Seattle Move

27. The PTA Meeting

January.

Amelia stood in front of her closet, her mood reflecting the chaotic pile of clothes spilling forth like the aftermath of a toddler's playtime. Today was the PTA meeting at Ryan's preschool, and she had to project the image of a composed mother. The thought of facing the swarm of judgmental parents, especially the moms, sent a flutter of anxiety through her stomach. A light sunbeam flooded through her window into the bedroom, hitting the top shelf where she had neatly stacked a pair of jeans and a cute flower-patterned blouse; a potential outfit.

While she picked out her clothes, Owen lay half naked and asleep in her bed, snoring softly. After six months of on-and-off conversations, awkward brunches that never quite felt like brunches, vague plans that often disintegrated, and an oddly very romantic, affectionate, and emotional holiday season, they'd finally agreed to make an effort at being in a relationship.

"Owen, you're going to make me late," she called for the third time, waking him up again.

"Should I come with you?" he hoarsely asked as he arose from her sheets, his hair facing various directions, "I didn't drive here."

Amelia rolled her eyes. It had been nearly an hour of convincing herself that she was indeed able to go to the meeting solo, perhaps charming a few of the other moms with her stories of post-college life and single-parenting triumphs. Yet here was Owen, interjecting himself into her perfectly planned morning.

"Do you really want to? You barely like budget meetings," she mumbled as she compared a purple top with a navy blue one, silently acknowledging the fact that she'd love to have him there. He made the absurd moments of her life feel less absurd—at least most of the time.

"I don't know, would it be awkward?" he pondered aloud. He wanted to be supportive, but he didn't want to overstep.

"If you don't brush your hair, probably," she teased in a monotone voice, and he rolled his eyes and smiled. He didn't know what they were, at least Amelia hadn't said aloud yet that she wanted to be in a relationship with him, despite his grand gesture for New Years. But they acted like they were in one, and he didn't really mind.

After a brief back-and-forth, Owen nervously agreed to come with her—an outcome that baffled them both. By the time he was ready, Amelia had dressed Ryan in his favourite blue dinosaur shirt, the sleeves flapping around his little arms as he played with a truck on the carpet. "Mommy, I want to go!" Ryan blabbered, bouncing on his toes.

"Okay, buddy," she managed, ruffling his hair. But just as she was about to grab the door, Owen entered, an apologetic smile on his face. He wore a casual grey T-shirt, a pair of jeans, and an air of reluctant resignation. "This is all I have. My dress shirts are back at the trailer."

"That's okay," she answered, ushering him towards the door, "Now let's go!"

They quickly made their way to the school, Ryan's laughter threading through the air as he ran ahead, doubled over in joyous play. Despite the carefree atmosphere, Amelia felt the weight of what lay ahead. She couldn't help but wonder how the other mothers would react to Owen accompanying them.

"Hey, I forgot my phone in the car," he suddenly said, breaking her out of her thoughts, "I'll catch up with you." He jogged off before she could answer, leaving her to enter the room by herself.

As soon as they entered the bright and bustling classroom, she scanned it. The walls were plastered with artwork, a riot of colours that somehow managed to soothe her anxiety. A dull murmur hovered in the air as other parents made small talk. At a nearby table, a group of moms glanced over, their smiles seeming slightly forced.

Owen had just come down the hall, being directed by someone to go into the room they were in. Amelia's heart fluttered as he stumbled in; he was like a lost puppy, trying to look cool in an environment that reeked of over-scheduled intensity.