Page 142 of The Breaking Pointe
A relieved smile washes over my face.
“Of course, baby bro,” I say, backing up and turning to open the door, walking out.“Fifteen minutes,” I call over my shoulder, “and we’ll be waiting in the car.”
36
i’ll be home for christmas
COLTON
The temperatures in Chicago are around the same as New York, but feel threateningly different.The wind is fierce, and the air is spine-chilling.Not even the coldest day in New York could ready me for any weather that Chicago has to offer, but as for Noelle—she exists as though it’s a hot day in the middle of summer. Which, let’s be clear, is how she’s behaved since the beginning of the cold front in New York. She’s freakishly immune to cold, and I’m constantly shaking like a damn Yorkie puppy.
From the moment we were able to exit the plane, I could feel my toes going numb and my nose practically growing icicles—not to mention the hairs on my chest trying to develop a frost.So now, not only am I battling the severe fear I have of meeting Noelle’s parents, but my ass cheeks feels like two cubes of ice, and both of those thoughts are a bitstiflingnotto thinkabout.Ican’tevenrehearse my
words with a clear conscious, but even if I could, it wouldn’t be possible because I haven’t thought of anything relatively good to say.The more I think it over—this must’ve been how Noelle felt when she met my mom for the first time. Except she had a lot less time to decide whether or not it was a good idea.
She’s much braver than I. Makes me love her that much more.“It’s this house—here,” Noelle says loudly to the taxi driver, prompting him to slow down. “You can pull into the driveway,” she directs him, pointing.
The town resembles something of a suburban town, I suppose.If you take away the snow and add leaves to the trees, I bet there would be more character.Not just a blanket of white fluff on top of everything.
Her parents spill out of the front door with excitement plastered on their faces.Behind them stands a decently sized, blue house that is vibrant in color, with white lining the banisters and pillars. It’s your average movie-like house. Perfect. It’s no wonder Noelle misses it like she does.
“Here we are.”She cuts a look at me, beaming as she crawls over my lap and shoves the door open to escape.
“Well? Go, doofus.” Steven chuckles, pushing my arm to get me to follow her lead.
“I am, I am,” I drag out, starting to scoot out of the car then stepping out to see Noelle hugging her father while her mother watches them like her treasured possessions.
“Mom—Dad, finally, I’d like to introduce you to two wonderful people,” she squeals.
Her dad is sporting thick, rockabilly styled glasses, and a Chicago Bears sweatshirt.His hair is almost silver, but so ishermother’s.Explainsalotabouthiswisdominthose
tapes, honestly, as it comes with knowledge and age.
My arm extends out immediately, preparing for a hand- shake as her dad approaches me. His eye contact is strong as his hand clashes with mine, firmly shaking it. I grasp on tight, matching his firmness and meeting his stare.
“Quitesomearm,”hesays,laughingandpattingmy opposite shoulder as he holds our hands in place.
Ismilenervously.
“Uh—yeah,”Idragoutsomelaughter,quietly.“I’m Colton.This is my brother, Steven.”I gesture to Steven, standing behind me. “Thank you so much for letting us stay with ya, Mr.Mayberry,” I express with all the sincerity I can. Steven waves in greeting, and her dad’s hands both rest on his hips as he continues to smile, now looking at both my
brother and I.
“And one hell of a Staten twang.Surprised you didn’t play football instead.I hear that’s a big deal over there.You a Giants fan?”he questions me, shooting right for conversation.
At least it’s something I know.I can answer questions about sports all day.
“Boy, am I.” I smile more genuinely now.“I favor the Bears, too,” I add, pointing to his shirt.“I know that’s more your style, here, sir.”
He wags a finger and nods. “Ah. A man of taste. It’s about time. I like it.”
My body eats the compliment, seemingly calming down after I quickly digest it as such.As long as I keep whatever thing I’ve got going, I should be just fine.
“Alright, Reggie, I wanna meet them, too.” Noelle’s mom inserts herself, stepping around him to get to me.
“Now, I can finally meet the man my child is constantly boastingabout,”shesays,standingaboutastallasNoelle.
Pursing my lips into a smile, I try to mask my blush. “I would assume so, Mrs. Mayberry.”
