One Timers

Jeff’s foot hasn’t stopped tapping since we got into the car. Even crossing the border, he couldn’t sit still. It’s funny, actually. I should be the one freaking out right now. I mean, I’m on my way to meet my boyfriend’s entire family for the first time. And when I say entire family, I mean both parents and all five siblings.

“Jeff, honey.” I say, placing a hand on his knee. “Relax. We’re going to be fine.”
“I know, babe. I just really want them to love you.” He responds, looking over at me.
“Would it help if I went over it all again with you?” I ask.
“Yeah.”

Jeff has been explaining all about his family, trying to get me ready to meet them. So far, I’m really confident that I’ve got it down.

“Your mom is Elisabeth Campin and your dad is Andrew Skinner. They’re both lawyers. Sisters Jen, Andrea, Erica and Jill, and brother Ben. Jen went to Harvard, Andrea went to Cornell and is now a lawyer, Erica went to Carleton and Jill is in high school still. Ben plays for Wilfrid Laurier. They’re all Leafs fans, but support you whole heartedly. Oh, and I should never ask about figure skating because it’ll embarrass you.”

He turns and smiles at me. The figure skating thing wasn’t something he told me, but it’s something I’ve noticed in the three years I’ve known him.

“Thanks.” He says, sighing. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’m so nervous for them to meet you. I want them to like you cause if they don’t it’ll make our relationship a lot harder.”
“How many girlfriends have met your family?” I ask. It’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up, but I’ve never had the right time.
“Two.” He says. “One, Jenni, was in high school and she already knew them all before we started dating. And then the other one, Christina, was right after I got drafted. She was apparently a huge bitch to my sisters so they pretty much told me to get rid of her.”
“And you did just like that?”
“Yup.”
Now I’m getting nervous. Why did he have to tell me this?
“So if they tell you to get rid of me you will?”
I play with the fringe on the end of my shorts.
“Rach, it’s different with you. I promise. If they don’t like you, I’m not going to just get rid of you. Unlike Christina I actually have real feelings for you. I didn’t know that at the time, but I do now. That’s why it’s so important to me that they like you. Cause if they don’t... I don’t really care.”

I sigh, suddenly feeling all the pressure in the world on my shoulders. Now I understand why he’s been so worried the past couple of days about this. This is really important.

“Jeff, are you sure we’re ready for this?” I ask.
“Oh, shit Rach. I just really freaked you out, didn’t I?” I nod. “Fuck. No, don’t be freaked out. I’m supposed to be freaking out. You’re the strong one here.”

I try to smile, but I’m suddenly finding it hard to breathe. In just a couple minutes, we’re going to be pulling up to Jeff’s childhood home. I’m going to meet the seven most important people in his life. And if they don’t like me, his relationship with them will suffer immensely.

I work on controlling my breathing as he pulls into a secluded neighborhood. I try to focus on the houses out the window, but I can’t. He pulls into a long driveway and up to a very nice house, putting the car in park. We both get out of the car and head towards the open garage door. Before we reach it, he grabs my arm and stops me.

“Rach, I’m so sorry I freaked you out. But listen to me, okay? I love you so much. I’ve never told another woman that, and there’s a reason for it. It’s because you’re exactly the kind of woman I could still see myself with a long time down the road. I’m so happy with you and my family will see that. Hell, with the amount I talk about you on the phone I’m sure they already know how happy I am with you. All you have to do is be yourself. That’s the woman I’ve fallen in love with, and it’s the woman they’re going to love as well. Don’t worry about anything else, because it’s all going to be fine.”

He leans over and pulls me into a kiss, threading his fingers into my hair. He instantly deepens it and the feeling makes me relax.

“Are you going to come see your family or are you going to just suck your girlfriend’s face all day?” I hear from the doorway.

Pulling away quickly I blush and look sheepishly at the young girl who caught us.

“Perfect, just who I wanted to see first.” Jeff says. “Jilly, I want you to meet Rachel. Rachel, meet the only Skinner younger than me, my little sister Jill.”

I smile at her and stick my hand out. She ignores it and goes straight for a hug, surprising me.

“This family is a bunch of huggers, get used to it.” She laughs. “It’s so nice to finally meet the woman my brother hasn’t shut up about!”
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” I say. “Jeff has told me a lot about you guys.”
“Come inside! I’ll introduce you to the rest of the fam while he gets your bags.”

I shoot Jeff a look and he just squeezes my hand.
“Go ahead. I’ll be right in.” He says.
“Okay.”

I follow Jill through the door where she immediately stops, turning around to me.

“Okay, look. Here’s the deal.” She says, instantly getting serious. “I may be younger, but I’m fiercely protective of my brother. If you’re only interested in him because he’s an NHL player or whatever, I’m going to suggest you get the fuck out of my house right now. I’ve got absolutely no interest in seeing my brother with some slutty bunny and I’m not going to stand for that shit. I’ve seen Ben get hurt by sluts in the past and that’s not going to happen to Jeff as long as I’m around. Got it?”

My stomach drops and I’m sure my face goes white. My heart starts racing and my palms get sweaty. She thinks I’m a bunny. This is exactly what I was afraid of.

“I-I’m not a bunny. Believe me, I don’t like them either. I-I really like your brother and not just because he plays hockey for a living. He’s the most genuine guy in the entire world and I’m constantly a happier person around him. And if anyone gets hurt in this relationship, it’s likely going to be me because I’m so madly in love with him it's crazy.”

I take a deep breath, hoping she sees that I’m telling the truth. Instead of responding, she simply leads me down the hallway and into the kitchen where I find his mother and other sisters.

“Listen up!” She yells, getting their attention. “This is Jeff’s girlfriend Rachel. She passed the bunny test, so I like her.” She turns to me, giving me a small smile. “I’m sorry for ambushing you like that. But like I said, I’m fiercely protective of Jeff. I already like you, Rachel. And I can tell that you’re good for him.”

With that, she walks away, leaving me with three sisters and a mother staring at me.

“Um. Hi. I’m Rachel.” I say, giving a slight wave.
“Okay, what the fuck did Jill say?” Jeff says, coming into the kitchen and seeing my face.
“She said something about a bunny test.” One of his other sisters says. Jeff’s face goes white.
“Oh my God, Rach I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you with her.” He says, rubbing my arm.
“No, it’s fine.” I respond. “I understand why she said what she did. It’s okay.”
He looks at me, his eyes silently questioning if I’m telling the truth. I can see our audience watching our interaction closely.
“It’s okay.” I repeat, this time with more conviction.
“Okay good.” He breathes. “Cause if she scared you away, I’d have to kill her.”

The other women laugh and I smile, intertwining my fingers with his.

Notes

Requested. Enjoy!