The Essex Affect

School ended about an hour and a half ago and I dropped Alex off at his place and I came back to my house to greet my parents. I was so happy to see them when I walked in, and the first thing we did was have a family group hug. My Mom did end up shedding a few tears when she saw me, happy that I was doing well. Alex and his parents went straight to the airport, after I dropped him off, to go and pick up the infamous Tom I have been hearing so much about. Normally I would be really nervous and shy about bringing my boyfriend over to meet my parents, I always have been before, but I couldn’t help but think that things are different with Alex. “So Jacky, is there anything we should know about Alex before we meet him?” My Mom asked cheerfully, as we put the dinner together, all three of us working like a well oiled machine in the kitchen.

“There is one thing that you should know, but you’re not allowed to say anything about it.” I answered.

“What is it son?” My Father asked.

“Alex is about three months pregnant.” I said casually.

“Oh how wonderful. Is the baby’s other Father in the picture?” My Mom answered, keeping that beautiful smile of her’s on her face.

“I don’t think so, no. Alex and his family moved from Essex, just outside of London. all the way here. And as far as I know, I don’t think the guy that got him pregnant wants anything to do with the baby. I’m sure Alex would have told me if the other guy was still in the picture, but, I don’t even know what his name is, and I honestly could care less because Alex is with me now, and I’m going to treat him like the queen that he is.”

“Joyce, I believe we can finally say that we raised the son we hoped we would. Smart, dedicated, talented, and trustworthy. I’m proud of you, Jack.” My Dad praised me. It was always nice hearing my parents speak so highly of me, it gave me the boost of confidence I always needed, and I was thankful for having them in my life.

“I agree, Bassam. Our little boy is growing up to be a great young man.” I smiled at both my parents and placed the last plate on the correct table mat before walking over and giving them both hugs as we finished up cooking. I was about to say something to them but I heard the doorbell ring. My mood lit up even more knowing just who was outside of that door.

“You guys stay here. I’ll go let them in.” They nodded their heads and started dishing out the food onto all the plates. I went into the living room and went straight over to the front door, opening it up and seeing four smiling faces. One belonging to the beautiful Alex, another being Isobel, Peter, and the last one I’m guessing to be Tom. “Hey! Welcome! Come on in!” I stepped to the side and let them pass me and into the house, Alex being the last one in. I grabbed his hand and pulled him a bit closer to me so I could place a small kiss on his cheek, making him giggle like a little school girl. “Hey cutie.” I winked at the shorter man.

“Hey Jack.” He said with a warming smile. I turned to the rest of his family and smiled at them as well.

“Thank you all for coming, it is so nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Gaskarth.” I spoke as I shook both of their hands.

“Please Jack, we told you, call us Isobel and Peter!” Alex’s Father said with a bright smile. “Tom, this is Jack. Jack this is our other son, and Alex’s brother, Tom.” My eyes went over to the other boy, he was about my height, a few inches taller than Alex, with medium brown colored hair, which is the color Alex’s natural hair would be I’m guessing.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Tom. I have heard such wonderful things about you.” I said to the older boy as he took my outstretched hand and shook it.

“Likewise, Jack.” He said, with a thicker accent than his family.

“How about we all go into the kitchen and eat some amazing food? Mom makes the best grilled chicken panini.” I said with a light chuckle.

We all walked into the kitchen, Alex’s family following him and I as I held his hand while we walked the short distance into the room that my parents, and the food, were at. When we entered, Mom and Dad looked over to us with their own huge, bright smiles. “Mom, Dad, this is Alex, Isobel, Peter, and Tom. Guys, this is my parents, Joyce and Bassam.”

They all greeted each other and then we sat at the table together, started our well prepared meals. I was sat next to Alex, who I kept seeing giving me glances out of the corner of my eye, I had to keep myself from laughing every time I caught him.

Both of our parents were in a conversation, including Tom, as Alex and I just sat their quietly until we were spoken to. I loved the fact that everyone seemed to be getting along pretty well, which was just perfect. Because let’s be honest, I don’t know what would happen to Alex and I if our parents didn’t like each other, or if Tom liked me or not.

“Excuse me, can I please use the loo?” The British, brown haired boy asked.

“Of course! Jack, be a doll and show him where it is?” My Mom asked me with that smiled that she had on her face all day.

“I would be happy to.” I said getting up from my seat, but quickly stopping in my tracks as I bent down and whispered to Alex. “What does ‘the loo’ mean?”

He couldn’t help but laugh at me, not knowing basic proper English. “Loo means toilet. Which means the bathroom, Jack.” He whispered back to me.

“Thanks.” I said as I placed a quick kiss on his forehead and pushed in my chair. “This way, Tom.” I said as we exited the kitchen together, turning right down a hallway and reaching the third door on the left. “This is it.” I say smiling at the other. “Is there anything else you need before I go back to dinner?”

“Actually, can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked, me almost not being able to understand him with how thick his voice was.

“Sure! What did you want to talk about?”

“About you and Alex. I’m sure you seen this coming, the big brother protectiveness talk. But it needs to be said.” He was right, I kinda did see a talk like this coming from him, from how much Alex told me about him. I nodded my head for him to go on with his thoughts. “Now I’m just going to get straight to the point. If you ever, and I mean ever, hurt my little brother, I will personally kick your ass and make sure you never go near him again. He has went thru hell with the whole baby thing and personal reasons that he will tell you when he is ready. You better treat him right, Jack. Or I will hunt you down.” He finished up, and I admit, I was a bit scared.

“You have nothing to worry about. I’m going to treat him like royalty, nothing less. But, if I ever do hurt him, I give you my permission to murder me.” I answered him. His stricken face turned into a light smile.

“I’m glad we are on the same page. You seem like a nice guy, now go back out there and show my brother the respect and love he needs.” I smiled back at the other one before he entered the bathroom and I went back down the hallway and into the kitchen, going back over to my seat and picking up my fork and eating. I placed my free hand under the table and onto Alex’s knee, he used his free hand and placed it on top of mine on his knee, and I held onto it, rubbing the top of his hand with my thumb. We haven’t known each other very long, but I wanted to make this boy the happiest one in the world. His brother was right, he did deserve the world given to him, and I was going to try my hardest to do that. Maybe I’ll even find some way to do a small, yet romantic, gesture to him while at the water park after school tomorrow. Seeing as I have work there, and his family agreed to come and spend the day in the sun. My parents normally would come, but I knew they had more packing to do, but I was okay with that, I’m just glad I get to have this lovely night with them, and the one’s I am growing to care so much about in such a short time.

Notes

I'm sorry it's short and boring.
I'm very stressed out with all my online course work, and essays, tests, pretty much everything.
I'm lacking in creativness, but I needed to get a chapter out for you guys.
Even though it sucks, I do hope you enjoyed.

~Jagk.