On Sunday afternoon, Emily arrived at Ryan's family's house, her hands trembling as she rang the bell but determined and prepared.
Ryan opened the door instantly, greeted her at the door and gave her a reassuring kiss on the cheek.
"Hey babe, you look beautiful," Ryan whispered, smiling.
Emily smiled back, a soothing calmness enveloping her.
"Thanks babe, I'm trying to make a good impression," Emily replied, laughing.
"Just know that you're enough babe, you're all the matter to me" Ryan cut her short.
"Thank you Ryan", Emily said smiling feeling much better.
As they walked into the house, Emily was greeted by Ryan's family, who were all smiling and welcoming as Ryan's mom enveloped her in a warm hug.
Emily took a deep breath and launched into the evening, determined to make it a success knowing this was her only chance.
She was served an appetizing delicacy, it's aroma dominating the entire building, becoming irresistible
She devoured the food in an orderly manner, still maintaining who she is. She ate bit by bit enjoying the meal
After the meal, Ryan's family engaged her in series of discussions.
Emily charmed Ryan's family with her wit and conversation, feeling more confident with each passing minute.
She effortlessly navigated discussions about everything from politics to pop culture, to religion and sports including her work experience impressing Ryan's family with her intelligence and humor and erasing the doubt of competence they had with Emily working with their son, Ryan.
As the discussion was going on, Ryan's mom turned to Emily smiling, " so, Emily, has Ryan told you the story behind his infamous cooking disaster?" She asked.
Ryan's face turned bright red as his family burst out laughing.
"Ah, mom, you're trying to sell your son baa, you'll soon make Emily your own child ", Ryan said, chuckling. "I tried to make breakfast for myself and ended up setting the kitchen on fire and everyone was almost choked with smoke, but that was years back, I'm now a good chef."
Emily giggled feeling more at ease. "Well, at least you're willing to take risks in the kitchen," she said, playfully teasing Ryan.
As the evening wore on, Emily found herself feeling more and more at ease.
She was surprised by how much she enjoyed Ryan's family's company, and she could tell that they liked her too.
This really changed her concept about the family, Atleast for the main time as she knows nothing about what the future will bring.
Ryan's mom, in particular, took a shine to Emily.
"I can see why Ryan is so smitten with you," she said, smiling warmly. "You're a wonderful young woman."
Emily blushed, was overwhelmed with thankfulness.
She glanced over at Ryan, who was watching her with a proud smile on his face.
As the night drew to a close, Emily smiled to herself knowing she has accomplished the mission.
She had survived the meeting with Ryan's family, and it had been a resounding success.
Emily thanked Ryan's family for a wonderful evening and headed home, feeling happy and content.
As she drove away from their house, she couldn't help but feel proud and cheerful.
She had faced her fears and come out on top.
When she arrived home, Emily couldn't wait to tell her best friend, Rachel, all about the evening's events.
She picked up her phone and dialed Rachel's number, eager to share every detail.
As she waited for Rachel to answer, Emily couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful evening she had just had.
She knew that she still had a lot to learn about Ryan and his family, but she was excited for the journey ahead.
Emily talked to Rachel about the evening, sharing every detail and getting her friend's feedback.
"So, how did it go?" Rachel asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Emily took a deep breath, diving into a detailed account of the evening's events.
She told Rachel about Ryan's family, the dinner conversation, and the warm welcome she had received.
Rachel listened attentively, asking questions and making supportive noises as Emily talked.
When Emily finished, Rachel let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm so glad it went well," Rachel said. "You were worried for nothing."
Emily laughed, agreeing with Rachel. "I know, right?" Emily said.
"I guess I just needed to relax and be myself."
Rachel's voice turned serious. "So, what's next?" Rachel asked. "Are you and Ryan getting serious?"
Emily confided in Rachel about her feelings for Ryan, sharing her hopes and dreams for their relationship.
"I have to admit, I'm really falling for him," Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rachel squealed with excitement. "I knew it!" Rachel exclaimed.
"I've seen the way you talk about him often without giving one a breathing space. You're meant to be."
Emily blushed, smiling like a 5 year old who had won a spelling bee competition.
"I think you might be right," Emily said, smiling.
Rachel's expression turned serious. "So, what are your hopes and dreams for your relationship with Ryan?" Rachel asked.
Emily thought for a moment before responding.
"I hope we can keep growing and learning together," Emily said.
"I hope we can build a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure."
Rachel smiled, her eyes shining with tears.
"I have no doubt that you two will have an amazing life together,"Rachel said.
"You really need a great love life bestie, and I know this will work out," she added.
Emily's eyes became teary filled with emotions, "you're right, best and mind you, you're the best and I wouldn't trade you for anything".
"I know right?", Rachel said, her face beaming with smiles.
"We'll talk tomorrow, I need to sleep now", Emily said, feeling tired.
"Okay, good night babe and dream about your Ryan yunno" Rachel said giggling
Emily burst into laughter, her cheeks turning red already.
"Don't be naughty", she said in the midst of the laughter unable to control the laugh. "Good night too" she said finally and hung the call.