Aliyah all night during dinner wouldn't stop teasing you and Jenna. She would make comments here and there about catching you two the other night. Mia started to ask questions, but Jenna shot them down by saying the two of you weren't dating. You laughed off Aliyah's confused face at the comment.
Your phone that was under your leg started playing the minions intro. You knew that could only mean one certain person was calling you. Even though everyone had already finished their food, you didn't want to seem rude by asking to leave the table. You hit the side button to make the phone go silent.
"Stella, darling, you can take the call. It's okay." Natalie kindly put her hand on top of yours.
"It's okay. It's no one. I can call them back."
Natalie looked down at her watch. "Are you sure? It's getting kinda late."
Your phone started to ring again. You mentally rolled your eyes not wanting Jenna's mom see it. "I guess I will. They're being persistent."
You grabbed your phone and stepped outside. You took a deep breath before answering. "Hello."
"Why didn't you answer me the first time?"
You closed your eyes already wanting to hang up. "Sorry, accidentally missed it."
You could picture your mother with an unamused face. "Where are you?"
"I'm staying with some friends."
"Who are these friends?"
You turned your head with your phone still pressed to the side of your ear. Jenna was laughing with her family still at the table. You smiled watching her. "Just some strangers I met yesterday. They're pretty cool. They asked me if I knew how to draw a pentagram for some reason. They wanted to paint it on their basement floor."
"Stella Florence Evans, that is not funny!"
You waited a couple seconds, holding your tongue. You knew you would probably say something snarky again if you didn't watch yourself. "How can I help you today mother?"
"Your father and I are going to California to visit your brother. We want you to come with us."
You stood up straighter. "George is in California?"
"Yes." She said the word as if she were just saying 'duh'.
You scratched the back of your head. "Well, I'm actually in California. When will you guys be here?"
"Tomorrow. We are going to get dinner with him tomorrow when he gets off work. You will meet us there. I will send you the address. I assume you'll be capable of getting there yourself on time since you're already in California."
You looked at Jenna again. You did not want to face your mother and father alone, especially with George. It was a case for disaster, at least for you it would be. "Can my friend come?"
"The one wanting to know if you can draw a pentagram?"
"Yes."
You couldn't see her, but you knew she was rolling her eyes as she sighed through the phone. "I guess I'll have to change the reservation then."
The door to the outside opened where you were. Natalie smiled at you apologetically. "Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt."
You put your hand over your phone trying to block the receiver. "Oh no, it's fine."
Natalie pointed at the fire place outside. She had a lighter in her hand. "They asked me to start a fire out here."
"Lazy. One of them should do it, not you. So unthoughtful." You shook your head jokingly.
Natalie laughed. "You know what, you're right. I am the one who cooked. They can start the fire, there's enough of them." She was about to walk through the door before stopping herself. "Would you like a blanket or anything to drink though?"
"No thank you."
"Okay." She smiled one more time before shutting the door. She marched right up to Jenna and handed her the lighter. You couldn't hear what she was saying, but you figured she was telling her to come light the fire herself.
Jenna pouted before taking the lighter. She made her way outside, giving you a small wave, not wanting to disturb your call.
"Stella. Stella. Stella? Stella!"
You took your hand off the phone after hearing your mother starting to yell your name. "Sorry. Natalie was asking me a question."
"And who is this Natalie woman?" Her voice was of judgement.
"My friend's mom."
"Are you close with her already? Going by a first name basis. Where's the respect? How long have you known this lady? A few days. How long have you known me? Your whole life. Your on the phone with your mother, Stella."
"I am very clear who I am on the phone with, but I'm not going to ignore Natalie when she asks me a question. You'll be okay if I put you on hold for a second."
"I don't know where this disrespect is coming from. You better fix yourself before tomorrow. I don't want you to embarrass George at the restaurant."
You wanted to scream. To yell out into the dark sky, but you took a deep breath. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
"You two better not be late tomorrow. And your friend better look nice at the restaurant."
"Will do. Night." You hung up the phone and stared at Jenna. She was putting wood on the fire to help to build it up. You walked over to her and sat in one of the chairs surrounding the fire. "I have some bad news."
Jenna looked up at you concerned. "Is everything okay?"
"My parents will be here tomorrow, and they want to have dinner with me and my brother."
"Okay?" She wasn't sure what the bad news was.
"Will you come with me?" You looked at her with pleading eyes. If she came then maybe it wouldn't be so miserable.
"Of course. You met my family, now I get to meet yours. What could go wrong?"
You sighed. "A lot of things."
Jenna looked over at the door to see if anyone could see either of you. When the coast was clear, she bent over and kissed you. You put a hand on her face and kissed her back.
"Everything will be fine, I promise. Your parents will love me." Jenna smirked.
You patted the side of her face. "If you say so."
"Excuse me?"
You laughed at her hurt face. You looked over at the small light coming off of the fire. "Your fire is dying."
Jenna turned around and started to tend to the fire. Her siblings walked out with beer, her nephews and niece in bed now. They took a seat around the fire leaving one empty chair beside you for Jenna. She sat down after making sure the fire wouldn't die out. Isaac passed down the beer for each of you , everyone except Aliyah and Markus who just had sodas since they were underage took one.
Mia, who was on the other side of you, tilt her drink towards yours. You clinked them together before taking a sip. Natalie opened the door for Romeo, Aliyah's dog, to run outside. He ran straight towards you, putting his paws on your lap.
"Romeo, come on. Get down." Jenna patted her lap to try and get Romeo to come to her.
"Stop that." You patted your lap for him to jump up. He curled up in your lap giving you puppy dog eyes to pet him.
"Traitor."
A/N
IM NOT EVEN SURE THE DOGS CALLED ROMEO OR IF ITS A BOY BUT TIKTOK SAID IT WAS ROMEO AND IM ASSUMING ITS A MALE DOG SO DEAL WITH IT.
