Karma

Chapter 8

Dylan flew back to Philadelphia to see her mother and brother. Nico was getting ready to start high school as a freshman. He was already in line to be on the football team.
Arriving at her old home, Dylan took her things upstairs and unpacked. Nico was out with friends.
"How are you?" Her mother, Carol, asked.
"Mom, I can honestly say that this is the happiest I have felt for a long time." Carol smiled and squeezed her daughters hand.
"I am so proud of you. The way you have sought out help and used that help."
"Yea, it's nothing without everybody's support, though. Including Sophie and Tony." Dylan said. Carol smiled.
"Talking of which, we are going out for dinner with them tonight." Carol said, getting up from the kitchen table. She returned with the teapot and poured some out.
"Cool." Dylan nodded.
"I,er, I also have news." Carol said, looking a little nervous.
"Oh?" Dylan was curious now.
"I have started dating someone." Dylans face lit up with joy at her mother's revelation.
"Mom! That's fantastic!"
"It is?" Carol quizzed.
"Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be?" Dylan asked.
"Nicos, not as happy about this." Carol explained. She looked down at her cup.
"Mom, Nicos never known anything but the 3 of us. He needs time to adjust to a new dynamic."
Carol nodded in understanding. "Just give him some time to adjust." Dylan smiled. As they sat sipping tea and talking, Nico came home.
"Dylan!" He said, smiling and hugging her. He was nearly as tall as Dylan now. His voice was getting deeper. He had short buzzcut hair now and had dyed it blue. With his black Converse and black clothes, Dylan had passed the Emo mantle down to her little brother. Carol went to do some chores, so Dylan went to play Fortnite with Nico.
As they sat down, Nico, in his gaming chair, and Dylan sitting on the bed, Nico passed his big sister a controller.
"Did Mom tell you about Larry?" Nico said as they waited for the game to load up.
"She did." Dylan confirmed.
"Dyl, I don't like him. There's something off. I can't explain it."
"Hmm, ok. Mom mentioned that you weren't adjusting." Dylan said.
"Sis, it's got nothing to do with that. I mean, sure, I would be a little pissed if it was a different guy, but my gut is telling me, Larry's not to be trusted."
"Are you sure it's not just because this is the first boyfriend that Mom's brought home in years?" Dylan asked as they started to play.
"No, Dylan, look, he's creepy, OK? He seems too good to be true." Nico said, finding a car to drive."You will see what I mean when you meet him. He's coming to dinner tonight."
"Oh? I didn't realise he knew Tony and Sophie." Dylan said.
"He's related somehow to Tony." Nico replied, waving his hand dismissively. Dylan nodded in understanding.

Dylan decided on a blue dress that was sleeveless and had a sweetheart neckline for dinner. The material flared out a little, and it finished just at Dylans knee. Nico had a white button up, that was baggy, with a nice pair of pants and his black Vans. Carol was wearing a black jumpsuit that was also sleeveless. She paired it with a light jacket that was red.
Dylan put her blue ballet flats on and slipped her little bag on her shoulder.
The Uber arrived, and they all got in and travelled to the restaurant. They were a little early, so nobody had arrived yet. The 3 of them went inside and sat on a couch and chairs near a window looking out onto the street. They ordered a round of drinks and talked whilst they waited for the rest of their party to arrive.
Tony and Sophie arrived along with Larry. Tony and Sophie hugged Dylan. Sophie went to apologise for her sons behaviour during Dylans visit. Dylan stopped her immediately, explaining that there was nothing to be sorry about. Larry hung back a little bit as Dylan got reacquainted with her ex in laws.
Carol stepped forward.
"Dylan?" She turned towards her mother. "I would like to introduce you to Larry. Larry, this is my daughter Dylan."
"Hello, Larry." Dylan shook his hand.
"Hello, Dylan, it's wonderful to meet you at last. Your mother has told me all about you." Dylan nodded and smiled politely. She side eyed Nico, and he looked as if to say, 'See what I mean?' Larry took charge of the party and went to the Maitre d'. He confirmed the booking, and they were shown to their table. Larry pulled Dylans chair out for her. She thought this was pretty odd, considering her mother was there. Carol didn't seem to be bothered by it.
Once everyone was seated, drinks were ordered, and menus were looked at. Larry made sure that he was sitting with Dylan. Nico was the other side of his big sister. The siblings chatted away, and Larry was trying to butt in. This irritated Dylan. She just wanted to talk to her baby brother. Eventually, Larry managed to get Dylans attention to himself.
"Your mother tells me that you are at college?" He asked.
"That's right. I am working towards a teaching degree. I will be a junior when I return." Larry nodded.
"Where are you attending college?"
"California." Dylan replied. Her bag started to vibrate. She got her phone out and grinned when she saw her boyfriends name.
"Excuse me." Dylan said to the table and got up.
She went outside to talk to Brendon. They were on the phone for quite a while. Nico came to get her, as food was being served.
"How's Brendon?" Carol asked as Dylan sat down.
"He's good." She replied.
"Who is Brendon?" Larry asked.
"Oh, he's Dylans boyfriend." Nico replied for her as Dylan was having a sip of her drink. Larry's demeanour changed immediately. Like he was trying to be a protective father.
"Oh, he is? I hope he is good enough for our Dylan."
Dylan looked at Larry, then glanced at Nico. Tony and Sophie were talking amongst them selves with Carol. Dylan thought that there was something very strange about her mother's new boyfriend.