"So, why haven't you spoken to your parents in thirteen-ish years?" Katrina asked.

I sighed. "Let's just say, we didn't always see eye to eye on certain things."

   "What kinda things?" Julia asked.

   I took a quick glance at her, a slight scoff escaping me. "My parents are what you call... good old, god fearing Americans and my... 'orientation' didn't exactly mesh with their beliefs."

   Luna started laughing again. "This just keeps getting better and better."

   "Thanks for the support." I replied sarcastically.

   Katrina rested her hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Maybe they've gotten past that. You're still their daughter after all."

   I lowered my head. "I doubt it..."

   The rest of the ride passed by in silence and soon enough, we were turning onto my parents street.

   "Holy shit." Luna said.

   "You didn't tell me your parents were rich." Katrina added.

   "I didn't tell you much of anything about them until today." I replied.

   "Can we... can we stay here forever?" Julia asked, looking around at all the mansions lining the street.

   "No." I said sternly.

Julia lowered her head. "Fine..."

"Which house is your parents?" Katrina asked.

I let out a small breath. "The one on the corner."

"You mean the biggest one on the street?" Luna asked.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Yeah, that one."

Katrina pulled into the driveway, being forced to stop at the large, locked gate.

"Now what?" She asked, facing me.

I got out and walked over to the intercom, pressing the buzzer.

"Who is it?" A voice rang out.

"It's me, dad." I replied.

"I'm sorry, I don't know anyone by that name." He said.

I let out a long breath, rubbing my forehead.

I took a quick glance back at everyone else before whispering into the intercom. "It's... Seashell."

"Oh, my darling little Seashell, it's been way to long. Please, come in." He said, the gate slowly creaking open.

I got back into the car with a sigh and a roll of my eyes.

"Seashell?" Luna questioned.

I turned to her, sticking my finger in her face. "Don't even start."

"You have my word... my darling little Seashell." She replied, laughing.

The other two joined her.

I folded my arms over my chest and mumbled to myself. "Assholes..."

We finally pulled up to the front door and everyone got out, looking up at the huge mansion in awe.

I rolled my eyes. "C'mon, let's get this over with."

   They followed me up to the front door and I rang the door bell.

   An intricate tune rang out and the door opened shortly after, my parents' smiling faces greeting us.

   "Oh, sweetie, we're so happy to see you." My mom started.

   "Yes, we've been waiting for this day for a long time." My dad added.

   I rubbed the back of my neck. "Sorry guys."

They smiled and pulled me into a tight hug.

"It's ok, Seashell, you're here now." My dad said.

"And that's all that matters." My mom added.

I gave them each a small smile.

"Now, why don't you introduce us to your friends." My mom said, smiling at the three girls.

"Right, these are my friends, Julia and Luna." I said.

"What about her?" My dad asked.

I cleared my throat. "That's my... fiancée, Katrina Banner."

Katrina stuck her hand out. "It's a pleasure."

My mom and dad shared a glance, which made me uneasy.

But, then they smiled. My dad eagerly shook her hand and my mom pulled her into a tight hug.

"Oh, sweetie, that's so wonderful to hear." My mom started.

"Indeed, we're so proud of you, Seashell." My dad added.

   Another smile formed on my face. "Thanks guys, that means a lot coming from you."

   The returned my smile.

   "Why don't you guys come on in." My mom said, leading us through the door.

I immediately stopped in my tracks, looking up at the giant rainbow flag hanging from the wall.

"Uh... Whats with the flag?" I asked.

My parents smiled.

   "It's for you, Seashell." My dad said.

"We thought it might make you a little more comfortable." My mom added.

I let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I'm not even gonna go there."

"Is there something wrong, sweetie?" My mom asked.

I shook my head. "No, it's great, guys. Thank you."

My dad smiled. "Good, 'cause we got matching shirts. One second." Then, he ran up the stairs.

I took a nervous look at Katrina.

She smiled, taking my hand and whispering in my ear. "At least they changed their view."

Before I could reply, my dad came bounding back down the stairs holding up two rainbow t-shirts. "What do you think?" He asked.

I gave him a thumbs up. "They're great, dad."

He smiled. "I thought you'd like them."

I just nodded.

"Why don't we give you guys a tour?" My mom suggested.

   Luna stepped up. "That sounds great, Mr. and Mrs. Porter."

   Katrina, Julia and I gave her a look.

   "What? I'm a fan of good architecture." She defended, folding her arms over her chest.

   "In that case, we should start with the living room." My dad said, leading us down a short hallway.

   We emerged into a huge room, probably twice the size of my apartment, leather sofas and potted plants filled the room with a huge plasma screen TV hanging above the fireplace.

   "Damn..." Katrina said.

   "This is amazing." Julia added.

   My parents smiled and thanked them.

   "Shelby, can we switch parents?" Luna asked, still taking in the magnificent room.

   I shook my head. "No."

   She turned to me. "Please? I'm house trained, I promise."

   I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head. "C'mon, where to next?"

   After the grand tour, we joined my parents for dinner.

   Katrina sat down next to me, looking across the table at my parents. "So, Mr. and Mrs. Porter-"

   My father raised his hand. "Oh, please, you're part of the family now. Call me Philip."

   Katrina nodded. "Sure thing, Philip. I just wanted to say thank you for the hospitality you've shown us so far. I know we're kinda dumping this on you guys all at once, but it's great to meet you guys."

   My mom smiled, taking my dads hand in hers. "Oh, this is the happiest we've been in longer than I can remember. Our Seashell's finally found her way home and with such good news."

   I could see a few tears well in her eyes. "Are you ok, mom?"

   She nodded, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin while my dad rubbed her back. "Of course, sweetie. I'm just so excited for you two. Marriage is a big deal and It warms my heart to see you embarking on the greatest journey any couple could."

   A warm feeling settled in my gut. I was so worried that they wouldn't accept this and now that they have... It's put my heart at ease. Like a huge weight was suddenly lifted off of it. It was-

   "So, how did you two meet? I want all the little details." My dad said.

   I shared a nervous glance with Katrina, the warmth in my body starting to dissipate.

   I pointed at Katrina. "Uh, well... It was really something... Like, love at first sight, one might say..."

   Katrina shot my parents a nervous smile, taking my hand in hers. "R-right... It really caught us off guard... The suddenness of it..."

   My parents smiled at us, silently awaiting the rest of the story.

   'Welp, I guess we're doing this...'