Meet the Parents:
Chapter 8
FINAL CHAPTER



Claimer: Yay!! This is the last time I get to do these annoying things for a while! I own Melissa and the Merrick household except for Shelby and Joe Merrick...although I did make up the name Joe Merrick-lol!

Disclaimer: I DO not own Shelby, Scott, Mr. Merrick...Fox Family does although they don't deserve them.

Author's Note: GUESS WHAT PEOPLE?? I'M NOT LEAVING TODAY!! See, my mom was supposed to fly in, and then take us to visit relatives, where from there we would drive to camp. Well, she got in REALLY late this morning...at about 3, so instead, we're leaving tomorrow and visiting relatives. Then, we go up to camp on Sunday!!! I'M SOOO EXCITED!!! But anyway, this works out really well because now I can finish the last chapter! But, I am very sad about staying because one of my best "friends" decided to get all mad at me, so now we're in a fight :-( But I don't even care...I told her I'm losin the zeros and gettin with the heroes-lol! ANYWAY, this IS the final chapter. I received 7 reviews which is okay. I have some of ideas for stories, and I'm really excited about posting them in July!! So, PLEASE REVIEW ONE LAST TIME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!!!!!


THIS STORY IS DEDICATED TO KATE aka "MISS KATE"
THANKS FOR ENCOURAGING ME!!!

Scott slammed the door to the taxi and quickly thrust some money at the driver.

The driver mumbled, "Thanks," but Scott wasn't even listening. *Why the hell did I say all that stuff*

He then pushed aside his thoughts and headed into the airport, which was bustling with people.

Scott then realized something. *What am I going to do about a ticket?? I have NO money*

He angrily banged his fist into the wall, causing people to point and stare at him. But Scott didn't care. *What am I going to do*

He then knew of one person that always knew what to do and was always willing to help out.

Scott jogged over to a pay phone, pulled some change out and dialed Peter's number.

*Two Days Later*

Mr. Merrick groaned as he heard Shelby's heavy sobs. "When will she get over this boy?" he asked, turning to Melissa.

Melissa internally rolled her eyes. *Maybe because she loves him* "I don't know, sweetie," she replied, not daring to say what she thought.

Mr. Merrick just rolled over, his back to his wife. "Well, if it's going to be like this for the remaining days of her trip, then I'm going to hurt him."

Melissa was ready to agree with him, when she remembered Scott's words.

*FLASHBACK*

"AND YOU. YOU TAKE ALL THIS SHIT MR. MERRICK GIVES YOU, AND YOU DON'T STICK UP FOR YOURSELF!"

*END OF FLASHBACK*

*He's right. I need to stick up for myself*

"Melissa!"

She looked over at her husband to see him waving his hands in front of her face. "You didn't laugh at my joke!" he exclaimed with a pout.

*That's it* "THAT'S BECAUSE IT WASN'T FUNNY!!!" Melissa screamed, happy to get it off her chest.

Mr. Merrick's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?" he asked in disbelief.

Melissa licked her lips. "Joe, it's not your fault about what happened with Walt," she said calmly, deciding to take the quieter approach.

Mr. Merrick's eyes widened in confusion. "What brought all this on? I didn't say anything!"

Melissa gave him a reassuring smile. "That's the reason why you've been so mean to Scott. You think he's going to turn around and hurt Shelby like Walt did," she explained.

Mr. Merrick was about to protest, when he realized that everything she was saying is true. "I just...I wasn't there for my daughter when she was abused. I want to be there for her now," he said quietly.

Melissa's eyes softened. "You are, Joe. You ARE a great dad. It doesn't matter what went on in the past; Shelby loves you."

Mr. Merrick looked up and met his wife's eye. "Ya think?" he asked.

Melissa reached for Mr. Merrick's hand and squeezed it. "Yes, I do. And if you want to be there for Shelby, you should TRUST her."

She paused. "She loves this boy. And this boy loves her. He'll take care of her. You just have to realize that."

Mr. Merrick was silent for a minute, his wife's words echoing in his mind.

He then gave her a small hug and got up and left the room.

By the time he reached the hallway, Mr. Merrick could still hear his daughter's cries.

He walked over to her door, and gave a light knock.

No answer, just more sobbing.

Mr. Merrick then slowly opened the door and stepped into the room and looked at his daughter.

She was a wreck. She looked like she hadn't taken a shower in days, or done anything for that matter, including sleep. Her face was all splotchy, and her eyes were red from crying.

"Come on," Mr. Merrick then said.

Shelby looked up, her breath catching in her throat. "Wwhat?" he studdered.

"Let's go," he told her, crossing his arms.

"Where?" Shelby asked, still whimpering a little.

"I'll tell you in the car."

And he was gone.

Shelby groaned. *I don't want to go anywhere! I want to lie down and cry*

Her father's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Let's goooo!" he yelled.

"Okay,okay," Shelby mumbled as she followed him out to the car.

As Mr. Merrick started the car, he looked over at Shelby who was still sobbing. "We're going to Horizon."

Melissa watched as the father and daughter pulled out of the driveway and smiled. *Oh the things people will do for love*

*Two Days Later*

Scott groaned as he heard Juliette recount the details of her and Auggie's date. Lately everything was bothering him. *Well, anything related to love*

He thought about what happened after that whole ordeal. He had called Peter, and he had gotten Scott a ticket. *Then came the questions*

Peter wasn't trying to push, but he had to know why Scott had come back early, as did everyone else.

