Chapter 35: Twit or Twat
POV: Zac
A/N: Thanks Koolies20 for the help!
December 17, 2007
I had to report to the studio today but Gabby wasn’t feeling up to sitting there all day waiting on me with nothing to do, so she called Stella and she was going to come sit with her. However I still felt weird leaving them here alone. Three people had attacked her, that was more than enough to overpower both of them, so I called Jack and he agreed to come sit with them too. Andrew had to work so he wasn’t available. Jack showed up at 7:45 and I left at 8. Gabriella was still asleep but Jack knew to let Stella in when she arrived at 10. I made it to the studio by 9 and found that Taylor and Isaac were both here. We were only finalizing some plans so it wouldn’t be a bad day.
“Gabs isn’t with you?” Isaac asked.
“No. Stella is coming over at 10 and Jack is there now.”
“Jack?”
“Yes, Andrew’s brother. Jack Marello.”
“Oh! The one that’s all rock solid and shit?”
“That’s him. “
They sat down and I told them what the detectives thought about the attack and how they felt it was professionals.
“I’m glad you have Jack there with them then.” Taylor said.
“Yeah, I made sure someone would be there until I get back. So, what’s on the plan for today?”
“Well, let’s start with Gabriella. Any chance she’ll be okay as the roadie and assistant next year when we head back out?”
“Not a chance, the doctor sees her again in January but it’s not likely she’s going to be able to lift, bend, push, or pull anything above 20 pounds. Which crosses out nearly everything we have. She’ll be able to set up but that is about it.”
“So then we need to find a replacement for her?” Taylor asked.
“Basically, I’m not leaving her behind though.”
They sighed but they should have known it was coming, with those guys I wasn’t going to leave her at home alone with no one there to make sure she was okay. My phone went off with her text tone and I checked.
Did you seriously send him here for a body guard?
Yes, I did. You heard the detective Friday, I’d rather be on the safe side.
You do know we were planning to go shopping today right?!
Uh…no….But he won’t mind. :P
So evil to your friends! Wonder if I should mention Friday night…. ;-)
I groaned and they looked at me confused.
NO! No, you shouldn’t mention Friday night to him! Or her or anyone!
I got a smiley face in return and smiled. Isaac cleared his throat and I looked up at him.
“What?”
He looked over at Taylor who smiled. “You know we haven’t really seen you like this since Priscilla. Always texting someone, being happy and just…you smile more.” Isaac said.
“I agree. I was really worried about you because you just seemed to be getting out of hand and well, we were planning to talk to you if this past tour showed you doing the same shit. We really didn’t want to contact Mom or Dad.” Tay said.
“So you what? Hired a girl?”
Taylor laughed. “Actually, I never thought you’d fall for her Zac. I was hoping that if she was on the bus you’d back off the random one nighters though. I guess it worked. Although, really didn’t think you’d move that fast.”
“Well, neither did we Tay. Just happened.”
“Have you both decided what to do about that? I mean I know she moved in and that could affect things.”
I sat back, I was sure that Stella would have told Taylor but apparently she hadn’t mention Gabriella changing her name, that or she wasn’t there when she went inside the building. She’d never told me if Stella went inside with her or not.
“Zac?” Isaac asked.
“When she was released she sent me home and I was certain that she was going to go to Stella’s. That she didn’t want this and she wasn’t going to just come there like I wanted. When Stella dropped her off she showed me her license, she changed her name. Her last name isn’t Frost anymore, it’s Hanson.”
Both of them just stared at me for a long time. Taylor tried to open his mouth a few times but no sound came out.
“So, is that a yes we’re staying married?”
“I believe that is what that means yes. We both know that there is a chance that we won’t make it but we’re both willing to try. I mean, I believe she has far more to handle than I do in that decision, hell Max and Abby keep telling her I am some whore and I don’t deserve to be with her.”
“There what?” Isaac asked.
“Yeah, according to Max I am a huge whore and she doesn’t deserve to be with me she deserves better. But she decided to stay and honestly guys I don’t think they know she is with me, I think they believe she’s with Stella.”
