Holly head Slopes

Chapter five

The whispers regarding 'Dugray' continued throughout the 'casual drinks.' I had two options: ignore the remarks I didn't understand or put my coat on and sweat like a pig. The restaurant was so warm I'm surprised it didn't melt the snow. I stuck it out and took the whispers. The likelihood of seeing those people again was slim anyway.

It was music to my ears when Frankie and Johnny complained they were hungry. If the twins weren't fed within an hour of being hungry, they became the definition of menaces. Considering the amount of time to get back to the Hughes cabin and prepare and cook the meal, we left swiftly.

Grandma and I whipped up a lasagne, a family favourite, in no time. Cooking with Grandma holds a special place in my heart; we work perfectly together, and she offers me little tips and tricks along the way. One day I'll look back and savour these moments like the sweet treats we bake.

After the second time Frankie and Uncle Sam tried to steal some garlic bread, we had to make a rule that nobody was allowed in the kitchen. But it didn't take long until the delicious cheesy dish was ready to serve.

The family gathered around the large wooden table with empty bellies and excitement. Their eyes lit up as I carried one of the lasagne pots. I had just placed it on the heatproof mat when a voice travelled through.

"Anyone in?"

I knew that voice oh so well. I took my oven gloves off instantly and sprinted to the front door.

Jordan stood with his arms wide, ready to catch me as I launched myself at him. He spun me around and chuckled. We hadn't seen each other in months; college didn't give us much spare time. He put me back on the ground and ruffled my hair, which he knew I hated.

"Took you long enough," I told him as I swatted his hands away, but he was stronger and gave my head one last ruffle. He was a spitting image of Uncle Sam, but he had more of Auntie Rose's traits. His light hair was cut short, which was new, and he was fuller-faced, but that wasn't bad; he was skinny as a whippet. Grandma used to feed him extra because he would burn off calories quicker than us.

It took me a second to realise he wasn't alone. A timid girl stood further behind Jordan, looking lost. I made eye contact with her and then back to him, waiting for some explanation.

The rest of the family arrived and embraced the missing piece of the Hughes' puzzle before I could ask who the girl was.

"Everyone, this is Ruby. My girlfriend."

We tried to keep a straight expression on our faces, but on the inside, we all shared the 'Is he serious?' reaction.

Jordan had never brought anyone home!

And before now, Ruby had never been mentioned, not that I can blame him. If our family caught a whiff of a potential partner, they'd start planning the wedding. This is why I'm grateful college has allowed me to experience dating and a few casual hook-ups without looking for a wedding dress.

"Lovely to meet you." Auntie Rose said as she walked closer with her arms open; she paused for a second, doubting herself. "We're a hugging family. Is that okay?" She questioned the burnt orange-haired girl, who was now wearing a smile.

"Of course." She replied and happily reciprocated Rose's hug.

I looked at Jordan with a smirk; I hadn't seen him so nervous. He looked relieved when everybody introduced themselves. I don't know what he was stressed for; our family welcomed everyone in with big smiles and warm hugs; it was part of the Hughes charm.