"One more thing, Why is it my fault? So maybe I try too hard, But it's all because of this desire, I just wanna be liked, I just wanna be funny, Looks like the jokes on me, So call me captain backfire
Oh, the way she feels about me has changed, Thanks for playing, try again. How could I forget? Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head. " -- John Mayer 'My Stupid Mouth'
14
Teddy arrived quietly at his parents' house in the middle of the night. He tip-toed up the stairs to his old bedroom, which he discovered was just as he had left it - only more perfect. His mom had kept it spotless since he had been gone. Usually there would be a slightly chaotic stack of CDs on the desk, or his shoes would be in the middle of the floor, or his bed might have even been a bit ruffled, but not today.
He kicked his shoes into the middle of the floor, along with his socks before collapsing on his bed and falling asleep. He was going to see Becca tomorrow.
- - - -
Becca and Austen had arrived the day before Thanksgiving, early in the morning. They spent the day in the city, and then returned to her parents' house, where they would stay the night along with her sisters and their families.
Lilly had brought her fiance, Josh, while Heidi brought her husband and daughter. She was also going to announce that she was expecting a boy in seven months, but Becca was the only one who knew. Probably because Becca was the only one who could keep a secret.
The sisters and their men were all in the basement, hanging out like Becca used to do with her friends.
"So let's play truth or dare," Heidi suggested and everyone laughed and groaned at the same time. "No seriously," she laughed as she threw her dark brown hair over her shoulder.
"The last time I played this game, I had one of my best friends mad at me for, like, a week." Becca told them. "I'm not so sure I want to play it again."
"Oh come on," Lilly laughed. "Live a little. Caution freak." She teased.
"I'm not a caution freak!" Becca laughed and looked at Austen for reassurance.
"You probably are just a teeny bit over-cautious." He laughed and she rolled her eyes.
"Can't we just reminisce about old times?" Becca laughed as she leaned into Austen while he wrapped his arms around her.
"Ok, ok." Heidi laughed. "How about the time you ran down the street in your bikini?"
"Oh no, not that one. Of all the memories, you choose that one?" Becca laughed.
"I think I want to hear this one," Austen laughed as the group dove into a round of old memories.
- - - -
They weren't sure what time they had all fallen asleep, but they knew they would all have to get up early so they could all get showers. The girls would take the bathroom in the basement, while the guys used the one on the second floor. Of course, Becca was the last to get a shower and had to endure luke-warm water.
"Next time, I get to go first!" She laughed as she came out into the basement with her towel wrapped around her head.
"We're not eating until tonight, by the way," Lilly told her.
"What? Why?"
"Because mom invited the Geigers," Heidi told her. "Apparently they're all best friends. They even went to Hawaii together last year."
"Oh."
"Don't worry Becks, it won't be awkward. I'm sure you probably won't have to talk to Teddy too much." Lilly told her and Becca shot her a glare.
She was not going to enjoy this holiday.
- - - -
They all sat around the table with their plates piled full of food. Becca couldn't help but glance at Teddy every few seconds. He looked different, but she couldn't quite figure it out.
She knew he was looking at her too, and she wondered if Austen noticed and if he did, how did he feel about it?
"So Becca, how does it feel to be engaged?" Teddy's mom asked. The shocked look on Teddy's face said no one had clued him in prior to dinner.
"Its great. I'm so happy," she smiled. "Are you coming to the wedding?"
"Of course. We'll be there," she smiled back.
"So, Ted, how's Camilla?" Of course, Becca didn't know Teddy and Camilla weren't together anymore, she had quit reading those magazines a long time ago. She was just trying to make conversation.
He stopped chewing his food and stared at his plate for a minute before looking up and her. He chewed the rest of his food a little more slowly before speaking. "We're divorced."
"It's good to meet you Austen. We were out of town the last time you were here." Teddy's mom spoke up, clearing her throat nervously. She tried to erased the awkward moment Becca had just caused.
"Yeah, when was that, Fourth of July?" Austen asked. "Its good to meet you too, by the way. This is some really good macaroni."
"Aw, thanks. Its Ted's favorite too." She smiled, hoping that the awkardness had passed. "I like him, Becca."
Becca gave her a small smile before returning to her food. She was surprised to hear Teddy's revelation, despite the fact that Hollywood marriages never lasted long anyway.
I guess the score was even now. They had both officially surprised the pants off of each other.
The conversation died after that and everyone chewed their food in a slightly awkward silence, until they all moved onto dessert. Becca and Teddy's fathers, as well as Heidi's and Lilly's men ate theirs in the living room, while the mothers, Lilly, and Heidi ate and talked in the kitchen.
"So this is really good pie," Teddy said awkardly as the three of them tried to ignore the tension in the room. "Really, really good pie."
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Ok, so let me know what you guys think!
I hope you like it!
