Addicted to Meth

I walked up to him, stumbling slightly until we were a foot apart.

He chuckled. “You look shocked.”

I didn’t realise my mouth was open until he said that and I closed it for a second before saying, “you really have to work on your greeting skills.”

Keegan shrugged. “Not my thing, I guess.”

I nodded, smiling just glad he was here. But would he come inside?

“So why are you here?”

He sighed. “Well I’ve been thinking and-”

He broke off mid-sentence and his gaze was went from my face to somewhere behind me. I turned around and noticed my dad at the doorway, eyes fixed on Keegan.

He’s eyes then fell on me and he smirked. “So you two coming in or what?”

I turned back to Keegan, hopeful and he half-smiled. “It is pretty cool out here.”

I tried not to squirm as my insides did the happy dance. “It’s warmer in there.” I ushered to the house.

He still looked slightly unsure and I realised how much consideration he must have done before deciding to come. He spread his arms wide, “I’m not really dressed for a party.”

I examined his usual attire of jeans, a leather jacket, and sneakers, of which this time were lime green. He was right about that.

I laughed. “I’m actually over dressed.” I said, fanning my dress at him. “And besides it would be just plain weird if you wore anything else.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Shall we?”

Keegan nodded. “Let’s go.”

He followed behind me and I noticed dad was no longer in the door way.

The whole bunch of them were in the living room waiting for us as we stepped inside the warm house.

Keegan took of his jacket and I grabbed it from him, hanging it on the coat hanger. They were all staring intently at Keegan, and I was suddenly feeling nervous as well. Maria gave me an encouraging smile and I took a deep breath.

Don’t worry Hale, I told myself. They’ll like him.

I guess the introductions were up to me so I cleared my throat. “Um Keegan… this is my brother Lee, his girlfriend Maria, my best friend Elena…” I pointed to each of them as I spoke.

“… and my dad.” I finished and dad took a step forward, extending a hand.

Keegan hesitated for only a second before taking it, saying. “Nice to meet you.”

I was impressed, he actually got some sort of a greeting out and my dad smiled.

“You too. I’m glad you could join us.”

Keegan nodded and I beamed dad a silent thumbs up. Maria was the one to break the eerie silence that followed.

“The food’s gonna get cold.” She interjected when no one moved form their position.

Elena nodded, her eyes still on Keegan. “Let’s go.”

We moved into the dinning hall and Lee placed another placemat with the dinnerware, whilst Maria and Elena brought the food in. We all took our positions, me and Keegan on one side of the table, Lee and Maria on the other and Elena and dad on each end. Everything looked amazing.

The main dish was roasted chicken with a side of potatoes and this delicious pea puree that Maria made. There were also glazed short ribs, something my dad loved. My mouth was watering at the sight - well figuratively anyway.

There was no way Keegan was gonna see me drool.

“Everything looks amazing Maria.” My dad said, though his eyes were fixed on the ribs. “Thank you.”

“Your very welcome Jeff.” Maria beamed. “Now stop yapping and dig in.”

Dad laughed but Lee and Elena obliged quickly, clearly as eager to eat as I felt. I handed Keegan the dish after I’d taken my share and he took some. It was all quiet for the first ten minutes as people got food in their stomach's, the only sound being of plates clanking and mouths chewing.

“It’s amazing.” I smiled.

“It’s freakin’ amazing.” Lee added giving Maria a peck on the cheek.

Maria laughed, “Glad to hear it.” She turned her attention to Keegan beside me. “Is it good Keegan?”

He nodded but it seemed sort of forced, maybe he hated the food. Or was I over thinking it?