That one summer

Orion

I had been in a foul mood since last evening after an argument with my parents last evening. We were having dinner and were talking about how their friend's kids were getting married. Rhys and I just nodded our heads. We now know better not to say anything on this. Rhys ended things with his girlfriend of 4 years last year since he had found her cheating on him, it had hit him hard at first but now he is doing much better. So, this time their next question was directly to me,

"So, Orion, what do I think about a coffee date with Julie's daughter?" I blankly stared at my mum and looked at Rhys for some help. That idiot just covered his laugh in coughing and continued eating. And when my parents used my real name, I knew I was in trouble.

"Mum, you are very well aware that I am not interested in going out on dates with any of your friends. Especially Julie's daughter."

"But why, she is nice, polite, and beautiful."

This time I elbowed Rhys for help. It would still be wrong to tell our parents that Julie's daughter, Julia is into women when her parents do not know. She has always been a good friend of ours and we have also met Lily, her girlfriend a couple of times. "Mum, stop pushing for dates. He will let us know when he finds someone."

And then our parents looked at us and we knew, that very moment we would be going through an episode of emotional blackmail. This has happened every time the conversation of marriage or dating has come up. One would think that we would be used to it now, but every single time I end up feeling shitty and guilty about making them feel bad even if they might be faking about half of it.

Dad started off "We have done so much for you and all we ask for is one simple thing, is that so difficult."

And then it was mum's turn, "We are also getting old now, when will you start dating, get married and would we even have a chance to see our grandkids?"

"You guys do this every time, and you are not old both of you are in your 50's. Also, Rhys is older, bug him to give you grandkids first!"

Rhys threw a grape at my face on that statement "Don't use me as your excuse. Make your own if you have to." And stuck is tongue out. I threw his grape back at him.

"Heartbreak is not easy, leave your brother alone. Either introduce us to your girlfriend or go on dates that we will set up for you." I lost my cool at that. They have always asked me to get married but Dad had never given an ultimatum.

"Are you both serious right now?"

Rhys went silent next to me and stopped eating. My mum looked deadpan at me "Yes, we are very much serious."

A thought came to my mind which concerned me "Are you guys sick or something?"

"What! No, we are quite healthy." My mum laughed and knocked the table twice as touchwood.

"Then why I am being forced to go out on dates I do not want to?"

"Because we want you to have a partner on whom you can lean on and vice versa."

Irritation boiled inside me and without thinking I made a statement which then I did not realise would bring a change in my life. "I already have a girlfriend, but we are taking things slow and that is why I haven't told you guys about it."

Everybody on the table went silent and I chose that moment to step out of the house to get some fresh air and process what had just happened. Rhys followed me and I started walking towards the beach. Our house was ten minutes away from the beach and on the main street I saw Declan walking towards us. I ignored both of them and continued walking.