Normal People - Strange Encounters Book Two

Chapter 32

As Spencer and Amelia walked up the entry way to Rossi's, hands clasped and swinging freely, Amelia stopped short of the entryway. Spencer looked at her, licking his lips, anxious about just getting her into the party.

"Have you ever thought about marriage?"

Why did all of their serious conversations have to happen at Rossi's?

"W-well, I, uh, yeah, I have. Have you?" He walked to up her, smoothing out her hair that had gotten a little unruly from their previous activity.

"Yeah" she responded, leaning her head into his touch but looking at the ground. "I always-"

"There you two are! What happened to you guys?!" Penelope asked, giving Spencer a stern glance as he sheepishly shrugged his shoulders. Penelope took in their messy hair and had a few ideas as to what had happened to them, all right. "Get your butts inside!" She scurried back into the house, leaving the front door wide open.

Amelia glanced at Spencer, giving him a quick kiss. "It's not important, we can talk about it tomorrow" she said, smiling as she tugged him toward the door. Spencer shut it behind him.

"What the.. why the fuck is it so dark in here?" Amelia mumbled as she tried to shrug out of her coat. "I think I hear them in the-"

"SURPRISE!" Amelia lurched, backing into Spencer who laughed as he wrapped his arms around her chest. A chorus of 'surprises' continued to ring out, with a few 'happy birthday's sprinkled in. Amelia shielded her eyes at the sudden light and the flash from the camera in Penelope's hands. She looked around the living room next to the foyer, and her jaw dropped in surprise.

Not only was the entire BAU there with their families, she saw her dad and grandparents, her abuelos and uncles and Denise and her cousins. She saw someone jumping in excitement, and realized it was Anna and Smith with their boyfriends in tow. Miranda waved wildly from her spot next to Emily, who was grinning.

"Shut.. the fuck.. up.." Amelia said, looking in awe around the room. Almost of her favorite people from all walks of her life were gathered under one, ornate, roof.

"Now young lady, that is not how to speak in front of company, goddamit" a voice rang out behind her. Amelia spun out of Spencer's grip, squealing and bolting toward the voice.

"Oof" Gladys grunted as Amelia wrapped her up in a bear hug. The woman broke into a grin as she hugged back. "Good to see you too, Amelia."

"What the hell are you doing here?!"

"Ask that doctor of yours" Gladys said, looking over toward Spencer with a glint in her eye.

Amelia walked back towards Spencer, grabbing his hands.

"You did all this?" She asked quietly, beaming up at him.

"With the help of Pen and Rossi.. Happy early birthday, Lee" he shrugged, blushing. Amelia looped her arms around his neck as she stood on her tip toes to kiss him, feeling his smile. They ignored the hoots and hollers thrown at them from their friends.

"Excuse me, that's enough of that!" Edgar hollered from the living room. "Knock it off and get in here."

Amelia and Spencer laughed as they walked into the living room, greeted by all of their loved ones. Amelia made her rounds, starting with her family. She ushered Gladys and Simon over, introducing them to her family.

"Thank you for being there when we couldn't" Edgar said somberly, shaking their hands.

"It was our pleasure, Mr. Vernand. You have quite a woman as your daughter" Gladys said.