Just The Boy Next Door

~12~

The days leading up to our trip to my parent's were generally uneventful. Jinxx had left for California the Sunday before the week of Christmas, desperate to save his wavering marriage, and Ashley was spending it with CC at the frat house, probably boozing it up while the rest of us were away. Jake and Naomi were at her parent's again, seeing as though his father, Mark, had moved to Hawaii, and we were out the door and in the car by eleven, driving to our home away from home for the next couple days.

"Now I know this will be weird at first," I took the exit off of the highway towards my parent's house and looked over at Andy, "But whatever you do, don't let my aunt make you feel awkward in any way. She can be, uh, overwhelming."

Looking back towards the road, I caught a glimpse of Andy as he sunk lower in the passenger seat, lighting a cigarette and sighed in frustration.

It would be and interesting next few days, having just left our place to go to my parents and he was already freaking out about meeting my aunt. You would figure, rather, that he would freak out about meeting my parents, not her.

"I just don't want her to start anything; I don't want her messing with you." his voice was gruff as he looked at me seriously.
"If she does, we will go to the mall or something for a bit," I assured, "I think they changed their visit to tonight any way, so we won't have to seen them tomorrow or on Christmas."
"Good; I don't know if I can take much of her, and I haven't even met her yet." he grabbed my hand and, while giving it a squeeze, nodded in agreement with himself.

Turning into to neighborhood, I had never seen someone so amazed by large homes before; they were all well-to-do houses with large front and rear yards complete with elaborate lawn decorations. Nothing he was used to being from Los Angeles, I suppose. However, I knew there had to houses like these in Ohio.

Taking a right, the second left, and straight down a small incline, we reached a cul-de-sac with one large house in the center dead ahead: my childhood home.

"This," he pointed ahead, "This is your house?"

He looked at the large monstrosity in astonishment.

"Yea," I chuckled nervously as I parked the car, "My dad works for the lock government, and my mom is a lawyer for a large fortune five hundred company; never lost a case, so far!"
"That explains where your work ethic come from," Andy spoke carefully as he slowly exited the car, eyes still fixated on the house ahead.

Sure enough, someone was keeping a look out for the vehicle because the front door flew open, two huskies panting and galloping towards me, tackling me to the ground.

I laughed hysterically as Andy looked on, amused by the literal puppy love.

"Hey, guys," I managed to sneak in between giggles, "Hey Kane, hi River! Uff, boys!"
"You know the entertainment value..."
"Oh shut up," My eyes flashed at him as I jested, making him grin at my misfortune.

Finding my feet once again, I stood and looked over at the porch to see my mother standing there, smile as bit as the sun.

"Deanna Jeanne! You made it in one piece!"

My mother's voice had a tendency to carry; Andy was the first boyfriend to witness it in it's entirety.

"Hey mom," I shouted back at a similar volume as I was preparing to unload mine and Andy's bags and gifts from the back seat.
"Oh, don't you dare grab those," she exclaimed and flicked my shoulder as she reached the car, "Your brothers are come down to take your things upstairs to where you guys are sleeping."
She winked at Andy which resulted in the deepest blush I had ever seen him do.
"MOTHER!"
"Honey, hush; I was your age once," she patted my face sweetly and turned towards Andy, "Where are my manners! I'm Patricia Martenson! It is a pleasure to meet you sweetheart!"
"The pleasure is mine, ma'am," he smiled brightly and practically melted both my mother and I to moosh.
"Now," she straightened and recomposed herself, "Let's get two inside to warm up. I want to hear all about school and how the two of you met!"

Mt twin 17 year old brothers, Robbie and Gaelan, came out the door and, together, bombed me with hugs.

"Hey, sis, glad you're home," Robbie nodded at me before turning to Andy, "Hey man, I'm Robbie."

They shook hands as Gaelan followed suit.

"Well, they seem nice," he whispered quietly, obviously not used to large family gatherings.
"Yea, well, brace yourself, Biersack," I took a breath and lead him through the fron door, "Because you haven't met them all."
"What do you mean?"


As soon as we stepped through the arch from the foyer to the great room, my oldest sister, Jocelyn, who was 28, stepped out of the kitchen with her one month old son, Joshua, bottle of formula in hand; my oldest brother, Mark, who was 26, and his pregnant wife, Amada, were coming through the door to the garage with my dad, Scott, and smiled at us; finally, my 14 year old sister, Liana, ran to the top of the stairs followed by her boyfriend, Krys.

"Well, damn," he spoke quietly, making me snicker, "Umm, I'm an only child."
"I know babe," I patted his back sympathetically, "I know."

