The Jerk Next Door

Chapter 34: Past Photo and Opened Memories

Maksean

"Maksean! Dinner's ready and the neighbors will be here any second." Dad called from downstairs.

I set my Chemistry notes aside and look down at my attire. I'm still in the same athletic shorts and sweatshirt from an hour ago. I wasn't sure after seeing how nice my family was getting if I was a bit under dressed.

"Be right down." I holler back, closing the curtains before striping my shorts and pulling up a nice pair of leggings. My shirt looked fine, but I took my bun down letting it fall before deciding it was too messy and throwing the top half in a braid to appear collected. In a matter of minutes I was heading down stairs just in time to welcome Asher and his family.

"Miss Sweate, how lovely it is to see you again." Adrian claimed as she opened the door to let our guest in.

"Mrs. Swift oh please, just call me Anne. Thank you for having us over. Allow me to introduce my wife, Kelly, and step-daughter, Carly. And of course you already know my son Asher." Mrs. Sweate greeted while gesturing towards her family.

"Well then, you may call me Adrian. No need to be so formal." my step-mother replied. "Well, come on in. No need to keep standing at the door. I'll introduce my family."

We moved into the living room as Emma and Trey came in. I learned that the two spent a decent amount of time with the family yesterday and introductions weren't necessary, but we allow Adrian to continue. This is the first time she's gotten to introduce us as a family. It was only half a year ago she married my father, but so much has happened, I'm almost surprised she's still here.

"Asher!" Trey shouted upon seeing the teen as if he wasn't here all morning. "Come see! I wanna show you something!" He exclaimed, grabbing his hand to drag him upstairs.

"Trey be polite! Don't drag him." I yelled up the stairs only getting an "I'm okay" from Asher.

We all laughed at the exchange and excitement in my brother's eyes. He was very fond of Asher. "I'm sorry about him. I think he looks up to Asher in a way." I try to reason.

"No need, he always said he wanted a little brother. He'll be fine." Kelly waved it off as I took note that both Emma and Carly are gone. Only the couple and Adrian stood in the room with me.

"I'm going to check on Dad and the enchiladas." The three women nod, and I walked into the kitchen to see my father dancing.

"We are the champions! My friends! And we'll keep on fighting 'till the end! Duh Duh Duh!" He sang using the spoon that was supposed to be for the salsa as his microphone.

"I always wondered why it took you so long to cook." I state, moving in front of the counter top with a smile. "Is everything ready?"

"Maksean Ignis Swift! You little-"

"Everything alright honey?" Adrian walked in, the two women still behind her.

"Yes, dear. Just my daughter scaring the Be-Jesus out of me." He replied with a goofy smile. "Maks, go let the others know dinner is ready."

I nod, ignoring the call of my middle name. Walking upstairs, I hear giggles coming out of Emma's room. With a knock, I push the door open to find the two sitting on the floor looking at their phones.

"Oh, he is so cute." Carly pointed out getting a hum from the younger.

"Hey, dinner's done. Go downstairs." I state, before closing the door. I walk further down the hall and stop at Trey's room.