"Hey Mum."
"Hey Sweetie, how are you doing?"
"Fine Mum. I was wondering, are you and Da going to be busy for the next
week or so?"
"Not that I know of, why, are you planing to pay us a visit?"
"Well yeah actually, and I was hoping it would be okay if a friend of mine
came to stay with us for awhile also?"
"Sure, no problem, is it Shane?"
"No, Shane has to go work with Ben and Jerry getting some attention to the
band, you haven't met this friend, but I want you to."
"Well, could this friend be a girl."
"Yeah Momma."
"So I'm guessing this is a special friend."
"Yeah, she's very special."
"Well I can't wait to meet her. When should we expect you?"
"About two days Mum."
"Okay well I'll see you then, love you sweetheart."
"Love you too, Momma."
Calvin hung up the phone, it had been nice to talk to his mum again. He's
always had that kind of relationship with her, he could always come to her
about anything, she didn't push him to talk, but eased into it at just the
right pace. Normally he would have talked to her about Mandy, but for some
reason, he didn't really want to tell her, he wanted to surprise her.
His mum knew just how bad of a crush he's had on her, he never thought that
they'd ever meet, but his mum always said something changes your life every
day. He couldn't wait to tell her about the newest thing that had changed
his life, Mandy.
He knew his family wouldn't make a big deal out of her fame, they knew
quite well who Mandy was, he'd only been listening to her music since the
first time her heard it. Cal had every one of her albums, and knew all of
her songs by heart, therefore his family had heard her quite a lot. She
was his dream, but now it was reality, and he was completely in love.
Calvin was nervous though, he knew he loved her, and while she did seem to
like him, he just hoped that by sharing his family and childhood with her,
that maybe it would help her to love him. He knew she'd been working like
crazy for so long, he hoped this would be some kind of vacation for her,
even in its smallest measurements. They were leaving the day after
tomorrow, and he was so excited. Her parents weren't going to be able to
come, they had some things back home in Orlando they needed to take care
of. Kyle would be going home with them too.
It was late in the afternoon, Mandy was filming some scenes and while he
wanted to be there for her, she had asked him to just go and worry about
getting everything ready. She didn't want him to be a major distraction
and delay their trip because she had to stay for more filming. Mandy had
tried to get Calvin to let her pay for at least her portion of the trip,
but he wouldn't have it. He discussed all the proper arrangements with her
parents, her bodyguard, and getting around all the attention. This was
supposed to be a normal trip, not a show.
They were flying first class all the way, no limo waiting for them at the
airport, just a car. They weren't really worried about being noticed too
much. Nobody knew who Calvin was, and hardly anyone knew that Mandy had
dyed her hair for the film. They would be there for a week, then there was
the concert for Britney. After that, well, they hadn't really talked about
it much.
Calvin stepped out of the trailer with his hands in his pockets and started
to walk towards Shane, who was joking around with the rest of the cast just
a ways off. He walked up to him and just kind of waited for Shane to
notice that he was there and talk to him.
Shane finished talking with Al and the others. He turned to Calvin. He
put his arm on Cal's shoulders and joked around like he was going to put
him in a headlock. "So what's up man, why are you looking kind of bummed,
I thought you were 'in love' what's the deal?"
"I am in love, it's just," Cal paused not really knowing how to say it,
"I'm nervous about Mandy meeting my parents."
"Why man? You met hers, that went okay, right?"
"Yeah, it went great, better then great. Her dad really seemed to like me.
I know my mum is going to love her, hey, she loved you." Calvin tried to
make a joke, but it didn't work.
"Don't worry, you leave, what, day after tomorrow, and no more worries,
right?"
"Right."
"See, now stop whining. Tonight is guys night out, and we're going to have
some fun." Shane pulled him in and rubbed his head. Shane was always big
and loud, he knew it was time to get his buddy to lighten up. "Come on
man, are you ready to party?"
"Yeah, let's go."
The next day was fairly simple, Calvin started packing to leave. Mandy still had some last scenes to film and say her good-byes to the cast. In free time she packed what she was going to need. Calvin went to all her last scenes and helped her pack to the best of his ability. They were both nervous over things, he was excited about her meeting his family, and learning about his childhood. She was sad about ending the filming, but nervous about meeting his mum. She knew his mum was everything to him, she just hoped that she liked her. Calvin barely slept a wink last night, they had one finally dinner with the cast and went to bed because their flight left early the next morning. Mandy's parents were going to take them to the airport in the morning and they'd be off.
