I sat the table with Olivia, silently counting to 10 to calm down from Travis' rude ass mother. I could hear muffled arguing coming from down the hall near the kitchen. Olivia excused herself to do another tasked so I decided to finish setting the table solo. Just as I was finishing up, Mrs. Barron walked in carrying some food. She put the food down and headed out giving me a brief moment of relief.

The moment was short lived as she turned at the entrance to the dining room and looked at me. I decided to ignore her as long as she didn't speak, but of course her silence didn't last.

"I hope you don't think this means something"

"Always find that I never know what it is you're talking about"

"I won't stand by and let you ruin my son. I know what's best for him and some trash whore like you isn't it. He deserves a woman of elegance and grace. Something I'm sure eludes you"

"Hmm" I paused to look at her before going back to the table "For someone who wants so much for your son... you sure are finding the worst ways to get it. I mean I didn't have a mother but I'm pretty sure the more you act like a rude arrogant bitch to the people he loves the father he's pulling--- No. The farther it is that YOU push him away. I'm no expert but I definitely know that"

I put the last knife down before walking out and to the nearest rest room. I turned the water on and paced back and forth trying to calm myself. I decided to call my mom for some advice.

:

"Keiki" she spoke in her native tongue "What's wrong? Did that lolo kau do something?"

"Not really ma" I sighed "She just continues to say how much I'm not good enough for her son"

"Don't let it get to you my keiki"

"I just know my temper and I don't know how much longer I can deal with it"

"You don't have to force yourself past your breaking point. Travis will clearly understand. Just always handle yourself with class and dignity. You work so hard to get it keiki. Never let anyone belittle you into thinking otherwise"

"Okay makua"

"Now go be the beautiful woman I raised you to be. Shine brighter the more they hate"

"I love you ma!"

"I love you too baby!"

:

I took a deep breath before taking a selfie.

ForeverQueenB: "When they go low, we go high" — First Lady Michelle Obama 👑

I put my phone in my pocket before walking out of the restroom. I was surprised by Travis leaning against the wall across from the door on his phone. He smiled at me before putting his phone down and reaching for my hands. I grabbed his and he pulled me close before kissing my lips.

"Thanks for being my Michelle"

I blushed before kissing him again. Travis always found a way to make my heart flutter. He always found a way to think high of me and make me think high of myself.

Travis stood up and held my hand as we headed toward the dining room. Everyone was still standing around but the room went silent when we appeared. The beautiful gorgeous older lady who has to be Travis Grandma spoke up.

"And who is this" she smiled

"Gammy, Pop" Travis smile at me "This is my girlfriend Micah. Micah these are my grandparents Theodore and Phylicia Barron"

My face felt hot so I knew I was blushing. I was staring at Travis in shock with a smirk. He kissed my cheek to bring me back to reality.

"Mr. and Mrs. Barron, it is so nice to finally meet you both" I extended my hand "Travis talks about you all the time, Reagan too"

"Oh no honey" his grandmother started to walk around the table with huge smile and her husband behind her "We hug over here. And call me Ms. Phylicia or Gammy and everybody call Theo Pop so"

His grandmother embraced me in a tight welcoming hug. She instantly sent me back to the memories of Ms. Gladys. I lived with Ms. Gladys from 9 to 12 until she passed away. She was the only good placement I got in the 17 years I was in the system.

My eyes water a little when she let me go. I hugged Pop next before getting a chance to wipe my eyes. At that point I noticed Travis' mother had walked out of the room and Olivia was gone as well. Tim ushered us to sit while he got the wine and Olivia.

It only took a few minutes before they all came back and we were seated. Pop prayed over the meal before we all dug in. They conversed over different topics of business and life. I was quite for the most part and so was Reagan. We would look at each other, knowing we were thinking the same thing, only to snicker without the rest understanding. Olivia went to grab the dessert when the attention was put back on me.

"So Micah" Ms. Phylicia spoke "Travis, how did you two meet"

"Wasn't it at the wedding?" Travis' dad asked

"Actually" Travis smirked "It was at an art gallery"

"Oh really" his mom sarcastically added

"Yes" I smiled "My best friend is an artist and she convinced me to go because some pieces were inspired by me. Long story short, Travis saved me from this douche bag that kept hitting one me. After that Keith and Carmen introduced us"

"We met again at the wedding then I guess we just started hanging out"

"Micah what do you do?"

