Page 83 of Afterglow
Everything about love scares the shit out of me, especially with Theo. Is two months too quickly to fall in love with someone?
I clear my throat, pushing these feelings aside. “So, I was talking to my mum and wanted to know if you would come home with me for Christmas?”
Theo’s eyes widened. “Like meeting your parents?” I nod my head. “I’d love to,”
“Really?” I say, my smile brightening. “I’m not taking you away from your dad?”
“No. He is busy with work. He tried to get time off but I told him not to worry,” Theo runs his hand down my spine and I shiver in response. “When are we going?”
“Tomorrow isn’t too late for notice, is it?”
“Princess, I will follow you anywhere, any time.”
Chapter 39
Theodore Knight
The nerves in my stomach are out of control.
Meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time, will do that to you. We have spent the last six hours in my car, swapping drivers after every break.
Jazmine, however, got to remain in control of the music at all times. I found that extremely unfair. Although, I can’t complain too much. I think I learnt the words to every TaylorSwift song.
I pull into her parent’s driveway and take a deep breath. Looking over to Jazmine, I see her try to open the door. “Don’t you dare Princess,”
She rolls her eyes while I exit the car. Her parents could come out at any second, the last thing I need them to think is I’m a shit boyfriend.
“Theo, you don’t need to be nervous.” Jazmine says, after I open her car door.
“Sure,” I drawl. “Should I get our bags now or later?”
“Later, I want to introduce you to everyone,”
Here we go. I keep control of my breathing with the exercises my therapist has been teaching me. Jazmine guides me into her parents’ house. “Mum! Dad!”
An older man and woman come running towards Jaz. I can already tell these are her parents. Clearly, Jazmine inherited Mrs Allen’s hair, while she received her dad’s complexion. They both take turns hugging her.
“I’ve missed you,” Her mum’s eyes snap to me as I linger behind.
“And you must be Theo, we haven’t heard anything about you. I’m Ashley and this is my husband George,” I shake both of their hands.
“It’s nice to meet you both,”
“Mum,” Jazmine sighs. “I told you everything you need to know.”
“Well, I need to know more. Come, sit down, both of you.”
Her parents lead us through their house. We enter a wide-open space, the kitchen, dining and lounge room are together with no barrier. Sliding doors are at the endof the room, appearing to open onto a deck and a massive back yard. The Allen’s house is beautiful.
“Where is everyone?” Jazmine asks.
On the way here, Jaz explained her family tree. It is massive, completely different to what I’m used to. Holidays were always my grandparents, mum and dad. Slowly, the number became smaller and smaller. Now, it’s just me and my dad.
“Emma and Dante are arriving later but Payton and Kaleb took the kids to the park,” Ashley said.
“So, Theo.” Oh God, I’m about to be interrogated by Jazmine’s father. “Jaz told us you play football, is that what you want to do?”
“Yeah, I’m going to declare for the draft after senior year. My dad is hoping I can move back home but I’d rather stay close to where I am now,”
