Living with Pain

Chapter 34: Dinner with the Parents

Sky

    It's been a few weeks since surgery. I'm feeling back to my normal self. I've even been able to do my yoga and dance some this past week. Now that I'm feeling better, Cash decided it was time to meet his parents.

Mayson sits on my bed as I model the outfit I choose for dinner with Cash's parents. "Does this look okay? Maybe I should put my hair up?"

    "Yes, you look fine. And l no, leave your hair down. It's gorgeous. You should show it off more often."

    "Okay, okay," I sit cross legged on the bed next to her. "I'm just so nervous."

    "Don't be, you'll be fine. Cash is completely head over heels with you; that's all that matters."

    I try to muster a smile, "I guess so.

"I know so. You two are adorable. I'm jealous."

    "You'll find a good guy for you one day," I reassure her as she flops back on my bed.

    "Maybe. Or maybe you were right. Guys are dumb."

    "What about Dillon?" I feel bad I've been so wrapped up in my relationship and then the whole gallbladder thing I hadn't been paying much attention to her life.

    "Whatever might have been has fizzled out. But I'm fine with that. I think I'll be moving this summer anyways."

    "Where?" I'm surprised. It's the first I've heard her talking about moving.

    "California. To stay with my grandma. She needs some help around the house and would give me free rent."

    I nod. "Makes sense. I'll miss you though."

    "Maybe," she smirks, "or maybe you'll be too busy doing it with Cash to even think about me."

    "Oh my gosh, stop." My face is bright red now. And of course it is that moment that Cash arrives.

    "Cash is here!" Mom yells up the stairs.

    Mayson makes fake kissing noises as I walk out of the room. I throw her one more dirty look before going down to meet Cash. He pulls me into a hug.

    "Have fun tonight, you two love birds," Mayson winks at me and walks out the door in front of us.

    "Be good," Mom warns.

    "Of course," I reply as Cash grabs my hand and takes me to his car.

--

    My leg bounces up and down underneath the dinner room table. I wipe my hands across my jeans again, trying to keep my breaths even. Cash must sense my nervousness because he gives my hand a squeeze with a reassuring smile. I force a smile back at him.

Cash's mom places all the food on the table. His dad sits at the head of the table. I feel like I've entered an interrogation room. The buffer of Cash's younger siblings I was hoping to have is gone. Cash's mom had dropped them off at his grandparents so we could have "a quiet night to get to know you." Her words, not mine.

    I try to enjoy the chicken alfredo with breadsticks, but my churning stomach causes me to push the food around my plate, eating just enough to seem polite. Cash and his parents do most of the talking, for which I'm grateful. I do answer the questions directed at me. What do my parents do for work? How is school? What am I doing after graduation? I keep my answers short.

    I find out more about Cash and his home life. His mom works as a secretary for the elementary school and his dad is a paramedic. Nobody else in his family dances, but his parents are proud of his winning achievements.