As the plane took off, both of them held hands like they would never let go. Calvin turned to Mandy and asked, "Are you nervous?" "No," Mandy said, a little too quickly, then admitted, "yes, oh Cal, I'm so nervous, do you think your Mom will like me?" Calvin took her hand and kissed it, "No, she'll love you. Don't worry so much, I don't even think I was this bad at dinner with your parents." Mandy elbowed him in the side, "That was just dinner, this is a whole week." "Trust me, please, everything will be fine." "If you say so," she smiled. "I know so, just as much as I know that I love you." Calvin smiled, just being around her and on their way was making him better about everything. A thought just occurred to Mandy, "Can I ask you something Calvin?" "Anything." "Did it ever bother you to see Shane kiss me?" Mandy asked with a giggle. "No." Calvin said it so plainly because, well, it was true, he wasn't the jealous type. He knew of his feelings for her, and frankly, it wasn't like she was spending a week at Shane's hometown to meet his parents. "But you haven't even kissed me, and well, he has?" Mandy seemed a little confused, but he wasn't worried. In due time, if and when she felt the same way, she'd understand. Until then, he'd try the best he could to explain. "I know I haven't kissed you. I guess any other guy would be jealous, but I'm just not worried. The time I spend with you means more to me then any kiss, no matter how wonderful I know your kisses must be." Calvin watched Mandy smile as she seemed to just except that when it was time, it would happen. He slid his arm around her so that he could hold her. He pulled her close so that they could cuddle and said, "Why don't we get some rest. The flight still has another two hours and you've had such a busy week." "Okay, but only if you'll be my pillow?" "Well that shouldn't be a problem." They slept the whole way with Mandy tucked into the crook of Calvin's arm laying her head on his chest. When they flight attendant came around to wake them up, the stretched some and went back into each others arms. After the plane landed, they got their bags and headed to the car. Mandy was noticed by a small group of girls. She gladly signed an autograph for eat of them and then they headed out. Calvin drove out of the airport and through town, all along the way being a tour guide of the town. Calvin started driving towards the edge of town and into a sparsely populated residential area. As they got closer to his home, he looked at Mandy and smiled. It felt so good to be home, and even better that she was there with him. He could see his home not far off and as the pulled into the driveway he asked, "So, are you ready to meet my Mum?" Mandy smiled and took his free hand as she said, "Just as long as your there with me."
"Hey! Momma!" Calvin ran into his mum's arms dropping his bags on the ground. She wrapped her arms around her son. "Oh, it's good to see you." "It's good to be home Mum." He picked her up and swung her around in circles. "Are you going to be staying here?" "Of course, I don't want to miss out on that good home cooking," he said as he set down his mum. "Well that's good to hear, and what about this friend of yours. You don't want to ignore her the whole time for some old crone," Calvin's mum joked. She patted Cal on the arm as they both settled down from their long awaited welcome. "Mum, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Mandy Moore." Calvin felt so good to say that, his girlfriend, saying that was like the sun on his face. "Hello Mrs. O'Reily, it's so nice to meet you," Mandy extended her hand to shake his mother's. "Oh Honey, we don't shake hands here, come over here and give me a hug, and please, none of that Mrs. O'Reily stuff, it makes me feel old. You just call me Momma, or Mum, and if you don't feel comfortable with that, then call me Erin." Erin gave Mandy a small hug and turned to lead them into the house. "This is the living room, the kitchens over there, and your father is outside burning lunch on the grill. Now Mandy, I think Calvin has mentioned once that your not a big meat eater, no worries, Cal may not eat as many vegetables as he should, but that doesn't mean we don't have any, I'll go fix you something up, and Calvin, go show her to your room, you can sleep in the guest room." "Yes, Momma." Calvin grabbed his and Mandy's bags and led the way upstairs and to the rooms. Mandy grabbed his shirt as she followed him up. They rounded the corner and Cal pointed out the rooms. "Bathroom, closet, Mum and Da's room, guest room, and my room," Calvin stopped right in the middle of the hall between two doors. Their rooms were right across the hall from each other. He opened the door and stepped out of the way so that Mandy could walk in. "I can stay in the guest room, you should stay in your room.." Mandy began to say but was stopped. "No, please," he was serious, but tried to joke, "what Momma wants Momma gets, and besides, I would kind of like it if you stayed in my room. I don't know why." Just the idea of her in his room, touching his