Secrets
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"why do you look so nervous?"
i break from my thoughts and look down at Eddie, "i've just never introduced so many people to my parents before."
"i'm sure it'll be okay, they sound like nice people."
i sigh and look out my car window at my parents house. something about this made me so nervous that i could throw up, and as we head to the door the feeling only worsens.
before i can even reach for the doorknob my mom swings the door open with a wide smile.
"Hi! you must be Eddie!" she gives him a tight hug making him laugh softly, "you are just so cute! Richies told us a lot about you!"
Eddie smiles back, "thank you, he's told me a lot about you guys too, it's really nice to meet you!"
she ushers us in, "come in, i've got dinner in the oven and Went is in the back lighting the fire pit."
we make our way to the backyard and it seems they've went all out for the occasion. fairy lights hung around the back deck and the picnic table was set with plates and candles, a vase of flowers in the middle.
"wow, you guys have a very pretty home!" Eddie gushes as he looks up with stars in his eyes at the golden lights.
my dad walks up to us and smiles, "i'm Went, Richies dad. i'm assuming you're Eddie?"
they shake hands, "i am, it's nice to meet you!"
"where is everyone else?" my dad asks as he looks behind us
"they should be coming soon, we came early to help out but it seems you've already set everything up." I explain as i watch Eddie and my mom talk next to the flower bed.
"it seems like he's been a good influence on you." he lowers his voice, "everything's been good, right?"
i nod, "it has been. i'm feeling.. better."
he smiles and pats my shoulder. before we can continue the conversation we hear the doorbell chime.
"i'll get it." Went says as he doesn't want to pull Maggie from her conversation with Eddie. i decide to join them by the flowers.
"you didn't tell me you're going to a dance tomorrow?! i would've bought you a suit!"
i wave off my mom, "i'm not wearing a suit, it's just a dance."
she puts her hands on her hips, "the only dance you've ever been to! you should dress nicely."
"that's what i keep telling him."
we turn to see Bev and Ben, "hi, i'm Bev and this is Ben, i wanted to come thank you for inviting us all for dinner."
My mom smiles, "oh don't thank me, i'm happy to have you all here."
i haven't seen my mom this excited in awhile. she's always tried to get me to bring friends over but i didn't think it mattered so much. apparently it does.
she pulls Ben and Bev over to show them the fountain and i'm left alone with Eddie. i look up at the orange stained sky and take a deep breath as my nerves start to settle.
"your mom is very sweet." Eddie smiles up at me and i can't help but ruffle his hair.
"i'm glad you like them."
he fixes his hair, "i don't know why you're worried, she seems very happy to have us here."
we look over at her as she excitedly talks about how they had the fountain imported from Germany. behind us, Mike, Stan and Bill are helping my dad with the fire as it starts to get chilly. Eddie was right, i don't know why i worried so much.
