"Hey beautiful," I say, greeting Baxlyn into my arms.

"Oh you're too kind," She smirked sarcastically.

He balled her hair up into my hand and placed my lips on her forehead taking in the sweet smell of her hair. I loved the way her body fit into mine like a puzzle. She pulled away to look at me. God I loved it when she looked natural with no make up, hair in a sloppy bun, sweatpants, and sweat shirt. She doesn't even need to try to look gorgeous.

We had gotten home late last night. I tried to get her to come over and stay the night but her parents said not tonight. I had waken up to my parents being home. They are only home for tonight and will be leaving again tomorrow morning.

I took her hand as we headed back to our spot, pond in the woods. "My parents are home again."

She took a deep breath. "Oh boy."

"Listen," I paused, "you need to meet them at some point."

"I have already met them and they seem to not like me so much."

"Well, they don't know you like I do." I took her waist in my arms and placed my lips on hers. We pulled away in a second and I stared at her questioningly.

"What?" Her eyebrow quirked up.

"Have dinner with me and my family tonight?" I spat out.

"Oh god, Tanner I don't-" I cut her off.

"Please? Just for tonight?"

She took a deep breath as she looked to the pond. After a few silent minutes she agreed. "Okay, I'll do come."

"Great. Dress nice and be over by 7." I said turning and heading over to my house.

***

I glanced at the clock. It's about 6:00 already. I haven't mentioned that Baxlyn was coming over until now.

"Hey mom? Dad?" I said walking into the living room.

"Yes Tanner?" Mom asks, still staring at her phone.

I took a deep breath. Is this a good idea? "I am having someone over for dinner tonight,"

"And who would that be son?" Father asks.

"The neighbor girl, Baxlyn."

They both look up at this. "The same girl that came down from your room?"

"Er, yes." Is all I say.

"Why are earth are you having her-"

Dad cuts her off. "Wonderful, what time?"

I give him a questioning look. "Seven o'clock. Nina is already making dinner."

"Okay well. Let your mother and I go change." he says as my mother glares at him with her piercing eyes.

And that was the end of the conversation.

***

The doorbell rings and I jump up from the table.

"Slow your roll there mister. She is only a friend. Right? She is only a friend?" My mother follows me all the way to the door and I just ignore her.

I open the door and see Baxlyn staring at her feet with her hands behind her back. Her hair was pulled back and curled. She had on a short, pink, skater dress with white flats and a white bow in her hair to match. 

"Wow, you look good," I breathed. I felt my mother nudge me at this.

"You must be Baxlyn. Nice to see you again and not in my son's clothes." My mother shoved me out of the way and extended her hand to Baxlyns. 

Baxlyn graciously shook my mother's hand and they stood there staring at each other. I decided to say something, "Well, come on in."

Baxlyn steps in and looks around. My dad stood up and walked over to shake greet Baxlyn. This is so weird why is my dad acting like this. We walked over to the table where all the food was and I pulled out Baxlyn's chair for her. I then sat down next to her. 

"So Baxlyn, have any plans for college?" My father asked.

"Oh, um...I plan on going to UCLA, which I got accepted to and study Biochemistry," she took a small sip of her water. 

"So that's where Tanner gets the thought he is gonna go to UCLA," mother mumbles.

"Well that's wonderful Baxlyn," father said.

"Baxlyn? What do your parents do for a living?" questions mother.

"Oh, my mother is an interior designer and my stepdad is the co-owner of Google,"

My mother sipped her soup. "Hmm." Then she decided to speak again, "What about you father?"

"Um-" she begins, I cut her off.

"I think we should just eat."

"Good idea," father said.

We ate in silence for the rest of the time and my parents pulled me into the kitchen.

"Well, I met her. She can home now," mother says with her arms crossed, staring at the ground.

I was about to protest but my father cuts in. "Hunny, give her a chance."

"I don't wanna give her a chance! What is wrong with you? Since when are you on his side?" She roared. I wanted to ask the same thing.

"I think it's time for you to go to bed sweetheart."

"No! Tanner," she looks at me and I freeze, "you are to never see that girl again. She is not good for you. I have heard things and she is not Lexia." Before I could say anything my mother stormed off with my father tailing along.

I turned to see them go but something caught my eye. Baxlyn. Hand covering her mouth, crying. I wanted to reach out for her but she was already  heading for the door.

"Baxlyn wait! Please!" I yelled. She didn't stop. I ran after her, out the door, grabbing her arm.

"I should have never came! She shouldn't have let them find out! I told you!" She shouted at me.

I ran my hand over my face. "I know, I know. I should have listened but I won't listen to them. Baxlyn you are all I have,"

"And you're all I have! You're the only person I have ever felt this way about! Now you're just going to leave me. You have to listen to your parents,"

She goes to turn away but I grabbed her arm again and pulled her into me. I smashed my lips onto hers and she tried to resist but gave in. I ran my tongue along the bottom of her lip. I can't lose the only thing that keeps me going. Believing I can get out of here. I pulled away and looked into her eyes.

"I am never going to leave you. No matter what anyone says." I say, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.