things was overwhelming. "If you say so," Mandy smiled, seeing his anxiety. They were standing in his room, he set down her things and left her alone to get settled. Calvin walked to the guest room and quickly unpacked. He ran downstairs to see if his mum needed any help with lunch. He saw her walking with a big stack of plates and silverware to the patio table, "Here, Mum, let me take that from you." "Oh thank you Sweetie. So where's Mandy?" "Setting up in my room. I thought I'd come help you and Da." "That or you want to see if I like her or not," his Mum teased. "You know me too well," he laughed. "Well I am your mother, I should. If you must know, I think she's adorable, I'm so happy for you." All he could think was what a great mum he had to not joke about how for so long he'd been completely obsessed with this girl, and now here she was. His thoughts didn't linger, his mum called to him, "Cal, go get Mandy, lunch is ready." "Yes, Momma." Calvin ran upstairs and knocked on the door to his room. "Ummm, Mandy, Mum told me to come get you and tell you that lunch is ready. When your finished come on down." He turned to leave quickly but was stopped by her voice, "Just a second, will you wait for me?" "Sure." He leaned against the wall outside the door and waited, but not long. Mandy stepped out of his room, wearing his shirt. It was the same button shirt he had given her to wear the day he pulled her into the lake. She had it on, unbuttoned, over a small white T-shirt. It wasn't particularly special, but it still sent tingles though him. She had her hair down, which she rarely did for the film, but all the same, she took his breath away. "You..your wearing my shirt?" Calvin stammered out. "Yeah, cause it smells like you. I hope you don't mind, I just." "No," he interrupted her, he'd been doing that a lot lately, "it looks better on you." Calvin stood there staring at her for what seemed like a long time until finally he took a step towards her and pulled her into his arms. She willingly went and started threading her fingers through his hair. He buried his face in her hair trying desperately to suppress the urge to kiss her. He pulled away and looked at her with so much happiness in his eyes.
"Are you ready to go to eat?" Calvin held out his arm for her to take. "Definitely," Mandy took his arm and they walked down the hall.
Calvin showed Mandy out to the patio where everything was set up. His father was still at the grill finishing up the steaks, his mum was sitting at the table laughing at her husband. The setting was ideal, it made him feel right at home. He was so use to this atmosphere, but having Mandy there, her getting to see something so much a part of his memory, made everything seem much more special then he normally would have regarded it.
"Oh sweetie you here. I was just telling your father that if he keeps this up, we won't be able to tell the difference between the steaks and the charcoal. Mandy, this is Arthur, Calvin's father." "Hello, it's nice to meet you Mr. O'Reily," Mandy walked over to the grill to give Mr. O'Reily a hug from behind. "Sorry Mandy, I'd give you one of my famous bear hugs, but I'm busy taming the beast that is my grill, and please call me Arthur." He patted her arm as she hugged him, but continued to concentrate on the flames. "These steaks are almost done." "Mandy, is there anything I can get you to drink? We have tea, sodas, and most anything you could ask for." Erin asked Mandy and got up to make her way to the kitchen. "Teas fine," Mandy answered and walked back to Calvin's side. He grabbed her hand and led her to the table. He pulled out her seat, and then sat done beside her. Erin came out shortly with a tea for Mandy, and a Dr. Pepper for Calvin. She handed him the drink and said while sitting done, "I got your favorite." "Aww, thanks Mum. Your the best. So what have you and Da been up too?" Calvin took the drink and opened it while settling down into his chair. He grabbed Mandy's hand and waited for the story. "Oh well, you know your father, always planning some project. He wants to built a fountain just over there," pointing to a grassy area just a ways off. "Then your Granda came for a visit last weekend." "How is Granda?" "Up to everything, you'd think old age would calm that man down, but no, him and your Granma are planning a trip to Alaska." "That sounds like him. Mandy you'll have to excuse are bluntness, my Granda and Granma do nothing but travel. They're both amateur photographer types, so we get to visit all these places vicariously." Calvin talked on with his parents, catching up on everything that he had missed and trying to fill Mandy in on everything the best he could. She just watched and smiled. He hoped she was enjoying herself, but maybe he was so worried about her having fun that he couldn't tell if she was. His worries just took over. Arthur finished the steaks which came out great, despite Erin's constant jokes. They are they're meal, which ended up being more of a early dinner then a late lunch. Erin brought out some sherbet for a dessert afterwards.
