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So, as I turn onto my parent's road, I go over what I plan to say in my head for about the hundredth time. What I want to do is stay nice and calm, keep it short and sweet, and to the point. I'm hoping they will listen and maybe I can get through to them so we can start healing. Josh won't say it, but I know being at odds with my parents like this really bothers him. I want to fix things for him because he is giving up so much for our relationship.
When I pull into the driveway, my nerves kick into full gear. My brothers are waiting on the front porch for me, and it helps to see their friendly faces. They greet me with hugs as I step out of my car.
"Hey, guys. How have you been?" I ask, once I hug each of them.
"Just trying to keep busy. We feel it's best at this point." Zach says, and the others agree.
"Yeah, I get that." I nod.
"How was your trip to Rock Springs?" Asher asks.
"It was so good. Exactly what we needed. It was nice to be around other couples who had a rocky start but ended up working things out. Josh got to talk ‘ranch shop’ with the guys. With the girls, I got to vent and get some advice. We went horseback riding, and Megan had me come into the shop for a manicure and pedicure." I flash my red, white, and blue nails she did for me so they can see.
I don't know how long the nails will last working at the diner, but I know everyone will like them while they do.
"Those are fancy," Finn says.
"Yeah, she wanted to post photos up on social media to draw in clients looking for summer themes, and I was happy to be her guinea pig."
"Well, let's get this over with. Remember, we have your back. Just try to stay calm. Get in and get out," Asher says.
I follow them into the house and to the back family room, where both my mom and dad are sitting beside each other on the couch.
"Hello, Jenna," Dad says. His voice is cold and emotionless, letting me know this isn't going to be a big, happy family reunion. Not that I thought it would be.
"Hi, Mom and Dad. I wanted to let you know of my intention to move out. Today, I’m here to get my clothes and things to hold me over until an agreed-upon time. Later, I will have a few people come help me get the rest of my clothes, books, and other stuff." I tell them, as proper and as matter of act as possible. I'm not asking for permission. I am telling them what I plan to do.
"Ethan!" Mom whispers to my dad. I don't think I was meant to hear it, but I did.
"Where will you be moving to?" Dad asks. His voice is still level. I have a feeling that is about to change.
I look over at Asher, who is leaning against the wall to my right, and he realizes what he is about to say, and his eyes go wide for a moment. When I glance over at Zach and Finn, who are sitting at the kitchen island eating whatever snack Mom left out, Finn smirks and Zach shakes his head.
"Josh asked me to move in with him, and I agreed," I say, waiting for their response.
My dad clenches his jaw, and the vein on his forehead starts throbbing.
"Not that you will listen, but I don't approve of you moving in with your boyfriend," Dad spits the word boyfriend out like it’s poison.
"You don't approve of me living with any boyfriend or just because it's Josh?" I ask.
When my dad doesn't reply, I have my answer.
"I feel so sad for you. You can't get past your own blinding anger to see how you are destroying everything around you. Your family and your friends are all falling apart because you are so narrow-minded," I say to him.
"Jenna. Let sleeping dogs lie," Asher says.
I take a deep breath and nod.
"We are both here when you are ready to talk. I pray that is soon and not in several decades on your deathbed when you realize how much you messed up," I say. Then, turning on my heels, I go upstairs, followed by my brothers.
"You were very calm. I'm proud of you," Asher says, giving me a hug when we reach my room.
"I feel anything but calm, so I'm glad I at least appeared that way."
"What can we help you pack?" Finn asks.
"Well, I need pretty much everything on my desk," I start.
