BURNING (Team Crafted)

The Big Question

Mitch's P.O.V.

I sighed nervously as I stepped up to the Dahlburg's front door. I froze with my fist hovering above the wood. Did I really want to do this? Was I ready?

I kicked myself inwardly. Of course I was ready! I'd been ready for this for weeks, months maybe. I couldn't let my nerves get the better of me.

I took a deep breath and knocked three times. There was a pause of a couple seconds before the door opened, revealing Adam and Krysten's dad. He smiled as he saw me. "Mitch!" He said. "How are you?" I opened my mouth to speak but before I could, he ushered me inside. "Come in, come in!"

As I went in, Adam's mom saw me too and beamed like it was Christmas. "Mitch!" She hugged me and kissed my cheek lightly, then held me at arm's length. "You look fantastic! How long has it been again?"

I smiled down at her. "Six days."

"Oh right." The red head laughed and walked into the kitchen. I watched her go with a knowing smile as Mr. Dahlburg led me into the living room.

A year and a half ago, he had absolutely hated me. Then again, he was also drunk off his ass when I first met him. But right after he hit Krysten, Adam started getting more involved. He visited them all the time, persuaded his mom and dad to do more things together, had family movie nights every Wednesday. Adam would even drive over to Krysten's apartment and bring her over for those. Eventually, Adam persuaded his dad to stop drinking as well. It took a few months, but they were finally a normal family again. Well, as close to normal as you can get for the Dahlburgs.

As for myself, a month after I met Mr. Dahlburg, he invited me over and apologized for his behavior, promising me he was done with drinking. He was actually a really funny guy; I could see where Adam got his sense of humor. Mrs. Dahlburg was rather forgetful, but tentative nonetheless. Along the way in the conversation, he told me that when I defended Krysten, he was both afraid and proud. He told me he was glad Krysten had someone who was willing to protect her even from her father. So now he likes me like part of the family, and so does Adam's mom. I visit them almost as often as Adam and Krysten do.

Why?

Because they remind me of my family back in Canada. The remind me of them a hundred times over. Or at least my mom and dad. My sisters and brother can't be replaced as easily. But it's just kind of familiar to be around people that act the same way that they did. And on top of that, I kinda miss my family. So it's good to have these guys.

The last time I saw my family was Christmas. Me and Krysten and Jerome all flew out there to spend it in Canada. My brother, as always, adored hanging out with Jerome. And my sister's faces when they found out I had a girlfriend were priceless. My dad even told me he was starting to give up on me for having grandchildren, which of course covered the 'parents embarrassing girlfriend' part of the trip which I had warned Krysten about many times over.

Once my sisters found out we were dating, they were all over Krysten. Asking her what she saw in me, of her hair was naturally ginger, if she liked Doctor Who, if she played video games too; they covered everything. It was actually pretty entertaining to watch.

As for my parents, they absolutely adore Krysten. I think it's also partly because they're so relieved I finally got a girlfriend, but at the end of the day, they like Krysten so all is well.

As I sat down on the couch opposite Mr. Dahlburg, Adam's mom came up beside me. "Would you like some coffee, dear?" She asked.

I smiled and shook my head. "No thank you, ma'am, I'm alright."

"Alright then. Just let me know if you need anything!" She walked into the other room as she called behind her.

"So, Mitch!" Mr. Dahlburg said, bringing my attention back to him. "How've you been? Anything new?"

I smiled knowingly. "Sir, I've only been gone for a few days."

Mr. Dahlburg waved it aside with an old man-style grunt. "How many times do I have to tell you, Mitch, just call me Ron!"

"At least once more sir."

Mr. Dahlburg smiled. "That's what I like about you. Stubborn, yet respectful." He said. "So, have you come for another visit?"

I rubbed the back of my head nervously. Actually, sir... I have to ask you something."