Chapter Twenty-Seven Artemis
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Artemis
“Artemis, what did we say about phones at the table?” Mom says during dinner that evening. I’m hardly listening to her, my focus is on the text Ryan just sent me. He drew a new picture today, one where he and I are wrapped in each other’s arms, looking at one another like we’re each other’s world.
“Artemis,” Mom repeats.
My head lifts. “Aw, please can I keep my phone?”
“You know the rules,” Dad says, pointing his fork at me.
I groan.
“Dad, Mom, let her text her boyfriend. It’s not a big deal,” Jason says. As soon as the words leave his mouth, his eyes widen.
Dad straightens up. “Boyfriend?”
I shoot my brother a look. “He’s just kidding. Haha.”
Mom and Dad exchange a glance. “We’ve noticed a change in you lately,” Mom says. “Who’s the boy?”
I sink in my seat. “It’s no one.”
They give me an expression that tells me they know better. I heave a heavy sigh. “Fine. It’s Ryan.”
Now my parents exchange a shocked and displeased look. “Ryan Rogers?” Dad asks.
“Yeah. Why are you looking at me like that?” I glance at Jason for a clue, but he’s as confused as me.
Mom shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Artemis, but we don’t allow you to date Ryan.”
My mouth drops. “What? Why?”
“Dad, Mom, he’s a good guy,” Jason says. “And I think he’s the perfect boyfriend for Artemis.”
I give my brother a grateful smile. Not that it does any good. My parents are still shaking their heads.
“What’s wrong with him?” I demand.
Dad clasps his hands in front of him. “Ryan has been through a lot and we don’t think you’re ready or mature enough to handle such a relationship.”
I throw my hands up. “He told me about his parents and the fire. I know all about the pain he’s been through. He even told me I’ve helped him get through it.”
They continue shaking their heads. “We just don’t think it’s a good idea. Ryan needs to work on his problems.”
I shoot to my feet. “No way. For years I stood by and let you chase all the boys away. But I’m not standing by this time.
Ryan is a great person and he’s an amazing boyfriend.
He’s so strong, and caring, and he’s got a huge heart.
” I cross my arms over my chest. “And I love him. There. I said it. I love him. And I’m not going to let you take away the only happiness I have in my life. ”
Mom, Dad, and Jason blink at me. Yeah, I said the L word. And I meant it.
I plop back down and poke at my rice.
The table is dead silent, except for Jason scraping his peas off his plate.
“All right,” Dad says after a little while. “We see this boy means a lot to you. We’ll let you date him.”
I gape at him. “W…what?”
Mom holds up a finger. “But we have some conditions.”
Dad sits forward. “We want to invite Ryan and his grandmother over for dinner tomorrow night so we can get to know him.”
“Okay.”
“And we want to talk to him often. We want to be in the loop of where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
“Fine. Is that it?”
They look at one another. “Be responsible,” they both say.
I roll my eyes. I can totally do that. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.” I’m on my feet and give them each a hug. “You’re going to love Ryan.”
Mom smiles. “He seems like a nice boy.”
“He’s the best!”
***
Ryan and his grandmother are totally down to having dinner with us. And even after I tell him he’ll be scrutinized like he’s under a microscope, he tells me he doesn’t mind.
Both grandmother and grandson are dressed in their finest as they walk into our kitchen, Ryan holding a bottle of wine.
The table is set immaculately, like royals are dining here. We settle down and talk like we’re one big happy family. Ryan offers to help Mom with dinner and I know he’s not trying too hard. He’s genuinely being his kind, awesome self.
I see Mom and Dad are pleased with him. They ask him about his grades and he’s honest with them, telling them things have been rough on him, but he hopes to get his grades up. And he also tells them he’s thinking of having a career in art.
After all that’s done, Ryan and I sneak up to my room while the adults talk in the living room. We climb on my bed and Ryan pulls me close to his chest, resting his chin on my head.
“Sorry about all of that,” I say.
He shakes his head. “I don’t mind it.”
“My dad was a little tough on you about the whole schoolwork thing.”
He plays with my hair. “But I want to do better. Not for him. For you and for myself, too. I want to be happy, to play soccer again, to try to be the guy I once was. I want to be worthy of you and to make something of myself.”
I peck his lips, very aware of the open door, then stare into his eyes. “You are worthy of me, Ryan. You’re the only guy out there for me.”
He thumbs my bottom lip, giving me an uncertain look. “How are you so sure about that?”
“I just know.”
He smiles, his eyes darting to the door. Then they drop to my lips and he bends close, giving me a sweet, quick yet very satisfying kiss. Then he pulls back, smiling at me. A big, full smile. One that reaches his eyes. “You’re the only girl for me, Artemis West. I’ll love you forever.”
I press my cheek to his. “I’ll love you for even longer than that.” I smile up at him. “I got you a present.”
“What? You didn’t have to.”
I reach under my bed and pull out a box, motioning for him to open it. He gives me a curious look before tearing it open and peeking in. His eyes widen to the size of a bowling ball.
He pulls it out. “My dad’s guitar. How did you…?”
I beam. “I’ve got my ways.”
He encloses me in his arms, giving me a strong, passionate kiss. “Artemis, I don’t know what to say.”
I rest my head on his chest. “You don’t have to say anything. I know exactly how you feel.”
He gazes into my eyes. “I’ll say it anyway. You’re my world.”
I kiss him deeply. “And you’re mine.”