by Mack Black
I shuffled my feet, looking everywhere except at my dad.
"My point is, you can talk to me about things and I'm not going to judge you. We don't talk like we used to, and I miss that. Despite everything you’ve been through, you're a strong young man, and if your girlfriend is pregnant, I'll help you however I can. It doesn't make me any less proud to call you my son."
I felt breathless, but also like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
I looked up at him and smiled, touching his shoulder.
" Dad, I don’t blame you for my problems with women. They say sons need their mothers just as daughters need their fathers. For so long, I felt like you replaced me with Vanessa. I hated her for a long time. You didn't replace me, and I see that now. I was an angry kid. I lost my family so fast and everything fell apart. You did your best for us, Dad. You tried to give us a mother because we both needed one, but your choice in women is horrible." I laughed, knowing even though I meant it lightly, it was the truth. My dad’s choice in women sucked. It always had. He was like a magnet for crazy.
Dad laughed too, smiling as he pulled me in for a hug. "I do have shit choice in women, but that will change soon." He stepped back and looked away.
"Thanks Dad, for everything I never thanked you for."
"It's my job James.” He clapped me on the back before sitting on the edge of the bed. “So, tell me about this girl. Is she long term or what?"
I joined him. "Yeah." I said. "Yeah she is. I'm gonna marry her one day, Dad. She's my forever; she just doesn't know it yet."
"Well, I can say one thing. You two should make a very pretty baby. Are you scared?"
I was scared out of my mind.
"As long as we have each other, we’ll make it through whatever life throws at us."
Dad nodded his head and stood from the bed. I watched as he walked towards the door. Before he opened it, he faced me.
"Do me a favor okay?" he asked.
I stood and moved towards him. "What? And don't say keep a secret, cuz I'm not doing it."
Dad laughed and tapped the door twice before turning back to me. "Don't be in such a hurry to get to the finish line. I was and look where it got me. I think the casual approach will do both of us much better. Not everyone can have a famous love story like your sister. You have to build your own story. Can you do that for me?"
I took a step back, bringing a hand to my chest. My dad never really offered words of wisdom, and he never gave big speeches like this. He was right, though. I did have to make my own story, something I’d been working at slowly.
"Yeah Dad."
"Okay. Then I approve."
I followed Dad out of the room and we sat at the table again. Nobody said a word, and they all stared at things in the room, but their eyes never landed on one another.
Dad clapped Jace on the shoulder and asked him for a minute of his time. I gave my sister a sad smile. I knew that something more was going on with Vanessa, but I wasn't going to pry anymore. She’d tell me when she was ready.
"Did you miss me?" I asked, grinning over at Bella.
"I did." Bella leaned over and kissed my cheek.
"Are you upset with me for spilling?" I asked, letting my fingers trail up her thigh.
"I am," my sister huffed before Bella could answer.
"No James. Everything that needed to happen tonight happened. Did you mean what you said?" Bella asked, ignoring my sister’s comment.
"Every single word my beautiful, little flower."
When our conversation ended, I turned to address my sister.
"Ness I'm sorry okay? I just think we all need to be honest with each other. I'm done with the secrets and lies."
"What is with you calling her a flower? It’s a little weird," Nessa said, ignoring my apology.
"Oh, her name in Italian means beautiful, little flower," I said. Amused, I turned back to Bella and poked her nose. "And I mean look at her. She's pretty, like a flower."
"Most people just use baby or honey or sweetheart," Nessa said.
"I'm not most people," Bella said, glancing at my sister.
I knew Vanessa liked Bella, she was in a mood and trying to be complicated. She was good at that. Always had been.
"No, you're not," Vanessa said after staring at Bella for several moments. "But that's a good thing.” She stopped to meet my eyes. “It's whatever, James. It's too late now. Secrets out. I'm sure Dad is grilling Jace about what happened between us. He’s always sticking his nose in our business."
"At least he cares. It's not like either of us have a mom who cares. We have Dad and he does his best."
She rolled her eyes at that. "I know. I just wish he didn't have such a weird bond with Jace," she said, scraping her fork through her uneaten food.
"He considered him a son long before you got with him so it's different. Would you rather he hate him?”
"Touché James."
Silence wrapped around us again, making it easier to hear the voices of Dad and Jace outside the apartment door. I couldn’t figure out what they were saying, but knew they were talking and not yelling, at least.
“Nessa, you know I’m here if you want to talk about anything. I know there are things you aren’t telling me. I love you and I want to see you overcome whatever this is. We have our whole lives ahead of us. It’s time to stop dwelling on the past and start living.”
“I know.” She turned to Bella, ending the conversation. "So Bella, girl or boy?"
My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe she’d just asked that.
"Boy," Bella said. Her grip on my leg tightened and her nails dug into my skin.
I shifted, an attempt to ease the pain. Both girls looked at me, and Bella untightened her grip, whispering an apology under her breath.
"This is awkward," I said, a nervous laugh escaping. I’d give anything for Dad and Jace to come back inside.
