I know, I know, I'm terrible. I'm sorry this took so long to post. I've been trying to figure out exactly how this dinner needs to go and I just haven't been able to think. High school is kicking my butt and I haven't been feeling inspired at all, which is the most upsetting thing to me. I don't know exactly where I need this to go, but I promise I'm going to finish this story.

And now, on to the (embarrassingly short) chapter!

Cammie POV

I rush down the stairs at the sound of knocking. I throw the door open and drag my best friend inside. "You're just in time!" I say, "Abby and Townsend will be here any minute."

Zach rakes a hand through his hair nervously. "This is stressful," he mutters to me.

I shake my head. "You'll be fine. You look nice, by the way. I see you did, in fact, decide to dress up a little." My eyes scan over his outfit and I grin in amusement. I've never seen Zach in anything but his usual solid-colored shirt and jeans or sweats. Seeing him in khakis and a striped rugby shirt is definitely a sight I won't soon forget. He just looks so… preppy. It's hilarious.

I pull him towards the kitchen so he can meet my mom.

"Zach's here, Momma," I announce, tugging nervously at my dress.

My mother turns around and cranes her head back in shock when she realizes… I've brought a literal giant into our house.

I may have forgotten to mention that Zach is six-four…

Oops?

Rachel Morgan blinks a couple of times before shaking her head and extending a hand in greeting, which Zach shakes confidently.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Morgan," he smiles.

"Why thank you, Zachary. Likewise," my mom responds. Her hair is swept back into a tight, low bun, like she wears on the base, and she's wearing a deep blue blouse and tan slacks. She's the epitome of put-together. The opposite of me.

I pull on the hem of my dress again, trying to ignore my anxiety. Here I am in a knee-length black sundress, patterned with roses and animal skulls, and Zach and my mother both look like they belong at a country club. My hair is messy and I'm not wearing any makeup and I just feel… less than.

But then Zach ruffles my hair and grins down at me, and my nervousness dissolves.

"Let's go to the living room. We can start a movie or something till Abby and Townsend get here," I offer, but my mom shakes her head.

"Abby just texted and told me they were parking, but had to park a few doors down. They'll be here in a minute."

I sigh. "Fine," I joke. I walk back to the foyer and peer out the window. Sure enough, Aunt Abby and her smoking hot, British boyfriend are at the base of the porch.

I fling to door open and smile widely. "Abby!" I cry and launch forward into my aunt's waiting arms. I hug her tightly and grin as Townsend ruffles my hair. We may not have liked each other much when we first met, but now, Edward and I are tight.

Abby smiles at me and looks me over. "You look good, Squirt," she says with a grin, "And you've grown up so much since I last saw you."

I shake my head. "Abby, it's only been a few weeks," I giggle.

"A few weeks too long! I barely remembered what you look like!" she gasps dramatically.

I see Zach flinch a little bit at the casual mention on memory loss.

I pull away from my aunt's antics and stand beside Zach.

"Abby, Townsend, this is my best friend, Zachary Goode."

Can we get a quick round of applause for everyone who has read or is reading this story. I love you all so much and just want you to know that. Please leave a review for how you think the dinner is going to go and let me know what you think of the story as a whole! As always, thank you so much for reading and I'll see you all next time.

With love,

StormcloudPercival13