"I don't know, Cass, do you think it might be too soon?" I throw my favorite sweater into my duffel bag, "We've only been dating less than two months."

Cassie sat up on my bed and looked up from her magazine and tilted her head, "It's not like you're primarily going over there to meet his parents. You're going to a concert and so meeting his parents is an opportunity, you know? Look at it that way."

Yeah, she's right, but still. I'm SO nervous about it.

On top of the amazing birthday party he threw me, he got me tickets to see John Mayer. John freaking Mayer who is my all time favorite musician. And he's a fan, too, so he thought it'd be fun to take me. But the only problem is, tickets were sold out. He literally added a show to his Chicago trip a night before my party and Troy thought it was fate. So he got us tickets. In Chicago. CHICAGO WHERE HIS PARENTS LIVE. AHHHH.

"And besides, he's already met your parents, so it's not that weird," she adds, throwing the magazine off to the side, "wait, are you staying with them?"

"YES!" I freak out a little bit. His parents just mean so much to him. "And it was different. He met my parents when we were friends, when we were working on a school project. I'm his girlfriend. This is more serious. And I'm so nervous. What if they don't like me and they ask him to break up with me?"

"Shut up, they're not gonna make him break up with you. They're going to like you."

Easy for her to just say. But she's my best friend, she's supposed to reassure me, of course.

I sigh and throw in a pair of jeans into my bag as well, "I know that if they were here, I would have already met them, but since I have to go to Chicago and meet them there, it just seems so much more serious. Almost like I'm an adult and going home for Christmas or something, you know? Like in those movies where the guy brings his girlfriend home and it's this big thing."

"I know it might feel like that, but it's just a high school girlfriend meeting her boyfriend's parents. It's not a big deal, you guys are young. Have fun with it."

"No, yeah, I know, I shouldn't put so much pressure on myself, but we come from different worlds, ya know?"

"Stop saying that," Cassie rolls her eyes and gets off my bed, "he lived in New York before. And Chicago is not that different, okay? You're acting like he's from freaking Montana where there's like no city life. Or some other country. It's all gonna be fine, just be the Gabriella we know and love."

She's right. I have to calm down. It won't be that big of a deal. I mean, we get in Friday, go to the concert, stay one day there and come back Sunday.

One day of hanging out with them. It won't be too bad.

Cassie goes and uses the restroom while I decide what shoes to take. Definitely won't need any heels so I cross those off the list. I'm gonna take some boots before it's probably freezing over there right now. More so than here. Or maybe the same. I don't really know. I've been to Chicago in the Winter, but I forgot how it was like. I throw in some converse in cake we go walking around the city. And then I throw in little Valentino boots that are to die for. Along with that, I pack two coats. I can reuse them, right? It's just a coat. Yeah, yeah I can. I grab two of my favorite jeans and throw them in there as well. One for the concert and the other for Saturday during the day. And then I grab two pairs of yoga pants. For sleeping and for the plane ride home.

Okay, I think I'm all set. Outfits, undergarments, toothpaste and all that... am I missing anything?

"Has Troy told you anything about his parents?" Cassie comes strolling out of the bathroom, her hair now up in a bun, "like, what to expect or anything?"

I zipped up my duffel and threw it by my door so I don't forget it tomorrow morning, even though I'm sure I won't, "Kind of. He doesn't really want me go in with any ideas of how they'll be, but he keeps telling me that I have nothing to worry about. So I don't know. But I do, know, they weren't his ex's biggest fan which is a little intimidating. And I didn't even find out from him! Stacy told me. That worries me a little bit."

Cassie sighed and went over to my dresser and grabbed my chapstick and applied some, "did she tell you why they didn't like her or just that they didn't?"

"No, just that they didn't like her. It looked like she regretted telling me, so of course she's not gonna tell me why," I put my hair up in a bun just like she did, "I don't think I want to know because then I'll just be trying way too hard."

"Yeah, true," Cassie laughed, "remember when you met Steve's parents and it just went disastrously? Let's now have a repeat of that."

Oh God. That was the worst. "I pray to God that doesn't happen."

It was 10 pm. I had an early flight tomorrow, well 8:30, and although we were on Winter Break and Cassie could stay out as late as she wanted to, she decided to go home and let me just some rest, which was nice of her because I was really tired and I can't sleep on planes. I try and try, but I just can't.

She grabbed her purse from on top of my chair in the corner of the room and then came over to me, looked me right in the eyes and then gave me a long, warm hug. "They're going to love you. You're going to be fine. And you're gonna have the best time, okay?"

I nodded into her shoulder and then broke apart the hug and gave her a smile. "Thanks, Cass. I'll text you as soon as I land."

"Yeah, you better. And give me updates."

"Of course," I laugh as I walk her out of my room and down the stairs to the elevator.

