Push. //Jai Courtney Fanfiction

sixteen

Jai

January 27th:

"You guys are going to love Ayla's parents," Amanda says from the back seat of my Jeep.

I offered to drive the three of us.

"They are hilarious, and sweet and they love everyone. They're like second parents to me. I'm really glad that you both were down with coming out for poker."

"I think it will be fun. I mean, who doesn't like some cards?" I ask.

But I was nervous. Anxious. But, I don't really know why. I mean it's not like Ayla and I are an item. I'm meeting my friend's parents. And I'm meeting her parents with her best friend. So there is no reason to be nervous. Like... At all.

"Yeah it should be great! I mean, I'm not gonna lie, it is badass that we get to meet Bruce fucking Campbell. How the hell did you guys keep that secret?!" Joel turned around in the front passenger seat to ask Amanda.

"Oh gee, I don't know I guess it doesn't just come up in conversation, because it doesn't matter. You know, the same way that Ayla and I had no idea that Karen's son was an actor."

I laughed, Amanda followed.

"Alright, alright. You're right. I'm just a huge fan. I don't want to embarrass myself."

"I think you'll be fine babe," Amanda says placing her hand on Joel's shoulder, "I don't think you'll fanboy too much."

"Don't be so sure," he added.

Again, my nerves were starting to get the best of me. I have to have her parent's like me. Right? Isn't that the right thing to do? I mean, yes. Of course it is. Ayla is important to me. I want her parents to like me. My parent's already love her. Oh shit. What if they hate me. How will she feel. Will she stop talking to me? Of course she will, I mean she told me they hated her ex--

"Jai! Did you hear me? It's right up here on the left!" Amanda said, snapping her fingers right near my head.

"Shit, sorry."

"Well, don't be so.... Blah! We're gonna have some fun. I wish Ayla was here. Stupid work, and bettering herself and shit."

I smile and chuckle, "Yeah."

I turn left down their long paved driveway, parking right in front of this gorgeous victorian-style house, next to the other few cars. We all get out and head up towards the door.

Ok, you're fine you fool. Relax.

When we get there, Amanda doesn't even knock, she just slowly opens the door.

"Don't worry, they made me swear by the open door policy when I was a kid. They never let me knock," she grinned.

We walk into their large foyer and there is a clear sound of chatter and laughter to our right. We both follow as Amanda takes her coat off, hangs it on the rack, and makes her way in the direction of the commotion.

"Amanda!" I hear a woman say her name and pull her in for a hug. "I haven't seen you in a while hon, how are you?"

"I'm fine Tanya, thank you for asking!" She turns to Joel and myself, "I would like to introduce you to Joel and Jai."

She extends her hand to Joel first, "Nice to meet you Joel." And then to me. She grabs it softly, and then pulls her other hand to close mine in her grasp. "And Jai, I am so glad to finally meet you. Between Ayla and your mother, I couldn't wait!"