A Glimpse of Love
Julian's mother raised one eyebrow and grinned at them, eyes glinting mirth. "You're being stiff as boards, don't you both know what it means being husbandand wife."
Anne felt fear surge inside but Julian came in and intercepted his mother's accusations.
"Mother, we're just not a family for PDAs," he explained, smiling.
But his mother wasn't convinced. "I see," she responded, frowning eyes. "Well, in that case, let us have some family time."
She patted her thigh and Julian hesitated for a split second before he settled in.
"Now, Anne, go and kiss your husband," she told them in a mocking way looking at them.
Anne felt a blush rise to her cheeks but had to fake it. She went to Julian and leaned in and kissed him.
But just as they would have kissed, "No, no, no!" shouted out Julian's mother. "An actual kiss, Anne, a real kiss, and not a cheek kiss!"
Anne felt blush rise to cheeks as she blushed but had to convince Julian's mother she and Julian had truly tied the knot. Again she leaned down and she kissed Julian properly.
Julian's eyes met hers and for a brief second she felt she dissolved in them. Then she remembered she was there and why she had come and she retreated.
Julian's mother smiled and approved openly of openly expressing their love. "That is much better," she said. "Now let us have dessert."
Anne breathed a sigh as they sat down at lunch at the table. She had managed to convince Julian's mother that she and he were truly engaged, but she couldn't help but have a sneaking thought she had just caused a whole mess.
As they settled in for dessert, Anne felt a little self-conscious. Just a split second ago, she had kissed Julian in front of his mother, and they're sitting down like no human ever kissed another human before.
But as she settled down for eating, Anne relaxed. The mother of Julian chattered away, asking what she liked eating and what her hobbies were.
Anne was surprised at just how easy it was to talk to Julian's mother. She had been welcoming and friendly and Anne felt she could be honest in a way she had not expected.
As they finished dessert, Julian's mother patted Anne on the hand. "We're really lucky to have you in our family, Anne," she said to her. "You're just wonderful."
Anne felt a lump in her chest at the woman's words. She had never felt like she fit in with anybody else's family before, but she felt like she fit in at least in some way with Julian's mother.
As they got up to tidy things, Julian wrapped his arm around Anne's waist. "Thanks, Mum," he said. "We're glad we're there."
Anne felt shocked at being touched by Julian and couldn't but wonder if this created engagement had really turned out rather too real.
As they came out of the dining room, Julian's mother yelled after them. "Julian, darling, don't forget to go out in the garden with Anne tomorrow. She would just love it."
Julian nodded, smiling. "Yes, Mother. Don't be too concerned. I'm also your son, You're starting to forget me" He said and they all chuckled.
As they reached their room, Anne turned and confronted Julian and grinned. "Thanks for today," she said to him. "I was nervous, but your mother is just wonderful."
Julian smiled back at her, his eyes looking deep into hers. "I told you she'd like you," he said to her.
As they stood there, looking at each other, Anne could not deny some connection she felt towards Julian. She had fallen for him, and she had no idea how she could avoid it.
As they stood there, looking at each other, Anne felt herself being drawn towards Julian in a way she could no longer ignore. She had come to have some feelings for him, and she had no idea how she could keep them at bay.
Julian, too, felt the same way. He leaned in a little towards Anne, his eyes fixed on hers.
"Anne," he said in a whispery voice. "We need to have a chat."
Anne's heart skipped a beat. What is he saying?
But before she could ask, Julian's phone rang. He sighed and answered it, listening for a moment before responding.
"I'll be right there," he said, placing down the telephone.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It's my mother," he explained. "She needs my help, I'll be right back."
Anne nodded, relief returning once more. She had no idea what would have happened if she hadn't stepped or if Julian hadn't answered that telephone, but she was glad she wouldn't have to know.
As Julian came down, Anne took a slow, soothing breath and attempted to slow down her pounding heart. She had grown to have some feelings for Julian and wasn't certain how she could keep them suppressed.
But as she glanced about at the room, she noticed something and felt her heart skip a beat. It was a photograph of Julian and his ex in a resort holiday romance.
Anne felt resentful and saw she had to be looking out for herself. She could not let things go out of control for herself and for Julian.
She turned away from the photo, trying to shake off the unease. Why would the photo still be there, though? Shouldn't Julian had known better than to have left it there and be cruel to his new "bride"?
As she walked towards the window, Anne couldn't but wonder about Julian's ex. As a student, she had read about them in magazines and was convinced they were a good-looking couple back then.
But now, when she saw the photograph, she felt sick. She could not possibly have thought about Julian and another woman.
Just then, Julian had returned inside, looking concerned. "Hi, is there some problem?" he asked upon seeing Anne's face.
Anne nodded, fighting back emotions. "Yes, things are alright," she responded.
But Julian wasn't certain. He took a step towards her, his eyes intently looking at hers. "What is wrong?" he asked in a quiet and soft voice.
Anne felt a flutter in her chest when she looked at Julian. She couldn't deny them, but she couldn't say she felt them.
"I just saw the photograph," she tried saying in a soft voice. "You and your ex."
Julian's expression relaxed and he turned away, his jaw clenched. "I hadn't thought about still having it there," he mumbled.
Anne felt a stinging pain of hurt but she suppressed it. She had no right to be envious, anyway. She wasn't really Julian's wife. She had just been playing at being his wife.
Julian walked over to the dresser and took away the photo, his eyes fleetingly scanning across it before he turned and stuffed it in a drawer.
"I'm sorry for it," he explained, his voice being slightly hoarse. "I should have had it out much earlier."
Anne shrugged, self-consciously making suavity a gesture. "It is no big thing at all," she said. "I just wasn't expecting to see it." Julian nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "I know," he said to her. "I'm sorry." The air vibrated thickly in the room as they confronted each other. Anne felt as if she fell in Julian's eyes, and she could no longer retreat.