Everything with you

Part 30

Justin

Awkward was an understatement, as Emma and her mom were going at it upstairs, Mr. Reynolds and I were seated in the living room. We could hear everything that was being said. Mr. Reynolds tried to smile through it, but the louder they got, he had to go up and break them apart.

The goodbyes were completely stiff and unemotional. Mr. Reynolds did have a word with me saying that Mrs. Reynolds was very protective of Emma, as they had been through a lot before he met them. I understood what her mom had meant. She didn't see me having a future with her. I myself felt the same when I first went out with her. She was too innocent and sweet for someone like me. Hearing her mom say the same thing made me rethink the same thoughts again. On the drive back, we didn't speak much about what happened and kept the conversation light. Emma dozed after some time, and I rode in silence for the rest of the way back.

Nate called me on the way and asked me to bring our playbook to his house this evening. I groaned in response because I didn't want to go home yet; my dad would probably still be there, but I didn't have much of a choice. I pulled up in my driveway; Emma was still sleeping. I nudged her lightly to wake her up.

"Hey Emma, wake up."

"Um.. oh.. hey.. oh no, I slept again didn't I?" she questioned.

"Yes, you did. We're at my house, but I need to grab something from my room and drop it at Nate's. Do you want to come inside or wait out here?"

She stiffened a bit at my question. "Um.. I can wait here, but I really have to use the restroom."

I just let out a laugh. "Yeah.. come on in then."

I quickly get out of the car and go to her side to open the door for her. She smiles at my gesture, but suddenly it's replaced by nervousness. I raise my eyebrow.

"I'm going to meet your parents! Do I look fine??" she says quickly, turning around to check her reflection in the car window.

"You look beautiful as always. Come on, let's go," I say as I pull her towards the house.

Before ringing the bell, I turn towards her and say, "You know my dad's going to be there. If you are not comfortable with him, I totally understand. Just let me know and we'll leave."

Emma nodded in response. I rang the bell once and opened the door; it was unlocked. As soon as we made our way into the den, Joanna came running from the kitchen covered in flour; some pink color was on her face and hands. She screamed my name and rammed into my stomach, giving me a hug.

"You're back! Dad and I are making cupcakes! Do you want to have one?" she questions so fast. I'm sure she was on a sugar high.

"Are you sure some of it's left, because it looks like you ate everything, Jo?" I say, hugging back.

"Yeah! she screamed, which made me push her back. She finally noticed Emma beside me.

"Ah! Emma!" she went in for another big hug for Emma, who was laughing now. My mom and dad must have heard all the screaming because now they also made their way into the room.

"Hi Emma! How are you?" my mom spoke first.

"I'm good, Mrs. Shepard! How are you?" she responded politely.

My dad remained quiet till Emma spoke.

"I would like to apologize for the way I acted the other day, Emma. I was not myself, and I acted poorly. There's no excuse for my behavior, but I would like for us to move past it since you're dating my son," he says calmly, but I could sense he was really trying to make an effort.

"It's fine, Mr. Shepard," she says with a big smile. She looks at me and seems to be surprised at my shock. Emma is more forgiving than me.

"Jo, can you take Emma to the restroom?" I ask Jo. She nods and pulls Emma towards the restroom.

"I need to go over to Nate's to discuss our game on Tuesday," I say to her as I go up to my room.

"Justin, how long are you planning to speak to your father?" my mom asks me.

"I don't know, Ma, at least as long as he left us," I say back.

"Come on, Justin.. He's here now; he's making an effort for this family, for you. Why can't you at least try?" she asks again. I don't give her an answer.

"It's okay, honey. Let him go," my dad cuts in between. He looks at me and gives me a nod. I reciprocate his nod and make my way towards my room.

I grab the playbook and make my way downstairs. Emma was still chatting with my mom. They both notice me when I'm at the bottom of the stairs.

"Ready to go?" I ask her. She nods and gets up. She gives my mom a quick hug, and we make our way outside.

The ride to the dorm was short. When I pulled up at the dorm, to be honest, I was a bit bummed that I had left her. We got out, and I helped her with her bag. I gave her a hug, and I planned for a quick kiss, but Emma held on, which made me kiss her harder. She was a bit breathless when I pulled away.

"I'll see you soon, okay?" I say.

"Yeah," she says, still closing her eyes.

She made her way inside as I watched. My phone was buzzing in my pocket non-stop now. I picked it up knowing it was Nate.

"Yes, Nate. I'm on my way," I say, and I end the call without waiting for a response. Nate was impatient as hell today, I wonder what was wrong with him.