Chapter 56 - Merry Christmas (5) (1/2)

When Vivian showed Sarah and Aiden to the dining room, they saw an older, burly man sitting at the table. That is Vivian's father, Brent. Vivian's mother passed away many years ago. Vivian does not have any memories of her. Brent never remarried. As a single father, he devoted his life to his kids and horses.

”Welcome to our home! Merry Christmas!” Brent stood up and greeted Sophia and Aiden. ”It's such a treat to have more people around the table during Christmas!”

They introduced each other and sat at the table.

”I'm sorry I didn't welcome you when you arrived, I was checking on the horses.” Brent apologized and continued talking. ”Working with living creatures means that there are no days off. I can't tell them to wait until holidays are over before I tend to them again.”

”It's not a problem.” Sarah responded politely.

Brent looked at the table full of delicious dishes and sighed. ”The only one missing is Fred. I wish that he is home now.”

Fred is Vivian's older brother. He is currently in Europe, travelling to multiple destinations with a goal to learn more about horse breeding. Fred wants to enhance and eventually inherit family business. Vivian is not interested in family business, but she supports her brother.

When they finished dinner, Brent headed to his study. ”I still have work to handle. You youngsters enjoy without me.”

Vivian looked at Sarah and Aiden before speaking. ”So, you two are an official couple now. And you spent some time at your house? What does your family say about this?” Vivian looked at Sarah curiously.

”My sisters are supportive. My mom is OK. My dad...” Sarah was choosing her words. ”…is difficult.”

”Oh? I'm sorry to hear that.” Vivian was curious, but she didn't ask for details.

Sarah shook her head. ”Don't worry about it. I can come up with excuses that he loves me too much and that he only wants to protect me. But that's all what it is. Excuses. The truth is that he is stubborn, not easy to accept changes, and he can't handle that I don't want to obey.”

Aiden took Sarah's hand in his and squeezed gently. He can see she is upset and wants to comfort her. Sarah looked at him feeling grateful for his support.

Vivian thought about it, before speaking. ”I didn't know your dad is difficult. When I met him he seemed to be easy going.”

Sarah forced a smile. ”Yes, as long as you are within his borders of what is acceptable, he is easy going. I crossed that line and now he is very difficult.”

”So, what is your status with him now?” Vivian was curious.

”He said many hurtful things in anger.” Sarah closed her eyes and shook her head, like she wants to shake off unpleasant thoughts. ”I ended up saying that until he changes his mind I'm not going back home.”

Aiden frowned. He didn't know this. 'It must have been quite an argument if she ended up saying something like that.' His squeeze on her hand increased. She put her other hand over his, patting it to show him that she is OK.

Sarah looked at Vivian's shocked expression. ”It's OK. Really.” Sarah didn't want to talk more. Part of her was ashamed that her dad acted in such a way. She took a deep breath. ”Let's change the topic. How are you doing?”

”I'm doing fine, I guess. I'm excited and nervous about tomorrow. When will we leave?” Vivian was excited about the idea of seeing Gabriel.

”After breakfast? It takes about an hour drive from here to the hospital.”

Vivian nodded. ”I heard that GHC has a tight security. How confident are you that we will get inside his room?”

Sarah waved her hand, indicating that it's not a problem. ”Don't worry about security. I can handle it.”

”You know that I'm going to be there, right? I can also help.” Aiden wanted Sarah to know that he is available to help her whenever she needs.

Sarah nodded in acknowledgement, before continuing, ”But if his family is there, I don't know how to deal with them.”

”Let me handle family members.” Vivian sounded confident.

”Will you just waltz in and introduce yourself as a girlfriend?” Sarah teased.

”Why not? But I hope that he is awake, then he can explain my presence.” Vivian explained.

”I will be right there to support you no matter what. The worst case is that they kick us out.” Sarah laughed.

”Let's not get kicked out.” Vivian didn't want to think of that as an option. ”Do you have anything to do now? If not, then we can watch a movie. I got my hands on a new Christmas themed movie, it has good reviews. Do you want to watch?”