I couldn't believe that tomorrow morning, I'll be on a plane to Chicago. I'm going to be meeting my boyfriend's parents. A boyfriend I'm crazy about.

And I also couldn't believe that at this time last year, I was packing to go on a mini trip with Ryan, Savannah, Charlotte and a couple of Ryan's friends. We were going on a ski trip and I wasn't even sure I wanted to go anymore because Ryan and I just got into a fight. Over me not wanting him to go out as much as he would. It's not that uncommon of a request if you're dating someone. It's just now. And he went on about how I don't trust him, blah, blah blah. And it was just a lot for me to handle and I didn't want to go. But Savannah and Charlotte were stoked to get out of New York for a couple days so I put on a brave face and went... and yes, we made up, but not for one whole day.

Still, the point of the story is, I'm at such a different place in my life now. I have a boyfriend who I don't fight with weekly.

I'm happy.

I'm so freaking happy, it's insane.

Chicago is so pretty. Breathtaking. If I didn't live in New York, Chicago or LA would be where I'd want to live. It's so city, but at the same time, it has this suburban feel to it. And I love that. I sometimes wished I lived in the suburbs instead of in a building.

But luckily for me, I get a little taste of it since Troy's parents live in the suburbs about 20 minutes away from the city. Orland Park.

It's so freaking beautiful. We're driving through the neighborhoods right now on the way to his house and it's breathtaking. I love, love, love neighborhoods like this where the kids can just run around and ride their bike down the street. It's so cool. I sometimes can't imagine leaving New York, but if I ever did, I'd definitely live in a suburb. What a great place to raise children. No wonder his parents moved.

"So, do you think your place in New York will be done soon?"

Troy looked over at me from looking out the window and shrugged, "Maybe January. We could have moved in if my mom didn't keep adding things."

I laughed. Reminds me of my mom. Always wanting to adjust things, paint things different, etc. "At least you're able to visit them. I couldn't imagine being away from my parents for months like this."

"I've been doing okay," he grabs my hand and gives me a small smile which makes my heart flutter, "but yeah, hopefully they'll move to New York soon."

I was gonna ask him a couple of more questions, you know, to get me ready to meet his parents, but then all of a sudden we pulled into his driveway. His beautiful, big, long driveway. Those driveways that fit like 20 cars because it was circular. I don't know how to explain it, but it was pretty big.

Like his house. Oh my gosh. His house was huge. And so beautiful. It was stunning. It was decked out in Christmas decorations which only added to it's beautifulness. I desperately wanted to move in. Obviously, that'd be weird, though.

Troy looked over at me, smiled, and then took my hand, "you ready?"

I nod, giving him a small smile. I was so nervous. But I'm ready as I'll ever be. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Before we got out, he leaned over and gave me a kiss. Probably to reassure me that everything will be fine. And it worked. It put my mind at easy a bit.

We got out, grabbed out luggage out of the trunk of this taxi and made our way up to his front door. We stood there in the freezing cold as we waited for his parents to open the door for us. It was FREEZING. So cold. But thank God I'm used to weather like this or I'd be upset right now.

No less than a minute later, a lady opened the door.

She had on an apron, her hair was down and her hair was pushed back with a headband. And she was GORGEOUS.

"My baby!" she immediately exclaimed, opening her arms wide open and embracing Troy in a long, hard hard, "I've missed you so much, oh my gosh."

I couldn't help, but smile. He was only here a few weeks ago, right? More than a few weeks. But the way she was embracing him, it's like she had not seem him in months and that made me smile because it meant they were close. Meant than weeks felt like months to them. I don't know, it was nice.

Troy laughed and pulled away, "I've missed you, too, mom."

And then he stepped to the side and his mom and I came face to face for the first time.

She right away smiled at me sweetly and told me hi and I thought that was gonna be the extent of it, you know, saying hi with a smile, but before I know it, I'm being pulled into a hug. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Gabriella. I'm Andrea. But you could call me Andi if you'd like. Whatever is fine by me."

This woman is GORGEOUS. Honestly. Well, she is young, I know that. But still. SO pretty. I'm jealous. "Thanks for having me."

"Oh of course," she said sweetly before motioning for us to come in, "any friend of Troy's is a friend of mine. Or girlfriend. Whatever. You know what I mean, but come in, come in. It's freezing outside. I was just whipping up some banana bread and hot chocolate."

Hot chocolate? A woman after my own heart. I live for hot chocolate. I can drink it all day, everyday. Especially peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks.

Troy smiled and led us in, "thanks mom."

We followed her to the kitchen, which was gorgeous. It was big and roomy and had an island in the middle and oh my gosh, it was perfect in every way possible. If I were them, I wouldn't want to leave this place at all.

I put my purse down on one of the stools and Troy went over to the fridge and grabbed me a water and one for himself, too. I was SO thirsty.

His mom went over to the oven and checked on her bread and realized it still needed time.