"Umm" I giggled "Right now I manage my brother's tattoo shop and a friend of mine's club. I'm opening up my own business but it's a secret"

"Top secret" Reagan laughed "She won't tell anyone"

"Hey you have to protect your idea" Ms. Phylicia winked at me "That's wonderful sweetheart. Reagan how do you know so much about Micah"

"Gammy, Micah's was at the graduation party remember?" she laughed "She was my friend before she was Travis' girlfriend. I didn't even do this"

"Your friend" their grandmother looked confused then the eureka moment his her "Oh my God! You're the friend who graduated with two degrees!"

I laughed "Yes ma'am"

"Oooh Travis I like her even more"

"Me too Gammy"

We all laughed and kept talking. Eventually we moved to the living room. Everything was actually going well. Mrs. Barron stopped talking and just sipped on her coffee in the corner. Reagan seemed like a little girl again with the grandparents around. It was great to see her enjoying her family. She never seems happy when dealing with more than just Travis and Olivia.

My thoughts were interrupted by Mrs. Barron speaking to me.

"So Micah, tell us about you? Where's your family from? What do your parents do?"

I dropped my head hearing parents. Reagan was sitting beside me so she grabbed my hand.

"Ma—"

"It's okay Travis" I shook my head and looked at her "I'm from Hawaii and my parents aren't alive anymore... but my earth-bound mother was a nurse for most of my life until she decided to become a midwife. Now she does that"

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents sweetheart" Ms. Phylicia spoke up

"Thank you Ms. Phylicia. It's not something that's a big deal. After 20+ years... I'm good"

Everyone was quiet looking either directly at me or intentionally away from me. Ms. Phylicia tried to change the subject but I was stuck in my mood of being a mix of uncomfortable and slow growing depression. I decided to step out for some air but I knew I was watched as I left. Travis held my hand until I was too far to touch, which added more attention.

Once I was outside I took a really deep breath. I felt my eyes water as I leaned against Travis' car and looked out into the distance. It wasn't long before Reagan was beside me. She never looked at me and I only looked at her briefly.

"You good sis?"

"Yeah" I sighed "You think I'd be use to the question by now. Everyone talks about parents... then I give the orphan Anne speech and kill everyone's vibe"

We both chuckled.

"Micah it hurts boo. Shit I'm hurting every day without my mother.... "

"You don't talk about it much"

"Why would I? Until I met you no one understood and no one ever really cared. Ralph is the only person to every really try to understand how I feel. It still doesn't compare to you though"

"I just really wish I could've known her... Ma talks about her all the time" tears rolled down my face "As much as I can't stand your dad's wife.... i would never want Travis to be without her. I don't want him to feel this pain"

"Neither do I"

"I should've just stayed in my world on the other side of the city.... where the chances of having one parent is 50/50 and two is against all odds"

We both laughed.

"The one thing Gammy always taught me" Reagan finally looked at me "Never let them run you away from anything. You're here because you belong here. We all deserve the save amount of respect. You hustle and earn it"

I nodded before we embraced each other in a hug. Most people didn't realize how close Reagan and I were. Yeah she was with my brother but she was falling into best friend category before they started dating.

We let each other go and laughed while we wiped our faced. Before we could head back inside Travis and his grandparents were walking out. Everyone else was cleaning up to leave as well. Travis and Reagan hugged their grandparents and said their goodbyes. I hugged their grandparents as well and we waved them off. We headed back inside and said goodbyes to Tim and Olivia before heading home.

The ride home was silent and awkward. I had told Travis all about my parents and how I grew up, but he never saw how hurt I was by it. After my twentieth birthday, I made sure to hide what thoughts of my parents did to me. I didn't like feeling that low and vulnerable. Travis could sense the difference in me. He caressed my thigh the whole ride home, silently letting me know he was there for me.

When we got to his condo, we went inside and got ready for bed. As much fun as we had fucking all over his condo and my apartment, most days we just laid down and held each other. The crazy thing about it... it was the most intimate part of our relationship. The most intimate I had ever been with anyone.

I laid my head on his chest with one leg over his while he wrapped an arm around me. Since we had left no words were spoken but we both were speaking loud and clear. I drifted off to sleep feeling his support and protection. Travis was never pushy or insensitive. No matter how much I down played it, he knew things about my life bothered me. He never pressed but he would make sure to let me know when I wanted to talk about it he was there. His presence was breaking down walls that I didn't want to go away no matter how much I liked, loved, or wanted to be with Travis. It was becoming slightly too much.