, of course, but still attractive. I’ve heard countless stories of girls who trusted them and ended up with broken hearts. I feel sorry for them. I don’t want to be one of them.
• That’s why I noticed the second guy. I just feel that the one who changed my tire is reliable and responsible. And quite attractive. Something tells me I won’t regret meeting him.
• Anyway, I came here to spend time with my parents, not to start a romance. Time to sleep.
• The next morning, Mom woke me up quite early—around eight.
• - Mom, why so early? Let me sleep a bit longer.
• - Butterscotch, only in the morning can we drive to the center without traffic. This town may be small, but everyone’s rushing to work. Get up. I haven’t gone shopping with you in so long.
• - Okay, let’s go.
• Freshening up woke me up a bit. My stomach hurt from last night’s overeating, and it was bloated. Ugh, I won’t do that again. Now I feel self-conscious.
• Mom chatted nonstop about what we’d buy while I gazed out the pickup’s window. This place really is beautiful. Mom and Dad made the right choice moving here.
• What Mom called the “center” turned out to be a big hypermarket. I felt like a kid—so many pretty things and Dad’s credit card with a nice balance. Life’s good.
• We had a fantastic time. Mom and I bought new clothes, jewelry, and shoes. But where would I wear them? I’m practically in the countryside.
• - Sweetheart, this isn’t the countryside like you think; it’s a small town. There are lots of young people here. They hang out by the river in the evenings and have fun. You should go too. You need to socialize.
• - How can I just go there without knowing anyone? I’d need at least one familiar girl to introduce me to the group. Otherwise, I’d just look awkward.
• - Butterscotch, don’t worry about that. People here aren’t like those in the city. You’ll make friends right away—they’re always curious about newcomers.
• - Mom, I’m not going. It’s impolite to join a group of strangers uninvited.
• - Oh, you're so stubborn. Well, suit yourself.
• I'm feeling a little sad. Maybe I should go. But what am I gonna say? “Hi, I'm here for three months. Can I join you?”. How ridiculous.
• That evening I was sitting at my bedroom window and suddenly I saw a car pull up to our ranch.