“Well, it might be easier for her right now for them to believe that Zac. I can’t believe what a bitch Max has turned out to be. Is he really just trying to tell her who to be with?”
“Well, he’s been against us since before our birthdays, like weeks before. I think it was after she mentioned the second time I came onto her. He’s told me I needed to stay away from her but how could I? I was on a bus with her and really, I didn’t want to stay away. But, he got really pissed off at the hospital when she woke up. Basically told her he and Abby had a lawyer, she was filing when she was released and she was moving back there.”
“He told her that when she was just waking up?”
“Yeah, came in saw she was awake and basically laid in right then. She ended up making the decisions after asking Stella, Max, Abby and Shawn.”
“Speaking of this Shawn, who is he?”
“Damn guys, what have I not told you?”
“Basically everything but her actual condition.” Ike said.
“Shawn is her brother.”
“Hold up, Gabriella has a brother?” Ike asked.
“Yes, older brother. Um, he was afraid she would hate him for his decision to leave when she was younger. It’s about all I can say about that. She’s talked to him several times since getting out of the hospital and I think this week she’s going to meet him for lunch and shopping or for just hang out time. Not sure about the shopping part.”
“That’s good then. So…have you told Mom and Dad about this marriage?”
“No. I’m honestly terrified to tell them.”
“You know they’re going to want something bigger, right?”
“Yes. I do know they’ll want that but honestly I don’t know if I can give that to them right now. I mean, what if we don’t make it a year? We’re just now over a month and she spent most of that in a hospital. I don’t want to be planning this big fancy wedding and then something happen and we divorce.”
“You know they’re not going to be happy about how and why.”
“I know and I’ll give Gabby that warning.”
“I think you should tell Mom and Dad before then. I really don’t want them to be pissed and irritated on Christmas.” Isaac said.
“They won’t be that mad Ike. Hey, you two should be happy they’ll lay off you a while.”
Taylor busted out laughing and for a bit I was confused and apparently Ike was too as we both just stared until he’d calmed himself down.
“Care to clue us in?” I asked.
“What do you think Mom’s going to want next Zac? You’re the only one that’s married. She’s going to stop bugging us and move to you and grandkids.”
“Hell no. I’ll point blank tell her that’s not until I’m 25 or 35.”
“Suppose you two are using protection then?” Ike asked.
“Well, right now that consists of no sex. Doctor’s orders because of the location of the stitches. Although, have either of you ever had an orgasm so good you passed out afterwards?”
They exchanged looks and then looked at me. “No.”
They’d harmonized on that no a bit, I found that to be a weird thing. But, I was rather shocked on their answer, they were after all more experienced because of age.
“Why?” Isaac asked.
I could feel the spreading heat, shit I should have known one of them would ask me why. I tried to think of an excuse quickly but couldn’t.
“I may have..slightly..maybe..passed out.”
“But you just said you two aren’t having sex, for god’s sake Zac please tell us you’re not cheating on her already.”
“No! We can’t have sex but it doesn’t mean she can’t do things.”
“Are you saying that her ability to give you a blow job is so good you passed out?” Taylor asked.
“Basically.”
Yep, I was not going to say what else she was doing at the time to achieve that monumental of an orgasm, I didn’t want them to think I was bi-sexual or something. I honestly still haven’t figured out whether I would ever want that again.
“She had to have done something else beside just that. Orgasm so strong you pass out?” Ike asked.
“Well, I didn’t recall her moving up or letting me go!”
“Letting you go?!” Taylor asked.
Son of a bitch! I had said that out loud. “She may have…maybe…tied my hands down.”
“Well, maybe it was just the combination of being tied down, the lack of more, and just the excitement. It’s possible. I am not sure I would recommend having them often.” Taylor said.
“I agree with Tay. Serious moment, you don’t plan to find some random person anymore do you? If you are planning to tell Mom you’re married and that you want this to last, then you can’t be randomly finding girls.”
