Chapter 14: meet the parents

Zach and Rebecca arrive at her parent's house and park on their driveway.

Is there anything I need to know about your parents?

My mom is a high school teacher and my dad is a police officer.

Your dad is a cop?!

He's the lieutenant actually, highest ranking officer in town.

That's great... just my luck.

Will you stop it, he's nice.

To people who aren't dating his daughter maybe.

My dad is beloved in the entire town, he's even going to run for mayor. And he loves football, so he's going to be super excited to meet you.

We can't stay in the car forever, let's do this.

They walk over to the front door and ring the doorbell. When the door opens, they're greeted by a woman with long dark hair and blue eyes. Rebecca immediately hugs her.

I missed you mom! This is Zach, my boyfriend.

Nice to meet you ma'am. The resemblance is uncanny, you have the same beautiful eyes.

Rebecca's mom blushes a bit.

So you're the boyfriend I've heard so much about. Quite the charmer, aren't you?

Just calling it like I see it ma'am.

Thank you for the compliment Zach, you can call me Charlotte by the way. Why don't you come in so you can meet my husband, he's been awfully curious about you.

While Rebecca catches up with her mother, Zach cautiously walks into the livingroom to greet her father.

Hello sir. I'm Zach, nice to meet you.

Rebecca's father gets up from his chair. He has short dark hair, is tall and in very good shape.

Zachary Gray?!

Zach nods timidly.

Yes...?

He starts enthusiastically shaking Zach's hand.

When Rebecca told us that her boyfriend was named Zach I never thought it would be you!

We met on my first day, she was so sweet that I had to see her again. You raised an amazing daughter sir.

Thank you. She was easy to raise, never had any trouble with her. And call me Ryan, I get called sir enough at work.

I can imagine, I'm glad that I don't have to go through an interrogation first.

Rebecca would be angry with me if I did something like that, she specifically asked me to be nice.

She walks into the living room and hugs her dad.

Because I know how protective you can be.

I only want what's best for you.

What do you think daddy, do you approve?

So far so good. I didn't know that you meant "the" Zach.

I wanted to surprise you.

You definitely did. I'm originally from the Las Vegas area before I transferred here, so I saw you dad play for the Las Vegas Marauders all the time. He was my favorite player... I was so sad when I heard about his accident.

I miss him, I wish he was still around to give me advice.

That's understandable. With how you've played so far, I'm sure he would be proud of you.

Thank you.

Rebecca grabs Zach hand.

Let me show you my room.

She drags him into the hallway and into door further down.

Sorry about dragging you away like that, I know you don't like talking about things like that.

It's ok. It does make me sad, but at the same time it feels good to keep his memory alive.

Ryan and Charlotte knock on the bedroom door.

Pardon us for interrupting, you forgot one of your bags.

Thanks, Zach will be staying here with me if that's alright.

Ryan looks at Charlotte in a slight panic.

We already live in the same room at ECU... sorry to drop that on you like this.

Charlotte starts laughing.

Don't make that face Ryan, she's almost 22 years old.

Fine... but please don't rub it in my face.

You're acting as if were going t spend the entire time in bed together, we can restrain ourselves dad.

Thank you.

We'll just wait until you go to work.

They all share a good laugh at Ryan's expense as he stands there not knowing what to say.

Later during dinner Rebecca gives her parents an update on everything that happened during the semester.

The last six months sure were eventful... not what you must have expected when you committed to ECU, did you Zach?

It definitely was more than what I signed up for, but it wasn't all bad. My best friend has an opportunity for a college education, I have a great coach and teammates...

He moves his hand over and places it on Rebecca's.

And I found somebody that I care about more than myself, I wouldn't change anything.

The parents feel a sense of relief now that they see who Zach is as a person and are no longer concerned about their daughter.

After finishing dinner, they start doing the dishes together in the kitchen.

Zach is handed a plate to dry off by Charlotte.

I hope you don't mine doing the dishes Zach, it's something we've always done together.

It's fine, I'm used to doing housework and helping my mom around the house. Rebecca told me that you're a teacher, what subject?

Some biology, mostly chemistry.

Your last name isn't white, is it?

Charlotte laughs.

You wouldn't believe how many of my students have asked me if "Breaking Bad was realistic". No, I don't know how to make crystal meth, and considering that my husband is the head of the local police department in town... I probably wouldn't get away with it anyway.

Ryan shrugs.

Depending on how much money you'd make, I might just look the other way. Don't shave your head though.

They end a pleasant evening and go to bed early, since they have an early thanksgiving reception at the police station to go to tomorrow.

