A Certain Not-So-Bad Boy

{thirteen}

^The picture is of Diane Lane who plays Ramona King, if you forgot. Enjoy!

I pulled into the driveway and grabbed my purse as I got out of the car. Inside, I dropped onto the couch, exhausted, but in a great mood. But the Universe must've noticed because it didn't last long.

"Maya!" my brother called from upstairs. "Dad said to come to the kitchen," he said as he bounded down the steps.

I sighed. Okay, let's do this. I heaved myself up from the couch and struggled into the kitchen, only to plop down again at the table next to Noah. "Okay, why are we--"

When I looked up, I saw not just Noah and my dad. But seated next to my dad was a woman.

My dad cleared his throat. "Kids, I need you to remember I love you very much. And I would never keep something from you without good reason."

"Dad..." my brother trailed off, not looking at him, but rather at the woman sitting in front of us.

She had reddish-brown hair that brushed her shoulders and soft blue eyes. Her lips were set in a small, nervous smile. "Hi Noah, Maya. I'm Ramona King."

"Nice to meet you," I said, glancing at my dad meaningfully.

"Kids, there's something we have to tell you. Ramona and I... Well, we've been seeing each other."

"What?!" Noah exclaimed. My jaw was practically on the floor, but I knew I had to compose myself.

"How long have you been keeping this from us?" I asked, feeling hurt, and thinking about my mom.

"About eight months," he replied. I noticed his hand clasped around Ramona's and eyed her warily. "I didn't want to tell you two until I was sure for myself. But I am. I love Ramona."

I was shocked, to say the least. My mind was flooded with memories of my mom and dad before her death. Loving glances, sneaky kisses when they thought nobody was looking. They were so in love.

"What about mom?" Noah blurted angrily. "She's dead, but that doesn't mean that she's gone!"

The silence was deafening, and it felt like years before it was broken.

"I should go," Ramona murmured quietly. My dad weakly nodded and walked her out.

Once they were out of earshot, I turned to Noah. "Hey, little brother."

He looked up and met my eyes, and my heart squeezed when I saw the pained look in them. I leaned over and wrapped my arms around him, and he did the same to me. "I can't believe this. I miss her so much, Maya."

"I know. I do too. And so does dad. But all mom would've wanted was for dad to be happy. I guess Ramona makes him happy," I reasoned. "He didn't stop loving mom, I doubt he ever could. But he finally got a chance to move on. He deserves this."

Noah just sighed into my shoulder, and I smiled to myself knowing this meant he understood I was right and he wasn't happy about it. I released him from my grip and he trudged up the stairs into his room.

"Maya."

I looked up to see who had spoken. It was my dad. "Yeah?"

"I think we should talk." I nodded, and he sat down. "First of all, is Noah okay?"

"He will be. It might take a little bit, but he'll come around."

His eyebrows shot up. "You're not angry?"

I shrugged. "I was shocked about it at first, and I'm still not thrilled. But this is what mom would want. As long as you're happy, we're happy."

He gave me a hug and kissed my forehead. "Thank you, sweetie. You kids are growing up so fast." I laughed at that; it seemed like such a cliche parent line.

"Let's have dinner tonight," I suggested, trying to mend the situation that just took place. "Invite Ramona back here and we can all have dinner together."

"Are you sure Noah will be okay with that?" he asked.

I waved his question off. "Yeah, I'll talk to him. But under one condition; you have to cook."

I jogged up the stairs before he could argue and rapped on Noah's door. I took the muffled sound as an invitation to come in, so I did. Noah was slumped at his desk, and he turned his head to face me.

"Hey."

"Hey," I replied. "I thought I should tell you Ramona's coming over for dinner."

Noah narrowed his eyes at me. "Seriously? Why?"

I sighed. "We should get to know her. She makes dad happy," I reminded him.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, but I'm not changing." I glanced at his loose grey sweatpants and old (probably disgusting) shirt, but complied. I understood this was hard for him.

I headed back down the stairs to fit in an episode of How I Met Your Mother before I changed. But as I went down, I saw my dad talking to someone at the front door. "Dad, who's at the door?"

"I'll start dinner in the kitchen," he said, not bothering to answer me.

Confused, I took his place in front of the door.

"Hi, Angel."

{a/n}

Oooh, drama! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, guys. Remember to vote and comment.

Mwah! xx

-Seagull