will you be mine

21

I peel Ethan out of his vomit covered clothes, if he can't keep up with university kids how does he expect to keep up with rock stars. At least he got the full American experience, he didn't get the quickie he had wanted but 2 out of 3 isn't bad. Everyone at the party were at least 6 years younger than him so he wasn't interested in anyone.

Vicky and her new boyfriend had plied him with shots, I had the good sense to refuse as I want to be sober when I see my family. Ethan had partied more in one night than he had in his entire life.

With the help of some hotel staff I was able to get him out of the cab and into our room. with only a few hours until the BBQ I worry he won't be capable of joining me. I remove his clothes down to his underwear and slip him into the bed. I set an alarm and retire to my own bed, sleep comes thick and fast and I'm greatful. I have a big day ahead.

When I wake I Decide to hire a car while I'm in town it will make things easier for me. I can't imagine having to rely on public transport for the next 3 weeks. Ethan has his heart set on a jeep but I decide on a black convertible, he's too hungover to argue so I get my own way. It feels good driving through Pasadena with the wind in my hair. As we near my childhood home i start to feel nervous, I hope it won't be too awkward.

Ethan can't wait to meet my family, especially dianne as he's heard so many stories about her. I'm excited but I'm not looking forward to them complaining about my life choices. I agree leaving the country without telling them in person really wasn't my finest moment.

"We're here" I announce as I pull over. The old house looks just like it had when I left.

"Which house is yours"

"The one with the large paper machet bunny on the Porch" it's been on the porch every Easter since my sisters June and Mary made it when they were kids. I had suggested that my nieces make a new one as it's starting to look shabby but my dads sentimental and refuses to throw the monstrosity out.

It takes me five minutes to work up the courage to leave the car. As soon as we get close to the house I can hear the loud voices of my family coming from the back yard. I link arms with Ethan and show him in to the yard. I see so many people I recognise but no one notices me so I make a beeline for my parents. My dad is wearing cargo shorts and a short sleeved pink polo top, my moms wearing the yellow floral dress she wears each year.

"Imagine bumping into you here" I say as I stop behind them. My mom recognises my voice straight away,she spins so fast she almost flys.

"Rose" she throws her arms around me and hugs me tightly. I'm caught off guard, my mom has never been a hugger.

"Rose, I can't believe your here" my dad joins the hug and almost crushes me.

I introduce my parents to Ethan, they almost suffocate him with their hugs. I tell them my plans for my vacation, they make it clear how happy they are to see me and I'm overwhelmed with guilt for putting this off so long. Why didn't I come home sooner.

Something catches my dads eye and his face drains of colour, "shit, I didn't know you were coming or I never would have invited him"

"Invited who, what's wrong"

I turn and catch who's got his attention. Ark is stood in my parents garden wearing black shorts and a ripped vest. He notices me and for a moment he looks confused like he's seen a ghost. He saunters over to us and pulls me into his arms. " well this is a nice surprise, hey babe"

My parents eyes grow large as he kisses me, I suppose I have some explaining to do.

"what the fuck is going on here" dianne yells as she runs at me, before I can reply her arms are around me.