parents

Chapter Twenty Five

Alex brought the lovely idea of me introducing Ashton up to our parents at dinner earlier this week. I almost choked at the idea. My dad went off about how much of a great idea it was and planned the whole thing with my mother. Alex found the whole thing hilarious.

Having both parents home at the same time was rare enough, and now Alex had to spoil that by bringing up Ashton. My dad has taken tonight off for the dinner I had reluctantly let Ashton know about.

I was worried that my mom and I might have some sort of dispute during dinner and ruin it for everyone else. I wanted nothing more than for that to not happen. I didn't want Ashton to be scared away so soon in our relationship because of my family's drama.

I walk downstairs to find my mom who's currently started dinner with my brother's help. My dad was in the shower upstairs, we had a playful argument about who got to use it first, but I gave up letting him first. 

"Mom, can I have a word with you for a second." I gain the courage to say, gaining the attention of both of them.

"Of course." My mom smiles, walking over to me.

"I don't want us to end up fighting tonight over anything, so I want to call a truce."

"What do you mean? Everything is fine between us, dear." My mom tries to act innocently, but I can see through the bullshit.

"Uh-huh. I know you're not the proudest of me, but I would like to just keep the past in the past." I roll my eyes. I don't know why she's acting like she's the best mom in the world right now, but I hope these shenanigans last the whole night. 

"Whatever you want, sweetheart." I can see Alex peeking around the corner, and I glare at him, nodding goodbye at my mom before checking if dad is out of the shower yet.

The bathroom is clear when I step upstairs and I sigh in relief. This will be my only hour of uninterrupted relaxation before dinner and I was going to make it last for as long as possible.

When I walk into my room, I almost fall from shock.

"You're early." I pull my towel tighter around my body.

"Sorry?" Ashton smiles from my bed, looking me up and down.

"Whatever." I laugh as I grab the clothes I laced out next to him and begin to walk away. I was not changing in front of him.

I quickly change and dry my hair before returning back to my room.

"You look beautiful." Ashton says when I enter causing me to blush as I mumble a quiet thank you. I hadn't gone all out for tonight since it was only at home. I kept it simple with a skirt and cropped top.

I take the seat next to him and take in the moment. Soon it will become a mess with my family.

Alex comes in soon after to say that dinner was done, and we all go downstairs.

Alex sits across from me and Ashton me while my parents take the sides of the table across from one another.

I zone out most of the dinner due to my nerves. My dad and Alex shot questions at Ashton, which he keeps calm and answers.

My mom kept to her word and says nothing throughout and I couldn't be more grateful. It was bad enough Alex was trying to find anything wrong with Ashton, I didn't need a fight with my mom to top things off.

I never knew how to act at dinner and bound myself awkwardly sitting there every time.

I continuously kick Alex under the table when he asks something stupid or embarrassing. This was not what I wanted to go down tonight. If I would have known, I would have talked to everyone beforehand on not just mom.

Everyone excuses themselves and Alex cleans up with my parents telling me I can go be with Ashton. I thank him for at least being a little thoughtful tonight.

"You were very distant tonight." Ashton says pulling me closer to the bed.

"I know, I'm not good at anything social." I sit next to him on my bed. "Sorry about my brother."

"It's fine, that's what brothers are for." We both laugh.

I did not know how this relationship was going to play out and that scared me. I couldn't even socialize with a friend on a good day. I'm too shy for my own good, and I let it hold me back.