Forbidden Love

Chapter 2

One year later

It's been a full year since Max and I started dating. We have spent almost everyday together, sharing meals, watching our favorite movies and just spending time together. We spend a lot of our time together at my house and because of that he has gotten very close with my family. He plays games with May and Gerad, helps my mom with chores around the house and even has peaceful political debates with my dad. It is nice to see my family start to accept him more and more as time goes on. Not that I need their permission on who I date, but it's still nice to know that there won't be any tension at family gatherings. But, something still feels like it's missing. I love how much Max gets along with my family but I wish I had the same chance to get along with his.

He never answers any questions about his family or where he comes from. Anytime I ask, he says that he doesn't want to talk about it or that he will tell me when "the time is right." I don't know what that means, but I am trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Max hasn't given me any reason not to trust him. If I ask him any question about anything not related to his family, he has given me the truth. I've really fallen for him. I can see myself starting a life with him. He is kind and goodhearted and brave and caring. I love him. And I can tell that he loves me too. The way he looks at me like it's the last time. The way he holds me like I'll break if he doesn't. The way he kisses me. It almost feels too good to be true. That might be because it is.

On our one year anniversary, Max had planned a surprise dinner for us at the bar where we first met. When I walked in, it was different. It wasn't loud and full of people talking and music playing. There was no bartender mixing drinks or people dancing to whatever live band was planning that night. It was completely quiet. Silent. The only person in the restaurant was Max, dressed up in a suit surrounded by candles and roses. It looked like he was going to propose, which I thought it was a little too soon.

"I wanted to give you something special." he said holding out a single rose.

"What's the occasion?" I asked jokingly.

"Well the occasion is that I love you and you deserve the world and I want to give it to you." He walked closer to me and started to wrap his arms around my waist.

"I love you too." I reached up and kissed him sweetly, but he pulled me in deeper and kissed me more passionately.

"What was that for?" I asked when he pulled away.

"I just wanted you to remember this feeling before I tell you. Things between us will change. You won't look at me the same."

"Max, what are you talking about? Tell me what?"

"Everything."