Different

I woke up with Liza cuddled under my arm, and my body warmed at the memories of last night. After that, the rest of the weekend was a blur. At the end of the dance that she had helped set up, she finally agreed to go to Cincinnati to see my parents for thanksgiving. I stayed in New Hampshire until Liza was able to fly out to Cincinnati with me. On the plane ride there her knees began to shake. I knew that it had nothing to do with the plane. “Liza, look at me,” I said as I took her hand. “They will love you. They keep telling me how excited they are to meet you.” She sighed softly in response and leaned into me.
Once the plane landed we went to find our bags and go finally meet with my parents. We were almost out the door when I was stopped by a fan. It was the normal fan interaction, a picture, a story, that kind of thing until they asked, "So, are you like, dating her?" They pointed to Liza. I didn't know what to say. I simply avoided the question by pretending I had a phone call to answer and walking away. I waved goodbye to them in hopes of not looking like a total douche.
Elizabeth asked me what that was all about but our conversation was cut short when I saw my mom and dad sitting in their car waiting to pick us up. "Here we go," Liza sighed out.
I squeezed her hand and told her that everything was going to be okay. I slowly opened the door and prepared myself for the worst.
"Andrew! Is this her?" My mom asked excitedly. My dad was silent but equally as excited.
"Hey mom, yeah, Elizabeth, meet my mom, Amy." I responded as I ushered Liza into the car.
She was quiet and blushing. I constantly held her hand in the hopes of calming her nerves. The conversation on the way back to the house was dull and predictable. Liza seemed to relax a little once we had arrived without any major fights or arguments breaking out.
Once we made it inside with all our luggage and things my mom showed Liza the guest room. Naturally I set my stuff down too, but my father gave me the look that told me I was probably going to be sent to my old room. When I picked back up my stuff, Liza gave me a pleading look. "Do you have to?" She asked me sincerely.
My parents had already left the room so I set my stuff back down. "I'll try my best," I kissed her softly, hoping to help relieve her of her worries.
The kiss deepened for a moment before my dad came back and cleared his throat while pointing to my bags.
Later in the evening my parents had decided to leave Liza and I alone for once. "I'm sorry about all that..." I trailed off as we sat down next to each other on the pristine sofa.
"No, don't worry about it." She paused while she snuggled into my side. "Are you sure this wasn't too soon?" She asked sincerely.
I looked at the top of her drooping head. It was at this moment that I noticed little things that had changed since the summer. Her once chin length, jet black hair was now a more subtle brown bob that went to her shoulders. Her nails had also grown out from their bitten stubs, and were now painted a dark purple.
“I don’t think so, love.” I replied before I kissed the top of her head. Her small frame looked as if it were wilting as my hands carefully picked her up and put her in my lap.
She leaned into my chest and hummed softly. I enjoyed the warmth of her body, and the sound of her voice as she purred out the lyrics to a song that I didn’t know.
I slowly picked her up once more and carried her to the room that my parents had set up for her. I laid her down gently and found my way under the covers with her.
“Please just let them adjust, They aren’t used to you, that’s all.” I told her quietly.
She nodded timidly before replying, “I know, Andy.” She turned around and kissed me softly.
“Just get some rest, Liza.” I whispered to her before she slowly drifted off into a sweet sleep.

Notes