It's a week before the award show and I am fit to burst with things to do. My to-do-list is so full that I needed two diaries to keep sane. But for one weekend I have thrown all of that to the side and I am currently in my kitchen waiting for my mum, dad and brother to arrive in the car. I am so nervous and I can't wait to see them. Stefan and I have been making sure that everything is just so at the home and I just want them to get here now. Stefan is sitting at the bar side next to me as I twitch and shake nervously and pace the floor knowing that they were meant to be here an hour ago.
"Don't worry. They will arrive when they arrive Elena. Calm down."
"I know Stefan. I'm just nervous. I haven't seen my family in months and I miss them I-"
Stefan stands up and grabs my arms effectively stopping my shaking and my pacing around the kitchen. "I know. Honestly you do not need to worry. Everything is fine. The house is spotless. I honestly have never seen the place so clean, there is enough food in the house to sink a battleship and there is not a single hair out of place. You have done well." I smile letting his words calm me. "Maybe I should invite them over more often then the place will be much cleaner for longer"
"Hey!" I say swatting him on the side of his arm gently while he laughs. "Cheeky!"
At that point I hear the doorbell ring and my heart leaps in my chest. I grin at Stefan and I practically run to the front door. I take a deep breath before opening the front door seeing my younger brother standing on my door step.
"Jeremy!" I shout and fling my arms around his neck as he hugs me in return.
"Elena. Take it easy. I've missed you too" He jokes.
I pull away "It's so good to see you. I've really missed you. Wheres mum and dad?"
"We're right here." I hear from behind Jeremy and I immediately forget about my little brother in front of me and make my way over to my mum and dad and hug them both in turn. I partly well up inside and I want to cry but I suppress it. The last time they all saw me, I was in my flat with Caroline, scrounging for stories at work. Now I have moved in with my boyfriend and work is on the up with my own stories and even my own publicity.
"I've missed you darling." My mum says as I hug her.
"I'm glad to see things have improved for you sweetheart" My dad says pointing towards the house. The next thing I know I see a flashing light from the corner of my eye. I immediately go into my own version of combat mode knowing full well that the flash of light was not from a car light…..but from a camera.
"Shit. Quick get inside. There are reporters here." I say practically shoving my parents and my brother into my home.
"What are you on about?" My dad asks as he makes his way into the house.
"Reporters. Now. Cameras. If you don't want to be in the papers, then you need to get inside dad. I will explain once we're inside." I say in double-time making sure that the front door was locked just in time to see about 5/6 photographers turn up snapping picture after picture.
I turn around with my back to the door to see my parents and my brother in complete confusion.
"Sorry" I simply say apologising
"It's okay we understand. Doesn't it get annoying sometimes?" Asks Jeremy
"A little. Bit it comes with living here." I explain. My parents shoot each other a look that doesn't exactly make them convinced. "I'm fine honestly. There are reporters outside practically all of the time. I don't mind being in the spotlight because that kind of comes with the deal of being with Stefan, but I don't want to bring you lot into it." Again they look at me with what looks a bit like…pity. My stomach sinks as I know that they do not exactly approve of this. I look behind me to see Stefan walk in from the kitchen.
"Is everything okay?" He asks concerned
"All is fine" I say walking up to him and putting my arm around his waist. "Mum, Dad, Jeremy, this is Stefan." I say as I introduce my family to Stefan one by one.
"It's nice to meet you all" He says politely shaking their hands one at a time. My mum goes slightly pink when she shakes Stefan's hand and I shoot her a look of shock. My mum, embarrassed? Now that's new.
"Why don't I show you all through to the livingroom and I can get you all a cup of tea?" I ask showing everyone through knowing full well that a cup of tea is always the answer in my family. As I make the cups in the kitchen I can hear them all talking to Stefan.
"So Stefan. I've heard a lot about you and what you do, how's your business going at the moment?" My mum asks
"It's going great at the moment Mrs Gilbert-"
"Please, call me Miranda and my husband Grayson." My mum interjects. I hear Stefan breathe a chuckle.
"Of course. It's going great at the moment thanks Miranda. My company is actually up for an award at the National Business Awards for 'best rising business'. My brother and I are honestly estatic for this award." Stefan explains and I smile when he mentions the award.
"An award? That is amazing congratulations! I bet your parents must be thrilled." My dad asks
"They are thrilled yes. As it is my father's business, technically he will be receiving the award but my brother and I would be accepting the award on his behalf. We just happen to be the 'face' of the company if you will." Stefan explains.
"Doesn't your father want to be known for his contribution for the company?" My dad asks
"By name he does but not by face. If anything my brother is a lot like my father and is hardly known as the face of the company. It's pretty much down to me to keep the company advertised since I have been the one to get the most publicity out of everyone in the family."
"Doesn't that get a little tiring sometimes?" Jeremy asks
"It does…. but it is worth it in the long run to keep my family's business open."
"So how did you and Elena meet? Elena was a little hush on the details when I asked her" My mum pries
Stefan laughs. "Elena was interviewing me for her column and we got to know each other through that. Sadly nothing too exciting"
"Sounds great to me" I say bringing in a tray of teas and placing them onto the coffee table in the middle of the room before placing myself next to Stefan.
"Indeed it does." My mum says smiling and taking her tea from the tray.
"So what are the plans for tonight?" Jeremy asks
"I was thinking of inviting everyone out for a meal tonight. I've made reservations for 8 o'clock tonight." I answered
"Sounds great to me." My dad says
"Let me show you to your rooms so you can unpack your things" Stefan offers. My mum and dad follow Stefan while Jeremy stays in the living room with me.
He looks at me and give me a hug when they are all gone. "It's so nice to see you. I've missed you."
"I know Jer. I've missed you too."
"So hows living here with Mr Bigshot?" Jeremy jokes.
"It's not so bad" I quip back making us both laugh. "I've invited a few friends tonight to dinner. You remember Caroline right?" I ask
"The blonde girl? Yeah I remember her."
"Good. Stefan's brother Damon is coming too and so is my friend Bonnie." I say, although with a slightly stale tone with mentioning Bonnie. Although I'm not on the best terms with her at the moment, I know that her and Jeremy would get along like a house on fire.
"Sounds great. So where is my room?" Jeremy asks
New people in the story! Please please please tell me what you all think? Love to all who read this xx