Calvin's parents told Mandy all of his embarrassing childhood stories. His mum even ran into the house to get his baby pictures to show Mandy. She loved the of him taking a bath in the kitchen sink. Erin gave Mandy a more recent picture of him playing his guitar because she commented about not having a picture of Calvin. Arthur ran into the house to get his camera and took a picture of Mandy leaning her head on Calvin's shoulder as he held her. It was their first picture to ever take together. His father took more pictures to finish up the roll. Calvin offered to take the roll and get it developed in triple prints because he wanted the pictures of him and Mandy as soon as possible.
"One hour developing even," Calvin laughed as his father handed him the roll. "Your so impatient," Mandy teased, poking him in the stomach. "Yeah, right, you know you want the pictures too." Mandy jumped up off of his chest and gawked at him. She knew he was playing, so she was quick to retort. "Okay maybe I do, but that's besides the point." Mandy said as she settled back down. The sun had set long ago, and it was getting late. Erin gave her husband a look and gestured for him to stand up. "Well you two, it's been a great evening. Mandy, I'm so glad your going to be staying with us. Sweetie, I'm so glad your home," she gave her son a hug, "I think we're going to head on to bed, it's getting late." "Okay Mum, sleep well. Night Da, I guess we'll see you in the morning." "Naturally, and I'll even make your favorite breakfast." "Ahh, Mum, you spoil me too much. I'm not that special." "Well you are to me, and even if you weren't, she is. Mandy, once again, it's wonderful meeting you." "Oh, thank you so much for having me. Your house is so beautiful." Mandy answer looking up and down at their home. "Oh well thank you. You sleep well you two. See you in the morning." With that last good-bye, Erin left. "Well what do you think?" Calvin asked Mandy. "Your parents are wonderful. But I think I agree with them, it's late. We should go to sleep too." "That sounds like a plan." They walked inside and went there separate ways to get ready for bed. Calvin went back to the guest room and grabbed one of his grey muscle shirts and boxers to change into after he took a shower. He brushed his teeth and showered in the spare bathroom. As he was walking back to the guest room to go to sleep, he saw the light still on from under his bedroom door. He walked over to the door and stood outside it for a long while before he got the courage to knock and see how she was. "Mandy? Are you still awake?" Calvin asked a bit timidly. "Yeah, I'm still up. Why don't you come tuck me in?" He heard he laugh from the other side of the door and walked in. She was sitting on the bed wearing a big T-shirt and shorts. "Hey," he said as he took a seat next to her. "So what do you want to do tomorrow?" "Anything, everything. Just so long as it's with you," Mandy said as she placed both hands on his arms and slightly pulled him closer to her. "So you want me to tuck you in?" Cal laughed and sat up slightly to pull the covers up, "come on, get under." He pulled the covers over her and sat back down. "Thank you Calvin." Mandy smiled. "Your welcome. Well, I better go to bed." Calvin started to get up, but Mandy grabbed his arm and said, "Wait." "What is it?" He asked, a little confused and sat back down. "Lie with me?" Mandy said quietly as more of a question. "Are you sure?" He was a little nervous, what could she mean? "I just want you to hold me while I sleep." It was like she was reading his thoughts. "Okay." He laid down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "No, get under the covers, I don't want you to get cold." "Okay." Calvin's heart was racing as he climbed in under the covers. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned into him more. He held on tighter and tucked his head in at the nape of her neck. She sighed and started to drift off to sleep. "That's much better," were the last words she said. She closed her eyes. Calvin relaxed and with his last words before he drifted off to sleep said, "I love you."
