Page 65 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

That’s when the doctors finally figure out what’s been causing the patient all those problems.

Mom quickly pulls away from Dad and focuses on the show, but he tries to yank her face back to his so they can continue making out.

“I want to see this part, Ji-Ho,” Mom says.

“Come on! We’ve seen this show a million times. My lips miss yours.”

“Not this episode.” She motions for him to shush.

He stabs himself in the heart and falls down on the couch. “To be rejected by my wife who I love so much. That kills me, right in here.”

“Ji-Ho!” With her eyes on the screen, she playfully slaps his leg. I remain for a few minutes to watch the big discovery, too. I’m not obsessed with science like my mom, but I still find all these medical mysteries so fascinating. Though I can’t say I can sit through a whole episode without feeling a little spooked.

“Nice,” Mom says with a happy sigh as she falls back on the couch. “I knew that was the problem. Do you know how rare it is for that parasite to invade a human body? The poor woman. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her.” She glances at me and smiles. “All ready for the party, sweetie? You look so beautiful.”

“Thanks.” I do a spin and then one of my famous dorky moves. “Ready to get my dance on.”

Mom turns to Dad, who is still playing dead on the couch. “Ji-Ho, Mia is ready to leave for the party.”

He doesn’t move.

“Ji-Ho?”

“Only a kiss from my true love can resurrect me and fix my broken heart,” he mutters with his eyes still shut.

Mom rolls her eyes. She’s used to all his drama, and I know she secretly loves it even when she pretends to complain about it.

Dad taps his lips, eyes still closed. “Right here.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. How have I put up with you all these years?” she mutters before leaning forward and kissing his lips.

He launches to a sitting position and grins. “I have been resurrected by my true love, and my broken heart is whole again.”

She playfully slaps his chest. “Dork.”

Dad chuckles before snuggling her in his arms and brushing his lips against her temple. Then he smiles at me. “Mia, I can’t get over how grown up you are. I still remember the day we brought you home from the hospital. Remember how she wouldn’t stop crying, Charlie? We were worried something was wrong.”

“But nothing was.” Mom chuckles. “That was just our daughter informing us that she came with a lot of drama.”

I beam innocently. “You married Dad, Mom. It’s all on you.”

She grabs him by the chin and looks into his eyes. “Remind me again why I married you?”

He gives her a huge smile that shows off all his teeth. “Because I’m so darn sexy.”

Mom laughs before pressing her lips to his.

“Okay,” Dad says as he gets up. “Lorenzo will now drive you to Zoey’s.”

On the drive, we talk about the play and Dad gives me advice on how to portray my character. He hasn’t done much theater, but he’s like a well of knowledge, and I always love hearing what he has to say.

“Portraying a strong young woman is great,” he says. “But don’t forget to show her vulnerable side, too.”

“Yeah, I struggled with that last semester, but I don’t have that problem with Scarlett. I think I have her figured out.”

“That’s great.” He pulls up before the Hastings’s driveway and leans over to kiss my cheek. “I’m so proud of you, sweetie. You have no idea how much joy it brings me when I see you on stage.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I put my arms around him. “You and Mom are my heroes.”

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