Chapter 21

Harlow

"Mom, Dad, please hear me out," I pleaded, my heart pounding in my chest as I faced their skeptical expressions. "Griiq is different. He's kind, and he loves me for who I am."

My mother shook her head, her lips pursed in disapproval. "Harlow, this is not natural. Humans and monsters are not meant to be together. What will people think?"

"I don't care what people think!" I exclaimed, my voice rising with each word. "Griiq and I are in love, and we're going to get married whether you approve or not. And our home is in Vermont, so you won't see us anyway."

My father's face turned red with anger. "Absolutely not! I won't stand for this. You're throwing your life away for some... some creature!"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "He's not just some creature, Dad. He's intelligent, compassionate, and he understands me in ways no one else ever has."

"But what about your future?" my mother interjected. "How can you build a life with someone who's not even human?"

I reached into my bag and pulled out a stack of papers. "I've done my research. There are other humans who have found love with monsters, and they've made it work. Look at these stories."

I handed them the articles, watching as they reluctantly flipped through the pages. "See? It's not impossible. Love knows no boundaries."

My father tossed the papers onto the table. "This is ridiculous. You're throwing away everything we've ever wanted for you. A normal life, a respectable husband, children..."

"I don't want a normal life!" I cried, tears stinging my eyes. "I want a life with Griiq. I want to wake up every morning next to someone who loves me unconditionally, who accepts me for all my flaws and quirks."

My mother's expression softened slightly. "Harlow, we just want what's best for you. We're worried about your future."

"I know you are," I said, my voice trembling. "But Griiq is what's best for me. He makes me happy, and isn't that what matters most?"

My parents exchanged a glance, their faces etched with concern. "We just don't understand," my father said. "How can you be sure about this?"

"I'm sure because I've never felt this way before," I replied, wiping away a stray tear. "Griiq sees me for who I really am, and he loves me despite my imperfections. He's my soulmate."

My mother sighed heavily. "We need time to process this, Harlow. It's a lot to take in."

I nodded, my heart sinking. "I understand. But please, just give Griiq a chance. Get to know him like I have. You'll see how amazing he is."

As I watched my parents leave the room, their faces still filled with doubt and uncertainty, I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I sank onto the couch, burying my face in my hands as sobs wracked my body. All I wanted was for my family to love Griiq as much as I did, to see him through my eyes. But deep down, I knew it would take time and patience to win them over. For now, all I could do was hold on to the love Griiq and I shared.

I stumbled into the hotel room, tears streaming down my face as I searched for Griiq. He turned from the window, his eyes widening with concern as he took in my trembling form. In an instant, he was by my side, his muscular arms enveloping me in a comforting embrace.

"Harlow, what happened?" he asked softly, his voice laced with worry.

I buried my face in his chest, my tears soaking his shirt. "They don't understand," I choked out between sobs. "My parents... they can't see past what you are. They don't see the amazing person I love."

Griiq held me tighter, his hand gently stroking my hair. "I'm so sorry, my love. I never meant to cause you pain or drive a wedge between you and your family."

I shook my head, pulling back to look into his eyes. "It's not your fault, Griiq. They just need time to process this. To see you the way I do."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "If it's important for you to have their blessing, I can go back to Vermont. Give them some space and time to come around."

Panic gripped my heart at the thought of him leaving. "No, please don't go," I pleaded, clinging to him tightly. "I need you here with me. We can face this together."

Griiq cupped my face in his hands, his thumb wiping away a stray tear. "I'll do whatever you need me to do, Harlow. I love you, and I want to support you in any way I can."

I took a deep breath, my mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe... maybe we can stay in Florida for a few more days. Give my parents some time to think things over, to see how happy you make me."

Griiq smiled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "If that's what you want, then that's what we'll do. We'll take things one day at a time and face whatever challenges come our way together."

I leaned into his touch, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "Thank you, Griiq. For being here, for loving me, for being willing to fight for us."

He pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me in a protective embrace. "I'll always fight for you, Harlow. You're my everything."

We stayed like that for a while, holding each other as the world faded away. In Griiq's arms, I felt safe, loved, and understood. I knew that no matter what obstacles we faced, we would face them together.

As the sun set outside the hotel window, I pulled back to look at Griiq, a small smile playing on my lips. "Let's make the most of our time here. We can explore the city, try new things, and just enjoy being together."

Griiq grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I like the sound of that. As long as I'm with you, I'm up for anything."

Hand in hand, we stepped out into the bustling streets of Florida, ready to face whatever adventures lay ahead. With Griiq by my side, I knew I could handle anything. Our love was stronger than any challenge, and together, we would make my parents understand.

I woke up the next morning, my heart heavy but determined. Griiq and I spent the day exploring the vibrant streets of Florida, trying to distract ourselves from the looming uncertainty of my parents' decision. We'd laughed, shared stories, and basked in the warmth of each other's love, but the weight of the impending verdict never left our minds.

I smiled as I set my phone down. "I just talked to my parents. I invited them to dinner to get to know you better."

Griiq and I showed up at the cozy steak restaurant, the aroma of sizzling meat and savory spices filling the air. We waited, minutes ticking by as we sipped on glasses of red wine. He reached across the table, his hand gently squeezing mine in a comforting gesture. "It's going to be okay, Harlow," he whispered, his eyes filled with understanding.

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "I know. I just... I wanted them to see how happy you make me, how much you mean to me."

As the minutes turned into an hour, it became painfully clear that my parents weren't coming. The server approached our table, a sympathetic look on his face. "Would you like to order now, or would you prefer to wait a bit longer?" he asked gently.

I glanced at Griiq, a sad smile playing on my lips. "I think we'll order now. Thank you."

We ate in silence, the weight of my parents' absence hanging heavy in the air. I pushed my food around my plate, my appetite gone as the realization sank in. They weren't coming. They hadn't accepted Griiq, and they likely never would.

As we left the restaurant, the cool night air brushing against my skin, I turned to Griiq, my heart heavy but resolute. "It doesn't matter," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I love you, Griiq, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With or without my family's blessing."

Griiq pulled me into his arms, his embrace warm and comforting. "I love you too, Harlow. More than anything in this world. If you're sure about this, then I'm with you every step of the way."

We returned to the hotel, a sense of finality settling over us as we packed our bags. I carefully folded my clothes, my mind racing with thoughts of the future. A future without my parents, but a future filled with love and adventure, with Griiq by my side. I sent a text to my parents.

Our flight leaves in 4 hours. We won't bother you again.

As we zipped up our suitcases, I took one last look around the room, memories of our time in Florida flashing through my mind. The laughter, the tears, the moments of love and heartache. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but through it all, Griiq had been my rock, my anchor in the storm.

We made our way to the airport, our hands intertwined as we navigated the bustling terminals. As we boarded the plane, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness, a longing for the family I was leaving behind. But as Griiq settled into the seat beside me, his hand gently squeezing mine, I knew I was making the right choice.