It's Just High School

Chapter 15

I watched over Sam as I entered living room, my tie out of my neck and my long sleeves unbuttoned. A huge wave of ‘ahhs’ washed over the room and Bradley and Christian pulled their ties too. Leila, Trisha and Nina also loosened up and took their heels off their feet, and slouching down the sofa. Sam looked around the room unsure of what was happening, and looked over my direction for some answers. A playful smile made its way to my lips as I slowly approached her and sat beside her.

Heidi and Joshua came out of nowhere and set up cups and saucers for after meal tea, matched with biscuits and other desserts that would compliment. Leila picked one or two too many desserts and Christian reached out for his cup, and poured in tea. Bradley was still fanning from the heat of the tie on his neck. Trisha, on the other hand, waited for Christian to finish pouring his cup, and Nina stood up to get some cake. Dad enjoyed how the tea got down his stomach, with mom preparing another batch for everyone.

Sam on the other hand looked more lost than awhile ago, not sure from the looks of things how she should take this reaction from my family. To most people, she seemed like a behaving puppy, but for someone who understands that her neck made some slight twists clearly wanting to know what was happening so she could hide in plain sight by acting little; it is unmistakable that she is in panic. I slide closer to her and moved in for a whisper.

“Relax, it’s okay, they’re cool with you.” I said near her ear.

“I don’t get it.”

“What’s not to get?”

“Your family. What could they possibly like about me?”

“You’re honest, you’re decent, and you clearly know where to place yourself, and you know where you’re going.”

“Is that you talking or them?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” I finished.

I looked around to check if they all had settled down now, but they just continued what they were doing. Although I did notice that when I looked around, there was a very slight pause before they continued. There were also last minute dart of eyes from focus, which meant that they were checking us out. I reached for two cups and poured tea on both to give to Sam, which was all of them noticed but tried not to make it obvious. Even as I handed out one to Sam, which she shyly took while maintaining posture, they still give those sideway glance.

Eventually, they seemed to have released all their tension in their body, and had gave that last breathe of stress. Dad, after finishing his cup, but it down on the table, and turned his attention to us.

“So Sam, can you tell me if you’re enjoying the night?” He asked, more loosened this time, and with a less more poker face.

She seemed hesitant to answer and she looked over me for permission to answer. I looked upwards avoiding her gaze, but smiled at the thought that she wanted support.

“It’s okay honey, he won’t bite.” Mom pushed confidence in her.

“I’m not sure yet sir. You’re acting weird sir.”

“Weird how?” My dad continued asking.

“On one moment you’re serious, the next moment you’re lose sir. I don’t understand it sir.” Sam answered softly, which I haven’t heard her ever be like that. My brothers and sisters seemed to have focused on Sam again, eager to hear what she has to say.

“For one thing, dinner was just a way of figuring you out. This is more like quality time with guest. But that aside iha, why did you ever fall for that bully of a son of mine, Leo?” He asked again. I was about to defend myself from that insult but Sam quickly countered.