“Can I come over tonight and make you dinner?” Hunter asked, as we sat in the library studying together. Since everything with Axel and dating Hunter, my grades had never been better. Hunter was very studious, so often we just hung out and studied together for our dates.
“That’s really sweet but I’m actually going home for dinner tonight.” I smiled apologetically.
“Oh,” he said, his smile vanishing. “Can I come?” he asked, making me choke. That was not something that was going to happen.
“Meet my parents?” I choked out, mind boggled.
“Yeah, I should probably meet them soon,” he said like I was being the crazy one.
“I don’t think tonight’s the best night,” I said simply. I was getting very uncomfortable.
“Why not?” he asked, sounding upset now.
“I’m not ready for that yet, we’ve only been officially dating for like two weeks. I think it’s a bit too soon for the whole ‘meet the family’ thing,” I told him honestly, feeling awkward. He looked taken aback by that and I suddenly felt guilty.
“Oh, okay then,” he said and moved his chair a little farther away, clearly upset with me. The tension in the air grew thick and I was about to apologize when Hunter scraped his chair back across the floor abruptly.
“I’m done with my paper. Have a good night with your parents, I’ll see you Monday,” he said, gathering up his books and papers. He kissed me lightly on the head, leaving me like that. It was both different than with Chris, where he wanted nothing to do with my family, and Axel where he let me have my space and time without getting frustrated. I was irritated that Hunter was being so pushy.
“Have a good weekend,” I replied but Hunter was already walking away. My stomach knotted up feeling anxious, I didn’t think I was being out of line. I just thought it was too soon. I didn’t want to involve my family and introduce them to a boyfriend unless it was serious and I thought the relationship would last. I didn’t see that with Hunter, yet. I hoped he’d get over it and our first argument would blow over by Monday.
“Leah Hon, how’s school going?” Mom asked during our family dinner.
“Really good, I think I’ll make the Dean’s list this semester,” I told them happily. I was secretly a bit of a nerd and loved being a good student, I was proud of my grades.
“That’s great, dear.” Dad smiled, proud as usual.
“And how’s this Hunter boy?” Mom asked, a few days ago I’d casually mentioned I’d been dating him and she hadn’t let up since then. She was just hoping she’d get a son-in-law soon.
“He’s fine,” I told her, not wanting to get into it.
“When will you bring him over?” she continued.
“It’s only been like two weeks!” I explained, repeating myself for the second time today.
“You don’t want to scare him off,” Jackie chuckled. Mom’s face fell, clearly hurt.
“No, it’s not that.” I told them.
“Then what is it?” Mom asked, now concerned.
“It just hasn’t been long, why bring him over if it’s still so new,” I explained.
“Well, what does it matter how long you’ve been together. When you know, you know,” Mom said dreamily to Dad, as they shared a moment.
“Well it’s nothing serious yet, if that changes, you’ll get to meet him,” I grunted, tired of the conversation. The table grew quiet around me.
“Do you have any friends who need their makeup done for Valentine’s Day?” Jackie asked, saving us from the awkward silence and changing the subject, thankfully.
“I don’t know, I can ask around,” I told her.
“It’s only a week away,” she stated, surprising me. I hadn’t realized it was so close. Time was just flying by. “Try to get back to me soon; I want to get myself booked up. I need the cash,” she explained.
“Okay, I will,” I promised. I was proud of her for putting herself out there and sticking to this. It was something she was great at.
Ashley came over after dinner and no surprise, she and Jackie were going out.
“How’s it hanging, Lee?” Ash asked, coming into my room to sit on my childhood bed while Jackie finished getting ready in her room.
“Pretty good,” I said, as I folded some of the laundry I’d brought over.
“I heard you have a new boyfriend!” she exclaimed, always one for the dramatics.
“Yeah, Hunter,” I answered trying to sound excited as well.
“So, everything’s really over between you and Axel?” she questioned, throwing me for a loop.
“Yes, that ship sailed a long time ago,” I told her, emphasizing the word long. Her expression changed to relief and joy.
“That’s good to hear, a good girl like you shouldn’t get messed around with a guy like him.” I knew she was just trying to be nice but I didn’t like what she was saying and wasn’t enjoying the conversation.
Although Axel had hurt me, I’d calmed down since then and realized I really should have spoken to him and been clear on what I thought of our agreement and that we be exclusive,