The next day was fairly simple, Calvin started packing to leave. Mandy still had some last scenes to film and say her good-byes to the cast. In free time she packed what she was going to need. Calvin went to all her last scenes and helped her pack to the best of his ability. They were both nervous over things, he was excited about her meeting his family, and learning about his childhood. She was sad about ending the filming, but nervous about meeting his mum. She knew his mum was everything to him, she just hoped that she liked her. Calvin barely slept a wink last night, they had one finally dinner with the cast and went to bed because their flight left early the next morning. Mandy's parents were going to take them to the airport in the morning and they'd be off.
As the plane took off, both of them held hands like they would never let go. Calvin turned to Mandy and asked, "Are you nervous?" "No," Mandy said, a little too quickly, then admitted, "yes, oh Cal, I'm so nervous, do you think your Mom will like me?" Calvin took her hand and kissed it, "No, she'll love you. Don't worry so much, I don't even think I was this bad at dinner with your parents." Mandy elbowed him in the side, "That was just dinner, this is a whole week." "Trust me, please, everything will be fine." "If you say so," she smiled. "I know so, just as much as I know that I love you." Calvin smiled, just being around her and on their way was making him better about everything. A thought just occurred to Mandy, "Can I ask you something Calvin?" "Anything." "Did it ever bother you to see Shane kiss me?" Mandy asked with a giggle. "No." Calvin said it so plainly because, well, it was true, he wasn't the jealous type. He knew of his feelings for her, and frankly, it wasn't like she was spending a week at Shane's hometown to meet his parents. "But you haven't even kissed me, and well, he has?" Mandy seemed a little confused, but he wasn't worried. In due time, if and when she felt the same way, she'd understand. Until then, he'd try the best he could to explain. "I know I haven't kissed you. I guess any other guy would be jealous, but I'm just not worried. The time I spend with you means more to me then any kiss, no matter how wonderful I know your kisses must be." Calvin watched Mandy smile as she seemed to just except that when it was time, it would happen. He slid his arm around her so that he could hold her. He pulled her close so that they could cuddle and said, "Why don't we get some rest. The flight still has another two hours and you've had such a busy week." "Okay, but only if you'll be my pillow?" "Well that shouldn't be a problem." They slept the whole way with Mandy tucked into the crook of Calvin's arm laying her head on his chest. When they flight attendant came around to wake them up, the stretched some and went back into each others arms. After the plane landed, they got their bags and headed to the car. Mandy was noticed by a small group of girls. She gladly signed an autograph for eat of them and then they headed out. Calvin drove out of the airport and through town, all along the way being a tour guide of the town. Calvin started driving towards the edge of town and into a sparsely populated residential area. As they got closer to his home, he looked at Mandy and smiled. It felt so good to be home, and even better that she was there with him. He could see his home not far off and as the pulled into the driveway he asked, "So, are you ready to meet my Mum?" Mandy smiled and took his free hand as she said, "Just as long as your there with me."
"Hey! Momma!" Calvin ran into his mum's arms dropping his bags on the ground. She wrapped her arms around her son. "Oh, it's good to see you." "It's good to be home Mum." He picked her up and swung her around in circles. "Are you going to be staying here?" "Of course, I don't want to miss out on that good home cooking," he said as he set down his mum. "Well that's good to hear, and what about this friend of yours. You don't want to ignore her the whole time for some old crone," Calvin's mum joked. She patted Cal on the arm as they both settled down from their long awaited welcome. "Mum, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Mandy Moore." Calvin felt so good to say that, his girlfriend, saying that was like the sun on his face. "Hello Mrs. O'Reily, it's so nice to meet you," Mandy extended her hand to shake his mother's. "Oh Honey, we don't shake hands here, come over here and give me a hug, and please, none of that Mrs. O'Reily stuff, it makes me feel old. You just call me Momma, or Mum, and if you don't feel comfortable with that, then call me Erin." Erin gave Mandy a small hug and turned to lead them into the house. "This is the living room, the kitchens over there, and your father is outside burning lunch on the grill. Now Mandy, I think Calvin has mentioned once that your not a big meat eater, no worries, Cal may not eat as many vegetables as he should, but that doesn't mean we don't have any, I'll go fix you something up, and Calvin, go show her to your room, you can sleep in the guest room." "Yes, Momma." Calvin grabbed his and Mandy's bags and led the way upstairs and to the rooms. Mandy grabbed his shirt as she followed him up. They rounded the corner and Cal pointed out the rooms. "Bathroom, closet, Mum and Da's room, guest room, and my room," Calvin stopped right in the middle of the hall between two doors. Their rooms were right across the hall from each