Love Only Happens Once

Chapter 16

Jeremy 

Madeline is a very brave woman to just show up at my apartment and greet my family. She isn't welcomed here and she knows it. I have no problem being friendly with her but I don't want her getting comfortable either. We ALL know what happened the last time she got comfortable. 

Apparently during the time that I was away to get ready, Madeline made herself comfortable with my siblings and they have fallen victim to her charm. Unfortunately, for me they decided it would be a good idea to invite her to come out and eat with us. My day has just gotten worse and I mean when you're the younger sibling there isn't much you can say to dissuade the hags who "know" best. Pffft. we'll see how long that lasts.

We decided to eat at Jim's House, it is one of the best restaurants in town. I also happen to know that Jim is one of the greatest guys ever and I couldn't wait for my siblings to meet him.  His wife Diane was also just as sweet, she's like a second mom to me. The love they share is incredible but don't let anyone know that I told you that okay. I will deny it if you ask me in public and I rather not have you face that humiliation. 

By the time we reached Jim's House my siblings were practically doting on Madeline. If only they knew about her little grubby money hungry fingers. I can assure you they would not be doting on her the way they are now. I've been doing my best to tune them out but with each passing second it's getting harder and harder. However, as soon as we walk through the doors of Jim's House my mind focuses on the beautiful smell of philly cheese steak. The smell alone already has my stomach growling. God! this is going to taste so good.

While I'm taking in deep big breaths and salivating over a taste of philly cheese steak, I catch hold of Jim in the corner shaking his head at me and laughing. The old man has a full head of grey hair for days but he is the most sincere person I have ever met to date. Aside from his wife of course. Not even seconds later Diane popped out the back room and walked towards Jim. Once she saw me her eyes light up as she gave me the biggest and tightest hug ever. I returned it just much and then I introduced my brothers and sisters. I conveniently left Madeline out of the introductions, that did not go unnoticed.

My sister gave me the stink eye for doing so and I smiled cheekily in response. I'm not trying to be petty HONEST, just being truthful. Madeline is no one to me and I refuse to pretend that she is. As we went through the pleasantries with me following grudgingly behind I started to think about Haley. I thought about how this morning was SO perfect. If only I could get her to see it my way. To understand not every relationship is going to be super destructive. We can fight for us as long as she's willing to do it. I mean no one ever said love was easy and sometimes you just have to want it bad enough to cherish the greatest love there is. Listen it sounds cheesy I'm aware but you can't fault me for it, this is a do or die moment in my life people!

A/N: Sorry for the short update...working on pre-writing the chapters so there are longer and quicker updates for this story and upcoming stories.