Orbin Update Four
The Orbin household was pretty quiet since Izzie went off to University but that didn't mean things died down completely.
Melissa was focusing on school and recently started a serious relationship with Rafael Russo while Peyton had been discovering his true feelings for an old family friend.
However. . . telling Melissa that he was seeing someone seemed like the hardest thing at the moment.
He didn't want to ruin their relationship by spilling the beans but a big part of him needed her blessing.
One day he decided to go for it. Hoping for the best of course!
As he approached Melissa she could tell something was up.
"You know I loved your mother more than anything in the world right?" he started.
Melissa nodded slowly.
From that opening sentence she kind of figured where this was going.
". . . she would want you to be happy," Melissa said quietly.
He starred at his daughter. Was the conversation that obvious?
" . . . you remember Zuri? She used to baby sit you?" Peyton asked.
". . . you like her?" Melissa asked.
"Yeah, she's good woman," Peyton stated.
They quietly stared at each other, Peyton waiting for Melissa's reaction and Melissa wondering if she should give him an honest one.
"I won't see her if you're not comfortable," he added.
"Dad. . . please. I'm a big girl.
Mom would want you to be happy and me too.
So don't even think twice about it," she smiled.
In the pit of her stomach Melissa kind of always figured her dad would never move on. Her mom was the love of his life &
Zuri no matter how good she was. . . could never compare.
However she wasn't that selfish to let her dad suffer because of her feelings.
She would suffer in silence.
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With the blessing of his daughter Peyton and Zuri officially started dating.
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Just as their friendship turned into romance, casual dating quickly turned into something serious.
He was again ready to take the plunge and ask Zuri to be his wife.
He threw a party and invited all his friends. . . all with the intention of asking her after.
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Her dad ran his plan by Melissa a couple days earlier.
She of course acted supportive but again in the back of her mind this was hard for her.
She wasn't really in the partying mood so she hung out in the kitchen.
Her boyfriend Raffy came in to keep her company.
"So what do you think of Zuri?" Melissa asked flatly.
". . . she's a wicked witch!" Raffy replied.
Melissa looked at him playfully.
". . . what do you really think of her?" Melissa smirked.
"She's okay. She's pretty funny," Raffy answered.
Melissa began to pout.
Her boyfriend didn't have a problem with her, why was she the only one?!
Melissa sighed sadly and Raffy hugged her tightly.
"I know this sucks right now so if there's anything you want you let me know okay?" Raffy smiled.
"Can you break up my dad and Zuri?"she asked.
". . . well anything else," he giggled.
She nuzzled her head next to her's.
She him being there. . .talking to her was good enough.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The big moment came when the party died down.
Peyton lead Zuri outside to one of the balconies and told her he had a surprise.
Peyton had been in about two serious relationships in the past (one with Izzie's mother and one with Melissa's) so although he had love for Zuri, he wondered if he was right for her.
After all he didn't have the best luck with women.
"You've been a great friend to me over these years. . ." Peyton started.
"and I was wondering if you'd like to be more than that?" he asked bending on one knee.
"I was wondering if you'd like to be my wife as well?" he purposed.
"Peyton!? Are you serious," she asked.
Peyton nodded slowly.
"So? What do you think?" he asked as he rose to his feet.
"I think. . . that would be a good idea," she smiled hugging him.
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