About Time ~ A RDJ Fanfic

Garden Party Part 2

          

I can't believe it's been so long since I updated and I'm so sorry for that. Thank you to everyone who is still reading this story and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

I did have a large spot of writer's block so I hope you can forgive my terrible ending.

"I think...she's the one"

There was a stunned silence.

Robert had never spoken of marriage or settling down. Sure he had had girlfriends and flings, oh so many flings, but his parents had always accepted the large possibility that they wouldn't see their son get married and the likely hood of any grandchildren would always come from Allyson. As for Allyson, well she always accepted that she would never get to be an aunt

"Are you certain son? Marriage is a big step"

"I know it is dad and I wouldn't of said it if I wasn't certain. I wouldn't have brought her here otherwise"

"Oh Bobby this is brilliant news!!" exclaimed Elsie as she threw her arms around her son.

"Mum, Mum! Calm down I don't want her to suspect anything, stop hugging me, Mum!" Robert's voice getting ever so slightly more tensed and raised in fear Sophie would turn around at any second.

"Well have you got a ring yet? When are you going to do it?" questioned his dad.

"Not yet and I don't know just yet. I'm working on it."

Elsie couldn't help but smile at her son, he now suddenly seemed all grown up despite the fact he already was. Before her sat a man who was ready to marry, not her little boy who was thriving in his career.

Everyone's attention turned to Sophie and Toby who were laughing as he pulled her back up to where everyone was sat.

"Uncle Bobby she's funny! I like her" announced Toby as he climbed into Robert's lap where he proceeded to tickle him whilst Sophie took the spare seat beside Robert's.

"Well aren't you a little charmer. Gosh you're going to have work harder darling otherwise you might lose me to another man" said Sophie winking at Toby as everyone laughed.

"Well if that's the case maybe I need to get rid of this other man" Robert throw Toby onto his shoulder and strolled down to the swimming pool where he kept pretending to throw Toby in, everyone taking delight in the playful banter between uncle and nephew.

"Robert put him down! I don't have spare clothes!" hollered Allyson as her motherly instincts kicked in.

Later that afternoon, shortly after the cake was brought out and eaten, Robert sat holding Sophie's hand whilst his parents asked Sophie about herself. Toby was playing with a ball with Mike and Bella sat alone by the swimming pool. Sophie couldn't help but notice that Bella had been quiet all day and couldn't tell if that was because of her being there or if she was just naturally a shy girl.

"So Sophie do you have any siblings? Nieces, nephews?" asked Allyson

"Yes you seem to be very good with children" commented Elsie.

"I have a younger sister called Emma and no not any nieces or nephews yet"

"Is Bella alright Allyson? She's quieter than usual." Asked Elsie

"Oh she said she had a sore stomach earlier" replied Allyson "And I think she was a bit shocked Robert brought someone home. You know what she's like with changed." And as soon as the statement was said the topic of conversation changed again.

Sophie kept her eye on Bella, slightly worried that her distance was because of her and not her sore stomach. After all she didn't want to cause any problems in Robert's family dynamic.

Bella shifted and something caught Sophie's eye. What was that on her jeans...was that...she can't be old enough for it to be...wait could it be.

Sophie squeezed Robert's hand before excusing herself and making her way over to Bella.

"Hi there" said Sophie a bit shyly as she sat down next to Bella, noticing the red stain on the chair.

"Hi"

Sophie took off her jacket and handed it to Bella

"I don't want to upset or embarrass you but I think you might want to come inside with me and you might want to tie this around your waist"

Bella looked confused before looking down and realising what Sophie was on about. Her eyes got teary as she shot up and sped walked inside with Sophie, Allyson and Elsie following behind when they saw Bella's facial expression.

The men all looked rather confused as Sophie, Allyson and Elsie helped Bella with the bits she needed.

"I'll go clean the chair" said Allyson as she headed outside.

Elsie put the coffee machine on to cover up the reason they were inside so to save Bella some embarrassment.

Bella emerged from the bathroom slowly, looking down with Sophie's jacket still wrapped around her.

"Bella sweetie, give me your jeans and I'll put them in the wash for you" said Elsie

"How are you feeling Bella" asked Sophie cautiously.

"Okay"

"I grabbed this from the car, It's one of my skirts so may be slightly big but I thought you'd want to wear something else."

"Thank you" said Bella as she disappeared to change.

"Won't they notice I've changed though" said Bella as she re-emerged.

"Don't worry honey, men never notice anything" said Allyson as she checked on Bella.

They all went outside carrying drinks for everyone with the excuse that they wanted a drink. No one questioned although the men had kind of guessed what had actually happened.

"Thank you" whispered Bella with a small smile as she passed Sophie, clearing Sophie's concerns about Bella not liking her.

By the end of the evening Bella had perked up a bit and had started talking to Sophie a lot more, even giving her a cuddle when it was time to leave.

"How are you so perfect" asked Robert when they got home.

"Pardon? I'm nothing of the sort"

"Oh yes you are! You've made my parents fall in love with you, Allyson and Mike like you, Toby adores you and I'm guessing you helped Bella today"

"Helped Bella?"

"Well yes, the suddenly going over to her, giving her your jacket, Allyson cleaning the chair and her coming out with a different outfit, I'm guessing you know"

"You're guessing what?" Sophie took delight in seeing Robert's discomfort in saying the words aloud.

"You know! You're lady stuff. Shark week or whatever you call it"

Sophie burst into laughter at Robert's description but found it endearing that he was thanking her for it.

"You don't have to thank me Robert. Of course I was going to help where I could. Us girls stick together"

"Well regardless my family adore you and certainly appreciate your help today. What did I do to deserve such a perfect girlfriend?"

"Oh shush you and kiss me"

Well he didn't need telling twice.