Typical // Z.H.

Four

And all too soon, it's Friday.

I changed into one of the dresses my mother bought for me. It fit perfectly, and I loved it.

I curled my hair and put a little bit of mascara on. I stared at myself in the mirror. I managed a smile, then headed downstairs.

Guests had already started to arrive and were laughing and talking everywhere. I walked around the room before finally running into my dad.

"Father, are they here yet?" I asked.

"You're grandparents, or the band?" His eyes scammed the crowd around us.

"The band." I answered quickly.

He smiled down at me, "Your grandparents are here, thank you. And the band is walking in right now. Good luck." And then he walked off.

I headed towards the door and spotted the five guys in tuxedos. Wow. They clean up nicely.

I approached them at a reasonable pace and plastered a smile on my face.

"Hey!" I greeted them cheerfully. "Thanks for making it!"

"Great to be here." Zach smiled.

I glanced around to look for my mom as the boys talked about their upcoming performance here. I finally spotted her talking to her mother and father.

I took a deep breath and turned back to the boys. "My mother wishes to see you guys. She is also with my grandparents. You all good?"

They nodded and motioned for to go. I led them through the crowd towards them and prayed that they'd approve.

I stopped in front of the three. "Mom, Grandma, Grandpa. Glad to see you two again." I nodded at the couple.

"As you, darling." My grandfather smiled warmly.

Jack cleared his throat and nudged me.

"Anyways, Mother. As you can see, the boys have arrived on time." I paused and turned to the elderly couple. "Grandpa and Grandma, I'd like you to meet my... friends."

"I'm Jonah. This is Zach, Jack, Corbyn, and Daniel. We're Why Don't We."

They observed the band up and down before nodding.

"Nice to meet you all. You have our respect." My grandma nodded curtly.

Yeah, all my family is like that. Well mannered, respected, and they act as though they're kings and queens. That's us.

I drag the boys away and stumble into a familiar built body. The man turns towards me and smiles.

"Valorie. Nice to see you again." My cousin Cooper says.

I nod, "As you, Commander Cooper. Army going well?"

He chuckled deeply, "Of course it is."

I moved away only to bump into my Aunt Mary.

"Oh, Valorie! How nice it is to be back from London and see you all again. You've grown since the last time I saw you." She patted my flaming cheeks.

I glanced around, "Yes, yes. How was it?"

"Amazing. So many children found new homes and parents. It was spectacular to see smiles on their faces once again." Aunt Mary beamed.

"Of course, Aunt Mary. Glad you made it back safely. If you'll excuse us." I pushed past her with the band on my heels.

"Valorie! Valorie!" A voice called.

I turned my head and was greeted by the sight of my Aunt Katie. She rushed over in her formal black attire and hugged me tightly. Then, pulled back.

"How are you? Do you still dance? Why haven't we seen you at the offices lately? Do you have a boyfriend? A job?" She asked questions without mercy.

I chuckled softly, "I'm alright. Only at home. Decided to leave it all alone for now. I do not. Nor a job." I answered her questions.

Aunt Katie nodded, "You're coming on the trip to Paris with me soon, right?"

I shook my head, "I'm so sorry, Aunt Katie. I really can't right now. I'm far too busy. I hope you understand."

She nodded again and let go of my arms. She walked away without another word. I stared after her. She was always one weird lady.

An hour went by of us bustling around and talking to friends and relatives. The boys didn't seem to mind it all either.

They performed, and all went well. Everyone loved them.

But I have limits.

I dashed into my room and quickly changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. I put on some Vans and somehow managed to slip out of the house undetected.

I drove to a small cafe near my house and sat in a corner booth. I sipped my tea as I stared at the blank screen of my phone.

The door bell jingled and I looked up. Zach. He slid into the seat across from me, as I had once done. The boy still wore his fitted tux and smiled at me.

"Why are you here?" I heard myself ask.

He shrugged, "You'd said you like this place before. Figured you'd be here."

"So you do listen to me?" I teased.

He let out a slight laugh, "Yeah. Why did you leave early?"

I groaned, "I have limits. Sometimes I just don't want to be somewhere anymore. So, I sneak away and usually head here. No one really notices my absence."

"I did."

My eyes met his, "I know."

His hand patted mine once again, "I'm here. And the boys are in our car."

I laughed at his silliness.