Rumspringa

Chapter 7: Family

   Three days had gone by since the tape had been released. So far the only thing I had got was one snotty remark from a guy a work. When I punched him in the throat, the whole factory went silent. After that I really didn't have much problem. I was suspended for two days and written up, but at least I wasn't fired. I may not be much of a fighter, but piss me off enough and I will knock your teeth in.

   "You are either in for a treat or a nightmare tonight." I was sitting in the living room with Eli and Emily. "My parents are coming for dinner." We both had the day off and were being lazy.

   "Wonderful. I can't wait to meet them." Eli was talking in between shoveling bites of a bologna sandwich in his mouth. He has been trying all kinds of food lately.

   "Depending on what kind of mood dad is in, you may change your thought on that." I gave him a serious look. Dad never liked any of the people I brought around, especially guys. He barely like Emily.

   "So, what are you cooking?" Emily asked eagerly as she sipped her coffee. "That way I know whether I am staying here or if I am gonna go out tonight." I knew she wasn't joking, but she said it with a smile. Emily was somewhat of a picky eater, and certain things she just wouldn't touch. Luckily, I knew her food pallet and went with something she liked. I needed all the backup I could get.

   "Baked chicken with mashed potatoes and corn. And yes, you're invited as well. That way if things go south, I have backup." Emily has saved me from my parents in the past, and she may have to do it again.

   "I love chicken. Do you need help cooking?" It wasn't often that she offered to help cook.

   "Sure. Eli, you are in charge of cleaning the house. Just make sure it looks decent. I don't want them to think we live like pigs." In a way we kind of do. Not in a bad way, but in a way where we don't dust and sweep everyday. Also, the pile of dirty laundry in my room didn't help.

   "No problem. I can do that." He got up and started towards the kitchen. "Where do you keep your broom and mop?" We used it that little, that he didn't even know where it was. Truth is, we were working more than we were home. I can't believe I actually had to stop and think for a second.

   "In the kitchen, next to the refrigerator." I shouted as I laid there. I was feeling extremely lazy and didn't want to get up, but I knew I had to.

  Knock knock knock. That door was awfully loud. "I'm coming." I yelled as I hurried to the door. I had decided to dress up a little tonight and put on a dress, a rarity for me. I was able to talk Eli into ditching the overalls for a dress shirt and some nice jeans. Emily had on just a plain old sweatshirt and jeans. She wasn't trying to impress them as much as I was. Plus she had met them multiple times before. "Mom, Dad, come on in. Jake, nice to see you." Jake was my younger brother. He was twenty five, had a bachelor's degree from college and had a well paying job. Not to mention that he was in shape.

   "Hi Becky." James greeted me with a hug as he entered.

   "Mom, dad, this is Eli, the guy I have told you about. Eli, this is Fred and Louis, aka mom and dad." I introduced them and hoped for the best.

   "Pleasure to meet you sir." Eli, with no fear walked up and shook dads hand. Bold move.

   "That's a nice handshake you got there." Fred's compliments were rare, and I never got one. I was kind of jealous.

   "How are you ma'am?" Eli shook my mothers hand as well. For the first time since I've met him, his strict manners were actually useful.

   "I am good. Such a proper young man. He's a keeper Rebecca." My mom always called me Rebecca and never Becky. She thought it wasn't right for some reason. I never argued.