Bully Me

Chapter Thirteen

Oakley Carson

I can't believe I let my moms talk me into this. Axton, Reed and his mom are coming over in a few minutes to have a family dinner? A meet and greet? Who fucking knows. But I'm nervous, and I don't know how else I feel.

"Oaks, can you set the table? Mama extended it already" Mom says, checking the oven for the fifth time. I set the table, trying to keep my mind busy.

The doorbell rings, and my spine stiffens. "It's fine babe" Mama rubs my back, and then she heads for the door. My eyes connect with mom's and she gives me a small smile.

"Deep breaths" she says, and then voices fill the room.

"I'm Poppy, and my mate Quinn is in the kitchen, if you'll head that way '' I hear mama's voice, coming closer.

"I'm Kylee it's so nice to meet you" Axton's mom comes into view, turning to shake mama's hand and then mom's. She comes to me to do the same.

"Oakley" I smiled, taking her hand and shaking it.

"Aww he's cute" Axton brother, Reed? Says. His tone is teasing, and definately has some hostility to it.

"Shut up" Axton narrows his eyes, and steps toward me. Our parents and his brother start talking, mom pulling them into a conversation.

Axton moves until he's right in front of me. "Hey" , his voice is gentle.

"Hi" I slipped my hands into the pocket of my oversized hoodie, swallowing my nerves. I'm so fucking nervous and i don't know why.

"Thanks for agreeing to this. It's nice to have everyone in the same room"

"Your dad didn't come?" I asked, and I guess that was the wrong thing. Axton's body tense and he swallows so hard his adam apple bobs.

"No uh he was busy" Axton says and I nod.

"Okay dinner's ready" Mom says, pulling out a casserole. Mama starts bringing some sides, and moves around Axton to help my moms. Axton starts helping seamlessly as well. We get everything set up and then we take our seats.

Axton of course sits next to me, which I don't know how I feel about that. Mom sits next to Kylee, who sits next to Reed. Everyone starts scooping their food onto their plates, and when it's my turn I do the same.

Conversations start slightly tense at first, but then seem to flow seamlessly. Mom and Kylee talk about stuff that happened in highschool, and Axton adds in some comments once in a while.

I push my food around, taking a small bite as I listen in. Mama asks about Chase, and Kylee hesitates.

"Oh uh. We're just separating for right now. Things will be sorted soon though" she smiles, and Mama nods.

"There's uh rumors around the pack, you know?" Mama says, and nerves wrap around my stomach, squeezing. "O-of abuse. We just wanted to say if it's true, we're always here to listen or help in any way possible. You don't have to say anything, I just wanted to say that" Mama says, and Kylee actually tears up.

"Thank you so much for that. I truly could use a friend now, and knowing you guys are here means a lot" Kylee says, using her napkin to wipe her eyes.

I push the food around my plate, adding in to the conversation when needed. Then it's time to clean up dinner. I slip away first, throwing my food away before mom or mama can notice.

It works, and I help fill the sink with dishes. "Want some wine and to go chat?" Mom asks Kylee.

"I'll do the dishes mama, go with them" I give her a reassuring smile.

"Okay Oaks" mama smiles, kissing my head as she leaves.

"I'm gonna head to Felix's, I'll see you later Ax. Nice to meet you Oakley" Reed smiles, and heads out soon after.

"Mind if I help you?" Axton asks, nodding to the dishes.

"Yeah, thanks" I make my way to the dishes, and plug the sink filling it up with hot water on one side. I start putting the dishes into the water, until the sinks full. Then I grab a plate and start scrubbing. Once It's done I hand it to Axton, who rinses it off.

We continue to do that in silence for a while, until he breaks it. "It was nice to be with you for dinner. You barely ate though"

"Oh uh yeah. I ate a big lunch and just wasn't hungry. That happens sometimes though "I lie, needing to get out of the conversation. "Our moms get along well"

"Yeah they do don't they? My mom said they knew each other in school, that they

weren't really friends but they knew the same people" We finish up the dishes shortly, and then we dry and put them away.

"Yeah that's what mama said too. She said she remembered your dad too. That he wasn't the best?"

"Oh yeah uh" Axton runs his fingers through his dark hair and lets out a heavy breath as he leans against the counter. "My dad abused me a lot. If I played badly in a game, if I did anything he disagreed with. He's homophobic, and when he found out I was into guys, into you. He punished me for it a lot. He did the same to my brother and mom. We moved into the pack house because it was getting really bad. My uncle is thinking of kicking him out of the pack"

My brows raise, and I lean against the sink crossing my arms over my chest. "Wow- that- I'm so sorry you went through that. I'm happy you're out of that situation now, and it helps me understand you more. It doesn't change what you did to me, but i can understand you more now" i suck my bottom lip between my teeth chewing on the skin.

"It's not your fault, and I appreciate the apology. I should've been better. I will be better. I promise"

"I know" the words flow from me, and i think i believe them. Axton steps closer, until he's directly in front of me.

"Do you think we could do something just us soon? Like watching a movie or something?"

"Maybe this weekend? Today's been a lot for me "I admit, since he could share so much with me. "I'd like to maybe go out there with them. But saturday? We can watch some movies and eat some snacks or something"

"That sounds lovely," Axton smiles, taking a step back out of my space. "Let's go then" he has me lead the way, and I do. I make my way to our back porch, and see our moms laughing together.

"There's our boys' ' Mom smiles, her cheeks tinted. We weren't gone that long, I thought. But mom sounds a little tipsy. "Come sit Oaks" she taps the spot between her and Mama, moving over to make room for me.

"Oh yes. Your mate is a Momma's boy" Mama says, as I sit between them.

"I see that" Axton smiles, a real smile. He sits on the other side of Kylee, and she sips her wine.

"We were just talking about going to do something this weekend together. Going to a bar and maybe some karaoke." Kylee says, and Mom smiles.

"Yes it would be so fun. We could go Friday or Saturday?" Mama offers.

"Saturday Axton was gonna come over to watch movies" I say, and Mom nods.

"Okay, we will go Saturday so you guys can have the house to yourself" Kylee agrees with her and then so does Mama. They sip their wine and keep talking about their upcoming plans. Axton and I just sit in and soak in their ideas.

They seem like long lost friends, and I really wasn't expecting it. I kind of like it. The nerves are still there, and I don't feel like I can breathe properly, but I'm accepting it and adjusting. I guess I just have some PTSD from all the bullying and fights. I feel on edge around Axton.

But if I want this whole mate thing to work out, I have to try. And I will. Because I want to try this, and I want it to work out. I just have to give it time.

I think. 

A/N

Oooo the parents met. I wasn't sure if they'd get along but im so glad they do! How do we feel about a little movie date? Do you think it'll go well??