Who Owns My Heart

Lucas

Christmas eve. The day my family will meet my beautiful Maya. I hope they approve of her, they can be a little judgemental. With Maya, that won't be a good thing considering her home life. My family is very open, and tend to be very invasive of privacy. Oh Maya please please please don't freak out. I promise it's just how they are. What am I doing? She's not even here, and she won't be until later tonight. I need to get ready, my family are very nice, but they won't take kindly to me in my pajamas. 

As I sit up, I go to the bathroom and take a shower. I let the warm water relax my muscles and clear my head. Turning off the water, I get dressed in a light blue sweater and dark blue jeans. I comb through my hair, brush my teeth, and spritz on a bit of cologne. As I look in the mirror, I hear the doorbell, and I glance up at the clock. It's five thirty. Time to go and greet the family. Breathing in deeply, I walk down the stairs with a smile on my face.

My entire family is here. From little two year old Freddy, to ten year old Lilly, to my aunt Marie, to 93 year old Pappy Joe. Even my dad is here. I haven't seen him since about a year ago, when my mom and I left for New York. He still looks the same, judgemental and strict. Aunt Marie looks at me and squashes me in a big hug. "Well if it isn't my little Lukey pie! My you sure have grown some! Your Momma tells me you gotta little lady coming over. I bet she's as purdy as the day is long!" I laugh. "She sure is, aunt Marie. I am the luckiest man I know." She smiles and opens her mouth to speak but gets interrupted by the soft knock at the door. Maya. Instantly my insides melt, and I get all giddy at the thought of seeing her. I walk towards the door, and open it. She looks absolutely stunning. Her hair is in perfect curls, her eyes sparkle, the dress compliments her features with perfection, and everything about her is absolutely hypnotizing. Even her scent makes me swoon. 

She walks in slowly, and cautiously. Like she feels like she's going to fall. I offer her my arm, and she takes it with a thankful smile. Her smile makes me smile back, and I notice every one is staring at us. Clearing my throat, I say proudly, "Everyone, this is my beautiful Maya." Maya blushes at the comment and says "Hello. Thank you for inviting me to your family gathering. It's an honor to be here." She says it so sincerely, and she surprises me. I've never seen her like this, but she's so honest about it. Yet another side of her I haven't seen before. 

My aunt Marie smiles widely and goes up to Maya, giving her a big hug, like she's already part of the family. "Lucas, she's even prettier than you described! How did you get so lucky to get a prize like her?" Maya laughs. "Thank you. I'm Maya, what's your name?" They shake hands as Marie answers. "I'm his aunt Marie. Pleasure to meet you dear. Well, Christmas suppers ready, why don't I go fix you a plate?" "That would be great, thanks." Maya says as Marie leaves. "She seems nice. Your family is a lot closer than mine." She bites her lip subconsciously, making me smile. "Well, if you want to in the future, they could be your family too." "Lucas, we're only fourteen years old! That's way too young to think about that right now." Once again she avoids the topic. 

"Let's go sit down." I say, taking her hand in mine. We sit down at the only seats left. Unfortunately, it's by my dad, and he looks at Maya like she's fresh meat. Aunt Marie gets us our food and the whole family says a prayer over the food. When the blessing is finished, we start eating. "So what's your name little lady?" My dad asks Maya, scrutinizing her every move. "Maya sir. It's nice to meet you." She goes to shake his hand, but my dad just stares at it. Awkwardly, she takes it back. "What is your family like?" He asks. Crap! Already he's started off on the wrong foot. "Um well I just live with my mom. We don't really see my family much." My dad looks angry. Not a good sign.

 "Why not? Isn't your dad around? Why is your family like this? Don't they love you?" I see the tears start to form in Maya's eyes. "Well, um...my dad left and my family sort of does their own thing." "Then what makes you think you can date my son? If your own family doesn't love you, why should we? If you got left, then obviously you're no good! You're nothing but a selfish leech trying to get my son to give you everything! Well guess what? I'm not buying it! And I don't want you to come close to my son ever again! He can do a million times better than you! You're just a stupid, selfish little brat!!" 

The tears are now streaming down Maya's face. She stands up and runs out of the house. My family looks stunned. The whole family loved Maya, except for my dad. I look at him and see the pleased smile on his face. "Glad we got rid of her. She was such a little-" "SHUT UP!!" I yell, standing up. Without thinking, I run after Maya.