"There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you." - Steve Meraboli

*************

Upon hearing a commotion, I look up from reading on my phone, to see my mother lunging at the door with a smile so big, I'm surprised didn't tear her face apart.

She must be really happy.

Meanwhile my father calls my brother from upstairs. Which reminds me that you guys know almost absolutely nothing about him. Well, the name's Jordan - he's in college, which isn't far, so he's often home - quite good looking - mostly takes after dad - not really close to me- "Oh my, Ariana! have I not missed you!"

I am brought back to reality by a slim, beautiful woman hugging my mother dearly, across the hall. I look at the front door and see a middle-aged man enter with a bratz look-alike girl. A tween maybe? And then lastly enters their infamous son. He has soft, shiny, white hair and warm blue- Wait, is that Ethan?

He so is!

Amidst me being in a ton of emotions, mostly disbelief, and everyone meeting and hugging each other, he turns towards me and gives me a warm smile. Oh myyy. Wait, why isn't he the least bit surprised? And sooo calm?!!

I can't believe this.

"You?" I mouth to him and he mouths back a "Yes," with a small nod and a growing smile.

Oook, now I feel really stupid. Of course it's him. Why did I have to ask? I'm super dumb.

What if someone saw us? Or more precisely, me? What would they think??

What's even the big deal? What's so wrong about it? Honestly, if I keep giving dems for every little thing, I won't survive. Hence, I won't be demmed.

I can't believe this is happening.

Someone pinch me please.

Or not.

Gawwdd.

I finally make my way to the guests and greet them. In the meantime, Jordan also comes to greet them politely like he's that polite all the time.

"You've really grown up Jord. Last time I saw, you were just a cute little Jerry!" Ethan's mom says cooingly, pinching my brother's cheek and he just stands there kinda awkwardly, yet smiling cheekily, and I'm just smiling like crazy.

When our parents guide the guests to the living room, I take it as an opportunity to tease my brother, not that I get a lot of chances anyways.

"Last time I checked, you didn't like nicknames," I awkwardly elbow him and he glares at me.

"I still don't, but I like her," he replies, like he's replaying some old sweet childhood memories.

"Who are you and what have you done to my brother?" I look at him, feigning shock. At this he just chuckles and heads to the living area, leaving me standing there alone, shaking my head in disbelief.

Wow.

That was just so weird of you. He thinks of you as such, and that's why he left.

<><><>

Over dinner, I once again realised that if mom's good at anything, then it's making yummy food and so, no matter what, my forever love would always be food. Tho it was a bit uncomfortable and challenging to fulfill my heartly desires whilst my mom eyed and gave me looks since my second serving. At least she should know me after these sixteen years.

I also came to know that Ethan's mom, Mrs. Moore, is really sweet and that story about little Jerry went something like this:

Apparently, when Jordan was just a toddler Mrs. Moore had payed a visit and during that short time period he grew very fond of her. And when mom was chasing him, because he wasn't eating his veggies, she gave him the nickname little Jerry as he ran just like him. When it was time for her to leave, Jordan wouldn't let her go and glued to her legs. But she obviously had to leave sooner or later. And after that, Jordan cried for hours.

Wow, I wish I was there to see that!

I also came to know that their daughter's name is Emily. Although she's pretty, that girl's undoubtedly well on her way to becoming a bratty beach. Well I hope not but yeah. Their father on the other hand, is quite friendly but that doesn't help the authoritative and scary kind of vibe I get from him. And last but not the least, Ethan sure is sweet and has an enjoyable company - well, not for me first hand cause I didn't get to spend any time with him but our family did, hence the observation.

After dinner our parents again got back to catching up to old times and they were all like:

"Oh, you remember that time when we flunked maths on purpose and grumpy old Mr. Schmidt kicked us out of his class."

"Yeah man! Those were real days!"

Does it kill him to be like that with us!?

Meanwhile you - I mean, I - could hear the ladies like:

"What are you saying, she's still single!?"

"Yes! even I couldn't believe it at first."

Now this may be enjoyable for them but I really feel out of place, like a puzzle piece in pencil colours. I mean, who puts it there!?

I tried to engage myself in other activities like continuing my book, but it felt impolite with the guests around so I put it away. I wait for idk what, but something to get me out of this somehow. After some more time I'm done. Like seriously, what am I still doing here?

I look around to see what other, not parent, people are up to and as expected my brother had engaged himself with his phone, and Emily too.

Traitors!

Now where is this Ethan?

I spot him, sandwiched in our endlessly chatting parents, awkwardly laughing at their anecdotes. Good to know at least someone's on the same boat as me.

Maybe I can get both of us out of here. Now how do I do that? How do I tell him? Text him? As if you have his number. Then the good ol' way it is.

I'm seriously gonna regret this.

I start to frantically wave my right hand in the air, hoping to catch his attention. I'm sure if anyone saw me like this, they'd think I'm looney. Please no one except- Emily suddenly looks up from her phone, right at me, and I just freeze with my hand in mid air.

Talk about awkward.

No need to feel stupid Rose. It's. Nothing.

Thankfully she gets back to her phone after giving me an odd look or was that just her face?

Ethan notices me not long after and I gesture him to come to me. He excuses himself from our already preoccupied parents and starts to walk towards me.

"Yes?"

"I can tell that this is just as difficult for you as it is for me. So how about we bail out?... I can also help you with calculus, since you're already here anyways," I say it all at once. Heck! I sounded like a desperate weirdo.

"Um, sure."

<><><>

I helped Ethan with Calculus and we were done shortly after because he catches up fast but most of all, it's because I'm a great teacher.

Yeah, in your dreams!

This woman I tell you!

We also talked a bit and I asked him as to why he wasn't the least bit surprised to see me as his host and he simply replied with a "I knew. My mom had already told me."

I don't know why exactly, but I seriously felt betrayed at that.

However, after that we joined our parents. And this time we all talked, laughed and enjoyed. The Moore's stayed till late and I have to say, it was fun to have them over. Also, by the looks of everyone, I can tell we'll be seeing a lot of each other.

And maybe, just maybe, that'll be just the change I need.

Yo girl, this is not a kdrama. It's real life you dumbbutt.

                       ^^^^^^,^^^^^^

Fingers crossed. ^.^

~M