Family Visit
1297 Words
The three weeks have flown by. Everyone is doing last-minute packing before driving up to Lilly, Kai, and Leon's parents' place. I'm making sure I've packed enough clothes for the week; my toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.
I get a knock on my door. I went to open it and Lilly was standing there.
Lilly: Are you ready? The guys are here.
Me: Oh ok. Yep. I'm all set.
Kai and Briggs are at the door to carry our luggage down. Walking out, we run into the creepy girl from before. Lilly jumps at her, but she seems unfazed.
Me: Really Lilly?
Lilly: She deserves alot worse.
We get outside to see that the guys had rented a jeep. I thought we were going to pack in Leon's car like sardines. Leon brought Monica. I roll my eyes.
It's a 4-hour drive, so Kai is taking the wheel first. I open the passenger door and Monica hops in. Is she serious right now?
Me: That's my seat.
Monica: Get in the back with Leon.
Me: My man is driving, so I'm sitting with him. You came with Leon, you stay with Leon. Maybe you would be with Kai if you weren't a w***e and went after his brother. Now move your ass.
Lilly obnoxiously laughs. Starts kicking the seat. She continues doing both until Monica finally moves. I get in the passenger seat and buckled up. Kai grabbed my hand and kissed it.
Kai: Are you ready?
Me: As ready as I'll ever be.
Kai starts the car, and we start our drive to Lorian. Though the trip was supposed to be four hours, it turned into five due to Monica needing to freshen up her makeup multiple times. We finally arrive. Everyone starts to gather their luggage and get out. I stayed in place. Kai squeezes my hand. I jump.
Kai: Everything OK?
Me: Yeah. Uh.....everything's fine.
Kai: Mel, you're shaking.
Me: I'm sorry. I thought I could do this, but I can't. I'm nervous.
Kai: I'll be by your side the whole time. I promise my parents will love you.
He runs his thumb along the back of my hand. I start feeling a bit better. I take a deep breath. He grabs our suitcases and then opens my door. He offers his hand and I accept. We walk to join everyone else. Leon rings the doorbell. An elderly woman opens the door. It must be their mother.
Mother: Charles, the kids are here. And the boys brought their girlfriends.
An elderly man appears. He looks over at all of us and waves for us all to come in. We all file inside one by one. They're mother gives each of them a hug as they enter.
Mother: Hi sweetheart.
Lilly: Hi mom.
Mother: My baby boys.
Leon/Kai: Hey mom.
Mother: Briggs sweetie. Always good to see you again.
Briggs: Always a pleasure Mama.
Mother: And who might you two be?
I start to panic, but Kai swoops in to save me.
Kai: Mom. This is my girlfriend Melanie.
Me: Hello.
I shyly waved to her. She stares me down. From head to toe.
Mother: She's better than anything you've ever brought home before. I'm Alice, but you can call me mom or mama. Anything but ma'am. And you dear?
Monica: I'm Monica. Leon's girlfriend.
Leon: You're not my girlfriend. I just brought you so they don't set me up with one of their friends' daughters.
She scoffs. Their mother doesn't seem to be happy. She eyes her like she's searching for her soul.
Mother: Is this the new Summer?
Kai: Mom?!
Mother: What? I'm just asking.
Leon drops his stuff by the door and flops on the couch. Lilly and Briggs are on their way to their room I guess. I stayed in place, taking in the decor of the house. It's like a modern-day 18th-century Victorian home.
Me: Your house is massive and lovely.
Mother: Why, thank you dear. We've owned this ever since they were little. Come, I'll show you to your room.
Kai is shifting uncomfortably next to me. We continue to follow his mother. She at a door and opens it.
Mother: This is where you two will be sleeping. In Kai's old room.
Me: We're sharing a room?
Mother: Of course. Why wouldn't you?
I look to Kai. He refuses to look at me. His mother senses that something is wrong. Kai speaks up.
Kai: We can stay at a hotel if you want.
Mother: Oh no you won't. Are you two not actually a couple?
Kai: We are mom. It's just......she's....
He's fumbling, trying to find the right words, but it's hard. I help him out.
Me: He was trying to say I'm a virgin. And he's being a gentleman by respecting that.
She seemed taken aback by what I'd just said. She thinks for a moment.
Mother: How old are you sweetie?
Me: I just turned 26.
Mother: Well, I was right. She is better than anything you've brought home before. Well, I can always have you share a room with Lilly or that other girl, Molly.
Kai: Mom. Its Monica.
Mother: Yeah. Whatever.
I don't want to share a room with Kai, but I don't want to separate Lilly and Briggs, and I definitely don't want to share with Monica. I guess I have no choice.
Me: I'll be fine. You don't have to go out of your way.
Mother: Are you sure sweetie?
Me: Yes mama. He hasn't tried anything yet. I trust him.
Mother: If you're sure. I'll let you get settled. I'll come get you when dinner is ready.
Kai: Ok mom.
She gives us one last hug, then closes the door. I turned to Kai and folded my arms across my chest. He pulls me towards the bed, and he sits down in front of me.
Kai: Listen prin-
Me: You knew we were sharing a room, didn't you?
Kai: I'm sorry.
I turned away from him. He stands up and wraps his arms around me. He puts a soft kiss on my neck.
Kai: I'm sorry baby.
Me: Also, I'm the best one you brought home so far? How many have you brought home?
Kai: Baby, please don't do this now.
Me: How many Kai?
Kai: 20.
Me: 20 girls?
Kai: I've never been in long-term relationships. They never last long.
Me: How many have you slept with in this bed?
Kai: Mel please.
Me: How many Kai?
Kai: 19.
Me: You slept with every girl you brought home but one.
Kai: Yeah. Your number 20. And I mean, we were already having s*x, so being here was no different.
I know it's his past, but hearing this hurts. I put my face in my hands. He grabs my arm.
Kai: Baby. Why would you ask if it's going to upset you?
Me: Kai. Can you leave? I want to be alone right now.
Kai: Uh.... OK then. I'll be out by the pool then.
He walks out the door and closes it quietly behind him. I can't believe I've never asked him about his past. I think I overreacted. I should apologize.
As I cracked the door open, I heard Kai talk to Leon. I perk my ears so I can hear what's being said.
Leon: Haha. She's just now finding out about your list?
Me: It's not funny. I don't want to lose her.
Leon: Well be happy she doesn't know what the list really is. You see how badly she thinks of me. Imagine if she finds out Mr. Perfect just became Mr. Perfect overnight.
He laughs as he walks away. What the f**k was that about? I swear if it is not one thing, it's another with these two.
- Writer