As if my prayers had been answered, the front door swung open and they both walked in from the hall.
"I think we've had enough excitement for the night.” Dad said.
"Let's go home babe," Jace said, reaching out for Vanessa.
"Well thanks for coming guys," I said.
My dad hung around for a moment after Vanessa and Jace left. I figured he had something more to say to me.
"Son, can you give me a minute with your girlfriend?" Dad asked.
After a nod from Bella, I disappeared into my bedroom. I hadn’t needed to, though, since I heard the front door close, so they must’ve stepped outside.
I wondered what my dad could possibly want to say to her and if she would be upset with me because of it. Within minutes, Bella rushed inside, running straight into the bedroom and tackling me to the floor where she showered me with kisses.
"Somebody is happy," I said, stroking her hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.
"I'm in love James. I'm in love with love. With you. With whatever we have. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner." She giggled, and I couldn't help but smile. I loved it when she was happy like this. I loved it because I was the reason. Nothing made me feel better than being the reason for her smile.
"I like your dad," she said, poking me in the nose.
"I like him alright too. And I'm in love with you too Bella. So much I want to shout it out loud for everyone to hear." I poked her back and leaned up to give her several chaste kisses.
So this is what happy feels like. I could get used to it.
The next several moments were spent in silence, but not an uncomfortable one. For once in my life, the quiet didn't bother me. Still, whatever my dad had said to Bella gnawed at me. I wanted to know, but since I was trying to be different, to break old habits, I didn’t ask her. If she wanted me to know, she’d tell me. Simple as that.
"I have a confession." Bella moved so she could look at me while still staying in my arms.
"Okay?" I asked, not even panicking a little because I didn’t think her confession would be anything
bad.
"Your dad told me a secret, and while I can't tell you what it is because he wants to tell you, I can say that he isn't as damaged as you think he is."
I’d said no more secrets, but Dad had one—one he didn’t tell me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
"Okay."
"And I think you should do the interview. I think it would allow you to get some closure. All of you." Bella licked her lips, then grabbed my hand. "As long as you're with me, I'll do it," I said after a few moments of contemplation.
"I'll be right there cheering you on. And don't worry, this story is only coming back because of her execution. Once it's over, it will die back down, then everything will go back to normal. Somewhat."
Bella was right. It’d died down before and it would again. I just needed to be patient and wait it out.
"Remind me how I got so lucky to have an amazing girlfriend?" I asked, wrapping my arms tighter around her small body so my palms rested on her stomach.
"Because nice guys always finish the race. The patient ones, the ones who wait six years for someone…they are the ones who take the prize."
I couldn’t help but smile at her answer.
"If it's a boy, I want to name him Greyson," Bella whispered.
"After this super sexy bad boy in this book I'm reading."
"Bella, you might not even be pregnant," I said, knowing that right now it was just a coin toss.
"I checked my calendar. I was ovulating that day and my chance for pregnancy was high," she said, her tone cautious, as if she was afraid what she said would change things.
"It will be alright little flower. We have each other. Together we can weather any storm."
"I know. I'm not worried at all. I just hope I'll be a good mom." I looked down and she wore a look of pure joy on her face.
"You're gonna be a great mom."
Silence enveloped us again, and I laid back into the pillows, knowing I needed to get up and clean the kitchen, but not wanting to move and make her leave my arms.
"James?" she asked.
"Hmm?" I realized I was almost asleep when she called my name.
"I made plans for dinner with my parents tomorrow evening. With everything going on, I forgot to mention it."
I thought for a moment, wondering if I should be nervous or not. In the years we’d known each other, I hadn't ever met her parents. I wasn't sure why, but I wasn't nervous. At least not yet.
"I can't wait to meet them," I said, closing my eyes once again. "Let's nap and then we can clean the kitchen."
My arms circled her tighter, pulling her flush with my body as I relaxed and let myself drift off to sleep.
I rubbed the back of my neck. The closer it got to dinner with Bella’s parents, the more sweat poured off me. I unbuttoned the top of my shirt, only to button it again. I’d already changed my shirt twice, and I didn’t have another clean one to put on. The dampness covering my body mixed with my shaky hands and the unintelligible words pouring from my mouth was a recipe for disaster.
I’d never met a girl’s parents before. Especially not a girl I had quite possibly impregnated. I had no idea what to say, what to do, or how to act. What if they didn’t like me? It scared me to even think it because if they didn’t like me, they might forbid her to be with me and I couldn’t stomach that thought.
"James calm down. Just be yourself and they will love you just like I do," Bella said, squeezing my hand for comfort.
"I'm trying," I muttered.
We walked down to my truck and I helped Bella in. After I shut her door, I stood at the back of the cab and ran a hand down my gray button up shirt. I’d never been more self-conscious in my life. My black jeans were fitted, and I’d even done my hair, but I’d run my hand through it so much it looked messy now. I took one last deep breath and climbed into my truck.
