Paint A Picture (Left #2)

Chapter 17

I've officially come up with a concept for the showcase that my boss approves of and have made tremendous progress with my paintings. The only problem is the fact that I haven't told my family about it, despite them being the main focus for the majority of my showcase.

With only a few weeks until the showcase and it being Christmas, I thought "what better time to tell them?" Maybe this way, they won't all be able to make the trip out to embarrass me.

Keegan, Macy, and I have made our annual trip back to San Diego for winter break. Only this time, we added Colin to the mix. I'm a little nervous about my family seeing him again, but my mother has already warned my uncles to be on their best behavior. Hopefully, they'll actually listen.

"Keegan! Bryn!" A voice shouts getting our attention as we turn to see our mother waving from beside a car. We rush over to her with our bags in tow pulling her into a hug. "I've missed you girls so much."

"We missed you too, Mom," Keegan replies.

"Now, what about your old man?" Dad grabs our attention away from Mom as he rounds the car from the driver's side. Mom quickly moves to greet Macy and Colin while we hug him.

Eventually we all make our way into the car where my mom asks, "So, what's been happening in New York? Anything new?"

My hands clench in my lap knowing I need to tell them about the showcase, but it just doesn't feel like the right time. Luckily, Macy decides to speak up and tell my parents about her super strict professor that she hates. While she's talking, Colin slides his hand over mine allowing for some tension to be released. I look up to see him smiling at me and I give him a small smile back. Once Macy finishes talking, I finally speak up with my hand holding Colin's in my lap.

"I actually have some pretty exciting news I want to share with the whole family at dinner."

My mom turns around in her seat with the biggest smile on her face, but before she can say anything, my dad speaks up.

"You're not pregnant are you?" He asks as he glares at Colin through the rear view mirror causing Colin's eyes to go wide and my mother to slap his arm.

"Dad!" I groan throwing my head back. "No, I'm not pregnant."

"Don't listen to your father, Bryn. We can't wait to hear about your big news!"

After dropping Macy off at her family home, we finally head back to our house where our younger sisters, Noelle and Skylar, are there to greet us. We catch up on everything going on at Fremont High School. The softball and baseball teams are going to start practicing in February. The dance team, which Skylar is on, is hoping to make it to nationals in the spring. And Noelle's ex boyfriend is a cheating scumbag. It's a long story.

"Alright girls, let's leave Keegan, Bryn, and Colin to get settled upstairs while you two help me in the kitchen," Mom interrupts as we grab our bags to head to our rooms.

While Keegan makes her way to her old room, I lead Colin to mine, which we will be sharing despite my father's protests. My room hasn't changed much since moving to New York. The light blue comforter lays untouched on the bed with too many throw pillows stacked on top. My collection of framed photos still adorn the walls, desk, and dresser.

"Wow, it really hasn't changed much since I moved," Colin states as he places our two bags on the bench at the end of my bed. He makes his way over to the wall of framed photos and takes in the memories that don't feel so long ago.

"I really wish I was there back in high school." Colin continues to look at the many photos of Keegan, Macy, and I throughout high school. There's one of us dressing up for a theme day at school, prom, graduation, and even the silly photos that hold the best times.