Let's be honest, no one likes going to PTA meetings. The Karen's and Carol's silently judging your parenting styles, the bad food, the lame fundraiser ideas. And Marc couldn't trust Nathaniel to go by himself anymore because he almost got into a catfight with one of the moms at last week's meeting.
"I don't wanna be here," Nathaniel complained as he and Marc walked Michaela into the school gym where the PTA meetings usually take place. Once they set foot inside, Nathaniel knows that all eyes are on him and his family. That's to be expected when you're one of the only families with two dads raising a daughter.
"I can't believe they came," one blonde woman whispered. She stole a glance before looking away when she noticed Nathaniel's eyes boring into her.
"Hello, Marc and Nathaniel," a kind voice greeted. Nathaniel let out a breath of relief as the only tolerable person here approached them. She turned to his daughter with a warm smile. "Hi, Michaela."
The eight-year-old smiled. "Hi, Mme. Martin!"
Mme. Martin is Michaela's teacher, and just a delight to have at the school. She always provided lunches for any students who left their lunch money at home, the first person students come to for any help they need with homework, and best of all, she gives out candy to students when she sees improvements on their classwork. "If you two want, I can take Michaela to the playground outside. Most of the students are there."
Michaela bounced up and down, her pigtails moving with her. "Can I, dads? Can I?!"
"I don't see why not," Marc shrugged.
"Have fun, sweetie," Nathaniel told Michaela as she left with Mme. Martin. He grimaced. "I sure won't."
"Love," Marc starts, taking Nathaniel's hand. "Promise me you won't get into a fight with one of the moms again."
The redhead groaned. "I can't make any promises, Rainbow. Especially if it involves Lori," he snarled, glaring at the brunette woman who acted like she was all high and mighty just because she's the damn PTA president. "Speak of the devil's little-" He quickly greets with a cheery expression as evil incarnate approaches, "Hello, Lori!"
"Hi, Nathaniel!" She said through a fake plastic smile. "I didn't expect to see you this meeting." She looks to Marc. "And hello, Marc. Still wearing makeup?"
Marc smiled, a little strained. "Hello, Lori. And yes, I am still wearing makeup."
Lori was trying very hard to hide her disgust, but the husbands could see right through her pounds of eye-shadow and spray-on tan. She smiled and made her way to the front with a clap of her hands, grabbing everyone's attention. "Okay, everyone! Let's get started, shall we? Take your seats!"
"Okay, I see what you mean about her," Marc said once he and Nathaniel sat down. "She's just... Ugh."
"I told you. She is pure evil." Nathaniel sends a glare in Lori's direction as she speaks. "If she opens her big botox-filled lips about us, you're gonna have to hold me back."
When the real meeting ended and the children walked back in after tiring themselves out from playing for so long, parents and teachers took the time to talk about normal stuff, like why Kristy was late, how the kid's grades were, who was bringing muffins to the bake sale at the church, if Linda had implants, and if those hot dads hanging over by the snack table are single. Then Lori felt the need to open her big mouth. Her main group consisting of Lauren and Amber flocked to her side as she approached Marc and Nathaniel who were simply minding their own business with Michaela and talking to one of the more tolerable parents.
"You two don't have to bother with the bake sale," she said in her sickeningly sweet-sounding voice, interrupting their conversation.
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes and folded his arms. "Actually, we are going."
