Page 53 of The Pursuit of Happiness
Dad’s eyes light up, “It was amazing. Your mother took a million photos to show you,” he rolls his eyes but smiles anyway. My father is head over heels in love with my mother and their love has never faded or dulled over the years. I remember always wanting what they had and struggling to find that connection, that spark. Until I met Aria.Aria.
I look over my shoulder for the girl I love and find her standing awkwardly in front of the drum set where I left her. I wave her over and she shakes her head, mouthing,I don’t want to intrude. She shakes her hands to emphasize her point.
I turn back to my parents, “Mom, Dad, I have someone I want you to meet,” I can feel my eyes lighting up with excitement. I want my parents to love Aria as much as I do and I know that they will. I just hope it isn’t too overwhelming for her, especially considering her familial background.
I watch as Mom and Dad look behind me and at Aria. Aria’s cheeks turn bright red with embarrassment and my parents’ eyes practically pop out of their heads and sparkle. Mom immediately smiles, showcasing her perfect teeth. I wave myhand at Aria again, “Come here.”
She walks, slowly, uncomfortably until she stops at my side. Ivory and Brody grin as she walks, but in an admiring way as if they’re truly happy for their friend. I realize I like the girls more than I already did just for that.
Aria weakly greets, “Hi, it’s really nice to officially meet you.”
I can tell that she’s nervous. I wonder if it’s more because this is big for a new relationship or if it’s because she doesn’t have experience with the kind of family dynamic that I have. If it’s the former, it was totally out of my control. Mom leaps at Aria and wraps her in a hug so tight that I’m almost positive Aria’s air supply is cut off. “Oh, Aria, honey, it is so nice to finally meet you! Daniel and I have been dying to meet the woman who has our son’s heart.”
Aria relaxes when she realizes how genuine my mother is being and gently hugs my mother back. The sight of them embracing, together, has me imagining an entire life I have yet to live with Aria, all of which include her as part of our family. Aria’s awkwardness settles only slightly, “I’ve heard so much about you, Mrs. Nicks.”
Mom laughs, “Please, honey, call me Rose.”
Aria’s face is growing red and I intercede, “Mom, maybe don’t strangle my girlfriend to death, okay? I kind of need her alive.”
Mom instantly releases Aria and fusses over her now wrinkled shirt and warm cheeks. I love how motherly mom is already being with Aria and how Aria seems completely shocked by the action. It makes my heart crack to realize that Aria seems so taken aback because her own mother never paid enough attention to her. “Sorry, honey, I’m just so excited,” Mom whispers to Aria, embarrassed.
Aria smiles at her, “It’s okay.”
Mom is about nine inches shorter than Aria. The sight of my mom fussing over Aria and having to reach up to do sois entertaining, I won’t lie. Mom beams, “You’re absolutely beautiful.”
Aria looks down, embarrassed, “Thank you.”
“Rose, you’re embarrassing the poor girl,” Dad interrupts, scolding Mom and reaching his hand out for Aria to shake.
Aria does and Dad gives her a warm look, “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
She gives him a warm look of her own, “You as well, Mr. Nicks.”
Dad swats her off, “James.”
“James,” Aria repeats to herself.
“Mom, Dad, this is Ivory and Brody,” I point over my shoulder at the two girls who look uncomfortable as they watch us.
Brody and Ivory wave and Mom exclaims, “Oh how nice! You girls are absolutely amazing! I love your music.”
Dad gives her a disbelieving look, “Rose, you don’t even know the name of their band.”
Mom rolls her eyes, “Yes, I do. They’re Satan’s Angels, James.”
Dad rubs his chin as if in thought, “You only know that because the band name came up in the paper when the article came out about our boy’s porno.”
Aria’s face pales and she panics internally. I watch it all happen on her face. I blurt before either of them can continue their bickering, “Okay, maybe let’s not talk about that. It’s kind of a sensitive topic.”
Mom looks so saddened all of a sudden, “I’m so sorry.” She looks at Aria and reaches for her hand, “We didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Aria shakes her head, “No worries. I have to take ownership eventually,” she tries to force a smile but none of us buy it.
Dad whispers to her, “You know, back in the day, Slater’s Aunt Beth had taken up a career in porn after Great Uncle Richie cuther off and Rose and I had watched it by accident,” Dad makes a disgusted face
I make a repulsed expression, “Ew, Dad. I don’t like the image I’m getting of Aunt Beth right now.”
Dad shrugs, “We didn’t like it either when we realized it was her.”