I looked at Isaac. “I do not plan to do that. Believe it or not but I am faithful during relationships. I know what it feels like to be cheated on and I don’t want to ever hurt her that way. Likewise, she’s been cheated on before and I don’t want to be that person.”
“Good. I guess she’s good for you then. I can’t believe I am saying this…but I think you are good for her as well.” Taylor said.
“Why do you say that?”
“She’s opened up a bit more to you, she’s not as dependent on Max and Abby. Like she really considered her options before she chose to come home with you. She asked Stella for her opinion on what she should do, I presume she asked Max, Abby, and her brother too. It sounds like you were good for her in that sense.”
“Maybe.”
“Okay, we need to get busy!” Taylor said.
We set about getting the task that needed to be done before we shut the studio down for the Christmas holiday. Responding to e-mails, ensuring shipments had arrived or went out, just tedious stuff. About noon I got a message from Jack.
You. Owe. Me. Big. Time!
For what?!
They’ve had me at the fucking mall for two hours! Stella showed up and we left to “shop”, so, you know they’ve decided to hit up Victoria secret. Do you know how much torture I am going through?!?!
As long as you aren’t eyeing MY wife then you can watch the women parade around in their panties! Enjoy it man!
See…that’s the problem Zachary. There are NO other women here BUT your wife and Stella. Thankfully they’re behind closed doors because fuck I am sure you’d stomp my ass if I did see her in less!
Want me to try to save you?
No. I’ll just sit here and stare at my phone…until they chose whatever they’re getting. Although based on the items I saw your wife pick up…you’ll be having a *very* happy Christmas. ;-)
Perfect, just what….the message that came in was not him it was her tone and it was a picture. I swallowed, I wasn’t sure I could handle this! Yet I opened the message anyway. Over the shoulder shot in the mirror and that was one very hot picture.
Not sure if this is a good color…thoughts?
Based on the tightness in my jeans, I say it’s a really good color….
Mmm…I think they’ll come home with me then.
Dear god she was going to be the death of me, death by arousal is that a thing? I saw Taylor sitting very awkwardly as well.
“Let me guess, Stella sent you a rather..provocative picture?”
“How did you know?”
“I got one too…I wouldn’t be shocked if Gabby didn’t tell her too.”
“Not sure I can handle many of these messages!”
“Fuck you two quit bragging! Nicole never sends me anything good.” Ike whined.
Taylor and I laughed.
“Be glad Ike!” I said.
“What? You think I wouldn’t mind selfies once in a while? Ones you guys never bother to show anyone.”
“That’s because we aren’t getting selfies Ike, we’re getting basically nude.” I said.
Even Taylor looked at me. “Basically nude? Stella had clothes on but the top of the underwear was showing.”
“Yeah, I’d be happy if Gabby sent those! All she wore in mine was panties, nothing else.”
He and Ike both laughed and I rolled my eyes, was rather glad the next notification was twitter. It was Jack posting a picture of him with each of them on either side. The photo tagged our main twitter page and simply said hanging with Tay and Zac’s girlfriends. Because again, no one knew we were married. I smiled, they were both dressed and even though his hand is around them it was friendly.
“Seriously Zac? He’s all showing off without us?” Taylor asked.
“You do realize like that hardly any pictures of she and I exist right? Like, least people know who Stella is!”
He rolled his eyes but I watched the feed scroll under the picture.
o.O! Zac’s Girlfriend?! When did HE get a girlfriend?!
Seriously? That cannot be his girlfriend, she’s not blonde and we all know he’s a blonde only man. How many of us blondes has he taken to a room after all?
I knew it! I saw them in Charlotte and he was very touchy with her after some jerk grabbed her arm. He was protective too. I just knew it then they were dating!
That reply had an actual photo attached and I hadn’t even noticed any had been taken, it really was a good picture and I really liked the way she was looking at me in that one. I kept on reading.
It’s just publicity guys – come on they’re trying to make him seem less of a whore.
