I was a decent cook seeing as I was cooking for myself most nights if I wasn't getting take-out. Oli took care of the salmon, and I prepared the salad. Mom would always put fruit in our salads to give them extra flavor, so I did just that. We put in some strawberries and blueberries along with the vegetables. I was getting hungry just looking at the food, but Mom wouldn't be there for another hour.
"I'm a little nervous about meeting your mom. What if she hates me?"
"She's not gonna hate you. My mom is super open about people. Just be yourself. She'll love you."

Mom arrived right on time with a pan of apple crisp in her arms. She was always baking.
"Mom, you didn't have to do that!" I said even though I loved the smell, and her apple crisp was amazing.
"I wanted to welcome...Oliver right?" Oli nodded.
"I wanted to welcome Oliver into the family! I'm Lucetta. Great to meet you." My mother smiled really wide. She loved meeting my boyfriends, but sometimes I worried she scared them with her friendliness.

My mother was really beautiful. I always hoped when I was her age I would be as pretty as she was. She was 52, and she hardly looked 45. When I was younger, she would always talk about how you shouldn't ruin your natural beauty with piercings and tattoos, but she lightened up a bit as she got older, so I wasn't too worried about her seeing my new tattoo. I was slightly worried about how she would react to Oli's abundance of tattoos, but it hadn't seemed to phase her.

"So, how was your tour, Oliver?" My mom sat down at the countertop and set the apple crisp on the table.
"It was really great. Every year is. I think Charlotte also had a pretty good time, yeah?"
I nodded.
"I'm sure. She always aspired to play at Warped Tour one day..." My mom smiled up at me like she used to when she'd make me play guitar for our relatives and friends.
"No, Mom. Not now," I whispered to her.
"Wait, Charlotte...you sing?" Oli looked surprised.
"Yes, and she plays guitar," my mother said proudly.
"Mom, please stop. I haven't played in ages." It had really only been since the beginning of the summer, but I wasn't doing this now.
"Charlotte, you should record with us. I really would like to hear you. I had no idea."
"Oh yes," my mother said. "We always thought she was going to grow up to be a famous musician, but she ended up wanting to go into medicine."
"It's more practical, Mother." I really wanted this conversation to be over. Luckily, Oli excused himself to get the salmon, and I was saved.

"Mom, not okay. Don't put me on the spot like that!" I said quietly.
"I was only being friendly. He seems very sweet." She smiled as Oli walked back into the dining room.
"Food!" Oli set the plate down on the table, and we began to serve ourselves.
My mom took a bite, and I waited anxiously.
"This is delicious, Oliver! You really are a great cook."
Oli beamed.
"So, tell me about what you do besides sing in a band," my mom said.
"Oh, well yeah I sing in a band called Bring Me The Horizon. I recently started a clothing line called Drop Dead. Right now the band and I are taking a year off touring and just spending it recording. I mostly made the decision so I could be with your daughter. She's a delight." Oli squeezed my hand under the table.
"Well that is just lovely. I always though Charlotte must be lonely here living by herself. She hasn't had a roommate since freshman year!"
"Yeah, it is nice not living alone anymore," I told my mom.
"Have you met any of Charlotte's friends yet?" My mom asked.
"Very briefly. We should meet them for dinner or something soon, love." Oli looked at me and smiled.
"Uhhhh yeah just let's not invite Mariah and Katherine. You know how they can get."
"Do they like his band too?" My mom asked me.
"Yeah, a little too much. I don't know if they'd be able to handle it." I laughed.

At that point, we had finished our dinner. I definitely still had room for dessert.
"Do you have vanilla ice cream?" My mom got up to go to the freezer.
"Yeah, there should be some in there," I yelled over.
She finally found it and put some ice cream and apple crisp in a bowl for each of us.
"This is so good, Lucetta. Thank you so much," Oli said between bites.
We all finished very quickly, being careful not to leave any in the bowl. My mom got up and cleared her plate, grabbing her pan after putting her dishes in the dishwasher.
"Well Oliver, it was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing you two soon." My mom hugged Oli. "Good luck in school, baby." She kissed my forehead and opened the door.
"Bye, Mom." I smiled and closed the door behind her.

"Your mom is very sweet. I like her. I'm surprised she didn't freak out about my tattoos."
"Oh, no. She's super chill. I was pretty sure she wouldn't have a problem."
"So, you have to play for me tonight. I can't believe I didn't know you sang!" He kissed my shoulder as we were washing dishes.
"I don't know about that. I haven't played in forever." I scrubbed the dishes harder.
"Just play something you used to play a ton. I'm sure you have plenty of those kinds of songs. Do you play electric or acoustic?"
"Acoustic. And I don't know. I don't really perform." I rested my head on his shoulder.
"Come on. I'll sing with you if I know it."
"Fine!"

I walked into the living room and unzipped my guitar case which had been stowed behind a chair. I sat on the floor and quickly tuned my guitar.
"It's pretty. How long have you had it?" Oli asked.
"Ten years I think."
"Wow, awhile. What are you gonna play?"
"You'll see." I smiled and started strumming.

Here in this world I’m awaked with mistakes
But its love that keeps fueling me
Fueling me
Pretty little lady with your swollen eyes
Would you show them to me?
I know I’m not that perfect
But you stay awhile
Baby, then you will see
Miles away I can still feel you
Lay your head down on my embrace
My embrace
Far away…

Oli started singing with me.

Pretty little lady with your swollen eyes
Would you show them to me?
I know I’m not that perfect
But you stay awhile
Baby, then you will see
Don’t give up, Baby
I know that its shaky
Just let love consume us
Consume us…
Here in this world I’m awaked with mistakes
But its love that keeps fueling me
Fueling me to love you
Miles away I can still feel you
Lay your head down on my embrace
Be not afraid to love me…
Pretty little lady with your swollen eyes
Would you show them to me?
I know I’m not that perfect
But you stay awhile
Baby, then you will see

"Charlotte, you have a beautiful voice!" Oli kissed me on the lips.
"Thanks." I giggled.
"You definitely have to record with us." He kissed me again, but this time I pushed the guitar to the floor and moved me up against the couch.
"Wait, can I at least put my stuff away?" I laughed as Oli kept kissing my neck and shoulders.
"We'll continue this in the bedroom." Oli winked and walked to the back of the apartment.

Notes

I covered when you can't sleep at night the other day :) here's link to my youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/helenakatherine97