Introducing Andy to my siblings and their spouses, Krys not included, was a breeze. The twins didn't have girlfriends, but rambled about music and such with Andy for a few minutes. Jocelyn talked to him about the war over seas, which he was concerned about, and she flashed a picture of her very handsome husband, Greg, in his military uniform.

"He's in the army," she smiled and kissed the picture softly, "An E7, I believe; he was deployed this week on Monday morning. Came home long enough for little Joshua to be born. Best Christmas present he has eve given me in our five years together, for sure."

Andy smiled at the infant and made faces along with making a few goofy noises, making Joshua coo and giggle. I, for one, was completely in love with this; I had no idea Andy even liked children.

Finishing up the conversation, Mark called us over and wrapped me in a brother bear hug only before man-shaking Andy's hand. Mark was a champion wrestler in high school, and was still in the greatest shape he could possibly be in. Amada kissed my cheek sweetly and gave Andy a soft hug, smiling while keeping a hand on her belly.

"So, you taking care of my sister alright?" Mark puffed up and smiled, looking like the jock he was.
"Yea," Andy smirked and wrapped an arm around my waist, "She can be a handful sometimes, but she's worth the effort."

Smacking his shoulder lightly, I received a winke from him and grinned, face now glowing pink.

"That's good to hear, dude," He patted Andy on the shoulder, "Oh, Dee, how would you like to be an Aunt again in about two months?"
"Oh my God," I looked at Amada, "She is almost here? Where the hell have I been?"
"In school, hermana," Amada spoke, Spanish accent thick, "I cannot wait for you to meet her, either, Dee; we are so in love already."

Andy was glowing; this baby talk was changing him, or so it looked. Or maybe it was the closeness of my siblings and myself. I wasn't sure, but either way, it made me happy to see him smile so much.

"What will you name her?" Andy looked at Mark, who instantly looked at Amada.
"We were thinking Jeanna Love Martenson. After her Auntie Dee's middle name. Mark loves his sister so much, and wants what is best for her."

Walking away, Andy looked at me, confused.

"When Mark graduated college my senior year of high school, he got heavy into drugs; not just steroids either. Heroin and cocaine were on the top of the list. He had met Amada his sophomore year, and even she didn't know, that is, until I called the police and had him sent to a rehab facility," I sighed and looked at Mark who smiled back and me, "Since then, he has been my second biggest fan aside from my mom. He is a good guy; he was just misled."
"Wow, DJ," Andy looked at me proudly, "Baby, I'm impressed. You have such a good heart; I fucking love that!"

I gave him the biggest smile I could, Smirking he kissed my forehead.

"DJ!" Liana shouted from atop the staircase and slid down the banister, Krys in tow.
"Lia, this is Andy; Andy, this is Liana, or Lia, as I call her."
"It's nice to meet you, Liana," Andy smiled and shook her hand.
"Oh wow," she turned to me and gushed, "He IS as handsome as you said, sissy."

I blushed a deep red, looking at Krys and Andy who were shaking their heads.

"Did you know she though my boyfriend was hot, Krys?" I looked at him, crossing my arms in suspicion.
"Hey, DJ," the 15 year old held his hands up, "I'm an innocent bystander here."
"Right..."

The lot of us laughed as I hugged the two of them.

"Finally," I sighed heavily, "You have met everyone, minus my..."
"Were you about to say Dad?"

My father, Scott, walked up as we were off in our own world and clapped a hand on Andy's back, squeezing my shoulder in unison.

"You kids staying out of trouble?" His laughed boomed through out the entire great room.
"Not is we can help it," I jested and hugged him tightly, "Merry Christmas, daddy!"
"Merry Christmas, my little honeybee. And to you, too, young man. I'm Scott; It is awesome to finally meet you Andrew."
"You, too, sir. Your daughter has spoke highly of you and your wife so I was more than excited to meet you."
"Ha! I suppose you probably talked about Maggie, too, while she was at it?"

Andy grimaced, as did I.

"This is what I thought," Scott shook his head, "I don't know where she got it from because my parents sure as hell never raised us like that. Well, one bad apple shouldn't spoil a good time for the rest of the barrel, aye?"

With that, my walked off with his gin and tonic in one hand, and cigar in the other.

"So, you are saying you literally ran into my sister at the coffee shop by her old place," Jocelyn giggled as she handed my nephew off to me a moment, "The couldn't have ended well."

I wasn't paying too much attention to the conversation, seeing as I had an adorable infant in my grasp.


"Well, she is my girlfriend now so something good came out of it," he laughed hardily, "But I did have a bruise on my hip from where he fist collided with it. Shit hurt for about a week after the initial meeting. But, like I said, I can't complain. She is my beautiful princess."

