Is this destiny?

Felix felt Sophia's hand move. His heart winced at the thought that she is pulling her hand away again. 'Is this the end? Is this how she tells me that I'm out of chances?'

Sophia was torn. She wants to be with him, but also wants to stay firm. 'Is there a compromise? Does it need to be a choice between two extremes? What if I give him a chance to fix things? I owe him that much. I owe myself that much.' Sophia's hand moved and she grasped his. "How?" She lifted her head and faced him.

For a moment, Felix was surprised that she is holding his hand. He looked at her and their eyes met. He saw that she loves him, and that she is in pain. If he is going to fix this, he needs to harden his resolve. "Come. Join me, please."

Sophia took few minutes in the bathroom to tidy up and joined him in the living room. Felix handed her tan purse and led her outside.

When Felix opened front passenger door of his mother's car for her, Sophia hesitated.

"It's either this, or I get someone else to drive it while we follow in a cab."

Sophia realized that he wants to take her back to Sylvie's home. She is not sure what Felix has on his mind, but she can see that he is determined. Sophia decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. She got into the car.

During the drive they didn't speak. Felix had one hand on the wheel, and with other he held Sophia's hand. He didn't want to let go of her. He needed to feel her.

They reached Sylvie's home, and he rang the doorbell. He held Sophia around her waist, close to him.

Few moments later, Sylvie opened the door. She had a complex expression and Sophia noticed variety of emotions wash over her face, but she decided to ignore her. Sophia was here to see what Felix will do. She didn't care about his mother, who obviously does not approve of her.

"Hi maman*. I'm back here with Sophia because I need to correct something." Felix faced Sophia. "When I introduced you earlier, I didn't do it properly."

Felix spoke to his mother. "Maman, this is Sophia. The woman I love, and I plan to spend the rest of my life with." Felix glanced at Sophia and smiled when he saw her shocked expression.

Sylvie frowned. "You came here just to upset me, right? After you yelled at me, took my car without permission, now you came to upset me?"

"I'm sorry I took your car. Here are the keys." Felix extended his arm, and Sylvie snatched the keys. "I needed the car because I had to go and chase after love of my life which I wronged immensely. I'm not here to upset you. I'm here to remind you that this is the first time I brought a girl for you to meet. And she is very special to me. I don't expect you to love her. But you need to respect her. If you can't do that, we will regretfully keep our distance from you."

Sophia watched Felix and saw that he is resolute. Smile crept on her face. His firm grip on her waist gave her comfort. His closeness made her feel safe. She felt that her broken heart is being mended. Bit by bit pieces were coming back together with his every word.

Sylvie frowned more with his every word. "This is what I get after years of raising you... disrespect."

"How am I disrespecting you?"

"How? By not listening to me!" Sylvie fumed. "I always have your best interest on my mind. With this kind of woman by your side, your future will be ruined!"

Felix was hurt hearing his mother's words, and it showed on his face. "Maman, what future are you talking about?" He glanced at Sophia. "This woman here believed in me and gave me a chance when I thought that I ran out of chances. When I look at my reflection in her eyes, I see a man I hope to be. No one can take her place in my heart. My future is meaningless if I don't have Sophia to share it with"

"Ungrateful." Sylvie squeezed through her teeth.

Felix sighed. "I'm sorry you think that way." He knows that there is no point in talking any more with Sylvie.

Felix focused his attention at Sophia and pulled her away, "Let's go, there is a park nearby I want to show you."

They made few steps down the sidewalk when Sylvie's voice reached them. "You will regret this! You said she believes in you; wait until your luck changes! When you stop providing for her, she will leave you!"

Felix stopped and turned to face her. "Maman, you don't understand. This magnificent woman is the one providing for me. Actually, if it's not for her, you would not be living in this lake house." Felix shook his head briefly in disappointment, and continued walking with Sophia.

They left behind Sylvie who was staring at their backs with her mouth half open. She was not willing to accept what Felix told her. She was not ready to let him go. But what can she do now?

After few minutes of walking, Sophia and Felix reached well maintained neighborhood park. They sat on a bench facing the lake.

Sophia sighed, "I'm sorry... I didn't want to put you in a position to choose between me and your mother."

Felix tightened his hold on her. "You didn't. She did."

Sophia rested her head on his shoulder. "We are in your hometown. What do you want to do now?"

"How about we go home?" Felix kissed top of her head.

"Sure... let's go back home." Sophia agreed.

Both Sophia and Felix wanted to go back to Seattle and to leave behind this unpleasant encounter with Sylvie.