other. He opened the door and stepped out of the way so that Mandy could walk in. "I can stay in the guest room, you should stay in your room.." Mandy began to say but was stopped. "No, please," he was serious, but tried to joke, "what Momma wants Momma gets, and besides, I would kind of like it if you stayed in my room. I don't know why." Just the idea of her in his room, touching his things was overwhelming. "If you say so," Mandy smiled, seeing his anxiety. They were standing in his room, he set down her things and left her alone to get settled. Calvin walked to the guest room and quickly unpacked. He ran downstairs to see if his mum needed any help with lunch. He saw her walking with a big stack of plates and silverware to the patio table, "Here, Mum, let me take that from you." "Oh thank you Sweetie. So where's Mandy?" "Setting up in my room. I thought I'd come help you and Da." "That or you want to see if I like her or not," his Mum teased. "You know me too well," he laughed. "Well I am your mother, I should. If you must know, I think she's adorable, I'm so happy for you." All he could think was what a great mum he had to not joke about how for so long he'd been completely obsessed with this girl, and now here she was. His thoughts didn't linger, his mum called to him, "Cal, go get Mandy, lunch is ready." "Yes, Momma." Calvin ran upstairs and knocked on the door to his room. "Ummm, Mandy, Mum told me to come get you and tell you that lunch is ready. When your finished come on down." He turned to leave quickly but was stopped by her voice, "Just a second, will you wait for me?" "Sure." He leaned against the wall outside the door and waited, but not long. Mandy stepped out of his room, wearing his shirt. It was the same button shirt he had given her to wear the day he pulled her into the lake. She had it on, unbuttoned, over a small white T-shirt. It wasn't particularly special, but it still sent tingles though him. She had her hair down, which she rarely did for the film, but all the same, she took his breath away. "You..your wearing my shirt?" Calvin stammered out. "Yeah, cause it smells like you. I hope you don't mind, I just." "No," he interrupted her, he'd been doing that a lot lately, "it looks better on you." Calvin stood there staring at her for what seemed like a long time until finally he took a step towards her and pulled her into his arms. She willingly went and started threading her fingers through his hair. He buried his face in her hair trying desperately to suppress the urge to kiss her. He pulled away and looked at her with so much happiness in his eyes.
"Are you ready to go to eat?" Calvin held out his arm for her to take. "Definitely," Mandy took his arm and they walked down the hall.
Calvin showed Mandy out to the patio where everything was set up. His father was still at the grill finishing up the steaks, his mum was sitting at the table laughing at her husband. The setting was ideal, it made him feel right at home. He was so use to this atmosphere, but having Mandy there, her getting to see something so much a part of his memory, made everything seem much more special then he normally would have regarded it.
"Oh sweetie you here. I was just telling your father that if he keeps this up, we won't be able to tell the difference between the steaks and the charcoal. Mandy, this is Arthur, Calvin's father." "Hello, it's nice to meet you Mr. O'Reily," Mandy walked over to the grill to give Mr. O'Reily a hug from behind. "Sorry Mandy, I'd give you one of my famous bear hugs, but I'm busy taming the beast that is my grill, and please call me Arthur." He patted her arm as she hugged him, but continued to concentrate on the flames. "These steaks are almost done." "Mandy, is there anything I can get you to drink? We have tea, sodas, and most anything you could ask for." Erin asked Mandy and got up to make her way to the kitchen. "Teas fine," Mandy answered and walked back to Calvin's side. He grabbed her hand and led her to the table. He pulled out her seat, and then sat done beside her. Erin came out shortly with a tea for Mandy, and a Dr. Pepper for Calvin. She handed him the drink and said while sitting done, "I got your favorite." "Aww, thanks Mum. Your the best. So what have you and Da been up too?" Calvin took the drink and opened it while settling down into his chair. He grabbed Mandy's hand and waited for the story. "Oh well, you know your father, always planning some project. He wants to built a fountain just over there," pointing to a grassy area just a ways off. "Then your Granda came for a visit last weekend." "How is Granda?" "Up to everything, you'd think old age would calm that man down, but no, him and your Granma are planning a trip to Alaska." "That sounds like him. Mandy you'll have to excuse are bluntness, my Granda and Granma do nothing but travel. They're both amateur photographer types, so we get to visit all these places vicariously." Calvin talked on with his parents, catching up on everything that he had missed and trying to fill Mandy in on everything the best he could. She just watched and smiled. He hoped she was enjoying herself, but maybe he was so worried about her having fun that he couldn't tell if she was. His worries just took over. Arthur finished the steaks which came out great, despite Erin's constant jokes. They are they're meal, which ended up being more of a early dinner then a late lunch. Erin brought out some sherbet for a dessert afterwards.
