Sighted

Chapter 12: *Pretends to be Shocked*

Owen

      I suppose it could be more awkward. It's hard to believe that right now, but I am willing to bet its possible.

      I'm sitting in the middle of the couch. Bowden is on one side of me and Dylan on the other. My Dad brought two of the kitchen chairs in, and my parents are sitting across from us. My mom hasn't uncrossed her arms, nor looked away from Bowden, since earlier.

      Bowden is doing his best to ignore me. When my mom barked at us to sit, no one hesitated, even Dylan, although I'm pretty sure that the command was not directed at the kid. However, since I tried to get Bowden to leave before my parents could see him, he's been upset with me. I was doing it for his own good, to avoid this very situation, he should be grateful instead. Now, under my mom's scrutiny, I can't even explain myself.

      He sits stiff on the couch, not touching me in anyway, staring straight ahead. His hands are resting on his knees and without his jacket, his large arms are bare. The wide bracelet is exposed on his left wrist, for everyone to see.

       My dad had been making dinner earlier, but Bowden's arrival put the food preparations on hold. My stomach growls a little, emphasized by the silence in the room. Bowden's mouth opens and he almost turns his head to me, before snapping his jaw closed. He tenses up even more, still staring ahead. I know he was going to ask me if I was hungry, before stopping himself. I feel a weird little pang in my chest at how he ignores me.

      Dylan seems to be the most comfortable, in the room at least. Gin is probably more comfortable, watching over Alex at the hospital. She left soon after Bowden showed up and it became obvious that the demon wasn't going to be allowed to leave anytime soon.

      The kid is curled up on my other side, his thin arms wrapped around his legs. He looks like he's about to watch one of his favorite shows. It's not like he's hungry, he ate almost a whole pie earlier. I want to tell Bowden that his favorite halfling sold me out for some pie, but I'm afraid that in the mood he's in, the demon will side with Dylan.

      My mom doesn't seem like she's going to start talking anytime soon. She's glaring at Bowden, who is staring stoically at nothing. I beg my Dad with my eyes to end this. He seems to get the message, because he clears his throat, before addressing Bowden.

"We haven't been introduced yet. I'm Nathan Thomas, Owen's father, and this," he gestures to my still glowering mother, "is Owen's mother, Lane."

      Silence reigns and I wonder if Bowden is going to pout forever. I dig my elbow into his ribs, probably hurting myself more than him. He deems to look down at me and I look daggers back at him. He should have run when I told him too, but he is here and I don't want him to be rude to my parents. Now that we can't avoid the situation, I really want my mom and dad to like Bowden.

      Thankfully, he turns to my father, inclining his head a little, replying simply, "Bowden." My mother scoffs.

"Mom, please." I say, begging her to behave.

"Owen, don't." I turn to look at the giant next to me. Bowden is scolding me! He still isn't looking at me, but he has a less grumpy expression than before.

"So, Bowden," my mom starts to speak. I tense, preparing for whatever she is going to ask. "Tell me about yourself." Oh. I relax my body. That's actually sort of normal. Bowden politely turns to my mother, blank expression still on his face.

"What would you like to know?"

"Surprise me," is her caustic reply.

"I'm a wind element demon, but I am able to produce hellfire. I like to cook, which is good, because your son likes to eat, although he's still tiny."