I'M HIS | BOOK 1 | BOYXBOY

21: "I love you."

"You got the red pork tamales Verónica?" Dad cried out from the door.

    "Yeah, do you have the Posole right?"

    "It's practically burning my hands." My dad winked at me.

    "I got the champurrado mami! Let's go!" I turned to my dad. "Got your papers?"

    "They're in the car."

    We were heading to Angel's place for Christmas dinner and what was even more exciting was his dad being there. When he arrived at their house this morning Angel sent me the photos and videos his mom took. The video was really sweet. When his dad got out of the car Angel and Elias rushed towards him like little boys. Their dad opened his arms wide and they jumped into them. I teared up imagining how happy they were even if it was just a day trip. At the least, they're able to see him, hug him, spend some time with him now before the hearing. I imagine it takes a lot of pressure off of them.

    The first photo he had sent was one of him, Elias, and his dad on the couch. The next was just Mr. Lerman and Elias, then just Angel and Mr. Lerman. Finally, I got to see a photo of his mom and dad together. Even though they were apart for so long they both had that look in their eyes, that spark, that flame I saw in Angel's. Finally, the last photo was a family one. All four of them sitting on the couch, arms around each other, all smiles.

We pulled up to their house and I was hyping myself up to meet his dad. I wanted to make a great and lasting impression on him. I knew Angel tried his hardest to make a great impression when he met my parents, and even though I know his mom practically adores me already, their being together again is a whole new ball game. I wanted his dad's approval. I wanted to know his dad thought I was right for his son because I knew I was. We carried our trays with our dishes and made our way to the porch. I rang the bell and heard shuffling and mumbling from inside. I hoped they were just as nervous as we were because I felt like that would somehow balance us out.

    Elias opened the door with a big smile and welcomed us in. He kindly took the tray from my mom and she hugged him. My dad slipped off his shoes and politely rushed to the table carrying the crockpot. Podzol wasn't a joke, and neither was how heavy it was. He placed it down and gave Elias, Ms. Lerman, and Angel all hugs. I watched as he walked to Mr. Lerman and saw them pull each other in for a proper bro hug. The straightest thing you could imagine, that's what they did.

    "Hey, sexy." Angel walked up to me and took the mug from my hand and gave me a quick peck. I got a little bashful because I didn't want our parents to see us kiss. I slipped off my shoes and headed towards the table.

    I watched my mom hug everyone and held Ms. Lerman longer than before. They seemed to have grown close. I greeted Elis and their mom. I awkwardly walked up to his dad and before I even could say hello his dad grabbed my arm and pulled me in for the biggest hug I've ever hugged. He squeezed me and I gently hugged back because I was unsure if I should squeeze back just as hard or not.

    "It's great to finally meet you, Kendall."

    "You too Mr. Lerman, Angel has told me so much about you; I feel honored, really.

    "Oh please, every time there's nothing to talk about this boy goes on and on about you." I turned and looked at Angel whose face was red from embarrassment. "He loves you a lot."

    "Well, I'd hope so!" I laughed back

    "Did you like the comic book?" His dad looked at me.

    "He told you about that?" I smiled back at him.

    "Who do you think gave him the idea?"

    I thanked him and we all spent some time talking before dinner. We had gotten there early to make sure we had a little time to chit chat before dinner. Elias and I caught up and he told us how he was planning on taking the next semester off if his dad was gonna be let out. Angel told him their dad and mom both wouldn't want that but he confidently said they didn't have to know until after he takes the time off. Angel and I spoke about our school but there's only so much you can talk about. Angel bragged about my birthday obviously leaving out the ending part.