One Up 2
A/N: Hope y'all enjoy this cause I'm still in a rut and generally unmotivated. Also, I just realized this is my first fake dating AU.
"If we're lucky, pa has us in separate rooms or at least different beds if ma made up her mind on the matter," Sandy said, standing on the front porch. She turned towards Shadow, saying, "Thanks fer coming by the way,"
"It's free laundry, why would I miss out on such a great deal?" he said, the handle of his suitcase digging into his palm once he realized the most he knew of Sandy's parents wasn't much.
He entered the house, stopping when a plump, brown, blonde woman hugged him.
"It's good to finally meet you," she said, pulling away from him. "I hope the plane here wasn't too bad."
"Not at all, this heat though," Shadow replied, scratching his ear. "It's not always like this right?"
Jodi laughed, patting his arm. "I'll make sure to make some tea while y'all unpack." She said, walking into the kitchen as Sandy spoke to an old woman for a moment.
Shadow headed upstairs with his suitcase, stopping as he looked at four closed doors.
"So, turns out we'll be in my old room," Sandy said, nudging him out of the way and opening the first door. She frowned. "I kinda hoped they woulda gotten rid of some stuff."
Shadow snorted, looking inside the room. "Science trophies," he wheezed. "The constellation bed sheet is cute, you nerd."
"Please don't ever say "cute" again, it sounds weird."
"It is," Shadow said, walking into the room. "However, I'm taking this N.W.A. poster. Surprised it's still in good condition."
Sandy rolled her eyes, putting her suitcase on the bed. "You ain't takin' nothin'. Wait, you'll take this bottom drawer." She said, starting to unpack.
"So, Carol, anything I should know about her?" Shadow asked, starting to unpack as well.
"Well, she was the one that asked about my 'boyfriend' and if he'd show up. She's been dyin' to meet you after five years."
"Five years?" Shadow asked, pausing at the bottom drawer. "You've kept this up for five years? I'm. . .not surprised and admire your commitment."
"Thanks, it wasn't easy. I even sent her photos." Sandy said, grinning as she closed the top drawer and zipped up her suitcase.
"Please tell me one of them wasn't that time I fell asleep on your kitchen table." It was bad enough he was that tired, but the mischievous look she sent him told him otherwise. He almost wondered how many other pictures she sent. "I'm giving you a heaping basket of laundry once this is over." He said, looking up as the door opened.
"Sandra Olivia Cheeks, get over here and," the woman paused, opening her arms. "Give me a hug."
Sandy laughed, rushing over to hug her. "Jus' had to use my whole name, didn't ya?" she mumbled, pulling her towards Shadow. "Shadow, this is Carol. Carol, this is Shadow, my be—boyfriend."
His momentary shock of being called that quickly faded as Carol shook his hand. "You're a lot taller than I thought you'd be, but it's great to finally meet you in person." She said, smiling.
"Uh, you too," Shadow responded, "Congratulations on getting married."
"Thanks, hon, y'all oughtta head on downstairs 'fore aunt Jodi finishes cookin'. Less y'all were busy," She called, walking out of the room.
Sandy stared at the door for a moment before looking at Shadow. "She's right, besides I'm sure Chrissy would love to meet you." She said, grabbing his hand.
"Wait, I don't know anything about her. Aside from, ya know, getting married to Carol." He replied, frowning.
"Oh, please, you'll be fine. It's jus' dinner."
Shadow sighed, following her out the room. He could only hope it would just "be dinner."