Six

The mist of euphoria my mother had been veiled under didn’t last. The next day she was on edge. Making a list and checking it twice. I knew better than to cross paths with a ticking time-bomb. There was no use offering to help, she’d insist that I wouldn’t be able to do anything right, and so I went back to my normal at home behavior of trying my best to be invisible.

The doorbell rang, but I ignored it. Probably just UPS with another delivery of a last-minute wardrobe accessory mom needed for her fabulous European vacation. I continued to strum my guitar in the den, working on a song that David was teaching me before break, while Audrey’s heels clicked off of the floor to the main door, providing an eerie musical accompaniment.

“Can I help you?” my mother asked as I strummed away, vaguely interested in who was annoying her this afternoon.

“Hello, you must be Mrs. Wakefield. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

No. Fucking. Way.

“And you are?” Audrey did not sound in the mood to play a round of Guess Who?

“Erik.” Silence. “I’m Brittany’s boyfriend.”

I honestly had no clue what was stranger: the fact that Erik was in my house—at least on my doorstep, or that he had just referred to me as Brittany. I had flashbacks of that tattoo and shuddered all over again.

“Oh… hello. Come in.” Did my ears deceive me, or did Audrey sound flustered? I was completely fascinated by what was going on out in the hallway, but it was like observing animals in the wild. I worried if I moved, I might just scare them off.

“I apologize for showing up uninvited, but I felt it would be proper if you and Mr. Wakefield met me before Brittany stayed at my house over break.”

Is someone strangling me? I think someone is strangling me. Can’t breathe…

“I’m sorry. Brittany is staying with… you?”

Nooooooooooo…

“Well, yes.” Erik laughed lightly. “And my parents, of course. My sisters, too. The whole family will be there and…” He paused, and even without seeing his expression, I could imagine he had just figured out that I lied to him. “And you had no idea… Well, I guess I just made a mess of things.” Erik sounded utterly distraught, and it killed me that I had done that to him. “I’m sorry. I really thought you knew.”

“Well, you seem sincere in your intent. But Brittany has some explaining to do.”

Shit, it just got chilly in here. I wondered if my mother was born with ice in her veins or if they injected her at birth.

“Brittany!”

I surveyed the room. Where was an emergency exit when you needed one? Walking out of the den was like facing the executioner. I turned the corner and there was Audrey, arms crossed, perfect French manicure tapping across her upper arm, brows knitted together and hate oozing from her stare. Beside her was Erik, head hung low, and the most heartbroken expression on his face. I knew he was equally mad at me for lying as he was with himself for showing up and blowing my cover.

“Look who I met, your new roommate, Erik,” Audrey said with a mouth so rigid her lips barely moved. I stole one more peek at Erik. He had his pea coat opened and was wearing a black turtleneck with a burgundy scarf, gray jeans, and shoes so shiny they had to be new. His hair was slicked back into a neat ponytail, and he was clean shaven. God! He was dressed up! He was trying so hard to make a good impression. He had no idea you can’t charm Satan…

“Mom, you don’t understand.”

“Understand what? That you lied about visiting Kristen, or that you forgot to tell me that Kristen was code for Erik?”

Well, she had me there. “I was going to be alone anyway. It didn’t matter who I was with, but I knew you’d be easier on me if you thought I was staying with a girl.”

“No, I’d be easier on you if you would just be honest with me. For goodness sake, Brittany, you lie so well to others, I think you’re starting to believe these tales yourself.”

“Perhaps I should wait outside.” Erik took a step back.

“Perhaps you should just go home, Erik,” Audrey snapped.

“Mom!” I shrieked in desperation, ready to launch myself in the line of fire if it meant Erik would survive this unscathed. “He lives in Pennsylvania! You can’t just kick him out, he’s been driving for hours.”

Erik sank his hands deep into his pockets. He was embarrassed, and it was difficult to see him like that and not be able to comfort him. Not to mention, it was killing me that he wouldn’t look up at me.

“Hey, what’s with all the commotion?” my dad asked, descending from the stairs. He had been in secret ops mode as well, mission Avoiding Audrey was well under way. He was so good at disappearing, I actually forgot he was home, too. Crap.

“Nothing, we’re getting better acquainted with Brittany’s boyfriend,” Audrey said, her words soaked in sarcasm. I bit my lip, wondering if my mother would have pity on me and keep this information from my dad.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Henry shook Erik’s hand, a smile sweeping his features at this pleasant surprise. I don’t think many people referred to my dad as sir.

