Viva La Hella

Everything Changes

The bluenette sighs as she buttons her white shirt.

'Is it really necessary? It's just a dinner with your parents'
'Exactly. It's a dinner with my parents. Your tie? The blue one... Yes, it will do' she hands it over.
'Holy shit' she looks at her girlfriend 'It's been a while I've seen you in this dress. You look hella hot' she leans for a kiss.
'We don't have time for this. We already should be on our way, Chloe'
'What, so I can't kiss my hot girlfriend?'
'Come on' she kisses her on the lips then starts fixing her tie.
'Don't be so tense. It'll be okay. See? I told you. She's trying. She wants to see you get married. You're still her daughter. She's just worried for you'
'Let's just go already'

The bluenette walks out with a sigh. They don't really talk during the trip. The punk feels the photographer's tension. As she parks she gently takes Max's hand.

'You okay?' she asks softly.
'Yeah, I guess'
'You seem hella nervous'
'I am. I can't break down here'
'Everything's gonna be fine. I'm with you. She's trying. We're good'
'You know we don't have to rub it in their faces'
'I know'
'I know it's hard, but...'
'I know, chillax. Can we go?'
'Just before that...' she closes her eyes and leans for a kiss.

Chloe kisses her long and softly. She gently cups the brunette's face.

'I'm with you. Let's go'

They get out of the car. As they slowly walk towards the door the punk gently grabs the brunette's hand. Right before knocking, they exchange a soft smile. Ryan opens the door, smiling.

'Hey there, had a safe drive?'
'As always, Dad. Did you tell her?' she whispers.
'What?'
'You know...' she points at the ring.
'No, not yet. You will, right?'
'Guess I have to'
'Now, come in already! You two must be tired'

The girls walk in and put off the jackets. They sit down in the living room.

'Your mother's in the kitchen. Should I...'
'I guess' the photographer mumbles.
'Calm her down' he grins at the bluenette 'We'll be right back'
As the man walks out, the tattooist takes Max's hand.
'Chillax, hey, what's up now?'
'I... don't know, I'm...'
'You won't break down, right? You can't. I'm with you, hey, listen to me'
'I'm... fine' she breathes a sigh 'I'm... fine' she repeats.
'I'm with you' she leans to her ear 'We're fine. Breathe. In, and out'
'Okay, okay... Away from me!' she giggles.
'What?' she grins 'You never told me this before'
'Seriously, back off, Chloe... We can't... Not now'
'Later then' she winks and kisses her on the cheek.
'Bitch' she laughs 'We'll see.'
'At least I can love you in your room'
'Shit, it's been awhile I've been here'
'So I may find out some of your nasty secrets...'
'Dumbass' she punches her in the shoulder playfully.
'But this dumbass...'
'I know, I know, this dumbass will be...'
'Good evening, ladies' Vanessa greets them with a forced smile.
'Hi Mom' Max jumps up fast, greeting her mother.
'Good evening, Mrs. Caulfield' Chloe clears her throat.

She has to. Like she would've gotten a portion of Max's nervousness. They sit back slowly.

'The dinner is almost ready. Until then, tell me, how are you doing?'
'We're doing fine' the brunette nods 'Spring semester has already started so I'm getting busy again. But it's okay'
'What about you, Chloe?' the man looks at her.
'Actually, really good. I earn enough with my designs so I only tattoo and pierce for some extra money. So we can spend more time together'
'Which is good because when I work on projects I can always use some help'
'So, did you pass all your exams?'
'Yeah, I did. All of them. I didn't have any retakes'
'Good, good. I can't remember seeing this dress'
'I wore it on an exhibition. Some of us could have a show towards the end of fall semester, and I guessed I can't just wear my T-shirt and jeans combo. So... I bought a dress'
'You already had an exhibition? And you didn't even tell?'
'We... were not in contact then, Mom...' she mumbles.
'Oh... Well, next time we may go, right, Ryan?'
'Of course! We have to be there next time'
'I hope you are hungry. We can have dinner soon. We will set the table. Until then, why don't you show Chloe around?'
'Yes Mom, I will' she nods with a forced smile.