She took off her over mitts, went over to the refrigerator and took out a bowl strawberries and placed them on the counter, "help yourselves. Are you guys hungry or did you have breakfast already? I can whip you guys up something. I haven't been home all morning. And when I did get home, I went right to making the bread, but I have eggs or pancakes. I can..."

"Mom, we're fine," Troy laughed, "we already ate. So, these strawberries will do."

It's 11 right now. Our flight left at exactly 8:30 and landed at exactly 11, well New York time. 10 Chicago. It took us 30 minutes to get everything and grab a taxi and so by the time we got here, it was 11. We had breakfast burritos that we picked up on the way to the airport so I'm still not hungry.

But she's incredibly sweet to offer us something.

"I still feel bad you guys had to take a cab," she shakes her head, "I had a doctor's appointment this morning."

Oh, that's where she was? Troy just told me she couldn't. "Oh, um, is everything okay?"

She nodded and went over to wash her hands in the sink, "oh yes, yes, I was getting a mole checked out, but they told me it's nothing to worry about. And before my appointment, I had to take Sienna to Maggie's house for a play date so it's just been a busy morning, but everything's slowing down now."

Andrea looked SO sweet. She was smiley and warm and I just didn't get a mean vibe from her so I couldn't imagine her not liking Troy's ex. I just couldn't.

She then came over to us and leaned forward on the counter, looking right at me, "Troy never told me how beautiful you really are. I'm so happy you could come for the weekend. It's our last big hurrah in this house and although, it's your first time in it, it's nice you're here."

Uhhh, what is she talking about? Last big hurrah? What does that mean?

I looked over at Troy and he smiled at me and then chuckled a bit before throwing a strawberry in his mouth to avoid talking.

What is she talking about? Are they having a party here?

"Troy!" his mom got up a bit and scolded him in a playful way, "you didn't tell her about this weekend?"

"I forgot!" He sat up and defended himself, "I really forgot. I mean, I didn't forget Sienna was having a party, but I did forget to tell her. You," he turns to me, "but um, surprise. You're not only meeting my mom and dad and sister, you're meeting my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins."

Oh umm okay. Okay. It's gonna be fine, Gabriella. Don't react badly. Don't show you're upset. Actually... I'm not upset. Just more nervous now. Fuck.

I smile so it doesn't seem like it's something I'm mad about because the last thing I want is this woman to think I don't want to meet his entire family. It's not a big deal, right? He's met mine. "No, um, that's fine. I'm always down for a party."

"Good," Andrea smiled and turned around to the beeping oven, "it's going to be so fun. Sienna is so excited. She's been looking forward to meeting you."

She has? Awwww. "Well, I've heard only good things."

Andrea laughed and placed the banana bread on the counter on top of a place mat, "She's in this story telling phase so if it just gets to be too much, don't be afraid to tell her that you have an important call. I've used that excuse quite a few times these past few weeks. And she hasn't figured it out."

My youngest cousin is 7 years old, so I think I'll be okay. I'm not really around children to be honest, but I love them.

"My husband's at work, but he'll be here later. Do you guys have dinner plans? We'd love to take you into the city and show you around."

"I'd like that," I say politely and then realize that I have to stop being so formal or else it's going to come off like I'm trying too hard and I would never want her to think that, "my dad swears by the life of him that RPM is the best restaurant in Chicago."

Andrea's face lit up, "Well, RPM is exactly where we were planning on going. Jack's best friend is the owner."

Jack is Troy's dad. Jack Bolton. Jack and Andrea Bolton. Ha.

"Okay, that would be great," I say formally again. Ugh. I'm just so nervous.

Andrea's phone then started ringing so she immediately answered it as she was taking out the banana bread from the pan. She held up her phone with her shoulder and flipped over the bread onto a plate so she can serve it. And she did it so flawlessy. I want to be her. Ha. That sounds really weird.

Troy then turned to me and grabbed my hand, "she's only getting started, you know. She always bombards people with so many questions so I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine," I smile at him. I love answering questions... about anything, really. "she's nice."

And before he could say anything else, Andrea put her phone down on the table and looked up at us. "Well, I have to head out real quick. Sienna needs to be picked up and I promised her frozen yogurt yesterday for cleaning her whole room."

Troy suddenly got up, "We'll go."

We will? Oh okay.

"You sure?" Andrea stops taking off her apron, "I can do it, don't worry about it."

"No, I mean, it'll be a nice little surprise for her," he smiles, "plus, I can go for some frozen yogurt."

Andrea ties her apron back up and nods, going over to the fridge to grab herself a water bottle. "Okay, thanks. You remember where she lives right? Oh, also since you'll be out, do you think you can drop off something at grandma's house? It's on the way and I forgot to take them this morning."

Troy nods, grabs my hand and before I knew it, we're out the door.