New Kid

The next week was agony, and Friday arrived way to early. Why is it that time always speeds up when you're dreading something? Anyway, Friday came and I was in a panic.

Carter's parents had already called and told him that they were home. Hurriedly, he had run out the door, promising that he would be back later to get me. That left me alone and scared, a dangerous combination. I knew I had to look presentable for his parents, so I grudgingly pulled on a cashmere sweater, jeans, and a pair of Toms. Then I waited.

I was so jumpy that I almost peed myself when Carter came through the front door. He took one look at my face, whcih was pale with fear, and rushed over to me.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, babe," he said gently, pulling me onto his lap.

"I know. This is just very new to me," I replied as my rigid body relaxed against him.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes, until Carter spoke up.

"Well, we need to go. They're waiting on us," he said.

Strangely, my fear subsided a little. Maybe it was just anticipation. Who knows?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ready?" Carter asked me when we pulled up to the house.

"Not in the least. Let's go," I said, trying to smile.

When we reached the porch, the front door swung open, and I was staring at Elizabeth Taylor made over. Every inch of this woman was pure elegance, with her lustrous black hair pulled into a neat ponytail and flattering sweaterdress. She looked to be in her forties and had a killer figure, which led me to believe that she was a former model, though she never admitted it.

"Hello, darling," she squealed, wrapping me in a tight hug. She was much taller than me, so my face was sort of mashed into her breasts. Awkward.

"Hi," I said shyly.

"Carter, what have you done to him? He looks terrified," she exclaimed.

"Nothing. I'm just....um...nervous," I said.

"Well, there's nothing to be nervous about. Come on in."

My nerves were beginning to fade as we walked down the main hallway.

"You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Bowles," I stated.

"Thank you, Matt. And please, call me Ruthie," she replied.

She led us into the kitchen, where Carter's father was. My mouth dropped open when I saw him. He and Carter looked just alike, except he had flecks of gray in his thick black hair. In short, he was very hot.

"Honey, meet Carter's boyfriend Matt," she said happily, laying her maincured hand on his broad shoulder.

"Hey, Matt," he said amiably, extending his hand.

"Hi. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bowles," I said.

"Call me Jesse."

After that, we just stood there awkwardly until Eugenia broke the silence.

"Alright, y'all, who wants coffee?"

You gotta love her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Surprisingly, Carter and I got some time alone that night. Well, semi-alone time, because Betsy was fast alseep in my lap, but I didn't mind. She was so adorable, she could have punched me in the face and I wouldn't have minded. So we did our best to cuddle up to each other in front of the fire.

Every time I saw that fireplace, my mind went back to the event that took place in front of it. I blushed and buried my face in Carter's shoulder.

"I love you," he said as he rubbed my back.

"I love you too," I replied.

Carefully, I laid Betsy on the far end of the couch and climbed into my man's lap.

"My fear seems stupid now," I admitted.

"Told you," he said simply.

We sat and looked at the fire for a while, just enjoying our time together. Then a thought came to me.

"Carter?"

"Hmm?"

"Are we ever going to go public with our relationship?"

He hesitated. "I don't know if it's such a good idea. I mean, I would love for everyone to know, but people here are.....less than accepting," he said with a sigh.

"That's understandable. And I'm new here, so I don't want to rock the boat in any way. So, for now, we'll keep it a secret," I said.

"Alright," he agreed as he kissed my forehead.

"I would love to re-enact our night in front of that fire," he whispered in my ear.

"So would I, but your parents are home and your sister is alseep right next to us. Maybe some other time. It will be the entertainment on our next date," I said.

"I'll hold you to it," he chuckled.

I couldn't wait for date night.

To be continued.......

Note: Sorry this chapter is kinda short, guys. The next chapter will be quite long, so this was kind of a build-up. I have no classes this week, so the next chapter will be here this week! Thanks, guys!