“Well, well. I’ve heard a lot about you son, can I offer you a drink?”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” Erik still hadn’t looked at me yet.

We were all standing there in an awkward circle. I tried using the force to keep my mother from running her mouth, but sadly, my Jedi skills never did kick in.

“Henry, Erik wanted to meet us before Brittany stayed with him over the break,” the demon said sweetly. I knew I deserved this, but just once could she be on my side?

“Stay with him?” My dad’s head swung around like an owl’s, looking at all of us, trying to get an answer.

“Sir, I—”

My mother raised a hand to silence Erik, partially blinding him with the light emitted from her diamonds. “I would like Brittany to explain.” Erik looked at me for the first time. His blue eyes shone like crystals; he was obviously too respectful to cross Audrey. Or perhaps it was fear. She had that effect on people. He chewed on his bottom lip and kept his gaze on me. Clearly the boy was sending me telepathic messages, but as I always complained to my father, the reception was bad in Connecticut, and today was no different.

“I told you I was seeing Erik over the break.” My words were spoken so soft. Even I didn’t believe them.

“Yes, you did. You also said you were spending Christmas with Kristen in Boston.”

Erik shot me a look. Ohhh. I hadn’t seen that face since before we started dating. He was pissed.

“I know. But, you guys are leaving me. You’re going to Europe. Do you even care where I go?” My voice was shaking, and I didn’t want to cry in front of Erik.

“Of course we care, Brit,” my dad said. “Why would you think we don’t care?”

“Oh, I don’t know. You planned this vacation without me.”

“Brittany, we’ve been through this. Stop trying to twist reality so we’re the monsters. Your father had a business trip. We merely extended it to include our anniversary. If you had your passport up to date—”

“Yes, yes. I know. It’s all my fault. It’s always my fault.”

I crossed my arms and sulked against the wall. This was not how I wanted Erik’s first time meeting my parents to go. I actually never wanted him to meet them. Audrey was too complicated, and there’s just something ridiculously awkward about having your dad shake hands with the guy that bones you.

“All right, why don’t we head to the kitchen, have lunch and start over?” my dad suggested, as if cold cuts could solve our problems. My mom went in first, followed by my dad, which gave me and Erik about eight seconds to settle the dust my little lie and his surprise visit had unleashed.

“You have a beautiful home,” he said, looking at the hallway for the first time. “It’s very…” He looked around trying to find the most accurate description. “White.”

“Yup, like an asylum.”

He ignored my snark and looked over at the small table next to the stairs that had a few frames and a vase with fresh flowers. “So…” He picked up a picture of me from when I was five. I was dressed as Dorothy for Halloween. I wanted to be the Wicked Witch, but my mother tried to teach me the importance of great shoes at an early age. His mouth twitched as he looked at little Brit. He wanted to smile, I could tell, but he was too angry to be swayed by my Kindergarten charms. He put the picture back and looked at me. “You lied to them, and to me.” There was tangible pain in his voice and it tore through me. I was used to disappointing my mom. But I never wanted to disappoint Erik.

“I didn’t lie… I just didn’t correct them when they misinterpreted my vacation plans. And as for you, would you really be cool with me staying at your place if you knew my parents had no idea? You’re like the poster boy for chivalry.”

“Brit.” Erik sighed and stepped over to me, taking both my hands in his, bending his knees and dipping his forehead against mine. “You’re lucky I love you so much. But, never lie to me again. I’m on your side.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered back. Erik tilted his head, and just as his lips were about to touch mine, my father cleared his throat, causing me to jump back like a bolt of electricity had just surged through my nervous system.

“Soup’s on,” he said. I couldn’t look at my dad. I was beet red and praying the parquet floors would swallow me whole. Erik winked at me and tugged me toward the kitchen. When we walked in, I tried to let go, but he only squeezed my hand harder, determined to go down with my sinking ship.

My mom glanced at our interlocked state, raised a brow and twisted her red painted lips. “So, Erik… how did you two meet?” she asked.

“You know how we met. I’ve told you before.” Did I sound catty? I think I sounded catty.

My mother smiled sweetly and hurled her next insult at me. “You also told me that you were spending a week with Kristen Forte. Forgive me if I can’t keep up with your lies.” My dad was either ignoring her or so preoccupied with grabbing cans of soda out of the fridge he didn’t hear her. Either way, it was embarrassing.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuckity. Fuck.