Calvin's parents told Mandy all of his embarrassing childhood stories. His mum even ran into the house to get his baby pictures to show Mandy. She loved the of him taking a bath in the kitchen sink. Erin gave Mandy a more recent picture of him playing his guitar because she commented about not having a picture of Calvin. Arthur ran into the house to get his camera and took a picture of Mandy leaning her head on Calvin's shoulder as he held her. It was their first picture to ever take together. His father took more pictures to finish up the roll. Calvin offered to take the roll and get it developed in triple prints because he wanted the pictures of him and Mandy as soon as possible.
"One hour developing even," Calvin laughed as his father handed him the roll. "Your so impatient," Mandy teased, poking him in the stomach. "Yeah, right, you know you want the pictures too." Mandy jumped up off of his chest and gawked at him. She knew he was playing, so she was quick to retort. "Okay maybe I do, but that's besides the point." Mandy said as she settled back down. The sun had set long ago, and it was getting late. Erin gave her husband a look and gestured for him to stand up. "Well you two, it's been a great evening. Mandy, I'm so glad your going to be staying with us. Sweetie, I'm so glad your home," she gave her son a hug, "I think we're going to head on to bed, it's getting late." "Okay Mum, sleep well. Night Da, I guess we'll see you in the morning." "Naturally, and I'll even make your favorite breakfast." "Ahh, Mum, you spoil me too much. I'm not that special." "Well you are to me, and even if you weren't, she is. Mandy, once again, it's wonderful meeting you." "Oh, thank you so much for having me. Your house is so beautiful." Mandy answer looking up and down at their home. "Oh well thank you. You sleep well you two. See you in the morning." With that last good-bye, Erin left. "Well what do you think?" Calvin asked Mandy. "Your parents are wonderful. But I think I agree with them, it's late. We should go to sleep too." "That sounds like a plan." They walked inside and went there separate ways to get ready for bed. Calvin went back to the guest room and grabbed one of his grey muscle shirts and boxers to change into after he took a shower. He brushed his teeth and showered in the spare bathroom. As he was walking back to the guest room to go to sleep, he saw the light still on from under his bedroom door. He walked over to the door and stood outside it for a long while before he got the courage to knock and see how she was. "Mandy? Are you still awake?" Calvin asked a bit timidly. "Yeah, I'm still up. Why don't you come tuck me in?" He heard he laugh from the other side of the door and walked in. She was sitting on the bed wearing a big T-shirt and shorts. "Hey," he said as he took a seat next to her. "So what do you want to do tomorrow?" "Anything, everything. Just so long as it's with you," Mandy said as she placed both hands on his arms and slightly pulled him closer to her. "So you want me to tuck you in?" Cal laughed and sat up slightly to pull the covers up, "come on, get under." He pulled the covers over her and sat back down. "Thank you Calvin." Mandy smiled. "Your welcome. Well, I better go to bed." Calvin started to get up, but Mandy grabbed his arm and said, "Wait." "What is it?" He asked, a little confused and sat back down. "Lie with me?" Mandy said quietly as more of a question. "Are you sure?" He was a little nervous, what could she mean? "I just want you to hold me while I sleep." It was like she was reading his thoughts. "Okay." He laid down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "No, get under the covers, I don't want you to get cold." "Okay." Calvin's heart was racing as he climbed in under the covers. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned into him more. He held on tighter and tucked his head in at the nape of her neck. She sighed and started to drift off to sleep. "That's much better," were the last words she said. She closed her eyes. Calvin relaxed and with his last words before he drifted off to sleep said, "I love you."