Whore? Gee you should reevaluate your desire to be a fan. I saw them at the OKC fair, he talked to me and my friends for a while but he was adamant he was riding with her.<cont>; We were behind them and his arm surely was around her tightly. Proof in the pic.
Again, pictures were included and holy crap she was right behind us, two photos of us one where she was practically under my shoulder and one with my arm around her on the ride and then one of us walking away holding hands.
“What are you doing?” Taylor asked.
“Reading the comments.”
“Anything good?”
“Oh…for once there not dogging Stella, in fact I think one or two have commented on how her hair looks, good ones but the rest are squarely focused on me and Gabby.”
“Nice.”
“Not quite…I’ve obtained a dozen or so pictures of she and I fans have taken. Apparently we’ve been dating since like…the start of the tour or something.”
I laid the phone down so I could finish my e-mail responses and about an hour went by, I heard the notifications but it was all fans with our names in the replies, responding to whatever but I heard Isaac gasp and looked up.
“You need to check that feed Zac…”
“Why? Dude they’re just wondering when, where, and how. Did the same thing with the first picture of your girlfriend and Tay’s.”
He turned his monitor around and there was a picture from Vegas, we were coming out of the little place at the hotel.
“Yeah, but none of us have been photographed leaving a Vegas chapel!”
I think my heart may have stopped and I silently thanked the gods that our parents didn’t use twitter. I quickly signed in from the desktop and found the thread, wasn’t hard. There was a good picture of us, leaving the chapel and based on the time stamp it was after we got married.
I really don’t think she’s just his girlfriend, I mean why else do you visit the chapels in Vegas? Wonder why no one’s said anything?
I shouldn’t have kept reading but every reply after that was gasps, shocks, and the number one theory was she was pregnant.
Isaac’s phone rang and he frowned. “It’s Nicole. My bet is she saw that.”
“Go ahead and tell her but please tell her not to tell Mom.”
He answered and stepped out and I just laid my head down.
“Were you even going to tell anyone?” Taylor asked.
“Not until after the new year, no. I wanted our family to know first.”
“Maybe you should call Mom and Dad.”
“I’d rather not Taylor, I don’t want their first impression to be this.”
He kneeled down. “It’s better you call and tell them, versus someone asking them about their daughter in law.”
Fuck he had a point there. He stepped out too and my first call was Gabby.
“Hey, what’s up?”
“Nothing much but um.. have you watched the thread for the picture he posted?”
“I have, pretty good pictures of us. My favorite is the chapel one.”
“Yeah, um..Taylor said I should tell our parents. You wouldn’t mind would you?”
“Why would I? I know you wanted to wait until Christmas, but I think you might need to go ahead.”
“I’ll um..Call them then.”
“Zac…you don’t call them for this. Go by there. Jack said he has nothing to do. They need to hear this in person.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”
“I’m sure. Not really sure I can handle parent confrontations right now. I’ll let you take the heat for that all by yourself.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
She then hung-up and I groaned and let my head fall to the desk again for a few minutes then I cleared everything and made quick work of the last 2 e-mails before I shut everything down.
“Where are you going?”
“Mom and Dad’s. If you don’t hear from me in like five hours, come save me please?”
“Not a chance in hell little bro.” Ike said.
“Ditto. We’re going to be in deep enough shit when they realize we knew.” Taylor said.
I rolled my eyes and left, the drive to home was quick and thankfully they were both home. I hesitated in the car a bit before I went inside, they had always been decorators. This year was no different. The house was covered in Christmas decorations and I was hoping these decorations would tame their anger.
“Mom? Dad?” I called.
Dad came from the rear of the house and Mom from up-stairs.
“Zachary! What a pleasant surprise.” Mom said.
She gave me a hug and kiss and Dad stuck with the hug.
“Been a few days since we’ve heard from you.”
“Shopped over the weekend and we just closed down the studio today, Tay and Ike are still there.”
“You didn’t stay?” Dad asked.
“Honey, what is wrong? You seem so nervous.” Mom said.
“Can we sit down, please?”
