Killer Results

Meet the Parents

POV David

Preparing the trip to the city was easy. Getting Lauren to sleep the night before we left was another story all together. All night she restlessly tossed and turned, no matter how I tried to comfort her, she refused to settle. I had such high hopes that she was ready to make this journey and after three weeks, Lauren was looking healthier than I had ever seen her before. Now I felt like she was slipping backwards towards depression. She gave a strong tug and I couldn't stop her momentum when she pulled the sheets along with her body, right off the bed.

"Hell Fire and a bag of red ants! I just want to sleep!" Lauren stood up and tossed the sheets back on the bed before storming over to stand by the window seat. I climbed out of bed and removed the comforter as I walked to where she stood, looking out into the night.

"What's keeping you awake." I sat down on the window seat and pulled her onto my lap, then draped the quilt over us.   

"What if my parents' don't want to see me? What if they hate me?" Her voice shook and I knew she was holding back the tears that threatened to break free. She was trying so hard to hold it together, to be strong, but she was already the strongest woman I knew. 

"No one could hate you. Your parents love you and no doubt will be thrilled to see you returned safely to them." I wrapped my arms around her and she snuggled into me. "Remember, I will be with you, always." I kissed her head and leaned against the wall behind me, as I heard Lauren's breathing begin to slow and the soft sounds of her snoring take over.

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POV Lauren

The morning came in a flash and as I watched David loading the bags for the trip in the car, I thought I would be overwhelmed with the drive to visit my momma and poppa, but I felt this sense of calm that enveloped me like a warm blanket. It was so inviting. I didn't know I could feel so content and satisfied with the uncertainties ahead, but everything just felt right. David came up from the driveway and gave me a big smile.

"Good morning, beautiful. Ready?" He reached a hand forward and I took it. I was happy and I couldn't figure out what had changed over that last month. 

"Always." Wanted. That was it, David made me feel wanted and that was the most incredible feeling in the world.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked as he walked me to the car, opening the door and buckling me in.

"Perfectly. I had the most wonderful company last night on the window seat." He turned and kissed me before shutting the door, and jogging over to the drivers side.

"You don't say?" He grinned. Starting the car and pulling out.

"Oh, but I do!" I giggled. David glanced over at me and I had to turn away at the handsome way his face lit up. I just know my face was red! How embarrassing.   

"You have a beautiful laugh, I love hearing it." 

"It's so much better then my singing voice." I tried to change the subject.

"We'll just have to see about that." David turned the radio on and started flipping through the stations till the beautiful voice of Lesley Gore rang out loud on the radio. "Come on Lauren, you know this one."

A few lines in and I started to belt out after the chorus. "You don't own me, Don't try to change me in any way. You don't own me, Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay." I was singing, and not just singing, but belting out my lungs for the world to hear. I turned and looked at David, he had his arm out the window, a smile plastered on his face and eyes on the road. What was it about this man that made me feel so comfortable around him?   

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Pulling up to the small row house, smashed alongside dozens of identically fashioned model homes, only differentiated by color, shutters, or porch display. We arrived at my family home. Only now it didn't feel like home. Nothing about it changed, the flower boxes remained empty, the porch swing still sat lopsided, and the picket fence needed a new coat of whitewash fiercely. However, the home was otherwise in good repair and well kept. David parked the car and we approached the front door, hand in hand. My palms were sweating, but David knocked calmly and waited.  

The door opened before us and there stood my mother and father. Then nothing. Just awkward silence, I wanted to turn and run down the porch steps, into David's car, and drive as far from here as possible. I knew I wasn't welcomed. Then I felt the reassuring squeeze of David's hand, still holding fast to mine. He anchored me to the threshold and broke the silence.

"Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, I hope we didn't arrive too early." I looked over at David. Did he speak to my parents about this visit before coming? Wait, did I ever tell him where I lived? He drove here without a second thought.

"Not at all, come in." Mr. Franklin stepped aside allowing them to enter.

"I'm going to go get the coffee and cake." Mrs. Franklin said meekly as she attempted to scurry past her husband towards the kitchen.

"Wait momma, I'll help you." I longed to speak with my mother, without my father's presence. I released David's hand and quickly followed after her. I knew David would be fine with my poppa.

I walked into the kitchen and my mother was laying out a tray with plates and cups. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. Her hands were trembling as she tried to set the glasses down.

"Momma?" I approached her slowly, I was so worried about how she would react when I reached her.

"My baby." She came around the table so quickly I barely had time to register her arms around me. My mother was hugging me. 

"You're alright." She leaned back and looked at my face. 

"I was so worried, we got the call that you ran away, and then you were gone. Just gone." She walked me to the small table in the kitchen and sat me down. Then stood back, inspecting me. 

"I thought I lost you." She leaned forward again and hugged me tightly. 

"I'm so sorry I didn't fight for you. I should've tried harder, I could've figured out another way." She finally sat down and used her apron to dry her eyes.

"Momma, I'm alright now." I reached forward and held her hand.

"I love you Lauren. I'm so sorry you ever had to feel alone, I will try to be stronger." My mother took a moment and then asked, "what about the baby?"

"A beautiful baby girl, Michelle Rose. Momma she is the most precious thing you will ever see." I smiled, knowing my momma would appreciate the name. Rose was my mother's name.

"Thank you." Her smile spoke volumes, she stood and returned to the trays of coffee and cake on plates. "Let's go save your gentleman friend from your father."

I giggled at the thought of David needing saving, but followed my mother towards the living room holding the second tray of coffee.