CH.9 Invite
700 Words
Hearing Braelynn say his full name for the first time since they met made his chest feel hot, both of them watching as the butterflies slowly danced and disappeared with the sun.
Their quiet was soothing when suddenly she gave his hand a little tug towards the door.
"We should head back, they're probably worried."
Without a word Wyn followed her like a soundless bird, taking a deep breath when seeing the eyes rise from the dinner table.
"I'm so sorry for what I said Mr and Mrs Winters, I was feeling rather overwhelmed and...envious."
"
No need to apologise, son, we understand this must be hard for you"
Wyn bowed his head to Mr Winters, slowly sitting in his seat and glancing at Braelynn.
As they all started to finish their dinner, the windows darkened and when all was at peace Lucy, Mrs Winters, suddenly smiled softly at them all and rested her chin on her hand.
"Cassie and Carwyn you should stay the night!"
All of them blurted out a "What?".
Cassie began to shake her head at the idea whereas Wyn was trying to hide his shy face from turning red.
"It's late, it's raining, Brae already has her room set up for two since Kathy was here last night. It would be rude of us to make you go back so soon, especially when we've barely gotten to know each other."
Even though it was a very legitimate list of reasons, there was an awkwardness that was left unsettled.
Cassie cleared her throat,
"I-If you insist I'm sure Wyn would love to stay, I'll pick him up"
"Nonsense! BOTH of you should stay the night and I do indeed insist."
Cassie and Wyn seemed surprised before giving a small nod and both began thanking Braelynn's mum.
Her father took a bite of his taco and leaned closer towards the table,
"So Carwyn, tell me..."
Brae felt herself cringe before he even got the words out.
"What type of man are you?"
"Pardon sir?"
Braelynn started to sink into her chair almost wishing she had a hoodie to hide her face into, Jase smiling proudly after finishing his taco.
"What type of man are you? Are you an all-out jock? A booksmart? I barely know a thing about you and you will be spending your life with my daughter so..."
"Dad!"
She groaned which made the whole table laugh, she leaned to Wyn and mumbled an apology.
Wyn, however, seemed undisturbed and only considered before answering.
"I'm not an athlete nor as booksmart or should I say super smart,"
He grinned at Brae.
"But I am not indifferent. I do what I can, I learn what is offered and I persevere with resilience."
For a moment no one spoke and then Braelynn's dad burst into bellowing laughter, receiving weird looks from the rest of the family.
"No need to be so proper son, just wanted to be sure."
Wyn tilted his head,
"Sure of what sir?"
Jase reached out and ruffled Braelynn's styled hair which made her mum's jaw drop.
"That you were good for Brae, boys these days often have their trousers by the legs, hunched over and swearing away."
Braelynn cringed from the table at her dad's words, thinking about how Kathy totally had crushes on those types of boys.
It made her eyebrows wrinkle whenever she considered it, the question always on her mind of why Kathy liked them.
Wyn awkwardly grinned,
"Well I promise sir, I won't wear my pants by my legs!"
They all laughed and after it passed Jase started collecting the plates,
"You two head on up, I'm sure you two want to hang out or whatever it is kids do these days."
"Okay, thanks mum for dinner!"
Braelynn started jogging up the stairs as Wyn thanked Mrs Winters, slowly following Brae, even managing to miss a step and stumble.
As soon as they stepped through the door and the dishes clinked softly into the drying rack, Lucy cleared her throat and sat across from Cassie.
"I hope you don't feel questioned Cassie, but it would be nice if we could talk more about Wyn and Brae together."
"Oh? Okay...?"
- Writer
