Alone Awaken

Chapter 23: Remi

Colton's game flew by while watching it with Jessica. Any time Fredonia scored we jumped and cheered together. I felt slightly awkward doing it but Jessica pretty much forced me up every time. I didn't resist because honestly, I was strangely really comfortable around her. It's as if Colton's family has this essence about them that makes them easy to be around. Are they aliens from a distant planet who emit calming auras? Maybe, maybe.

"I can't believe they win!" Jessica is still jumping and clapping her hands as we walk down the stadium stairs. "Next week is against Oswego in the championship game! How incredible it would be if Colton won it for his last game?! AH so exciting!" Jessica squeals and jumps down the last step. "Oh my god Remi you have to come with us!" I stop on the last step and look down at Jessica.

"Uh, I don't know about that. That's a far drive and that's just a long day for me-"

"Oh stop! You'll just drive with us!" Jessica grabs my hand and we start heading towards the field.

I'm trying very hard to keep up with her without stumbling over my boots on the wet fields. She's very quick on her feet, she must play soccer too. "Wait Jessica, what do you mean us?" Jessica starts waving at a couple in the distance with her free hand.

"Mom, dad, over here!"

Oh no-no-no-no-no. This can't be happening, this can't be happening. I stop dead in my tracks with my arm still extending forward. Jessica gets pulled back and starts giggling. She turns her head. "Come on Remi, they won't bite!" I pull Jessica towards me and lean down so no one can hear what I say.

"Jessica, this is a lot for me. I don't look like you and I.." I close my eyes and look down at my boots. "..I don't want to mess this up." I keep staring at the ground waiting for her response. I feel a soft touch on my elbow.

"Remi, first off.." Jessica speaks with confidence. "..you look amazing, you have a style that makes you an individual. There's nothing to be ashamed of! And secondly, you won't mess this up. You're pretty awesome and my parents are going to love you!" I look up at her and her smile is genuine. I believe her.

I take a deep breathe and exhale. "Ok.. I Uh, ok." I keep nodding because I don't want to speak. I'm about to meet Colton's parents. I haven't been face-to-face with my own parents since summer. I'll just let them do the talking. I'll keep quiet and just smile. Yeah just smile. I start smiling. Jessica starts giggling again.

"You-Uh, really happy about something?"

"Shut up!" I playfully nudge Jessica shoulder. She grabs my hand.

"Calm on, we don't have all day!" She turns on her heels and I follow beside her.

"Mom and dad, this is Remi!" She waves her free hand over me like I'm some sort of prize being presented. Colton's mom is slightly taller than me with long brown hair that's been curled to perfection. Shes got to show me what magic she does to achieve such curls. She's dressed in skinny jeans rolled at the cuff with sneakers, wearing a blue devils wind breaker. She pretty much embodies that "soccer mom" look. But it suits her. His dad I guess would be the male version of a soccer mom? He's pretty much matching his wife with jeans, sneakers and wind jacket. But his built, it's just like Colton. He's fit and stands tall with a smile that could sell anything. Colton's family are def aliens. No gene pool is this perfect.

Colton's mom speaks first. "Oh Remi it's so nice to meet you!" She steps towards me with open arms and hugs me. Now I know where Jessica gets it from. I lightly pat her back. She pulls back. "I'm Linda and this is my husband Jack." Jack leans forward to shake my hand. I shake his hand smiling. "Hi Remi, did you enjoy the game?"

"Oh yeah, it was actually entertaining." Colton's parents eyebrows raise in question. "I mean, I've watched high school soccer, so that's what I was expecting. This was better. That's uh, what I meant." Great start bud.

Colton's family starts laughing as if I said something hilarious.

"What's everyone laughing at?" Colton appears behind his parents. He dropped his gym bag down and tossed his hoodie on so effortlessly.

Colton's parents turn around cheering Colton on his win. Jack pats his back and Linda kisses his cheek. I stare at his beautiful face filled with happiness. He looks up at me and his gaze intensifies. Without saying a word he steps towards me and my heart races. He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. I wrap my arms around his neck and give him a quick peck on his lips without his family seeing. He leans back smiling. He tilts his head to whisper in my ear. "I'm so happy you're here." I turn my head towards him. "Me too." I smile and look down at my boots.