Breaking Tradition

Chapter Twenty-Four: Theo

Disclaimer: All characters and settings are purely fictional. If there are any similarities to real people or places, it is merely coincidental. The plot is written by me and not copied from any other writer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meeting the Bradshaws
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My parents are not patient individuals. Being wealthy got you accustomed to receiving things on your time and how you wanted it. So, waiting for me to introduce them to Rylee was never a part of their plan. They took matters into their hands and invited her over for Sunday dinner. Did they care to inform me before doing so? No. Not in the slightest. It aggravated me. There were so many parts of my life they controlled that I just wanted to hold onto something I was responsible for without being monitored by them. 

The dinner was off to a good start. I got dressed in some black trousers, a white button-down shirt, and my favorite black loafers. I made sure to leave the two top buttons of my shirt open. I felt I would need to breathe at some point in the dinner.  I knew my parents were eventually going to have the conversation I failed to have with Rylee. I could have discussed it with her, but I didn't want to ruin the innocence of our relationship with the sourness of money and business. 

I was still pretty nervous when she arrived at our home. She was well dressed in an off-white blouse, blue skirt, and some heels. Her curly hair was in a slick bun. I didn't hate it, but I preferred her curly hair. I took her hand in mines and kissed her cheek. I whispered a compliment in her ear, which help relax her a bit. She was beautiful. Her appearance was nothing short of elegant. Even though I knew she was doing it to impress my parents, part of me hoped she would have shown up in tights and crop tops. I wanted her to be her authentic self. I wanted them to see why I loved her. But, I knew that would only make things worse than they already are. 

I lead her to our dining room, where my parents and sister were waiting. The moment we entered the room, my family stood up. They waited for my introductions, and soon the room was filled with pleasantries. My mom complimented her on her beauty, a fact no one could deny. My father was a bit standoffish. He offered his usual pleasantries before returning to his seat. Zaria tried to make Rylee comfortable, asking her questions here and there. It was moments later when Rylee and I were able to take a seat opposite my family. 

It was mostly quiet during the serving of the appetizers. We quietly ate the pumpkin soup, only commenting on how tasty it was. My hands found Rylee's hand under the table to help soothe her. From the look on her face, I could tell she was nervous beyond compare. Things heated up when the entre was served. The moment I heard my father clear his throat, I silently cursed. I squeezed Rylee's hand to warn her. She turned to me, but I kept my head bowed. I wanted to whisper my apologies. I needed to drag her away. I wanted to take any cowardly option that would save her from this. 

"Rylee, how long were you and my son together?" My dad asked, wiping his mouth with his napkin. Rylee stiffens next to me. 

"It'll be a year in May," she replied. It was crazy how quickly the time went. A year ago, she and I were together under the wrong pretenses. Our insecurities were center stage, and we couldn't get past them. Now, here we were, taking serious commitment steps. 

"I'm assuming you're committed to my son," my father stated firmly. My mother and sister were quiet, allowing my dad to take control of the situation. I brushed my thumb against her, hoping she would feel the comfort and positivity I was channeling through her. 

"Yes, I love him," Rylee admits. I turn and smile at her. She returns it. I gaze at her, returning the sediments to her. 

"That's sweet, but love means nothing when it comes to responsibilities, Miss Scott. I trust you are committed to Theo in every aspect of his life," My dad interjects sharply. I notice Rylee's smile drops, and I find myself frowning too. My mom nods in agreement with my father's words. Zaria sends a sympathetic look my way.