Erik cleared his throat. “We met last August, Mrs. Wakefield. It was the first week of school, and Brit was in my advanced drawing class. She took the easel next to mine, and I instantly became the luckiest guy in the world.”

My mom’s eyes narrowed. I knew she thought he was laying it on thick, she didn’t know yet that Erik was nothing if not sincere. The boy could charm a snake. If he couldn’t break through her ice walls, it would prove once and for all she was not from this planet. In an attempt to turn my misery into amusement, I pointed to the empty seat beside her, offering it to Erik. If I’m going to go down in flames, might as well do a little research first.

“And you’re a senior?” she asked, trying to trap him.

“No, a junior,” he said as he sat down. I pulled out the chair, sitting on the other side of him. Erik flanked by the Wakefield women. Well, wasn’t this cozy.

“So, I assume you declared a major already,” Audrey asked, hands folded over her plate, still not touching any of the food my dad had put out for us.

“Yes. I’m a double major, actually. Studio art and literature.” Erik popped open a can of ginger ale and poured it into his glass.

“And what do you plan on doing with that?” Audrey asked.

“Being very poor,” Erik replied naturally, and I laughed so loud I had to cover my mouth with my hand. He winked at me again and cut into one of the rolls my dad had placed on the table. “I’m only kidding.” He offered my mother a smile, but her stone-cold expression quickly wiped it away. Erik cleared his throat, and I watched in wonder as something I’ve never seen before latched onto him: the boy was nervous. He took a deep drink of his ginger ale before trying to smooth over his ill attempt at humor.

“My dream is to be an illustrator. Maybe even write and illustrate someday. Graphic novels are where my passion lies.” My mom looked utterly deflated. She blinked her fake eyelashes at him.

“Comic books,” she sneered, the words sounding like a foul curse. Erik would have been better off saying he wanted to be a drug dealer. At least there’s steady money in dealing meth. Breaking Bad taught me that much.

I turned to Erik, his ears were getting pink. How was the boy going to get out of this one? I was strangely fascinated. “I am aware that being an illustrator is not exactly the easiest way to acquire steady work. And a traditionally published author in any genre is one of the toughest industries to break into. But it’s my dream job.”

“Do you have a back-up plan?” my dad asked, sitting beside me and reaching for a roll.

Okay, this interrogation had gone on long enough, time for me to rescue my prince. “Dad, this is a really heavy conversation for your first meeting. Can’t we go back to how I’m the wayward child?”

Erik placed a reassuring hand over mine. I felt like I had been electrocuted. He was touching me lovingly in front of my parents. This was worse than the hand holding. At least then we were walking, so it sort of served a purpose. Like we needed each other to cross the street and shit. This little display of affection just held a neon sign over my head that we were lovers. They knew it. The whole world knew it. Was it weird? Was it making them uncomfortable?

It sure as hell was making me uncomfortable!

“Your parents have every cause to be concerned, Brit. They only want the best for their daughter.”

No, they only want me to not fuck up, ever, but go on…

He removed his hand, and I was finally able to exhale. Erik turned to my father, “Yes, sir. I’m pretty tech savvy, so I plan to pursue a career in graphic design, cover art is rather appealing. Maybe even web development. Hopefully, I can do freelance illustration on the side and build up my portfolio. As I said before, traditional illustration is where my passion lies, but if I can work in some aspect of the publishing industry, then I’ll be able to learn from other’s mistakes before it’s time for me to get my feet wet.”

All my dad had to hear was “tech savvy” and he brightened up. “Graphic designers are in demand now. I started out building websites myself. In fact, I’d love to show you what my team is working on now. Of course, my clients are wall street guys, so it’s boring accounting stuff, but still, I’d appreciate a youthful opinion.”

My mother seemed to relax a bit. It was subtle, but I was able to sense the moment she retracted her claws. My father made good money, and if Erik was pursuing anything remotely close to what he was doing, then in her eyes, perhaps all was not lost. But just as easy as he had appeased her, my mom tried to make me feel worse.

“Let me guess, you have two sisters?” my mother asked Erik with a straight face. I slunk down lower in my chair, thinking of the snowflake ornaments.

Erik brightened. “Yes, I do. Laura and Lani. They’re older though, twenty-eight. How did you know?”

Audrey glared at me. “Just a hunch.”