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“Finally!” Rachel shouts, running out of the living room and into the narrow hall leading towards the entrance. She stops when she sees me and my parents, surprise all over her face.
I can’t help the smile coming to my lips as I gaze upon her, finding her in fluffy bunny slippers and matching pink bunny shorts and tank.
“Oh,” she breathes while peeking over me. “I didn’t know you were bring back guests.” She scowls at me and swats my arm. “You should have called and told me. I could have changed.”
“Dude, who’s here?” Seth shouts from the other room. “Do I need to change?”
I want to ask if he’s wearing clothes, but I grimace, knowing my parents would have a million more questions. Turning around, I force a smile, trying not to grimace at Mom’s alarmed face or Father’s quizzical look.
“This is Rachel,” I say while gesturing towards my girlfriend. “She’s a… friend.” I want to tell them that she’s mine. That I care for her more than I’ve ever cared for any other person, but my tongue doesn’t work. It never works around them.
And once again, I don’t want them interrogating me.
“Oh, well it’s nice to meet you Rachel,” says father with a forced smile while holding out his hand. “I’m Franklin Brent. Lucas’s father.”
“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you,” says Rachel with a bright smile. She turns to mom and holds out her hand. “I’m Rachel.”
Mom takes Rachel’s hand briefly and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Christina.”
“Are there people here?” I hear Hunter ask, making me want to roll my eyes and rub my temples.
When will this day ever end?
“Yes, there are people here,” I groan, not able to contain the real me inside any longer. “Please, come say hello to my parents.”
“Well, I’ll let Hunter and Seth entertain you.” Rachel slowly backs away. “It was really nice to meet you.”
Mom clucks her tongue and her head tilts to the side. “Let me help you, sweetie,” she says, her eyes narrowing on Rachel while she follows my girlfriend into the kitchen.
I watch them go, wondering if I should be nervous at all. But Rachel is good with people. She was able to get me, Hunter, and Seth to like her after being such assholes to her.
She’ll be fine with Mom.
9
RACHEL
“How long have you known Lucas?” Christina asks while I scrub the barbecue off the plate.
Lucas’s mom had said she would help me in the kitchen, yet all she’s done is watch me. It’s not like I’m complaining or anything. It just seems a bit… strange. I turn around, finding her leaning against the counter with arms crossed, her gaze scrutinizing my pajamas. Her brows furrow for a moment when her gaze lands on my bunny ears and I feel heat sting my ears, feeling absolutely mortified that I’m finally meeting Lucas’s mother and I’m in my PJ’s.
And he introduced me as his friend.
I try not to feel so upset about his phrasing of our relationship, but no matter how much I try I can’t push the cracks in my heart away; nor can I get rid of the butterflies in my stomach. Christina hasn’t stopped staring at me and I’m beginning to wonder if there’s something actually wrong with me.
“Um, since the beginning of this year. I’m afreshmanat Aurora.”
“Oh, afreshman. How… nice.”
I purse my lips while turning around. I don’t want Christina to see my face, knowing it’s probably as red as a tomato right now. I feel embarrassed. Lucas really should have called. Sure, it’s his apartment and everything, but his parents are dressed so nice and we’re… not.
Although, it doesn’t matter for Hunter and Seth.
They’re not Lucas’s girlfriend.
“And what do you study?”
I scrub against the dishes furiously. I should put them in the dishwasher, but I need something to do with my hands to keep them from picking at my fingers. “Art.” I push a stray hair behind my ear. “I’m actually here on an internship. I’m working at the Louvre.”