Ryan spends his time at the reception shaking hands and talking to the local news crew about the various projects he and the police force have done for the less fortunate people in the community so they can all have a nice thanksgiving meal. Once he's done with the interview he downs what's left of his drink.

Finally free, how did I do?

You did fine dad, I'm sure this will increase your chances to be the next mayor.

I don't really like politics and everything that comes with it, but if it puts me in a position to help more people so be it.

Charlotte kisses him on the cheek.

Careful now, if you show your soft side too much Zach won't be afraid of you anymore.

I was never afraid!

Rebecca chuckles.

But you sure were nervous.

Only because I wanted to make a good impression.

Charlotte puts her arm around him and playfully pats him on the back.

And you did Zach, we're just teasing you.

As Ryan is mingling some more they're approached by a middle-aged woman with a short haircut and her son.

Charlotte, good to see you again.

The look on Charlotte's face in one of annoyance as she's clearly not happy to see her at all.

Hello Karen... how have you been?

Busy, the life of a principal is never boring.

I can imagine...

I'm sure you remember my son Roy.

Of course, say hi Rebecca.

Hello... long time no see.

Yes... you look great.

Thank you... this is my boyfriend Zach.

Charlotte steps in between them and puts her arms around them.

They met at college, he's the starting quarterback and the number 1 high school recruit in the entire country.

Karen's face goes from smug smile to a thunderstorm in less than a second.

That's great... we're going to go. I have a thanksgiving dinner to prepare after all. Come Roy!

Zach sighs as Karen storms off.

That was unpleasant.

Charlotte follows suit and nods.

Karen's the principal of the catholic school on the other side of town, she tried to convince me to transfer to her school years ago. When I replied that I would be pointless to teach biology or chemistry at a catholic school since religion and science don't mix very well. She got angry with me and caused a scene. Since that day she's always tried to one up me.

Sounds like she holds a grudge.

That's one way to put it.

Rebecca visibly cringes.

And she was constantly trying to get me to date her son Roy for some reason. Poor guy, imagine growing up with a mother like that.

Ryan returns from mingling.

What did I miss?

We just got a visit from Karen.

Glad I managed to dodge that, I can't stand that woman.

She stormed off after I introduced Zach, that felt pretty good.

Glad to hear it. I'm all done here, how about we head home and have a nice quiet dinner?

Rebecca's face lights up

Sounds good to me, I've been looking forward to mom's thanksgiving buffet!

Her reaction surprises Zach.

You hyping it up like that has me curious now.

Once they get home Rebecca and Charlotte enjoy some quality time together in the kitchen while Zach joins Ryan in the living room.

I was just going to put on some thanksgiving football, care to join me?

Sure, who's playing?

Cowboys against the Packers.

Nice, love me some Aaron Rodgers.

Your favorite player?

No, but he's up there. We have a similar playstyle.

How stupid of me... your favorite player must be your dad.

I look up to my dad, absolutely. But I never really got to watch him play, I was too young for that. My favorite player besides my dad is Tom Brady.

He's the greatest of all time, no surprise there. Totally different play style though.

On the field we are indeed different, but off the field we have a lot in common.

You'll have to explain that to me.

When Tom Brady was in college, they constantly wanted to replace him. But he kept making comeback after comeback, making it impossible to get rid of him. Then in the draft he was ignored again and he fell all the way to the sixth round, picked 199th overall. When he eventually got his chance to get on the field in the NFL, he grabbed it with both hands and never let go. While our struggles may be different, the big schools dropped me when I asked to give Lisa a scholarship and with every touchdown I score I'll make them regret it more and more.

Ryan nods in a confirming way.

That level of motivation will get you far in life, dont let it consume you though.

I have Rebecca to keep me grounded, she's my rock.

Suddenly her voice emerges from the kitchen.

Time for dinner!

After eating their fill, they process their food coma on the couch in the livingroom.

You weren't kidding, that buffet was amazing Charlotte.

Thank you, let me know if you want any desert.

I'm filled to the brim so that's going to be a while.

The next morning Zach is woken up by the feeling of Rebecca's fingers gliding through his hair.

Good morning.

Good morning, my mom made breakfast.

Ok, I'll be there in a minute.

They all have breakfast together and start clearing off the table.

What are you kids going to do today? Not staying inside all day I hope?

Rebecca turns to her mother and shrugs casually.

Haven't really thought about it, any suggestions?

How about you walk over to the pond?

That's a great idea dad! We can pack some leftovers from yesterday and have a picknick.

Charlotte immediately opens the refrigerator.

You two go get dressed and I'll prepare the picknick for you.

