Cupid's Mistake

CHAPTER TWENTY

Monday and Tuesday dragged on, as they usually did when vacation is pending. I had stayed at Devin's place despite the farther traveling distance to get to school and work.

Finally, vacation had arrived.

Devin and I woke up far too late, exhausted from the previous night's activities. We grabbed our pre-packed bags and rushed to catch a cab to the airport.

We got onto the plane just in time, as they closed the door behind us and prepared for flight.

The flight itself felt much quicker with Devin by my side. She discreetly held my hand, as pictures were taken. I appreciated her respect for my desire to remain secret, but I knew she wasn't all too pleased with my wishes.

After arriving, we met my mother and Naeem was there to get us.

Naeem was first to greet Devin while my mother composed herself. I came to the sudden realization that Naeem greeted Devin like a father greets his daughter's boyfriend. He smiled and shook her hand. He pulled her in for a side hug and introduced her to my mother who was very obviously holding back tears. After a greeting, Devin returned to my side and opened the door to the backseat for me. I slid in and watched her climb in as well. My mother sat in the passenger side and Naeem drove us home.

"How was your flight?" Naeem asked, looking through the rearview mirror at us.

"A little bumpy, but good." I smiled back and took Devin's hand in mine. I heard my mother sniffle and turn back to look at us. I fought my instincts to drop her hand.

"I'm so glad you could make it." My mom smiled as brightly as she could.

"I'm happy to be here, it's sure as hell warmer than New York." Everyone laughed, except me. I was in shock. This is what a family is like. Devin noticed my lack of laughter and turned to look at me.

"You okay?" She silently mouthed out. I nodded and gave her a quick smile. We continued back to my childhood home, where I would spend the next 3 days with my family.

Devin helped me carry our bags up into my old room, the newly designated guest room. My mom had awkwardly offered me the couch so Devin could have the room, creating many awkward questions and internal conversations.

Did she know we were together like that?

Did she want us to sleep separately?

Was she comfortable with us being together?

I quickly denied her request and informed her that we didn't mind sharing a room. Devin wanted to agree to my mother's request, but I wouldn't have her feel like an outsider in my own home.

"Are you sure your mom is okay with us?" Devin asked after I closed the door to our new room.

"Of course, baby!" I all but shouted. "She just didn't know how to act. This is as new to her as it is to me." I smiled and tucked myself into her embrace for both of our comfort.

"Are you uncomfortable?" I finally asked after we both had calmed down and reflected on the situation.

"Yes." Her answer was quick and effective. I pulled away slightly and looked up at her. She quickly turned to look the other way, but I wouldn't allow it. I reached up and placed my palm on her cheek to gently than her head to me.

"Let's talk about it," I said and leaned in to kiss the base of her neck. She pulled us back to the bed and sat on the end. I climbed into her lap, facing her and waiting for her to talk.

"I don't want your mom to feel uncomfortable, and I've never had a family like this. My parents aren't like yours." I thought for a moment, that she doesn't know the half of it, but while we're opening up, I might as well confess.