I was over 18, why was telling them I got married such a hard thing? Oh…wait…maybe it was because I didn’t even tell them I had a girlfriend? Mom lead us to the living room where we got comfortable. I recalled a lot of fond memories here and a lot of not so fond ones when we were quite rowdy. Let’s hope this conversation didn’t end up on the never to remember list.
“I have something that you need to know and I really was going to wait until Christmas but there was an occurrence today and it’s really better if you hear it from me.”
Mom looked worried and Dad shook his head. “When is she due Zac?”
I gave him a confused look, due? What the hell?
“The girl you got pregnant, when is she due?” He clarified.
“That’s not…No…there is no pregnancy by anyone!”
“Then which one is going to sue or post nudes of you?”
I blinked. “What are you talking about Dad?”
Mom’s hand landed on my knee. “Honey we know about the girls and the way you’ve been acting since Priscilla. Your aunt saw some twits or twats a few months back.”
I blinked. My mother had just said twat…fuck my life I didn’t need to hear those words coming from her, I was certainly not repeating it either.
“Twits? You mean tweets from Twitter?”
“Yes, whatever they’re called. She called me and asked me what these girls were referring too and honestly we saw the same signs that Taylor and Isaac had. We just thought they would be good big brothers and spare you the talk with us. I guess not.”
Oh hell this was not going where I wanted it at all, the last thing I wanted was to discuss those tweets with my parents! Or the simple fact that I’d had more sexual partners than either of them would have preferred.
“It’s not about those tweets, pregnancies or anything like that. I am careful with the women I am with so no lawsuits and definitely no nudes.”
That is, unless Gabriella got pissed at me, then I may have to be concerned about those.
“If it’s not the tweets, pregnancy, or even sex. Then I know it better not be anything to do with drugs or violence.” Dad said.
“Will you please just let me explain?”
Mom soothed Dad the way she always did when he was upset and ready to yell at us and I knew when she nodded it was safe to tell them. But, hell I wasn’t sure I wanted too now!
“You know about Gabriella, I told you I was bringing her for Christmas this year. It’s just, Gabriella isn’t just my girlfriend. She’s my wife.”
“That’s not funny Zachary.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny. I’m serious, Dad!”
He sat there for a moment, clearly this wasn’t going to be good. “Wife?! How long have you two even been together? What the hell were you thinking?!”
I sat back in the chair, I’d expected bad and yeah that was rather loud. “We didn’t begin dating until November first, we didn’t get married just because, we were both a bit drunk.”
"How is that not "just because"? That's even worse! You barely know her!”
Mom sighed and then just got up and walked out, I could clearly see the disappointment in her face. I frowned as she left the room. I knew she’d always wanted to attend one, it was something she had gushed over when Taylor stupidly told her I was asking Priscilla. She was disappointed when I didn’t. Maybe Isaac was right, this didn’t need to happen on Christmas.
“You’ve upset your mother, I don’t know what has gotten into you son.”
"We didn't believe the place in the hotel was legit, we thought it was just there as a prop, something to entertain guests. We didn't realize until we woke up that it wasn't just there, it was real.”
He sat down on the couch for several minutes. “Once you found out it was legit, why not get it annulled?”
"We were both upset and confused, we both wanted a few days to really think about it and we had to file here in town anyway. So, we decided to talk about it when we got home. The next day she came out about the time Priscilla kissed me, she basically told me not to talk to her. She secluded herself away on the way home and she didn't talk to me until Isaac's birthday."
"Priscilla kissed...?" He trailed off and shook his head. Priscilla was still a rather sore subject with my family "Nevermind that. Do you love her Zachary? Can you honestly 100% tell me you are in love with her and she is the one you will be with for the rest of your life?"
I should probably look at him but my eyes just dropped to the floor. "I don't know. I can't be certain that we'll even make it to our first anniversary right now. If it was left up to her friends she would be filing before the end of the year. The first week I wanted to file for the annulment but when we talked she was willing to give me a second chance. Second chances aren’t something she does very often. Do you not think I can make it work?"
