[C] In Your Arms

the journey to your heart

We spent Thanksgiving at my family's house in Montana. That was the first time we have been together since he finally confessed to me. I suddenly had the urge to introduce him to my family.

We opened the door, and they greeted us with awkward faces. My family were all staring at me and Anderson when we came in.

"Uh, hi...?"

We were in for a surprise.

"Ainsley! Is that Anderson Cooper you're bringing into our house?" my mom asked.

"Mom, it's not just Anderson Cooper. He's my boyfriend," I answered.

They were gasping for breath. The whole house stayed silent for minutes until Anderson broke it.

"Yes, I am his girlfriend."

They were all clapping in joy, bright smiles all over their faces.

"Y-you may sit down," my mom says, obviously embarrassed by what they all heard.

"Hi, I'm Anderson Cooper, pleased to meet you," he begins.

"I'm Olivia Smith, and I am elated to meet you," my mom answers. "This is my husband Spencer, and those are Ainsley's sisters Arianna, Alanna, Autumn and Ashley."

"We're pleased to meet you," the sisters respond in chorus.

"And so, shall we begin to eat?" my father reaches out for the turkey.

And then my family just began interviewing Anderson—60 Minutes-style. We were laughing so hard when Anderson can't answer my mom's questions.

"Mom, don't press him too hard!" I joke.

"I know, I know, dear," she replies. "You don't have to worry, he's in very good hands."

"And I know you don't mean that, Mom," I pouted.

"Calm down, sweetie. It's just typical of us parents that we assess our children's significant others. Don't worry, Arianna and Ashley have their boyfriends gone through this same process," Pop answers.

"And given that your boyfriend is none other than Anderson Cooper, it's just right to ask him questions," Alanna butts in.

"God, stop it! Let's just eat!" I shouted, and everyone else laughed and began to chow on their food.