Fourteen
PEARL
Colton and I walk into my parent's house, and the tension suddenly comes sweeping into my body. I can’t think of what I’ll say to my parents.
“Hey, Mom and Dad. I’m in love with Colton, and I don't care that you’re friends and that he’s older than me.”
Unfortunately, as much as that’s the truth, it doesn't sound the way I want it to. I want to reassure my parents that I genuinely love Coltons, that he loves me, and that I want to be with him.
Mom takes us into the dining room, where we sit, chat, and eat. Of course, mom didn't know Colton was coming, but she always makes a lot of food anyway, so there’s plenty for him.
“I didn't know you were coming,” says my dad.
If you only knew why.
We finish dinner, and I can tell my parents feel the tension in the room.
“Alright, what’s going on with you two? You’re stiff as carrots.”
Carrots? I shake my head. Not now, Pearl. Focus.
I clear my throat and start to speak, “Well, Dad, we have something to tell you.” I look over at Colton. He remains silent but his eyes are intent on me.
“It's about Colton and me,” I continue.
“I’m going to marry her,” Colton says.
I look at him in shock. He didn't ask. But then again, he didn't have to. He knows I’ll marry him.
Dad gets up in a second and charges Colton, picking him up by the collar and pinning him to the wall.
“Are you fucking kidding me! Colton! What the fuck is wrong with you? That's my baby girl you're talking about!”
Mom and I try to get dad to let him go.
“Honey, stop it. She's an adult. She can be with whoever she wants,” my mom says, trying to calm him down, but it's not working.
Dad is stronger than mom and I, so we can't get him off. Colten stands there, doing nothing to defend himself. In fact, he looks like he’s bracing to be punched in the face.
Which is precisely what my dad does.
“Greg!” my mom yells as he decks Colton, who wobbles to the side.
He still does nothing.
“Do what you have to do to get over it, Greg. I’m your friend, and I know this isn't what friends do, but I love her. I love Pearl, and nothing is going to change that. She's mine.”
My heart butterflies at Colton's words as my muscles tighten, anticipating what my dad will do.
Dad stands straight, fixes his shirt, and takes a deep breath. Mom pulls him to face her, and she speaks to him in her ‘mom voice.’
“You listen here, Greg. Pearl is our daughter, and Colton is your friend. I understand you’re upset, but they’re in love, and isn't that what you want for the people you love? To feel love? Greg, baby, they get to feel what we feel for each other. Please understand what this is. It's love.”
Dad looks at mom, and his eyes soften. He turns around slowly and looks at Colton and me.
“You love him?” he asks me.
“Yes,” I say.
“You love her?” he asks Colton, and he nods.
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, I don't like it—”
“You don't have to like it,” mom interrupts him, and she smiles at us. “Why don't you two go home. I’ll deal with him.”
She takes mine and Colton's arms and leads us out of the house.
It’ll take dad time to get used to this. To accept it. But knowing mom and her persuasive skills, I know he will.
We drive to Colton’s, and I treat his bruised eye with an ice pack before we head to bed. We lie together in the silky sheets and look at each other, enjoying each other’s company. I’m so happy I have nothing to say; it seems the same for Colton. He just smiles at me and pets my hair.
“You told him you were going to marry me,” I say.
“Yes, you are,” he replies with a smile, and I say nothing.
I know.
“I love you, Pearl,” he says.
“I love you, Colton,” I say back.
He kisses me, and I know I’m home.