There's Fire

Settled Into A (Big) Family

Adrian's POV

Benji and I were hanging out at the mall in the food court. He and I honestly just came for pretzels and smoothies after school. I didn't have to work, help my mom, or dance so I was free. I liked hanging out with him. He was cool too, so that made it natural for us to get along. I know it made it way easier on our parents. "So how do you think this whole moving in together thing will go? I mean I don't think you guys would like living one the edge of town so far from your family. I know you're super close. Dad is down for a new place because my aunt has been pinning for this place for years." He laughed.

   "Yeah, my dad and momma are trying to talk them into gifting them a house, but no my mom keeps refusing. Your dad didn't seem bothered by it. I mean it would be cool and your mom would have to go through mega security checks to get Jet. I know that you're worried about that after you leave for school." I sighed.

   "Yeah, the birth giver of mine is something else. I'm nervous for the dinner we're all supposed to have next week. My mom is up the worst." He didn't sugarcoat it.

   "Oh yeah, my was telling my dad about it this morning and he was like I trust Reid, but not leaving my mom to deal with that especially since I'm going to be there."

   "You would think she wouldn't be pressing the issue since she got married two years ago, but I don't know. Last weekend Jet was on the phone with mom because she wanted to say good night and when she heard him say goodnight mommy and she literally was about to explode because she was like I'm your only mommy not her. Then she got mad because we don't call her husband dad and demanded we call him that. She made Jet cry and it took forever to get him to stop."

   "Why do you guys still go over there?" I asked.

   "It's court ordered. I tried to get my dad to get it adjusted since we're both old enough to speak for ourselves, but because I'm almost 18 I got more say than Jet. He won't go unless I do and if he doesn't our dad gets in trouble. The judge said if Jet still wants to be at dad's full time by the time he's 13 and older to speak of himself completely then he'd take it into consideration more. Jet told the judge I don't want to go cause I'm not there and so that was taken as-"

   "You coached him."

   "Yeah, my mom used my dislike of her husband to say I coached Jet and we can't work it out if I'm not there every other week. Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. You're lucky though you get to go in between your parents freely and your step mom is like the super nice." He laughed.

   "Yeah, I lucked out. I had a shitty step dad though, so I see you. Oh, do you want to split Chinese food?" I asked.

   "Yes, you like the Mongolian chicken and rice noodles right?" I nodded eagerly happy that he remembered. He got up to go order and hopped in the long line and waited.  I was looking down at my phone when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I jerked away automatically and looked up at to see Mason. He offered a small smile, but when I usually would relax after seeing it was him, I didn't this time. He sat in Benji's spot across from me. "Hey, um are you still mad at me?"

   "Do you understand why I am mad?" I asked.

   "Because my dad did a background check on you and found out things he shouldn't have. I get that." He nodded.

   "And?"

   "You said you're uncomfortable being around him at any point." He continued.

   "Exactly." I had hope he finally got it.

   "My dad was wrong, but he's harmless. He always does background checks on the people I'm around. You said your dad does the same."

   "My dad does background checks on people I'm around 18 and older. Not a minor! Let alone digging through a minor's history!" I snapped at him. "He may be harmless to you, but he makes me feel completely unsafe and I will not be around that Mason."