Shawney keeps repeating, "Oh God, I am scared of the dark, please help me."
Torren tries his best to comfort her, "Shawney, there's no need to be afraid, I am here, and you are my good girl," holding her in his arms. He felt her body trembling as she cried. Her back was soaked with sweat.
Stroking her gently, Torren coax her, whispering, "You are safe now, and there is nothing to be scared of. I am right here with you."
Thinking, 'Earlier I thought she was so brave and afraid of nothing,' I continued to stroke her gently.
"Shawney, you will be fine, they just took off the lights to light the candles, now open your eyes, it's just so awesome and romantic."
Scared out of her mind, Shawney tried to think straight; she tightly shut her eyes as she whispered, "You are lying to me."
Torren hesitated for just a second, wanting desperately to convince her. Stroking her hair in a comforting sort of way, "I am not my pretty lady, the entire room is lit with beautiful colored candles, and they have shifted the valances. Shawney, there are so many people on the dance floor, it looks so romantic, won't you dance with me?"
Torren could feel her body still trembling when his Dad came rushing towards us. "Torren, what is going on? I heard screaming?"
Signalling his Dad that it was Shawney, he said, "Yes, Dad, when they switched off the lights, some people were caught by surprise."
Torren was pleased when he saw his Dad smiling, then he said, "I believe we should be leaving, Dad." Torren felt her head nod on his chest as her embrace tightened.
Coaxing her, he encourages, "Shawney, I thought maybe we could have one last dance before we leave, please?"
Feeling her head shaking, he knew she wasn't faking the way she was scared, and her body was still trembling.
Having no choice, he said softly, "Okay, if that is your final decision, let me escort you to the washroom to freshen up, while Dad gets the valet to bring the car to the front entrance."
When his Dad agrees, Torren said, "We will meet you in a minute, Dad."
Train thought as he exited the restaurant to get the valet. 'Goodness, she is the best actress I have ever seen. This evening was exceptional. I could even say it was magical, and the two of them were just so perfect together. I only hope she remains long enough to marry him.'
Asking the valet to park the car aside, Train collects the keys. The valet had only just left him about two minutes when the familiar voice called out his name.
Mr Wilson called out anxiously, "MarCarty, how are you? I heard you were on the road some months ago?"
Being displeased from the moment he heard their voices and saw them walking towards him, but he simply responded, "Yes. I was. I only returned a week ago, and there is so much catching up to do."
Noticing their cunning smile as they reach out their hands to shake his. Wanting to step away when they ask in unison, "And how is your Son, Torren? I heard he was hospitalised?"
Thinking, 'They seem to be well informed, yet they never visit the children once,' "He is coming along fine, and here he comes, you can see for yourself."
Shawney felt Torren's hold tighten on her hand, looking up to him, wondering, 'What was wrong?' Seeing fear written all over his face, having to put aside her fear, she gently stroked his hand that was holding hers.'
"You are going to be fine, Torren, just take some deep breaths, and I am right here, there's nothing to be scared about."
With her inside still a bit shaky from what occurred at the restaurant. She had to ignore herself for a moment, knowing in her time of need, he was there to comfort her, and now he needed her support.
Seeing his reaction becoming more serious, Shawney wondered, 'Who are these people with Mr MacCarty, and why is Torren so afraid?'
They had only reached the car when Shawney immediately understood why he was fearful," hearing the couple ask, "Torren, how are you, Son? You look well?"
"I am fine, Mr Wilson," Torren replies.
Train was impressed, and his heart felt relieved, thinking that in the previous time after he was hospitalised, he had great difficulty remembering. 'This is good, he recognised them immediately.'
"So tell me, Torren, how are the children?" Shawney observed them, especially how they were looking at her, although they forwarded their question to him.
Mr MacCarty noticed the confusion on his son's face from the mention of the children. Responding immediately, "All the children are good, thanks."
TORREN SILENCE MODE
"I am glad to hear that, so tell me, is this your new daughter-in-law, Mr MacCarty?"
'Boy, these people don't waste any time,' Train thought.
Shawney observes how they were looking at her from head to toe because she was holding Torren's hands.
Shawney slowly releases Torren's hand and stretches out her hand, saying. "I am Shawney Wayman. I am just visiting the family for a few days."
Shawney notices how the gentleman reaches out his hand first to shake her hand. "I am Mr Wilson. Dalia is our niece."
"Nice to meet you, Sir." Shawney then removed her hand from his. She then turned to his wife with an outstretched hand, showing courtesy.
When Mrs Wilson held her hand, "It's my pleasure to meet you, my dear." Shawney notices the sideways glance towards Torren. She immediately understood she was no simple person, and it would be good to avoid such a scam.
"Well, it is nice meeting you all, this is my first time in San Francisco," Shawney said as she removed her hand from hers.