Shelly

Early in the morning on a Wednesday, the nerves settled in. Tomorrow, we'd all be set to see each other. Tanner's family and my mother would meet. Tanner and I would introduce each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. We'd all become one big family.

And while that was exciting, I was still scared they'd hate me. I didn't have to worry about Susie, she was already going to be our number one rooter. Maybe Susie would be the best friend I had been waiting for.

"Shelly, should I wear this one or should I wear this one?" She lifted a red shirt and a pink dress. 

"It's just meeting them. Put away your fancy dress. Wear your red shirt and your good pants. It looks comfier too."

Her pink dress was a slim-fit dress with a tiny knee slit. She'd wear it whenever Dad had to go to family parties for the older adults. Or whenever she and Dad went out for a date night. I knew how heavy it would've been to wear it and my father wasn't included in this meeting.

"Well, I don't want to look bad in their eyes. This is your boyfriend's family we're meeting. I'm also meeting your boyfriend. I have to look my best for him. And I hope he's wearing his best for me."

I laughed at her as she turned with a bit of sass; her hair whipped around a bit with her turn. I loved her exactly like that. 

"Everything will be good. Nothing can go wrong," I attempted to assure her but my words were meant for me instead. 

"I love your attitude."

We smiled at each other before I left to Facetime Tanner. He should pick up, his morning class should be over. My chest filled with excitement as he picked up.

"Hey," he answered, hair a mess before he put his blanket over him.

"Just wake up or something?" 

"No, my mom just has the AC all the to freezer. I'm so cold so that's why I look like the Virgin Mary." 

He wasn't wrong. His head was wrapped fully in his blanket, most likely why his hair was messy when he answered. Either way, he was adorable.

"I hate when my mom does that. My bones ache."

"Same. So, are you excited for tomorrow?" 

"Yeah. I can't wait to see you."

"Same here. We can finally sleep at night," he laughed.

"You're right," I laughed too, "but I'm also nervous. I mean, I'm meeting your parents."

It was silent for a moment. We raised our eyebrows at each other but that was our silent conversation. We understood each other's worries.

"What if they don't like me?" I broke the silence as I played with a hole in my blanket.

"They'll love you just as much as I like you. I'm just nervous that my parents might be overbearing for you. And Susie is going to be annoying now. We might have gained a third-wheel if she gets her way."

"Leave your sister alone. I'm sure she's not going to take me from you."

"I'm sure she could. She's got a knack for wanting what's mine."

"You're right, I'm your stalker." I smiled, hoping he knew I was. 

"And I'm yours."

*******

It was only a few minutes until Tanner would get here. We planned out that he'd first come to my house and then I'd go to his. We'd alternate like we had tried before with homework. Except, this time, we'd enter each other's homes.

We'd get to hold hands. We'd get to rough house. And maybe even kiss.

A blush littered my face at the thought. It had filtered through my mind at certain points. I had never been kissed before. Tanner would take a lot of firsts from me, something I could not offer back. But that'd be okay because I could offer him his forevers.

"Hey," his voice sounded defeated.

"Oh no."

"What?"

An abrupt change of mood. What was happening? Was he playing me? I looked around trying to figure it out.

"Nothing. So, you on your way here?"

"I don't know. Something came up."

"Oh, what was it?"

"I'm sorry. I have to go."

The line went dead. My heart dropped as I didn't get an answer. But the front door being opened by my mom greeting the person was my answer.

I scrambled out of my room to the front door. Down the hall stood Tanner. I hadn't noticed how tall he was as he almost hit the door sealing.

His eyes were on me. I didn't register that his entire family was in my kitchen. It was only him and me.

Space had nothing to do with us as he took a step forward and I was in his arms. A feeling of euphoria flushed my cheeks and my heart followed in quick. Snuggling into his chest, I felt his sigh in my hair.

"I've missed this," he uttered to me.

"I've missed you." was my reply.

My hands tightened around his torso. Nothing had ever felt so right. I had missed him holding me, of feeling complete with his warmth seeping into my bones.

"My stalker."

I laughed at his words. A smile settled on my lips with my eyes closed. Finally, we were together again.

******

A/N: 

So you know how I said, a few author notes ago, that touch was a major think society lacked in the pandemic? This is what I meant. It's just a hug but it meant everything to them. It's so adorable and relatable.