Rebecca wastes no time, grabs Zach's hand and starts dragging him towards her room.

Thanks mom!

They walk through the woods for about an hour until they reach a clearing with a small pond that is surrounded by wildflowers.

This place is as beautiful as you described it.

I used to come here to study, it was my secret spot.

How come you never told anybody about it?

The smile on Rebecca's face disappears and she sits down on the grass.

Because I used it to get away from everything at school, telling people about it was the last thing on my mind.

Zach takes a seat next to her.

I take it high school wasn't fun for you.

You can say that again. You know how teenagers are... I was the honor student that actually tried to do well on tests and that means you deserve to be bullied.

It doesn't mean you deserve it at all. A couple years from now you'll be a doctor and the last laugh will be yours.

You're right, things are different now. I have great friends and I don't have to hide anymore.

Don't forget about your amazing boyfriend.

Rebecca gives him a kiss on the cheek.

How could I ever forget about you? Let's eat, walking over here made me hungry.

They enjoy yesterday's leftovers and cuddle while laying on the grass for a while until Rebecca breaks the silence.

What are you thankful for?

A bunch of things.

Tell me.

Where do I even begin... at first when all the big schools abandoned me, I was scared that I just lost my chance at all the things I envisioned my future would be like. But shortly after I arrived at ECU and realized that I managed to change Lisa's life for the better, it helped me stay motivated to not give up and face the challenges that I was presented with.

That's a beautiful way to look at it.

After that I met my coach, realized that she's a good person and that we worked well together. Marcus turned out to be a great guy and we quickly become close friends. Considering how down I was feeling after everything that happened, I was starting to feel really good. And then there was the cute girl that did my physical exam, one date later and I had everything I could ever want.

Rebecca nuzzles his neck and holds onto him as tightly as possible.

Are you ok?

Yes, I'm just a bit overwhelmed by my emotions.

What about you? what are you thankful for?

Mostly the same things you are, having friends and a good life now. This is the best I've ever felt in my life, having you is the cherry on top. Half the time I can't believe that this is my life now.

Zach gives her a playful squeeze and kisses her on the forehead.

We're just getting started, there's still so much ahead of us to look forward to.

At the end of the week Zach and Rebecca pack their bags to head back to ECU, they're met at the door by Ryan and Charlotte.

It was good to see you again, I'm going to miss you.

They both give Rebecca a hug.

We're only two hours away if you ever want to see us.

You should come down to watch one of Zach's games.

That's a great idea, it's been a while since your dad went to a game.

True, I would love to see you in action.

I'll make sure to get you good seats.

Great, looking forward to it.

Zach puts the bags in the car with Ryan while Rebecca is saying goodbye to her mom.

Thank you again for welcoming me into you home for the week.

I know that it takes me a while to warm up to people... but I have to say that you're a great guy. It puts my heart at ease knowing that I don't have to worry about her anymore.

That means a lot to me Ryan, thank you. I promise to always treat her well, I really love her.

That's good enough for me. Just no grandkids yet is my only request.

Zach can't help but laugh a bit.

Don't worry about that, we're always careful. After I get drafted and Rebecca graduates maybe.

I'm going to stop you there, that's all the info I need.

A short while later they're on the road back to ECU.

What were you talking about with my dad?

He basically said that he approves of me, in his own way.

I already assumed that he did, hearing him actually say it is comforting though.

Your dad is a bit hard to read at times. He clearly cares a lot about you, that's plain to see. And if I had to prove to him that I care as much about you as he does, then challenge accepted.

A man that's willing to do whatever it takes, every girl's dream.

I'm the ideal boyfriend, I know.

She jokingly scoffs at him.

Be careful not to get overconfident now.

I'll show you confident once we get back to our room.

I'm going to hold you to that.

They arrive back at ECU late in the evening. As Rebecca is preparing for bed Zach goes downstairs to get a glass of water in the kitchen where he runs into Lisa.

Hello there, you're up late.

I was feeling a bit peckish so came down for a snack. I see you survived meeting your future parents in law.

Things went well. Her mom was really nice, her dad was the head of the local police department... that was a surprise.

And he didn't arrest you on the spot? I'm shocked.

Why would he do that?

For defiling his daughter, obviously.

If psychology doesn't work out for you then I would suggest a career in standup comedy.

In all seriousness, you two are great together. I'm happy for you.

Zach puts his arms around her and playfully holds onto her.

So you are actually capable of saying nice things.

I came down for a snack, I always get grumpy when I'm hungry.

So does having to wake up early.

Then you better let me go to bed.

Fine, see you tomorrow... bright and early.

You don't have to rub it in!