His smile was radiant as he looked over at me holding Joshua. I think is was a mild turn on to him, to think of me as his child's mother.

"Well, I know my mom thinks highly of you," Jocelyn took Joshua back as I checked my phone for the time, "Even with everything dealing with the ex girlfriend who went mental. I'm sorry for that, by the way. It is hard to be so well loved, I'm sure."

Andy shrugged and wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close.

"Lunch is ready, everyone," my mom called into the living room, "To the dining room, please!"

Everyone got up in unison and made their way to the giant dining room with the twelve person table.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup was on the menu, and we were more than hungry.

"You have no idea how much I like grilled cheese," the young man gushed as he took a bite," Oh,and the cheese is runny! God, I'm in heaven!"

I couldn't stop smiling the whole time we ate; he was so content and full of life. It thrilled me to know he was enjoying himself this much.


Small talk and a large group of satisfied people later, we all sat, spread out through the living and great rooms, relaxing as a family.

Until the doorbell rang.

The house became eerily silent.

"Shit," my dad curse under his breath, but loud enough for my mom to catch.
"Scott, don't be that way," my mom flicked his head causing him to wince, "She is your sister, after all."
"Yea, well, if she wasn't such a bitch, I would have invited her and Tom to stay through Christmas," his voice shot quietly in my mom's direction, taking care no to be heard outside.

As dad opened the door, I huffed and snuggled up to Andy; let the games begin.

"Scott!" a high pitched voice rang out, causing Andy to grimace a bit.
"Mags!" my dad's exclamation was obvious mockery.
"Hey, Scott, how are you, ma?" a manly voice spoke.
"Tom, it's great to see you!"
"Hey, Uncle Scotty."

That voice; I hated it when she talked like that!

Selena walked in through the door, wearing her usual get up of blue flared leg jeans, an angora sweater, tan heeled boots, and bright pink lips stick. Her now blonde hair was brushed into a ponytail.

Holding on to Andy's hand, I shook my head in disappointment.

"So, now I understand why you can't stand her voice," he whispered softly to me, "She acts like a complete prep."

My aunt soon followed, carrying in a large coach bag the size of Texas and wearing a real fur coat that looked as though it cost a fortune. Her husband, my Uncle Tom, just wore the standard office wear. He was a good guy; great even. I swear, it was his money that drew he to him, though.

"Oh my, is that little Deanna!"
"Shit," Andy mumbled.
"Yea, here we go." I pasted a fake smile on my face as she got closer.
"Deanna, dear, how are you?" she kissed both of my cheeks, one after the other.
"Doing great, Aunt Maggie, how are you?"

As she completely ignored me, as per usual, she went on doing what she did best: attempting to squash my love life.

"Selena, dear, do come say hello to your cousin."

God fucking dammit.

"Hey, DJ." She said normally and gave me a hug.
"Hey, Lena." I hugged her back and sighed in relief.

As children, we were inseparable. But as I went down one path, her mother dragged her down another, by her hair I had assumed. After that, we barely saw one another.

"And who is this fine young man?" my aunt eyed Andy curiously.

Before I could answer her, Andy began doing what he did best.

"I am Andrew Biersack, ma'am. I am DJ's boyfriend."
"Wonderful to meet you, dear," she turned to my cousin, "Have you introduced yourself, Selena?"

Rolling her eyes, she put her iPhone down long enough to say hello.

"I'm Selena; it is nice to meet you."

Andy shook her hand and nodded in agreement.

"DJ," Maggie smiled sheepishly, "Could you grab me a Pepsi while I chat with your friend here?"

Being up to her old tricks, I turned to leave and sighed, only to be stopped my Andy.

"Excuse me, love, but I think you should stay and catch up with your relatives," He gave me a look, "Would you like something?"

I understood now; he wasn't about to let her eat at me or tear us apart, let alone ruin out first real holiday together.

"Yes, baby; a bear, please."
"Coming right up, princess." He winked at me and made his way to the kitchen.

Selena chuckled and elbowed me in the ribs and nodded for me to look at my aunt; she was flabbergasted.

"Alright," Andy announced upon return, "A beer for my love, and a Pepsi for you, ma'am." He handed the glass to my aunt, smiling.

Grabbing the glass, she scoffed.

"Something wrong, Mrs. Maggie?" Andy asked politely.
"What about Selena?"
"Well, what about her?"

My aunt looked frustrated.

"Well, she might have been thirsty, and you didn't offer her a thing!"
"Pardon my, ma'am," he spoke loudly enough for my siblings and uncle to turn their heads, "But DJ is my girlfriend; not your daughter."

