Under the Lights

Chapter 15: Family Dinner

Chapter 15

I nervously stood at the doorway, a bouquet of flowers in my hand. 

My hair was still wet from my shower, and I was wearing a pair of beige pants and a dark blue pullover sweater. 

I had absolutely no idea what to wear when you’re meeting your girlfriends sort of parents?

The door opened, and Carly’s face broke into a grin. 

“Are those for me?” Carly asked quickly. 

“Uh-” 

“Okay good they’re for Leslie.” She nodded, referring to her foster mom. 

I nodded. “You look beautiful.” I smiled, stepping forwards. 

“Aw thanks, you don’t look too shabby yourself.” She laughed, giving me a quick kiss. 

“Leslie! Jason’s here!” Carly called through the small, warm house. 

It was clearly a very busy home, with kids toys everywhere and nothing really in the right place. 

“Hi! I’m Leslie nice to meet you!” A grinning woman said, coming around the corner. 

“Hi.” I smiled. “These are for you.” I added, handing her the flowers. 

“Oh thank you darling.” She smiled, taking them from my hand. “Jim! Carly’s boyfriend is here!” Leslie called as she turned to walk into the kitchen. 

“Do you play football?” A little boy exclaimed, running up to me. 

“This is Jonah, he’s six.” Carly informed me. 

“Hi Jonah. And yes, I do play football.” I nodded with a smile. 

“That’s my favoritest sport!” He said excitedly before running off. 

“He’s energetic.” I laughed, raising my eyebrows. 

Carly nodded. 

“And that little cutie over there is Molly.” She said, picking up a toddler from a playpen in the crowded living room. 

“Hi sweetie.” I smiled, taking a small child from Carly’s arms. 

“I’m Molly!” The little girl announced. 

“I’m Jason. Nice to meet you.” I laughed, smiling down at her. 

“You play dress up?” She asked, her little eyes staring directly into mine. 

“Not really, no. But maybe I will later?” I offered. 

Molly nodded excitedly before wiggling out of my grasp. I gently set her back down in her playpen, smiling at Carly. 

“Lily!” Carly called, looking around the crowded room. 

Another girl appeared from behind the couch, a book in her hands. 

“You’re Jason.” She said to me. 

I nodded. “And you must be Lily.” I replied with a smile. 

“Okay.” The girl said before disappearing back behind the couch. 

“She’s not very social...” Carly whispered. “And I’m not sure where the twins are, but you’ll meet them once dinner is on the table. Jason and I are going to my room!” Carly called. 

There was no response from the kitchen, but Carly led me down a crowded hallway anyways. 

“I share with Angie, she’s 14, and as you can see, that’s her side.” Carly laughed, pointing to the other side of the room that was covered in posters.