Teach Me How To Love

20~

Madi giggled loudly and held onto Calebs arms as he dipped her legs in a wave.

They'd been splashing around and playing in the water for at least an hour. I, on the other hand, left after thirty minutes so I could watch them, and maybe convince Mrs. Connell to like me.

Caleb lifted Madi in the air while making rocket ship noises, then he made crashing sounds and set her feet in another wave. She squealed and held onto him again.

"They're adorable, aren't they?" I said, trying to spike a conversation. Mrs. Connell looked at me briefly through her sunglasses then continued with her book.

Robby chuckled. "They really are. He sure does love that little girl. Although, it's hard not to. You've raised a sweet little angel." I smiled at Robby and looked back at Madi and Caleb. They were running back towards us with smiles on their faces.

"Mama! Did you see me?" Madi squealed. I nodded my head and took off my sunglasses. "Daddy went like..." She imitated space shuttle noises. "Then..." She imitated him dunking her. Everyone laughed; even Mrs. Connell let a small laugh escape her lips before composing herself and diving back into her book.

"Hey dad will you take a picture of us?" Caleb handed his dad his phone and pulled me up from my chair. He held Madi and he wound his free arm around my waist for a picture.

After we posed for the picture Caleb set Madi on the ground and before I could react I was thrown over his shoulder.

"Caleb!" I squealed, laughing. "Put me down!"

He just chuckled.

"Madi got dunked. It's only fair." His legs were now in the water and I started to panic.

"I still have my clothes on!" I yelled, hoping he'd give me time to at least take them off.

He made a tsk sound with his tongue and launched me into the water. So much for that tactic.

The water was cool, not too cold but cold enough to make me squeal when I came back up.

My white T-shirt and jean shorts stuck to me uncomfortably as I glared at Caleb.

"Caleb Mathew Connell!" I yelled, causing people to stare at me. Caleb stuck his tongue out at me and I lunged for him. Caleb took off running and I chased after him.

Caleb, being way faster than me, quickly turned around and scooped me up for a second time, but this time he picked me up for a hug.

"You're not allowed to hug me you're in trouble." I said, crossing my arms; which proved to be difficult since I was pressed up against him, still dangling in the air. Caleb stuck out his bottom lip and pouted. I rose an eyebrow at him.

Caleb leaned in and kissed me. This kiss wasn't hot or passionate like most of our kisses; this one was sweet and simple. The kiss made my knees go weak, and if I wasn't already in the air being held by Caleb I would've probably lost my balance.

"Ew!" Madi squealed. I looked over and she was covering her eyes with her hands. Caleb and I laughed and he set me onto the warm sand once again.

I pulled off my shorts and shirt and threw them on my towel. I didn't miss the hungry look that passed over Caleb's eyes when he looked at me.

Before he could see me blush I ran towards Madi and picked her up. She giggled and squealed as I ran towards the water with her in my arms. I ran until the water was to my hips and the waves were crashing.

A wave crashed against Madi's back and she squeezed my neck tightly, laughing the whole time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do you need any help with these?" I asked Mrs. Connell, pointing to the pile of dinner dishes she had to do.

"No." She said. I blinked, unsure of what to say to that.

"I could put the rest of dinner away, or maybe-" I started but she cut me off.

"Look, Becky, I don't need your help. I don't know why you're even here." I stood there, stunned. Her green eyes weren't looking at me in the loving way Caleb's did. Hers looked at me with disgust.

"Mrs. Connell, I'm sorry for whatever I did to you but-"

"You came into my home with your daughter against my wish, and brain washed my son to believe he's in love with you. I do not want you in this house. I do not need your help." With that said, she turned and continued with the dishes. Anger bubbled inside me. Stay calm, Bella.

"With all do respect, Mrs. Connell, I was invited by your son. I have not brainwashed your son into anything. I love your son Mrs. Connell. He has helped me with so much, and he's always right there for Madi and I. I am here because I loved him enough to meet his parents. I'm sorry if you don't want Madi and I here but Caleb does, and that's all that matters to me." I let out a deep breath and stared at her. She turned and walked closer to me. She looked into my eyes; searching for something.

Then she smiled and hugged me.

What just happened?

"I'm sorry, dear." She said with laugh. "I was testing you. I've never had a girlfriend of my sons stand up to me before. I'm glad you did." I wasn't sure if I should be angry, laugh, or cry.

"Oh, well thank you, Mrs. Connell, I think." I said, completely confused.

"Oh dear, call me Rena." She said happily. I started to smile and nodded. "I hope I didn't offend you much, sweetheart. You and Madi are welcome in my home anytime." She smiled again and went back to the dishes.

"Thank you, Mrs. Con- Rena." I smiled and changed my words when she sent me a playful look.

"Now." She started. "I might take you up on that offer for the dishes."