Boy meets Girl

Family invite

August 2020

So, Josh and I finally started school. He chose to go back in person but honestly I'd rather sit on the couch and get my education.

When I first visited I knew I wanted to work with history. But with being stuck in quarantine made me think. I decided to switch my major.

While Josh is getting his bachelors in US History, I'm starting my path in criminology. I watch a lot of shows about it and took a psych class in high school. I considered it more of a hobby, but quarantine gave me time to think of it.

Josh was supportive but was worried about me staying home for class.

"I'll be fine. Besides it's not like I'd let anyone in here." I joke.

He shakes his head before leaving for class. "Not funny!" He called before closing the front door behind him.

Class is so boring. I mean I'm listening but not completely. I've made snacks and did yoga in the living room during all my lessons.

"Honey!" Josh called when he came in. I was napping on the couch so I pretended to still be asleep.

"I brought food."

I bolted upright and rubbed my eyes. "What kind?"

"Your mom made stir fry, I went by and picked some up."

I stretched. "Yum."

I was almost done with my bowl when Josh started to speak.

"My mother called, she asked if any mail came in today."

I nodded. "Yeah, she sent something and my new leggings also came in today."

"Okay." Josh said and he got up and put his bowl in the sink.

"I put the package on your nightstand." I call out as Josh walks back to our room.

I got up and started to wash the dishes. My phone started to ring so I quickly dried my hands and went to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hey Dylan, it's Cory."

Josh's brother. "Hey, what's up?"

"Josh was arranging a dinner for next month. I'm not sure if he's told you yet but I wanted to make sure you were coming." Cory said.

I nodded then realized he can't see me. "Sure, is there any specific reason?"

Cory was quiet. Then I heard some mumbling. "Hey Dylan, it's Riley. It's actually just a family get together and it would be great if you came."

I felt my cheeks go red. She said a family get together. Does she consider me a part of the family? What if she does? My heart sank. What if she's just being considerate because Josh is her uncle. Why didn't he tell me about this?

"Dylan? Hello? You there?" Riley said.

"Yes! Um, sure I'll be there." I replied. The conversation ended there and I was wondering what was taking Josh so long in the bedroom.

I walked down the hall and saw him putting together some laundry.

"Hey Bear." I said looking around the room. "Did Cory call you?" He asked, getting up from the floor.

I nodded. "Why didn't you tell me about the family dinner?" I asked. Josh shrugged and put his hands in his pockets.

"I thought you would feel more comfortable going to a family dinner if someone else in the family asked you."

I sucked in my lips. "You don't want me to go?"

Josh shook his head. "That's not what I'm saying. What I meant was I consider you my family, because I love you. However, I know you and my ma have had some ups and downs so, I thought if Cory or Riley asked you to join a family dinner you would be comfortable going."

I walked over to the bed and laid down on my back. "Well, in that case I feel loved." I kicked my feet over the edge.

Josh gasp. "I.. don't make you feel loved?"

I stuck my tongue out. "You're my boyfriend. They're your family. It's a different kind of love."

He chuckled then hopped down on the bed and laid beside me.

"We've been together for ten months.. are there dinners I haven't been invited to?" I ask, turning my head to face him. He did the same.

His expression was hard to read. "It's not that you weren't welcomed or anything, I just didn't feel like going."

I sat upright. "Why not? They're family."

Josh places his arms behind his head. "Yeah. But they can be clingy, judgmental and nosy."

"And caring, obnoxious and overall concerning." I nudging him with my foot.

"That too."

"Well, I have a month to decide what I'm going to wear so.."

"Oh my gooooood." Josh groaned taking a pillow and covering his face with it.

Riley's P.O.V

"Are you serious?" I asked my dad. He nodded and mom clapped her hands with excitement. "Now that she's coming, we can't say anything to her about this being Josh's idea."

"Why not?" Auggie asked. "It's just dinner."

"Well, your Uncle Eric and Grandparents are coming too." Mom said. "And possibly Shawn and Katy." Dad added.

Auggie shrugged and got up from the table. He walked back to his room probably to play some kind of video game. Mom had went to London two years ago and brought Auggie some games when she came back. At that time Grandma and Grandpa took care of us so we didn't have to leave. Dad would fly back and forth so we wouldn't be lonely. Family dinners are pretty important now. Especially since we are all together.

"Why are Uncle Shawn and Aunt Katy coming?" I asked. Mom sucked in her lips.

"Because-" Dad started and Mom lightly hit his shoulder. "Cory." She warned. Dad waved her off. "She won't say anything Topanga. Who would she tell?"

"Lucas? Did you hear me?" The line was quiet. "Uncle Josh is going to ask Dylan to marry him!"