Marshall

Deja vu

We arrived to the DAY. I took the advice that Dr Sanchez gave me and tried to be myself. Thunder loaned me a nice outfit. He said it was just hanging around anyway since it was big for him. Charlotte looked great as always. The house was cozy and nice. But I was still feeling nervous , crumpling my sleeve as we were waiting for her parents to show up .

- Love, chill, okay? I can see that you're being nervous.
- I can't help it.. I don't want to screw it up... What if they find me bit good enough? If I'm boring...not handsome for you, stupid or something...
- Jesus Marshall, no. They'll adore you. Trust me.

Soon they showed up and I couldn't believe my eyes.. Charlotte never mentioned their names but I knew. I've met them before..

- Mom, dad. Like I said, I bought my boyfriend here . This is Marshall.
- Aw, what a pretty boy you got my dear.
- Mmm...
- Marshall, they're my parents. Carlos and Frederica.

I knew..I met them when I was 16 years old. They wanted to adopt me. More like, the lady did. My anxiety was creeping when I remembered how the guy felt about me back then. It's not easy to forget a rejection.

- It's nice to meet you ..
- It's nice to meet you too my child. You do look familiar though.
- Do I..?
- Yeah, like a little gangster we almost adopted a few years ago.
- Weird. Marshall was orphan too.

Indeed. And I wanted to avoid this uncomfortable topic.
Like last time, the woman was friendly, she was talkative and bubbly like her daughter. Bug the man...? I swear he was trying to kill me with his eyes.
"Just be yourself". Well, that got me nowhere when I was child, but maybe now , when I'm already an adult . We were having a little awkward but nice dinner. I stayed silent and only talked when I was asked. Perhaps, it was for the best that they rejected me. I wouldn't be with Charlotte now if I was her foster brother.

- Say niño, how old are you? I forgot .
- I'm almost 20.
- A grown up man. You better have a great job and treat my Charlotte well.
- Dad..!
- I said what I said.
- Sir, I have two jobs. Charlotte is loved, respected and she means the world to me .
- Aww. He's a keeper. Don't ruin this one too.
- Mom....

Slowly the tension faded. Her father was still watching every move I made, but I began to feel less bothered. Once the night ended, we all had fun and my anxiety disappeared. They accepted me. It was such a big relief.

- You picked well niña, he's such a gentleman.  I seriously say , don't ruin him. Marshall is a great catch.
- Mom..stop this, ok? I treat him well, you can see. He's happy. Right?
- As much as I can be.
- Good. You take care of my girl. We don't really accept her boyfriends, so feel special.
- Thank you sir .. Charlotte already makes me feel special .
- Aww.

The rest of the night went fine. Charlotte was in the mood to "celebrate" our little victory with her parents. I was way too exhausted mentally. I promised her that we would next time. I also wanted to call Dr Sanchez to share the good news.

- See? I knew they'd love you. You're sweet. Mom was melting away.
- She was back then too.
- What do you mean?
- They forgot it already..but I know them. When I was 16, they came to adopt me. But your dad tossed the idea away.
- Come on! Dad had to ruin it??
- Charlotte, we couldn't date if I was your foster brother.
- A very sexy foster brother if you ask me.
- You're naughty. But really..I'm glad at least this time they accepted me. I feel, I'm enough.
- Of course you are. Never doubt that.