Opposites

2.8

"You should just wear a tuxedo and get it over with." Aimee commented as we searched through my closet. That night was going to be the night I met Nate's parents, and I couldn't figure out what to wear.

"Haha, very funny. What about this?" I held up a black maxi-dress.

"That's good. I like it."

"Okay, is my makeup any good?" 

"Shut up and go change." Aimee laughed.

I quickly squeezed into the dress I had chosen and slipped some uncomfy, matching sandals on. I wanted to cry as I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. I felt like I looked very badly and grotesque. Aimee knocked on the door to the upstairs bathroom and I let her in. 

"Are you okay, Cali?" Aimee queried. 

"I really don't know. I don't think I wanna go anymore." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Cali, you gotta go. He really likes you, and he's pretty excited about tonight. Luke and him were texting about it actually." Aimee giggled.

"I know he may like me, but not the real me. He doesn't really know who I am. I'm not even sure I know who I am. Looking at myself all I see is someone who doesn't know what they're doing. I'm gonna end up hurting him and I know it. He's not gonna like who I am." I didn't know why I was opening up to Aimee so much, I guess I had just been more vulnerable or trusting lately. 

"If he doesn't like you for you, then screw him. Nate will most likely like you. He knows part of you, and he likes that. Justin likes you for you, so why can't Nate?" 

"I'm gonna head over to his house now..." I left the room and headed downstairs. I grabbed the car keys, since Mary and Jake were home, and made my way over.

***

Nate stood at the front door of his house, beaming down on me with his huge smile. 

"Hey, babe," he greeted as he pulled me close to him and kissed my cheek.

I gave into what seemed like an awkward hug, "Are your brother and sisters gonna be eating dinner with us too?" 

"Well my mom took Melanie over a friends house, but you'll get a chance to meet the rest of my family." 

"What're the rest of their names?" 

"The other sisters are April and Blair. My brother is Isaac, he's the main interrogator, so I'm warning you in advance."

"Oh gosh," Nate stepped aside for me to step into his house. I couldn't help remembering the last time I had been there. 

"Is she here, Nate? Did you ask if she likes what we made for dinner?" Nate's mom asked from the kitchen.

"Is fettuccine alfredo okay with you, Cali?"

"One of my favorites, actually. Are April, Blair, and Isaac around?"

"They should be coming down any second. Do you wanna sit down?" Nate gestured towards the chair in front of him.

I sat down at the table and smiled at Nate. He seemed to be kind of nervous.

"Honey, Cali is here! Send the kids down and get to the table!" Nate's mom shouted. 

"Guys, get down here now!" Nate called impatiently.

Nate's dad came downstairs holding Nate's little sister in his arms. The other sister and Isaac followed suit. 

"Oh my god, she's a mermaid." Isaac laughed when he saw my hair. I got up to say hello.

"I'm Cali. I'm glad you noticed my hair." I chuckled.