Call Me A Freak

Anger Management

We had been invited to join the festivities of family day, despite having no family to see.

The four of us got all dressed up and walked out of the dorms a few minutes after it had been planned to start.

People stood around the garden haphazardly. There were simple decorations set up and tables for food. And at the very front, Ben was leading a few other students in a song and dance arrangement of 'Be Our Guest'.

The students were too busy enjoying the show to notice us walk through, although for most of them, it didn't really matter anymore. We were old news.

The boys were all over the chocolate fountain the minute we got there. Evie and I stood nearby to watch over Dude and ensure that they didn't destroy the table or something and ruin the festivities. And I may have stolen a strawberry or two.

Once the song was over, Ben began socializing with other students and moved on to talk to his parents. I didn't bother trying to talk to him. I knew that he'd be occupied today.

"So far, not so bad, huh?" Evie prompted, bouncing the dog in her arms as if she were burping a baby.

"Except the fact that Jay is sticking his face in the fountain," I laughed.

Evie spun on her heel. "Jay!"

He looked like a caught puppy and he quickly wiped the excess chocolate from his lips.

"Mal!" Ben called.

I waved at him, smiling. But I hesitated when I noticed both his parents' faces. They weren't exactly thrilled to see me. I wondered if he had told them we were dating yet.

He beckoned me over, so I gave Evie a quick goodbye and walked towards the family.

Ben and his father wore matching suits, a cute sentiment to someone like me. You would never see that on the Isle.

I approached the walkway they were on and Ben stepped away from his family, meeting me halfway.

"I want to introduce you to my parents," he explained and gave me a quick hug.

I did my best to appreciate the hug while it lasted. This wasn't going to be an easy talk. Fortunately, he wrapped his hand around mine when we turned to look at his parents. It was comforting, and I hung onto his arm like it was my lifeline.

"This is Mal," he told them. "From the island. My girlfriend."

Well... they definitely knew. Belle's face was tight as she smiled at me, but they both tried to be civil.

"Hi!" she blurted out, no doubt uncomfortable.

"Hi," I smiled back.

"I was thinking maybe she could join us for lunch," Ben suggested.

"Of... course," the king responded. "An-Any friend of Ben's..."

"Um..." I started, scratching the back of my head. "I actually came with my friends."

I was hoping to give the king and queen an out. I still didn't know what my decision for the Coronation was going to be. There was no point in forcing a relationship with them and I knew that they wanted to have a peaceful family day with their son.

Sadly, they were too polite to take the offer. Instead the queen said, "Well, you should invite them."

The king stared at them, his face turning to one of concern. I didn't need to look to know what they were up to. No doubt, Carlos still had chocolate smeared across his mouth and Evie was still cradling the dog like a child. Jay, if I had to guess, had a mouthful of something.