“This has to top the most stupidest things you or even your siblings has ever done. You know marriage is sacred. Going off to a chapel in a drunken whim is not right. Now with that being said, you know we both love you very much. We don't want you hurt. You haven't known her long. There is so much you both need to learn about each other. We haven't even met her!"
“I’m sure Taylor’s pregnancy scare might be right there beside me. I know and it was stupid and I really wasn't thinking clearly at that moment. We even went with unconventional Star Wars themed. It's not like either of us really thought this was the real deal. I've known her since August, but it's still not long. I'm continually learning things like the fact she has a brother, which I didn't know until he showed up at the hospital. In fairness Dad, she was coming for Thanksgiving."
"Star Wars? Only in Vegas." But he slightly grinned and those excessive feelings of wanting to throw up eased some. He sighed heavily though. "I do not agree with this decision son but what's done is done. Drunk or not it was a very selfish and careless move you both made. I love you and if she makes you happy then we can all just hope the best for the both of you.”
I was about to respond to him when Mom came back in, it was evident she had been crying and that really made me feel like complete shit. She’d been disappointed when Priscilla and I split, but after explaining why she was okay with it. Now? I didn’t know.
“Walker, honey can you give us a few minutes?”
Dad simply nodded and stepped out of the room. I had never had to face our mother alone. Taylor and Isaac have before, Taylor spent a long time with just Mom when he told them Natalie was pregnant and it could be his.
“So, you get drunk and marry a woman you barely know. Where did I go wrong with you? What did I do or did not do that failed you?”
I wasn’t even sure catching Priscilla felt this way, this pain. “You didn’t do anything wrong nor did you fail me Mom. I just…we didn’t think it was real!”
“It’s Vegas Zachary! Of course it’s real! I raised you better than this, well, apparently I didn’t.”
“It was inside the hotel, most of the chapels were stand alone buildings. You did Mom. I didn’t walk away from her the next morning! We did try to be adults and discuss this before we made a decision.”
She was quiet for a few minutes. “Everything I wanted to ask your father has already asked. So I will spare myself the details all over again. I am just very heartbroken that my baby boy got married in some sleazy chapel with a woman that he barely knows.”
Taylor had told me many times that our mother had the ability to make you feel like you were nothing, that you were the dirt beneath someone’s shoes. I didn’t believe him because she’d never been that way toward me. But seeing the disappointment in her face and knowing that this was something she counted on and missed was making me believe him. I felt like there was nothing I could do or say that would take away her disappointment.
“I’m sorry Mom. It’s not how I wanted to get married either, but honestly I don’t think I’ve ever really wanted to marry anyone else but Gabriella. She’s all I’ve thought about for months and it wasn’t Taylor nor Isaac that stopped me from going from woman to woman. It was Gabriella.”
“Do you love her? Are you even sure she loves you?”
I sighed. “I can’t answer either of those, not yet. But I know that seeing her laying in that hallway, covered in blood felt like I was losing a part of myself. Not knowing if she would even make it, hurt.”
“I can’t even imagine what was going through your head when you seen her like that. I am glad she will be okay, I am not saying she’s a bad woman or not meant to be with you. I just wish you would have done this the right way.”
“I know Mom and I will talk to her. I don’t want to promise something more official right this moment, but we will do something.”
“It’s already official.”
“I mean something where everyone can be present. Something not in Vegas. I’m not stupid Mom, I know you are disappointed that you weren’t present, you and Dad both. No amount of pictures or videos will ever make up for that.”
“I am and that is not a secret. I hope that one day we can have a real ceremony for you both.”
I hoped that too but I wasn’t even sure because I had no idea what Gabriella wanted in that sense. Dad poked his head around the corner before he came back into the room, clearly they weren’t done with me.
“You said there was video?” Dad asked.
“Yes. The chapel sent us the link. I can play it if you’d both like to see it.”
He slid the laptop from the couch closer and I got it, didn’t take long to pull it up and they watched it. It was very clear we were drunk but Mom seemed to soften just a bit. I showed them the pictures they took also.
