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Eric came up beside me, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. “Here we go.”
I took a deep breath, and we stepped out to greet our parents and help them bring in their luggage.
My mother, always radiant, stepped out of the car, her blonde hair catching the golden hues of the setting sun. My father, tall and sturdily built, was right behind her, his usually jolly expression replaced with a more contemplative one. The moment they saw me, their faces broke into broad smiles.
“Zoey! Look at you. Coming out to the cabin to relax for the month must have been good for you. You’re glowing!” Mom exclaimed, enveloping me in one of her signature hugs.
I inhaled the familiar scent of her perfume, letting it momentarily calm my fraying nerves.
“Hey, kiddo!” Dad ruffled my hair affectionately. Then, noticing the tension on my face, he added, “Everything okay?”
I nodded, shooting a glance toward the house where the boys waited. “Yeah, just a lot to catch up on.”
Eric helped with the luggage, making small talk about their flight and the weather. I couldn’t help but notice how he subtly positioned himself between our parents and the house, as if to delay the impending confrontation. It was both heartwarming and nerve-wracking.
As we entered the living room, the scent of the Christmas tree and the gentle glow from the fireplace filled the room. The ornaments shimmered, their tiny lights reflecting off the windowpanes.
It was almost surreal, this idyllic setting juxtaposed against the anticipation of our revelation.
Once inside, we all settled into the living room. Mason, Bodhi, and Liam sat on the couch, looking as nervous as I felt. My parents took in the scene, sensing that something was amiss.
My mom, looking around, remarked, “The tree looks great, Zoey. It really makes the house feel cozy.” I could tell she was trying to ease the mood, sensing the tension.
My parents both took a seat, one in each of the cushiony chairs opposite the couch. My guys were on the couch, and Eric remained standing. I took a seat at the end, next to Liam.
“What’s going on?” my dad asked. “You’re all acting like you’re hiding a body or something.”
“Mom, Dad,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “There’s something we need to discuss. Something important.”
“Don’t react until you hear her out,” Eric interjected.
With her innate ability to sense changes, my mother slowly scanned the room, her gaze finally resting on Mason, Bodhi, and Liam. “There’s a different energy between you boys,” she mused, her eyes thoughtful and searching.
Sensing the gravity of the moment, Dad leaned forward in his chair, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with intense concentration. The room, so warm and festive just moments ago, was now thick with anticipation.
Taking strength from Liam, whose hand was entwined with mine, I exhaled slowly, choosing my words with care. “Mom, Dad, there’s something we need to tell you. We—” I gestured to include the boys. “—are in a relationship. The four of us. Together.”
The heaviness of the confession seemed to hang in the air, waiting for a response.
There was a stunned silence. My father’s eyes darted between us, trying to comprehend the gravity of my words.
My mother’s hands clenched and unclenched, her eyes misting.
Bodhi was the next to speak. “Mr. and Mrs. Baker, we’ve known Zoey for a long time. And recently, our relationship took a direction none of us expected, but I promise you, this is something we all want.”
Mason added, “We didn’t plan for it. And while we know it’s unorthodox, it’s genuine. We all care deeply for Zoey and each other.”
Liam simply said, “In fact, we love her.”
My mom and dad exchanged a long look. The room’s tension was palpable. My father cleared his throat. “Zoey, you’ve always made your own choices. But this… this is a lot to take in. I don’t quite understand how the four of you are in one relationship.”
My parents responded more calmly than I had anticipated, and I was truly thankful for that. I explained our relationship the same way I explained it to Eric and waited for their reaction.
“And you think your relationship is sustainable?” my dad asked. “What happens when the novelty wears off?”
It was a good question.
Liam leaned forward, meeting my dad’s eyes squarely. “It’s not about novelty,” he began, his voice steady and confident. “We’re committed to navigating whatever comes our way, together.”