Selena laughed out loud and pulled me aside.

"Oh my God, Dee, he is awesome." Selena was so impressed with my catch.
"I know, right?" I squealed.
"Where the flying fuck did you find him?"
"Believe it or not, VCU."
"Holy squeaks, Batman," she looked to him again and back at me, "Where can I find one? Does he have any friends available? I need a bad boy to take my witch of a mother down a notch or two."

Within moments, Andy was by my side again. He looked frazzled, but was no worse for wear.

"My mom fluff your feathers, rock star?" Selena spoke coolly, taking a sip of her beer she had fetched herself.
"You... have no... idea," he looked back in Maggie's direction, "And I'm not even related to her."
"That's Aunt Maggie for you."
"So, I thought you twp hated each other?" Andy looked confused.

Laughing, we decided to let him in on our secret. Selena started the explanation.

"Actually, growing up, the three of us, Naomi, Deege, and myself, were best friends in grade school; we were lucky enough to had been placed in the same class every year."
"When we graduated fifth grade, my aunt decided Selena needed to be groomed to be superior to her peers, and sent her to a private Christian Academy." I rolled my eyes as I looked back over to Mags who was pretending to coo over my nephew.
"Yep, so just for show, every holiday we spend together we act like we can't stand one another, just so my mom leaves her alone for the most part." Selena patted me on the back.
"Except now, I think she is catching on," I looked back over at Mags.
"In all actuality, we have the same tastes and interests; rock and roll, black clothing, you name it. My mom hates when I'm alone because I wear old band t-shirts. She even tries to hook me up with me from prep schools." Selena made a gagging noise, "Sorry mom, not interested."
"So, whenever she was force to 'stay over', we would let my parents know we were going out and head to a party with a bunch of my metal head friends. Mags was none the wiser."

The three of us laughed and joked a bit more before my aunt circled back around to us again.

"So, Andy," she looked at him plainly, "Are you having a good time talk with Selena?"
"With all due respect, Maggie," Andy looked her square in her eyes, "WE are having a good time together: DJ, Selena, and myself."
"Oh, I can't imagine DJ has anything interesting to say." she scoffed, looking me in the eyes.

Balling my fists tight, my nerves were about shot.

"Actually, we have the same interests AND live together," he spoke plainly, eyes narrowed.
"But has she done anything with her life?" Maggie turned her nose to the air, "Why, my Selena..."

This time, she went a little too far; I watched the vein on Andy's forehead protrude a bit. Selena grabbed my hand as we went to look for my parents and her dad.

"Dad, mom is doing it again!" Selena pointed toward Maggie, obviously egging Andy on.
"Yes, please; mom, dad, do something." I pleaded.
"Now, non," my uncle spoke softly, "Let's see how this plays out."

Silently, the rest of the family in attendance watched as the hurricane was moving in quickly; that hurricane being Andy.

"Selena was in the top of her high school graduating class, she was accepted into Harvard Law, and she has won Miss Teen five times since she turned thirteen," she paused, "What has my niece done? None of that. one medal for most popular musical composition her senior year of high school and the honor roll."

And't composure swiftly changed.

"Mrs. Maggie," his voice sounded edgy, "You niece is my girlfriend; understand that. She is the president of the music club at VCU, and runs her own radio studio AND show while the school is open for classes."

He stopped his talking for a moment and began to pace.

"This is not good," I spoke to myself; I had never seen him so fused.
"Now, I don't give a fucking rat's ASS what Selena has done, simply because SHE is not MY girlfriend. She might be family, but I was interested in DJ because of who she is, not the dollar signs hanging off of her. If you are going to show up to family gatherings like this to cause her stress, and you think that this is one of those events, fucking think again Mags."

He stopped pacing and stared her down deep in the eyes.

"You... are nothing but a cold, heartless bitch who doesn't know what love is. Look at your daughter and husband! See if they correct me! Because I can bet, everyone in this room is thinking it; well I'm saying it!"

He grabbed my hand along with Selena's and nodded towards the door; I remembered why I told him about the mall. Getting to the door, he opened it and lets us out before stopping.

"I truly apologize if I offended anyone who isn't the succubus in the center of the room, but THAT," he point to my aunt, "woman either needs to be tied up and gagged and being used as a lawn decoration, or gone but the time we get back. DJ doesn't deserve this shit!"

He slammed the door behind him and walked firmly towards the car.

Notes

Looks like DJ's aunt got the best of Andy; will she be gone by the time the three of them get back, or is there more in store for Andy?