Exactly What I've Been Waiting For

Chapter 13

It was a few weeks before Christmas, the time of the month when Perrie, Jade and the rest of the gang drive up to the Thirlwalls for their annual Christmas celebration. Nearing their destination, the blonde can feel her body producing more adrenaline as they pass through each house in the neighborhood. She was feeling ridiculous for being nervous because it's not like this would be the first time she'll be meeting Jade's parents. But everytime she reminds herself of that thought, a nagging one would counter that although this wouldn't be the first meeting, this would be the first time that she'll be introduced as Jade's girlfriend, which would then prompt another cycle of worry within her. The thought of her father's disapproval was just too much for her to bear. She can feel her hands getting sweaty, her breath getting uneven, and her pulse beating rapidly. Her agitation even doubling once she recognized the threshold.

The Christmas lights decorated outside of the house can be seen from a mile away. Literally. The colored lights flashed every ten seconds, while the lawn was full of snowmen and decorated with lightened Christmas trees and much more twinkling lights.

Jade was in the passenger's seat of Perrie's car, checking her makeup in the mirror on the sun visor. "You wanna loosen your grip on the poor steering wheel?" she said, not even looking at the blonde's direction as she reapplies her lipstick.

Perrie laughed beside her. "Jade, you're their only daughter, and I don't wanna think about how your dad will react with me dating his little girl. I think I have every right to squeeze the hell out of my steering wheel."

Jade pushed the sun visor back up, grabbed one of the blonde's hands and kissed the top of her knuckles, intertwining their fingers. "They already love you to death. My mom can't stop talking about this beautiful architect dating her daughter."

"Right, and I'm sure your dad will absolutely love the idea of me touching his daughter."

"Maybe you shouldn't mention that part," she teased. When she felt the blonde tense up, she laughed. "Calm down! They know I've had sex. My dad was the one who lectured me about safe sex when I was fifteen."

A moment later, Perrie pulled into the bright driveway and took a deep breath. "How do I look?"

Jade laughed and tucked a lock of blonde hair behind the other girl's ear. "Like my girlfriend. Now, come on, don't let my Dad wait. He can't wait long enough to grill you."

***
Jade opened the front door and took in the smell of her mother's cooking. "Mam! I'm home!" she called out, making her way into the kitchen as Perrie kept a close trail on Jade, not wanting to be left alone.

The house had a nice golden glow to it. The chandelier was dimmed, and was set of by a ton of candle lights. The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated with classic Christmas songs playing in the background. Everything was Christmas themed, down to the couch covers and the Christmas red curtains on the windows. It was as if Santa Claus, himself, vomited Christmas spirit into the place. The house was full of chatter, in the living room, the den, the kitchen, even the hallways.

They arrived to witness a full kitchen. Wine bottles opened and unopened, pots and pans all over the counter, aprons scattered around, stoves on, and sauces boiling as fragrances filled the room. The scene implied a feast meant to feed a hundred, and that's what it was about to do.

"Mam!" Jade squealed, placing her dish on the table, and hugging her mother from behind.

"Amelia! My baby is here!" she smiled, relaxing in Jade's embrace. "Okay, put on an apron and check on the lasagna in the oven, and then start grating the cheese." She instructed as she gets back on stirring the sauce in the pot.