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After the proposal, Veronica and I ended up needing to go back inside, because it was already cold without the snow; With the snow, the temperature became even worse to bear with dresses on. The two of us returned to the event hall hand in hand and this caught the attention of those present at our table. We didn't say anything right away, but we thought it was important to announce to my parents and Veronica's uncles about our relationship in the middle of dessert. Derek was the first to exclaim “I knew it!”, Colleen congratulated us and bothmy parents and Veronica's uncles made a point of making a toast to all of us.

“Yes, we are.”

Mom laughed.

“Are you happy, Kenny?”

“Very much so.”

“That's great, my dear.”

Dad then finally declared that he would go up and asked Mom if she would go with him. My mother seemed to consider the proposal for a few seconds before grabbing his hand. I didn't know if it was the alcohol or a huge lapse in sanity, but the two went upstairs together and, as they hadn't done in years, went towards the same room.

The days in Chamberlain passed by too quickly. Before I knew it, I was already drinking my aunt's hot chocolate for the last time while Derek had gone with Uncle Hendrix to pick up his birthday present. Since his birthday was in early December, my aunt and uncle thought it would be wise to give it to him before we returned to Texas and, from what Aunt Isabel had said, they had bought him a new car, which would also serve as a pre-graduation present. With that, Aunt Isabel admitted that I would keep Derek's car and that she and Uncle Hendrix had already found a parking lot at the university so I could leave my car, since there were no spaces near the dormitory.

“Kendra Winfrey and you are really together after all…” Auntie commented. “I never imagined this scenario.”

“Me and another girl?”

Aunt Isabel sat in the chair next to me.

“That too, but I mean someone from the town like her. You know that they live in different realities here in Chamberlain, don't you?”

“I know, but I don't live here anymore and, honestly, after Belinda, I still plan on spending some time away. Who knows, maybe in four or six years things may be a little different.”

“That's a good point,cariño.” She smiled. “I just worry about you, you know that, right?!”

“I know,tía. But I think… I’ve never felt more like myself than when I’m with Kendra.” I confessed and, luckily for me, Aunt Isabel agreed.

“This is called true love, don't let it get away.”

VERONICA:I'm at the gate.

I texted Kendra with a knot in my stomach. Since we had to drive back, Derek and I had to drive separately, so we decided to ask Kendra and Colleen if they would be willing to drive back to Texas. I knew they probably already had first-class tickets, but luckily for us, they both agreed to hit the road with us.

KENDRA:Okay, I'll have it opened.

And a few seconds later, I was pulling up to Kendra's door. She and Colleen were standing there with their suitcases packed while Kendra's parents looked almost heartbroken to see them leave. Nicholas and Mackenzie were hugging, and something about their presence told me that they were both ready to lean on each other for support after their daughter left.

I got out of the car to open the trunk, letting a gentleman put Kendra's bags in there. I took advantage of his kindness and went over to my girlfriend, allowing a quick kiss to be our greeting.

“Hey.”

“Hi, shorty.”

She wrapped her fingers around mine and I felt incredibly nervous about doing this in front of her parents, but not out of fear, just a silly nervousness like“I barely know my in-laws and I’m kissing their little princess in front of everyone.”In my head, this was terrifying. Thank goodness they had no idea how our relationship was behind closed doors, because a peck on the lips was nothing compared to this.

“Are you guys ready to go back to university?” Mackenzie asked.

“Honestly? No, but it’s senior year… I need to finish things there.” Colleen was the first to declare.

Kendra pulled me closer to her and said:

“The companies are good, so it’s bearable.”

I smiled at her and placed a kiss on her cheek.

“Well, have a good trip then, be careful on the road and keep us informed, please!” Nicholas Winfrey asked.