Heyyyyy!!! I'm back and feeling better than ever!!! Although one thing is bothering me. I have gotten over 1000 hits on this story but only 34 reviews. How about 10 more reviews, then I'll put up the next chapter. HEHEHEHE!

ON WITH THE SHOW!!!!

Usual disclaimer, I don't own anything. : C

************************************************************************

Chapter 5 MPOV

"Are you sure you are okay, Mary. It's not too late to just turn around and go back home." Joey had been asking me the same question over and over again for the last hour. He looked me over with worries eyes. I sighed.

I gave him a look, "Joey, you have asked me that same question over and over again, and I've always given you the same answer. I am fine, a little bit nervous, but otherwise, fine. Now let's just get out of this taxi already and into the house. I'm starving!"

He gave me one last worried look before taking a deep breath and opening his door.

No turning back now, I thought to myself. I had been lying to myself for the past few days since the People magazine and Joey's mom called. I was a nervous wreck.

Begin flashback

"Um… Mary? My mom called earlier today before you came home."

My eyes widened in shock. Ever since Joey stopped talking to them when we came out here, they ignored us completely. He was practically dead to them ever since he stood in the way of his mother and her new ocean front property. We hadn't heard from them since.

A minute or two passed in silence before I broke it, "What?"

He took a deep breath, "Apparently my mother didn't like it that her son was engaged without telling her. Why she cares now, I have no idea but she invited us both to dinner on Friday."

My mouth opened in a little 'o' of surprise. "I… I don't understand. Dinner? After all this time of not talking? Isn't she still mad at you?"

He shrugged, "I really don't know. But it actually seems like she is making an effort to…make up for all the years of ignoring me. Even when I lived with them, it seemed like she only put up with me because I was making a lot of money for them. She seemed surprisingly eager to make up, on the phone. Well, that is after she stopped yelling at me."

I bit my lip, "Well if you want to give them a chance, then it's fine with me. When are we leaving?"

He gave me a small smile. He looked nervous and relieved at the same time. I leaned up and placed a small kiss on his lips. Breaking away for a second I whispered, "I love you, Joey Parker. You don't have to worry; I'll always be right here for you."

He looked seriously into my eyes, "It's not me that I'm nervous for, it's you. If they want to, they will eat you alive. I just don't want you to think badly of me after meeting them."

I shrugged, "I already met them, remember?" I smiled as I myself remembered when he had fallen on top of me and pulled the shrimp out of my hair.

Obviously remembering the same thing, he grinned widely then said, "Well back then you weren't my fiancé, you were Dominique's servant girl."

Before I could say anything else, he pulled me into a deep kiss. Breaking away for air, he whispered, "Don't worry, they will love you. Just like I do. And we will be married no matter what they say about you."

End flashback

I smiled. The next few days were spent packing for our three day trip to California. We had decided to spend the first night with Joey's parents, then straight after dinner we were going to Malibu to relax and get away from New York's freezing February air.

A gentleman as always, Joey made it to my door before I could and opened it for me. Smiling at him, I got out and was instantly greeted by a cold breeze.

I groaned, "Oh come ON!" Joey gave me an amused look as I wrapped my arms around myself.

"What?" he asked, "Would this be considered a bad omen? Do we have to turn around now?" his face lit up with hope.

I laughed, "Right. Come on; let's just get this over with so we can get to Malibu."

We walked slowly up the very long brick driveway. In the car, I had been shocked to see his parent's house, but now that shock was coming back tenfold now that I was closer to it. They had moved into a much bigger one last year, according to Joey, and it certainly was big.

It looked to be a four story mansion. The size of the house was enough to leave me speechless.

We arrived at the front door. Pressing the doorbell, Joey turned to me, "I apologize in advance." His face was creased with worry. It's not that big of a deal, right? Oh, I hope not.

I gave him a quick kiss of reassurance before the door opened, and standing there was a sight I never wanted to see. I stifled a gasp and clutched Joey's hand tightly. He gave a reassuring squeeze and rubbed our joined hands against his jeans.

*********************************************************************

Sorry, I would have written more but my hand hurts, there is a draft by the computer and my fingers are freezing, and I like to end with cliffies. :D Just a reminder, the love song contest ends on March 6th, and I love all the ones that I've gotten so far.

I have an idea for a new story and I'm not sure if I should do it as a Another Cinderella Story or Twilight. It includes dancing with the stars tell me what you think (ha, another reason for you to pm me or review). I'll finish this one first, I can get distracted easily sometimes and I want to focus on this for now.

Remember, 10 reviews and then I'll update. So do the smart thing and review. :D