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Saturday arrived faster than expected. And unfortunately for Jarnell— Jayden had plans. Very specific plans.
"Get in."
Jayden stopped his car in front of Jarnell's house. Jarnell frowLned.
Where are we going?
It's a surprise.
I hate surprises.
No, you hate not being in control.
Same thing.
Jayden laughed.
Their first stop was a large shopping center.
Jarnell immediately became suspicious.
Why are we here?
To buy clothes of course
I already own clothes.
Not these ones. That answer turned out to be a warning.
An hour later— Jayden was holding up two nearly identical outfits. One black and another white but with the same design and same brand. Jarnell stared. "No."
Jayden smiled. "Yes."
We are not becoming one of those couples.
We already are.
No.
Jarnell.
No.
Twenty minutes later— the outfits had been purchased. And Jayden had photographic evidence of Jarnell wearing his.
Which immediately became his favorite picture and wallpaper immediately
After lunch, Jayden drove somewhere unfamiliar. The roads became quieter. The houses larger, families walking outside, children playing. Jarnell looked over.
Jayden.
Hmm!!?
Where are we going? Jayden smiled.
My parents' house of course
Silence.
Then— What?
My parents want to meet you. The color immediately drained from Jarnell's face.
Turn the car around.
No.
Jayden.
No.
The moment they walked through the front door— Jarnell knew he was doomed.
The house was alive. Voices everywhere.
Laughter from the kitchen. Someone arguing about television. Someone else calling from upstairs. The complete opposite of his own home. Before he could process anything— Jayden's mother appeared.
"Oh!"
Then immediately hugged her son.
Then looked at Jarnell. And smiled warmly.
You must be Jarnell. Jarnell blinked.
How do you know my name? From somewhere upstairs came a voice:
WE ALL KNOW HIS NAME!. And how on earth would they not know his name just the number of times Jayden spent talking about it where enough for even a deaf to hear.
Jayden closed his eyes.
She's awake.
A moment later— Jayden's younger sister came running downstairs. She stopped dramatically. Pointed at Jarnell, and then at Jayden and then back at Jarnell.
You're prettier than I expected." The entire room went silent. Jayden nearly dropped his bag. Jarnell looked ready to disappear.
His sister smiled proudly. I said what everyone was thinking.
Who is everyone? Jayden asked.
The family group chat. THE WHAT? The house erupted with laughter.
Dinner somehow became even worse. Not because anyone was mean. But because everyone was nice. Too nice. His father asked about music. His mother asked about university. The uncle asked about hobbies.
And somehow— for the first time in years—
people actually listened to his answers.
Not because they had to but because they wanted to. Jarnell wasn't sure what to do with that feeling.
By evening, heavy rain began falling outside. Jayden's mother took one look at the weather.
Ooh.... no one is driving anywhere tonight. Decision made. Which meant— Jarnell was staying. Jayden's sister celebrated like she'd won a national competition.
Unfortunately— the family had one particular habit. Walking into rooms without warning. Jarnell learned this while washing his face. The bathroom door suddenly opened. But when Jayden's sister walked in and saw Jarnell she screamed.
But Jarnell screamed too.
But Jazmine Jayden's sister screamed louder. Then both immediately ran in opposite directions. The entire house laughed for ten straight minutes. Including Jayden. Which Jarnell considered unforgivable.
Much later, the house finally grew quiet. Jayden's room was comfortable. Messier than Jarnell expected. Your room is a disaster. It has character. It has laundry.
Character. Jarnell laughed despite himself.
The conversation drifted from classes to childhood stories, dreams, and then fears.
The kind of conversation that only happened late at night. Honest, quiet, and real. At one point, Jayden looked over. You know, my family likes you.
Jarnell stared at the ceiling.
They've known me for six hours. That's enough.
A pause.
Then Jayden added softly— I like seeing you here. The room became quiet again.
Comfortable, warm, and safe. And for the first time in a long time— Jarnell felt like he belonged somewhere.
Down the hallway, Jazmine whispered through the door. Are you two asleep?
Silence.
I'm telling Mom if you're not. GO AWAY!Jayden shouted. Laughter echoed down the hallway. And beside him— Jarnell smiled so hard his cheeks hurt.
Because for once— the noise didn't bother him. But rather it felt like home.