Page 31 of Beauty and the Grendel

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.

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