Stuck in Chicago

Chapter 1: Meeting the Family

Chapter 1

Meeting the Family

For the most part, the thirty minute drive home went without a hitch. Only seven times did Gram embarrass me. Nothing too horrible. Just a few stories from my childhood. 

We finally arrived at my grandparents property. It is on a long street filled with trees and the houses were set a few hundred feet off of the street. The beautiful red-bricked home stood in front of me, seeming timeless. The wooden shutters and door have stayed the same all seventeen years of my life. Though there has been quite a bit of renovating on the inside. 

My thoughts were interrupted by my grandmother saying goodbye to Austin who lived in the slightly smaller stucco house next door. "Goodbye Arden." Austin tells me with a small smile. I return the smile and wave then turn around to head into the house.

As I enter the foyer, I am quickly hit with the wonderful scent of sugar cookies. Pap and Gram's personal chef, Lizzy, was always baking wonderful desserts. I'm pretty sure she could open up her own bakery and become an instant billionaire.

I waved to Lizzy before going up the large staircase to my room. This house has eight bedrooms and nine and a half bathrooms. It was good for my dad growing up considering he had three sisters and two brothers, but it sucks for me due to the fact that I am an only child. 

The last room on the right is where I stay each summer. The sky blue walls with light wooden floors remind me of the beach back home. White wooden furniture adorned the room. This included a king sized bed, a dresser, and a desk. The large flatscreen TV was on the wall above the dresser. 

I quickly unpacked my clothes and belongings before walking back down stairs. I plopped down on the large couch in the living room and Eleanor, the housekeeper, brought me some of Lizzy's yummy cookies. 

"Thank you Eleanor!" I holler while she walks about the room. I proceed to turn on the plasma TV and watch Toddlers and Tiaras. Personally, I think these moms are crazy for having their kids do this, but it provides great entertainment!

My grandparents entered the room after the show was over, and Pap stole one of my cookies. "Hey! Those are mine!" 

"You already had like twelve!"

"So?"

"Share the wealth, Hon!"

Gram had an annoyed look on her face, "Enough you two. Now Bill, you should act like a five year old, when in reality you are sixty five."

"Oh my wife! You wound me by announcing my age!" Pap says with mock hurt.

Gram just ignored him. "Anyways, Arden, tonight the James' are coming over for dinner in about an hour, so clean up because you have some impressing to do!"

Shock took over my face. "Gram! I'm not trying to impress anyone!" 

"Sure..." Both Pap and Gram said, and before I could protest, they exited the room. Well, I guess I could look a tad bit nicer. So I went back upstairs and showered. Feeling refreshed, I put on a cute, aqua sundress and let my sandy blond hair hang naturally considering it is wavy. I slipped on my black Tori Burch sandals and went back downstairs. 

The front door was being opened as I reached the end of the staircase. A beautiful woman with auburn hair and big blue eyes that matched Austin's perfectly waltzed into our home first.

"This must be your precious Arden!" The lady told Gram. "She is beautiful Nancy! Hi Arden, I'm Grace James!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. James." I replied with a smile. 

"No! Please call me Grace!"

A man with broad shoulders, black hair and brown eyes came and stood beside Grace. "Andrew, this is Arden, the Thompson's granddaughter. Arden, this is my lovely husband Andrew."

"Ew mom! Please reserve the lovey-dovey words for the bedroom!" A guy with his mothers auburn hair and blue eyes says as he stands by the door. He stared at me and his jaw dropped. 

"Hey there beautiful, I'm Hayden, but you can call me whatever and whenever  you want." 

"Hello Hayden." I greet him bluntly. He doesn't deserve my attempts to flirt! Classic player. 

"How old are you babe?" 

"17. What about you?"

He smiled excitedly, "Same. Along with my two brothers."

"Oh so you are a triplet with Austin and....?"

"Hunter." A new voice stated. Somehow he had messy brown hair and his dad's brown eyes. 

I smiled and offered my hand, which he shook. "So you must be Hunter." 

"You are correct."

"Well Hunter, it's nice to meet you."

"Likewise Arden." He said with a small smile. So far Hunter is nothing like his other brothers. 

"Hunter, Hayden, where is your brother?" Andrew asked. 

The boys looked at each other before responding. Hayden spoke up after a few seconds, "Probably banging some random girl."

Grace's expression turned to one of a mixture between shock and embarrassment. "Hayden Chase James! We are at someone else's house! Heck you shouldn't even say that at home!"

"Sorry mom." Hayden says while looking at the ground. 

There was an awkward silence that passed between everyone, then Gram broke it. "Alright everyone, let's head to the dining room!" Bless her heart for at least trying.

We all entered the huge dining room with all-glass decor. Crystal vases stood on pedestals and china pieces were in cabinets. At the heads of the table were Pap and Andrew, while I sat between Grace and Gram. Both Hunter and Hayden sat opposite of us. 

After praying, we started passing around the delicious baked chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus, fruit salad, green salad, and rolls. Lizzy outdid herself this time for sure! 

During the middle of dinner, the doorbell rang and Eleanor opened it inviting the person in. All of our heads snapped up to see who the visitor was in the room. 

Grace spoke up first, "Austin."

~~~~~

So there is CHAPTER 1! The picture of Arden's dress is on the right! Now if you would please just click the "Vote or Comment" buttons at the top and tell me what you think! I've finished the first 4 chapters so for every vote i get i'll post a new one, if not, I'll update MONDAYS and THURSDAYS from now on!!!

Have a great day!

~Beth

PS.. I dedicated this to KnightsRachel because I love everything about her stories!!! Check them out and vote for Living With the Walker Boys (Watty Awards Edition)!!!