For the past four days, everyone had been pumping Scott for information about what happened.

Scott ran his fingers through his hair. *What's gonna happen when Shelby comes back? Will she come back? What will I say to her*

His thoughts were interrupted by a car pulling up.

He sat up and decided to greet the visitor. *Anything to keep my mind off...*
"Shelby?" he said to himself.

Sure enough, there was Shelby sitting in the car. *What? What's she doing here? Does she still love me? Does...*

Then Scott saw who was sitting the driver's seat. He then had no intention of going there.

"Okay, Shel, go get him!"

Shelby looked up at her dad, fear in her eyes. "I...I don't know what to say to him," she admitted.

Mr. Merrick shook his head. "We didn't spend two days driving in a car for you to chicken out. Come on! Go talk to him!"

Shelby looked out the window at Scott. "What if he doesn't love me anymore?" she asked quietly.

Mr. Merrick's eyes softened and he pulled Shelby into a hug. "Shel, I screwed up. I...was scared that Scott was going to hurt you," he admitted slowly.

Shelby's eyes shot up. "What?"

Mr. Merrick looked down at his hands. "After what Walt did to you, and I wasn't there..."

He couldn't take it anymore. He let the tears flow freely.

Shelby then also started crying and gave her father a hug also. "It's not your fault. It's over now, and I'm okay," she whispered, her head against his chest.

Mr. Merrick wiped his tears and looked down at Shelby. "He loves you, Shel. You can tell by the way he looks at you and talks about you. That doesn't go away. It stays FOREVER."

Shelby laughed. "Well, Dad, never knew you were a romantic," she joked.

Mr. Merrick grinned. "Are you ready?" he asked.

Shelby took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

She gasped when she saw her face. "Oh my gosh! Why didn't you tell me I looked this bad?"

Mr. Merrick smirked. "I guess that's a no."

Once again, Shelby looked out at Scott and started to think fast. "Um...go distract him! Just for a few minutes...I'll be out in a sec! Just let me make myself more presentable."

Mr. Merrick nodded. "Okay," he said slowly. *I owe him an apology anyway*

He stepped out of the car and started to walk towards Scott.

When Scott saw that he was walking his way, he quickly turned and started to walk away.

"No, Scott! Wait!"

Scott reluctantly turned around, hand on hip. "What do you want?" he questioned.

Mr. Merrick jogged to catch up with him and then paused. *It's been a while since I've apologized* "I...um, I'm sorry," he said quickly.

Scott's eyes widened in disbelief. "You are?" he asked.

Mr. Merrick nodded. "I know you love my daughter, and I know she loves you. I saw this, and it scared me."

*Wait, she loves me? And Mr. Merrick was scared of...*

All of a sudden, he understood. He couldn't explain it, but he understood what Mr. Merrick was trying to say.

The man looked at Scott, waiting for his approval.

Scott grinned. "I forgive you."

Mr. Merrick then mirrored his grin and gave Scott a hug.

Once he had pulled away, he looked back at the car and motioned to Scott to go talk to Shelby.

Scott nodded and then jogged towards the car.

Mr. Merrick watched him...the smile on his face...the love in his eyes...*Ah, young love*

"I'm proud of you."

Mr. Merrick turned around to see Melissa standing behind him.

His eyes grew wide. "Melissa! How did you? When did you.."

Melissa grinned. "I knew you were taking Shelby here. I don't know why, but I did." She squeezed her husband's hand. "So I flew out here."

Mr. Merrick smiled back at his wife, and they shared a long kiss full of passion. *I think I like this new me. It sure has been getting me all the ladies*

Melissa then motioned for Mr. Merrick to follow her. "Come on, let's leave the kids alone."

Mr. Merrick nodded and followed his wife, not once looking back.

*20 Minutes Later*

Shelby smiled as she felt Scott's strong arm around her shoulder. "Hmmm," she murmured. *Whoever said that the best thing about a break up is getting back together, was right*

Scott smiled at her and kissed the top of her head. *What an amazing day. My girlfriend drives all the way from Boston to proclaim her love for me, her father apologizes to me, and I get back together with the girl I love*

He blissfully sighed. *I just want to stay in this moment forever*

Shelby's sweet voice interrupted his thoughts. "I am so glad that's over," she stated, refering to Scott meeting her parents.

Scott grinned and looked down at Shelby. "What are you talking about? It's not over."

Shelby looked up at Scott, confused. "What?"

Scott paused for a few seconds before answering.

The he brought Shelby's chin up and whispered with a smile, "You still have to meet my parents."
THE END



-That's all folks!! I know it was a corny ending, and it was kinda rushed, but oh well. PLEASE REVIEW AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!! I have some ideas for stories, and I'm going to start writing them at camp! Here are the ideas for some stories I have
~a kind of depressing story about sisters
~S&S fic about divorce
~short story about Shelby and her thoughts on love
And that's about it for the moment. Let me know which one(s) you like. Oh! everyone can still email me, but I can't email you back! If ya want to email me at camp about my story and what you thought, or about my future stories, or if you just want to say hi, email me at office@rockbrookcamp.com. Just put "Lauren Greene" in the subject line. I'd love to keep up with everyone's stories and stuff, so please email me with your story!! I'd LOVE to read it!! Plus, I never get much mail at camp, so I'd be sooo happy if you emailed me!! Anyway, I have to go back!! PLEASE REVIEW, PLEASE EMAIL ME, and I'll see you all in July!!

-LAUREN:-)