The party at Melanie's went well. After my initial anxiety, I felt perfectly fine, and I enjoyed hanging out with everyone. I think I even made a friend in Ryan, and I could see myself as being friends with Gerard too.

I spent the week as per usual, going to classes, working at Galaxy Records when I could, and hanging out with Josh in my spare time. Before I knew it, Saturday rolled around: the day of the family dinner.

Around four o'clock, I waited for Josh to arrive as I got ready. I had already brushed my hair and teeth. I wore my nice pair of jeans and an off-white button-up with pale pink flowers and small green leaves. As I put on my dress shoes, I heard a knock at my door.

"Coming!" I quickly put my shoes on the rest of the way and headed over. I opened the door to see my boyfriend in front of me.

Josh wore a pair of nicer jeans and a plain white button-up, along with some black dress shoes. His red curls were neatly brushed. He kissed my cheek briefly. "Hey, Ty. You look lovely."

I giggled a little, in part due to Josh's comment, in part because I was nervous. "Thank you, so do you."

"Are you ready to go?"

I didn't want to go. Honestly, I would have rather done anything else. 

I swallowed instead, and gave him a smile, even though my anxiety was already starting to build inside me. "Couldn't be more ready if I tried."

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Art credit to maya876876