Chapter 1.4
John and Liv couldn't make it to dinner so I invited Mitchell and his girlfriend, Julianne, over instead. I haven't actually met her yet so I thought it would be a nice opportunity to get to know her. Ethan was really, really nervous when I told him, he hasn't met her yet either. I think he is scared of liking her, that it will somehow make his love for his mother less. I try to reassure him, but it is no use.
Ethan, are you nearly ready?
Sure, L. I'll be down in a sec, do you need me to bring Eve?
No, don't worry. She's having a nap, I'll bring her down after dinner.
Just that moment the door rings and I go and open it. Mitchell is standing on the porch, looking smart in a dinner jacket and tie. Not Macon smart, but it is a massive improvement on the dressing gown he wore the day I first met him.
"Hi, come on in! You must be Julianne." I smile at them and gesture inside. I get my first glimpse of her as she passes me, her hands intertwined with Ethan's dad's hand's. She is wearing a simple blue evening dress with an antique necklace. She has black locks, like me, streaming down her face. She is beautiful, in that ancient way.
Ethan is waiting at the top of the staircase, dressed up in a tux. He looks really handsome as he begins to walk slowly down the stairs.
"Dad, Julianne." He nods at each of them.
"You must be Ethan. I'm so delighted to meet you!" She rushes forward, ignoring me. I don't know why, but it sort of annoys me.
"So, Mitchell," I speak. "Do you want to come through, there are some nibbles set out and Link and his girlfriend are already here."
"So, who is the lucky girl then, to be with Wesley?"
"My cousin, actually. She's called Ridley."
"That is so nice. Have I met her before?"
"Probably, though she may look a bit different."
"Oh, anyway. Come on in." I lead everyone inside. Link and Ridley are sitting on the sofa, holding hands. It looks as though they are officially a couple now! Ridley is wearing a lovely pink dress that goes past her knees, probably a record for her. Link is in a suit which looks really comical with his "Incubus Muscles" practically bursting out of the material. They get up when we walk in.
An hour later, the evening is going quite well - we are in the middle of the main course. I cooked it myself, and if I may say it, I am quite pleased with it.
"So, how do you young ones all know each other?" Asks Julianne, speaking through a mouthful of Roast Chicken.
"Well, Ethan and I were at school together, which is where we met." I glance over at Ethan and he smiles back. "Link was Ethan's childhood best friend and Ridley is my cousin."
"How lovely! Have you two been together since high school, then? Or did you only just get together?"
"High school," I say. "We have a child together as well." I watch Julianne's face drop as she processes this piece of information.
"Really?" She says. "You didn't tell me that, Mitchell." I notice her glancing, accusingly at Ethan's Dad. I just can't shake off this odd feeling about her.
"I wanted to let Ethan and Lena tell you themselves." As Mitchell speaks, I get this feeling that he is speaking quieter than normal, almost submissively.
"Would you like to meet her? I can bring her down, if you want." I am ready to get out of my seat, but Julianne's reply surprises me.
"No, thanks. It's okay. I am not really a baby sort of person." I get really upset at that.
Can you believe her, Ethan?
Don't judge yet, L. But I will admit that was a little harsh.
"That's okay," I lie. "But do stay for a cup of coffee." I ask out of politeness.
"No, thanks. It's getting kind of late." I cannot believe this woman! It's eight thirty for goodness sake!
"Oh, okay then." I rise out of my chair and walk them into the hallway, making a point of shaking hands with Mitchell, but not going near Julianne.
"Do come again soon." I say sarcastically, waving goodbye as they head do the path.
Once they are safely out of hearing distance, I turn to Ridley, Link and Ethan.
"I'm really sorry to say this, Ethan, but I have a bad feeling about her." Ridley's new honesty regime was - thankfully - stopping me from being the first person to tell Ethan what a jerk his "replacement mum" is.
"I know, right?" Was not the answer I was expecting from Ethan.
"I thought so too." I say. "But leaving aside Julianne's poor table manners, how are you two?" I ask, winking at Link and Ridley, who both turn bright red.
"Oh. Um well.." Starts Link.
"We're going out!" Finishes Ridley, with a little jump of excitement.
I laugh when I see Ethan giving Link a thumbs up. I know that it is all Link's ever wanted: to be with his "bad girl" and even though she isn't being too wicked at the moment, I doubt he cares.
Hi! If You like the new story more, please, please review! I only have 3 at the moment... :(
Thank you for reading! PS Have you seen the movie yet? I haven't but I was wondering whether they kelted?