In a universe where each person has a gift to find their soulmate, Casper finds out that her's is who she'd least expect. Once they get along, they, along with her friends, run away to Oregon. Little did they know the tens of adventures awaiting the...
We were back in the living room again, the atmosphere more casual than before.
"So what've these past thirteen years been like?" My dad asked lightly, but I noticed the sadness in his voice. I looked down wondering where to start. Lacara plopped down on the couch next to me, squeezing my shoulder.
"Well... When I was six, mom moved to Florida, and I was left with my aunt Brenda-"
"Oh god, Brenda." My dad shook his head. "She's about the worst person to grow up with besides your mom. No offense."
"Oh, none taken, she was hard to deal with. I grew up the responsible one. I was always in charge of cleaning the house and reminding her to get off the couch and pay bills. Lacara was there, though."
She smiled at me.
"So, Vanessa never came back?"
"Nope. She'd call us every month or so, but that was about it. And, sorry, but whenever you did come up in a conversation, well...What she said wasn't the prettiest." I explained, and dad just nodded casually.
"I figured."
Now everyone was just sitting around us, listening. Apparently, me and my new family were more interesting than Call of Duty and Tumblr.
"Once I reached middle school, there was this guy I hated with a passion." I giggled, and Lacara and Lester did too. Dad raised an eyebrow, so I continued. "But um... When I turned fourteen, I got my gift and everything. It was the same as Caspian's. Turns out, my soulmate was the one guy I hated."
Dad looked around the room. "I'm assuming it's one of these gentlemen." He eyed each one with suspicion.
"Take a guess." I snickered.
He looked like he was about to say Josh's name, but then his eyes settled a little longer on Lester, who fidgeted.
"I think it's you." My dad said simply, and we all nodded. Then he looked between me and him trying to picture us as a couple.
Lester ran a hand through his hair. "I guess this would be a good time for a meet-the-parents?" Lester suggested, and I felt my face set on fire.
The girls "ooooo"ed and Lacara nudged me.
"Shut up." I muttered. Then the boys started snickering, too. I glanced at Caspian, trying to picture him as the hurt-my-sister-once-and-I'll-make-you-dig-your-own-grave type of brother, and smiled. I was sure he could be brave when he put his mind it.
"Well, tell me about yourself." Dad urged Lester, smiling, but I saw the worry behind his eyes. He didn't want me and Lester to end up like him and Vanessa, which made me feel a surge of appreciation for him.
"Well, uh, 'name's Lester Jaxon, I'm fourteen-"
"Did you two already have the talk?" Dad asked, referring to questions couples ask before they get married.
"Dad!" I scoffed. "We only just got together." Everyone else giggled again. I had to smile. I kinda liked the casual family feeling, especially since I rarely had them before.
"You're fine, man, just don't make the same mistake." My dad told Lester; we all knew what he meant. Lester smiled lightly and nodded seriously.
"And don't lay a harming finger on her or else." Caspian glared at Lester, and we all went silent in shock.
Lester raised an eyebrow and laughed, nodding again. His laugh really was angelic. "I promise, buddy."
"Uh, not to interrupt or anything, but since we're already talking about-" Leon was interrupted by Lacara.
"I thought you told her!"
Everyone tensed. Eleina leaned forward in her arm-chair.
"Uh..." Leon stuttered. Apparently he didn't mention Lacara when he told his mom about us staying here. He just showed Eleina his hand which didn't have the black ink on his finger tips anymore. Lacara raised her hand to show the same. Realization hit Eleina and she gasped in awe. She got up and gave Lacara a huge bear hug. Lacara's eyes widened.
"Mi futura nuera!" Eleina gushed, and Lacara hugged back.
Once they pulled away, Lacara looked at Leon. "What?" She laughed.
Leon's face was even brighter than mine a few minutes ago, which he buried in his hands. They boys were extremely amused, seeing Leon so shy. He was usually the lady-charmer.
"Why, 'future daughter-in-law', of course!" Eleina chimed, and Lacara blushed too. The adults were just on a roll with us today.
"Oh, yeah, of course." Lacara said nervously, only meeting my eyes. But once she made eye contact, I burst out in giggles, and Kathy and Abria cackled along.
"Shut up, you guys!" Lacara groaned, and she took Leon's hand and led him upstairs. We all laughed even louder.
I was even surprised when I felt a few tears run down my face.
"You okay, love?" Kathy asked, trying to breathe.
"Yeah." I replied, then everyone noticed me. "Just love all of you so much." They all knew I was the most emotional person here, after Abria.
Lester, Casper, and Kathy and Abria did an "Awwh," and came to give me a group hug.
I hugged back as tight as I could, my heart throbbing with joy. But underneath all of my relief, there was this dreadful sinking feeling in me. Things were going way too smooth.
I was terrified something bad was going to happen.
