Chapter 36:

Drake was extremely good at making any situation better, that's why I was making him to tell Mom and Dad I was going to visit Corey's family.

Not that he had any problem with it, he actually looked excited.

"We won't be there very long." Corey added. "A day at the most...less than that actually."

Drake nodded. "It's all good. Stay as long as you want. Well, I wouldn't advise any longer than a week, then you'd miss the wedding-your wedding."

So once we were done talking to Drake I went to go get dressed; I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a white tank top. I slipped on my combat boots and a gray hooded jacket then walked back into my room.

Corey was already dressed in his usual black jeans and leather jacket that most likely had a black T-shirt under it and his black shoes that he was very fond of.

I believe the name of them was "Creepers" sounded like a horror movie but they were nice.

"Do you ever wear color?" I inquired.

"Do you?" He countered.

"White counts as a color." I said, gesturing to my shirt.

"No. It's neutral. It has no color."

"Well, still, there's been times where I've worn color."

"Same for me." He shrugged.

"Not that I've seen." I glanced around.

It was silent for a few moments.

"Okay, so, I think I kind of need to clear some things up." He said.

I looked at him. "Go ahead." I leaned back against the wall by the closet.

He ruffled his messy hair. "Um, well, as you might have guessed I lied about my family being dead."

I nodded. "Kinda figured that one out."

"Well, uh, the reason why I did that was because I didn't know you that well at the time you asked and I didn't trust you so...and it never came up again so I didn't get the chance to tell you otherwise."

I nodded again.

"And, um...I lied about my age too."

I raised my eyebrows.

"I think I said I was like a hundred or something I don't know but the point is I'm actually like...38 or something."

"Why did you say you were older?" I asked, confused slightly.

He shrugged. "My logic is messed up."

I breathed a laugh.

"So...are you mad?"

"No."

"Really? But I lied. Twice."

"And you obviously have a lying problem. But that was a long time ago, I understand." I said.

"Oh, good."

There was a knock on the door. "How long is it going to take you two?" I heard Mikey say.

"We're coming, Christ." Corey replied, his voice showing annoyance.

Apparently they didn't live that far from here, like an hour or so.

Corey and I were in the backseat of Jake's car.

Mikey was in the front seat next to Jake, who was driving.

Corey was playing idly with my hand, his head down.

I could tell something was wrong and I was pretty sure it was because we were going to see his family.

I just didn't know why it was that he dreaded it so much.

Mikey had the radio turned on, blasting some 90's grunge song.

I leaned over and kissed Corey's cheek, I saw the corners of his mouth lift into a smile.

"Are you okay?" I asked him.

He nodded and wrapped his arm around me.

It didn't seem like that long before we were approaching the front door of a nice, 3-story house that was surrounded by lasting acres of woods.

We walked inside the house, Jake looked at Corey; "We left your room as is, Mom didn't really want to mess with it." He spoke.

"It's like I died." Corey muttered.

We continued walking; into an ivory-colored room with black furniture and a flat screen TV sitting on a low black table.

There was a girl sitting on the arm of the couch with her legs crossed, reading a book.

She looked up when we entered and her eyes got wide.

"We're back!" Mikey announced, "Where's Mom and Dad?"

"Upstairs," She replied, setting down her book.

Corey was glancing around the room, avoiding looking at anyone.

The girl hopped off the arm of the couch.

I wasn't sure if it was just me but it seemed the air was thick with an awkward silence.

Jake cleared his throat. "Um, Prin-" He caught himself then continued. "-Arabelle, this is Ivy, our sister."

Ivy smiled shyly at me, her hands behind her back.

I smiled. "Hi,"

"Hello," She replied.

She seemed to be like Jake; somewhat timid and reserved.

"Well I'm going to go get Mom and Dad," Mikey said. "hopefully Corey will actually talk-or at least look at someone."

He grinned at me. "I think they're gonna really like you."

I smiled in response. "Well thank you."

He sprinted out into the hall.

Ivy looked at Corey; "It's nice to finally see you again, Corey."

He glanced up at her. "Uh...yeah,"

"You look different." She stated.

He ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah..."

Jake looked at him. "Yeah, you do, though you still have the nose ring."

Corey nodded.

Jake looked at both of us. "I just noticed you both have nose rings, huh, did you do that on purpose?"

"She copied me." Corey said with a slight smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, 'cause I wanted be cool like you." I said with sarcasm.

"That's right; you're trying to be bad-ass like me."

I looked at him.

"What? It's true." He said with a slight laugh at the end.

Ivy and Jake were smiling, watching us.

He smiled sheepishly at me and grabbed my hand, linking our fingers together.

Mikey came sprinting back into the room, slowing down as he came in.

Two people came in after him, whom I was assuming were their parents.

I randomly wondered how old they were; because of course they looked rather young. About mid 20's or so.

They both assessed Corey and I with surprised expressions.

Mikey spoke; "Mom, Dad, this is Arabelle, thee Princess." He grinned. "And well, you know who Corey is."

The woman smiled at me endearingly. "I'm Julia; it's very nice to meet you."

I nodded.

I couldn't deny I was a little nervous.

She offered me her hand I shook it, returning the smile.

She was very pretty; she had dark eyes, almost black I would say and dark brown hair that was very curly; those small, tight curls and her hair fell just about at her shoulders. And of course fair skin.

Their Father introduced himself with a slight smile. "I'm John; you can just call me Dad."

I breathed a laugh. "Will do."

He had short black hair that was swept back neatly and prominent hazel eyes.

He smiled at me then glanced at Corey who was looking away, while playing with his hair.

I couldn't tell if he was nervous or just felt really awkward.

Maybe both.

John placed a hand on Corey's shoulder and Corey glanced at him with a blank expression.

"It's good to see you." John said sincerely.

Corey just continued to stare at him blankly without saying a word.

I was wondering how long it had been since they'd last seen each-other.

John smiled hopefully at him briefly before going to stand next to Julia.

I was starting to question if Corey was going to talk or not.

I hope he does, 'cause I'm not sure what to say.

A/N it's a little short, but hopefully I'll have next part up soon! Now onto get coffee and continue musing over what should happen next. /Edit: The rest of the chapters are on my profile page. I just wasn't able to put them in with these ones. So there are more chapters, rest assured. I will never abandon this story.