Chapter 9
The Jonas' arrived at my house around 6:30 ish. It was a little awkward. Once again, Nick wasn't there. I really was starting to worry about him. After the Jonas' were Landon and Drew. I never understood why they came to these "family" events. After them, Shelby and Brittany and Corey arrived. So the entire families, minus a person and add a few unwanted ones.
Chapter 9
Dinner was going normal. And I was very worried. I mean the term "normal" and my family does not mix. Thus, I worried. We were just finishing the salad and bring out the penne when things started to get weird. I went to the kitchen to get everyone refills on their drinks. Drew came to help me. Then Joe. I mean seriously I am pretty sure a gallon pitcher of tea doesn't take three people to carry. But hey, I let Drew take it since he was the first in there, and when he left I figured I could sneak some coffee.
Mom for some odd reason had banned me from it or something crazy. She said some crazy thing like "It'll stunt your growth." And I of course said "Mom, I am 5'9, its anything that will stop me from growing is a GOOD thing." Then she grounded me. So I had been sneaking it.
I thought Joe left with Drew, but he didn't. Of course he didn't. That would make something in the past week sane. So I went on and tried ignoring him. Trying to think of things Blake and I could do while he was here. I mean I hadn't really been out of the house since I got here. I was very stubborn. But I did figure out that I could sneak some of my luggage back with all of my friends, so it would be very easy for me to move back. Just tell mom that I was going to visit my friends. And never return. I mean I could live with Blake. We were planning on living together when we got out of high school.
"Hey, why so quiet?"
"Oh, hey Joe. I forgot you were here." Lies. That's all I do now.
"No you didn't. Your thinking aren't you."
"Wow Joe, you are getting very clever."
I walked back into the dining room. Sat back down. Joe followed. Then the phone started to ring. I tried to make a mad dash to get it, since I knew it was Farrin or Blake, but mom forced me to sit back down. I mean Farrin or any of my friends didn't know that I was living next door to the Jonas' nor did they know we were having a family meal together. One sentence my teen years would have never believed I had said.
"Erica Nicole Gribbins. What is your problem? Are you mental? I mean seriously, how could you not tell me! AHHH. Darn you. OH CRAP! Farrin found out I mean Blake gave you a promise ring… And you don't tell you best friend! I shouldn't even come out there. Nope, if I wasn't at the airport right now. I would so turn around and sit home. I mean that promise ring is a big deal. Almost engaged! Well I love you darling. Goodbye."
Unfortunately everyone at the table heard the message and turned to see me. I was of course in shock. Considering the fact that Blake hadn't given me a promise ring. I had no idea about this. Wait a SECOND! Blake is giving me a promise ring. Omigosh. Wow. Ah. Wow. Omigosh, omijonas, omylanta. Ah. This is a big deal. I have to play it off.
"He didn't give me a promise ring. I don't know what she is talking about."
The phone rang again. Once again, mom wouldn't let me answer it.
"Erica, forget that message. It never was said. Okay. But p.s. he is giving you a promise ring when we get there. Blake Farrin give me your phone you aren't allowed on it. Erica, sweetie, I'm really sorry, she ruined that. But I love you, see you when we land."
Wow.
Okay, so sanity left when we left Kentucky. Everyone went back to eating. Acting like nothing just happened. Then this really loud noise and thumping started. We all were looking around when Brittany and Shelby's eyes got huge. We all looked toward my dad to see Nickei and Callena Shelby's chow puppy jumping over my dad and on the table. They were completely muddy and ran straight toward me. Then they both jumped on me, pushing mine and Joe's chairs over. Then licked our faces. Covering both he and I in mud and penne. Ugh.