"Okay so my mom’s name is Monika and my step dad’s name is Chase. Just in case you forgot. I picked up a bottle of my mom’s favorite wine, and it’s in the back. I want you to give it to them. They will be impressed with the gift," Bella said.
"Okay," I said. "Monika and Chase."
"Mom is Italian just like me, my step dad is Irish," she said, a proud smile spreading across her lips. "And James, let's not mention the whole pregnancy issue. Chase might just shoot you."
If I hadn’t already been freaking out, I would be now.
"James I was kidding. Well, I wasn't, but don't be so nervous. I'd never let anything happen to you," she said, playing with my fingers.
A sick feeling settled in my stomach as I recalled the way my dad reacted when he found out Jace and Vanessa were sleeping together. I’d thought my dad might kill him that night, so I prayed Bella’s dad would have mercy on me.
"Just up there on the left," Bella said, pulling me from my thoughts once more.
Is this how she felt meeting my family?
It hadn’t been the first time she met them, either. I’d introduced her to my family when we were still friends, but she’d never gotten to know them well. I’d done my best to keep her away from them, afraid they’d scare her off.
"James why are you so nervous? You look like I'm taking you to your death." She gripped my hand harder and I sucked in a breath. When had I stopped breathing? My other hand had a death grip on the steering wheel, the veins popping out against the stark white skin.
"I'm afraid I'm going to open my mouth and say something stupid that will get me killed." I mimicked slitting my throat with my hand as I stared at her parents’ house.
She burst into laughter, her body shaking as she slapped her leg with her free hand.
"It's not funny Bella. I'm scared," I said in a defeated tone.
"You watch too much TV. Seriously, why does everyone just assume we’re crime lords? Thank you, Godfather." She laughed even harder at that, this time stomping her feet against the floor of the truck.
"Well excuse me for thinking the worst. We'll be good as long as I keep my mouth shut." I scoffed as I ripped my hand away from hers.
"Seriously James, when you see my dad you're gonna laugh at yourself for being afraid. I don't know what you're expecting, but dad looks kind of like a leprechaun. He couldn't hurt a fly, but if you make him mad he can look pretty scary. It's all an act though. Personally, I laugh when he gets angry and puffs up. It makes him look just like the lucky charm guy."
I stared at her like an idiot. She can't be serious.
"Come on. We've been sitting here for ten minutes," she said, opening her door and jumping out.
I couldn't delay it any longer. It was time to face them and get it over with. If I was lucky, they would be nice. I joined her at the front door and gripped the bottle of wine in my hands as she knocked.
"Papà!" Bella yelled, hitting the door harder.
The door swung open and I gulped in a mouthful of air. My hands gripped the bottle tighter. As her father came into view I couldn't believe my eyes. She wasn't lying. He really did look like a leprechaun.
"Top of the morning to you," I blurted out before I could even think. I felt my cheeks burn in mortification.
"Oh James, you little joker you. He's a kidder, this one.”
Bella turned to her dad. “Hey Papà, it's been too long." Bella wrapped her arms around the short, bearded man with red hair and pulled him close.
Meanwhile, I tried to hold in my snickers. The cereal commercial kept playing in my mind. Why did Bella have to put that image in my head? If only he had one of those clover hats…
It was getting harder by the second to not laugh.
"Papà this is James," Bella said as she released him and took my hand again.
"Nice to meet you son." He grunted, giving me a once over before sticking his hand out for me to shake.
I half expected a gold coin to be resting in his palm.
"Come on inside. Monika is just finishing up supper," Chase said.
I followed Bella—more like she pulled me—into the house. Chase ushered us t
o the living room and I took a seat on the couch beside Bella. A few seconds later, her mother joined us. I passed her the bottle of wine, mumbling a quick hello.
"Thank you, that's very thoughtful." Her voice was melodic, like church bells.
She had plates of food piled high with homemade pizza and I almost died right then and there.
"I told Ma that you really liked pizza and had never had the good kind, so she spent all day making them," Bella said, turning to me with a smile.
"Have I told you I love you today?" I asked, the hint of a smile on my face.
"You sure didn't," she replied.
"Hmm. Well little flower, I love you." I leaned forward and kissed her cheek, suddenly remembering her parents were sitting in the same room, staring at us.
Monika gasped, and I snapped towards her.
Bella looked down at the ground before meeting her mom’s eyes.
"Isabella! Nobody but your father was supposed to call you that. It was his special nickname for you," Monika said, staring at Bella in disbelief.
"Ma, my name isn't Isabella, so why won't you stop calling me that?" She sighed.
"That isn't the point," Monika snapped.
"It was Daddy’s special thing, but James is special too," Bella said, reaching for my hand as she stared her mother in the eyes.
"Do you still blame me for your father?" Monika whispered.
Bella didn't talk about her father. The only thing she’d told me is that he died.
"No Ma. Now, can we change the subject? This is supposed to be a cheerful meet my boyfriend dinner." She was short and rude with her mother and I wondered what’d happened between them. Even more, I wanted to know what’d happened to her father.
