Different

47.

"Thank you mom. I've missed you" I let her know, as I heat up milk for everybody and oat milk for myself. 

Even though I moved out, mom still has everything I need in stock for me for when I come home.

"I've missed you too. Does he know? About your panic disorder?" she asks me.

I nod my head at her. "Yeah. He found out when he took me to get my tattoo."

"You still haven't shown me!" mom exclaims. 

I pull the sleeves of my sweater up right away. Mom runs her finger over it and beams at me. "It's gorgeous sweetie. I'm proud of you. And I'm glad Jace knows, I'll know that he can take care of my baby" she says, stroking her thumb over my cheek slightly.

"He can, I promise" I say smiling back at her. We finish making the coffees and return to Jace in the living room.

"You're drinking coffee?" Jace smirks at me, as I hand him his cup.

"Decaf" I grin back, sitting down next to him. Mom takes a seat on the opposite sofa.

"So Jace, you go to CSU too?" mom asks him, interested to get to know him.

"Yeah. I'm majoring in business, I'm in third semester" he answers.

I watch Jace, as he and my mom talk a little more about college and the area we live in. He does everything so effortlessly. He isn't nervous or shy at all, I can tell. If I'd meet his parents I'd probably be an emotional wreck, too nervous to function.

"Do you guys have any plans for Christmas?" mom asks me excitedly as I zone back into the conversations. 

Thinking about Christmas warms my heart. I love that time of year, where everything is calm and cozy. Yet, I get nervous when mom asks us. I don't even know if Jace would want to spend Christmas with me, let alone my family. He's never been in a relationship before and now my mom puts all of this on him.

"We haven't talked about it, but I'll definitely be here on Christmas eve like every year" I let her know, glancing at Jace slightly.

"Jace, I'm sure you're with your own family, but we would love it if you would join us on Christmas day for dinner" mom says, putting her empty coffee cup on the table. 

My breath gets stuck in my throat. Bless my mom's heart, I know she means well. Yet, I don't want Jace to feel trapped in a cage, it's only November after all.

"We can..." I start, wanting to say that we can talk about it. 

I'm interrupted by Jace laying his hand on my thigh, stroking it softly. "Thank you, I'll be here" he says, smiling at my mom genuinely. 

Smiling at Jace too, I feel instant relief and honored that he wants to spend time with my family. As we've all finished our coffees, my mom stands to clean up.

"What are your plans, are you staying the night, Jace? I'd be happy to bring another blanket up" mom offers, collecting the empty cups.

"That's a kind offer, but I can't stay. I should head out pretty soon" he answers, as my heart sinks.

"Alright. Just know you're welcome anytime" mom says, disappearing in the kitchen.

I lay my hand on Jace's. "Why can't you stay?" I ask, clearly wanting him too.

"I have some things to get done" he says, stroking my cheek with his finger softly. "Come on, I'll carry your bag upstairs. You can show me your room" he grins at me.

Happily taking his hand, I lead him upstairs to my childhood bedroom. I'd say it's a typical teenage girl room, with a decent sized bed and fairy lights above the bed. 

"Cozy" Jace says, as I close the door behind us. 

As he drops my bag onto the floor, I wrap my arms around his neck, wanting to be close to him. His hands find my waist immediately, pulling me even closer.

"You know, for a guy who's never been in a relationship you were pretty good with my mom. She loves you, I can tell" I say quietly, stroking the back of his hair.

"Guess I'm a natural" Jace says smirking, then pressing his lips onto mine. 

He's quick to push me against the door gently, never breaking contact with me. Putting his hands on my ass, he lifts me up so I have to wrap my legs around him. Even though I've kissed Jace a hundred times now, I still get butterflies each time his lips touch mine.

"I should go" he whispers against me. 

I nod my head silently, trying to hide my disappointment. I know that once Jace is out the door, I'll worry about the things he could do with his phone.

"I'll text you when I get back and call you tomorrow, okay?" he says, still holding me in his arms. Gently, he's placing me back on the floor, running his fingers over the crease on my forehead. "Stop worrying"  he tells me.

Once again I nod my head. "I'll try. And I really appreciate you coming in with me today, meeting my mom" I half-smile at him.

Jace smiles at me, pressing another kiss onto my forehead. "No problem" he smirks at once again and we make our way back down stairs.

"Leaving so soon?" mom asks Jace when we arrive in front of kitchen.

"Yeah, I have some errands to run. Thank you for having me" he answers.

If mom only knew what kind of errands. Obviously, she'll never find out.

"Like I said, you're welcome anytime" mom answers back, and I'm surprised when I see Jace pulling my mom in for a hug. I smile at the sight of the two of them.

"I'll be back on Sunday to pick Mila up" he says, glancing over to me.

"That's very kind" mom smiles at Jace knowingly. After the two said their goodbyes I bring Jace to the front door.

"I'll see you Sunday and text you later. Have a good weekend" Jace tells me, kissing me once more.

"You too" I smile back. And then Jace is off on his way back home. Here comes a nice weekend at home. Probably with a lot of overthinking and anxiety.

____________________

What happens over the weekend?

Please remember to vote if you liked the chapter! :)