“No rings?” Dad asked.
“Not yet.”
“Why today?”
“We were going to tell you Christmas while she was here. But, Jack posted a picture of him with her and Stella and it prompted other pictures, including one of us coming out of the chapel. Taylor had a valid point, it’s much better if I tell you than one of our aunts or cousins or even a fan.”
“Yes, much better from you. Are you saying that Taylor and Isaac knew?”
“Taylor questioned why I was allowed back in the ICU area. Family only and I was because she’s my wife. I think maybe that helped her decide what she wanted to do. She left and had Stella take her to change her name.”
Mom smiled a little, maybe, just maybe. My phone went off and it was Jack, asking where I was. I shot him a quick text to say I was here.
“Why is Jack with her?” Dad asked.
“The police came to the house Friday. They believe the attack was drug related and that the individuals that broke in were professionals and their intention was to kill her. I asked him to come sit with her because well, you’ve seen Jack and you know his parents. There is no way he would allow anyone to hurt her or Stella who left an hour ago.”
“I would imagine she’s waiting on you to get home as well. We’ll need time of course but you need to answer those questions Zachary, if you don’t love her and she doesn’t love you, then perhaps this path isn’t for you both.” Mom said.
I nodded, I really had no words because the thought of her not being there wasn’t something I liked. But I gave them both hugs, apologized again and then headed home. It hadn’t gone the way I’d hoped.
You alive bro?
Define alive Ike? Because I totally feel like nothing right now. Needless to say, it didn’t go well with either.
Tried to tell you it wouldn’t, but what the ever loving hell did you do to get Tay and I called to the principal’s office?!?!
Nothing? Well…did mention that you both knew but I explained why. Maybe it’s unrelated and they just want to make sure you both didn’t do the same thing I did?
Ugh. If they yell at us we’re yelling at you!
It should have humored me some, them being yelled at but it didn’t. Jack basically ran out as soon as I walked in.
“What have you done?” I asked.
“He’s been antsy, I think some girl asked him out at the mall or something.”
I walked to the couch and sat down beside her, laid my head over.
“I take it they weren’t really thrilled?”
“Not really. Dad was loud and Mom…brutal.”
I felt her lips on my forehead and her fingers in my hair. “Getting married is usually a big deal to parents, I can understand where they’re coming from. Did you show them the video?”
“Yes. I’ve just never seen my mom that disappointed in me. Not when I failed to study, not even when I told her that I’d never asked Priscilla and there never would be a wedding. Taylor told her I picked the ring out.”
“Sounds like Tay jumped the gun a bit.”
“He did. She was so disappointed but today was even worse.”
Her arms slide down mine and she squeezed me, not very tight but given her condition this was good.
“Do they still want to meet me? Or am I now the spawn of Satan that must be eradicated?”
“They still want to meet you. I just...”
“It’s okay Zachary, it’s expected that they were going to be upset. It was your first concern when we both realized what happen. You were concerned they’d be mad and upset. I’m sure it won’t last long, they just wanted to be there. They don’t know me anymore than I know them, it’s adjusting. There your parents Zac, they just want you to be happy.”
Her hand was rubbing my arms slightly and honestly it felt comforting, felt like I should be here.
“Was Shawn mad?”
“Not really, but he did say had he never left he would have been upset. But, he can’t really be mad at me Zac, he chose to leave and be out of my life. Lot of things could have happened, I would have been upset if he’d gotten married though.”
I got a little closer and just kind of laid against her, the left side felt as comfortable as any to me. She sat there and held me, kept her hand rubbing my arm and I could feel her head laying on mine. I can’t say that Priscilla ever did this, can’t really say anyone has beyond my brothers and parents. Sometime about 6:30 she suggested food and that sounded like a good idea to me.
My parents had a good point. I thought I knew what love was, that what I had with Priscilla was love. What if it never was? What if this was what love really felt like? If it was, why was telling her that so hard? As we laid in bed later and she was curled up beside me I think maybe, just maybe I could.