The Look Of Love

Chapter 23: Mrs. Brown

The drive home was anything but peaceful, that afternoon. It was laced with worry and nerves rising from the pit of her stomach. Mary had, in fact, forgotten she was supposed to be meeting Bobby's parents that night. Things had been hectic since he asked her, a week ago.

It was on a date at Golf 'N Stuff, after an electrified game of putt putt golf. Bobby had used the old "your holding your club wrong, let me help you" line. They had purchased a big, soft pretzel to share. Sitting on a bench, near the bumper boats, Bobby angled his body towards Mary's and draped an arm on the back of the bench. He began talking. "So, we've been dating for over a month now. I've been enjoying getting to know you and spend time with you." He paused and  placed a nervous hand on her thigh. "You can say no, but I'd like you to meet my parents. My mom was thinking of next Tuesday. What do you think?" 

She angled her body so their knees were touching. Searching his eyes and face, for whatever answers that aren't there, she could tell he is tense. So, she took Bobby's hand off her leg and held it in her own. "I think next Tuesday will work fine." In order to soothe his nerves and calm him down, she leaned closer to him and nuzzled against his cheek. She placed an affectionate kiss there. 

His eyes started blinking rapidly and his face flushed. "I'll let my mom know next Tuesday is fine then."

Ever since that night, Mary has had a million things to do. First, she's started extra practices at ballet. The studio is gearing up for the Christmas recital "The Snow Maiden" (a traditional Russian fairytale put to ballet in two acts). Parts have yet to be determined. However, being a top dancer at her studio, Madame Irina urged her to audition for the part of the Snow Maiden. Which means practice, practice, practice on top of the normal ballet practices on Monday, Wednesday, and now Fridays. 

Next, is Civinette Club. In preparation for Rush Week, Gemma put Mary in charge of the Rose Tea.  That means purchasing decorations, food, and invitations. This on top of actually putting the whole Tea ceremony together. Everything has to be perfect because this is huge deal. If doesn't get it right, then it'll be a total embarrassment.

Then, there's the whole academic Valedictorian push. More projects have been assigned, which means even less time to have a life. And history class is trying to kick her butt. If not for the help of Mr. History, Mary could kiss class Valedictorian goodbye.

So yes, she forgot about meeting her boyfriend's parents. Which is why the second she parked her Jeep, she rushed into the house to see Aunt Kitty. Her wise and polished aunt would know what to do. Racing up the stairs to the sitting room, on her Aunt's side of the house, she flew into it like a race horse. Out of breath, she interrupted both of her Aunt's card game. "Aunt Kitty," she said trying to breathe and maintain her manners.

Aunt Kitty glanced up at her niece out of breath and perspiring. Always one for manners in every situation,  she tskd, tskd, tskd, while Aunt Pitty hurried over to assist. Aunt Pitty, ever the high-strung Aunt, started fussing over their niece like a mother hen. Aunt Kitty told her sister to "Sit Pitty and stop your busyness." It just wrecks her nerves. She then stated "Mary Margaret Dearest, do compose yourself. Have a glass of fresh mint water." She motioned to the bar cart, by the sofa. 

Mary poured herself a fresh glass of the water. She proceeded to sit daintily on the sofa with her ankles crossed. Once composed, she regained her Aunt's attention. "Aunt Kitty I need your help. It's matter of great importance and there's not much time."

With an an aristocratic eyebrow raised, she replied "Well I am most interested in knowing what  bee has gotten into your bonnet. Do tell us dear and then we'll see if I can help."