Darius & Chayla - The Look

In this excerpt, Darius has come over to Chayla’s house and is meeting the parents. And it’s clear her mother doesn’t like him.

“Honey, let the boy in. You’re being rude.” Mr. James stepped aside and ushered them inside. 

I shoot pass Chayla’s mother and father, glimpsing the side eye the two shared between each other before Mrs. James caught me and plastered on the fakest smile ever. I plastered on my fakest smile as well, rushing forward to avoid further awkwardness. “Omg,” I heard Chayla breathe behind me. 

“So,” Mr. James began as he sat across from them in a plush, minty turquoise armchair, Mrs. James settling herself down on the arm of said chair, while Chayla and I sat down on the cream colored couch. 

I felt like i was in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. A doctor who wasn’t concerned with my well being and healthcare but still wanted to lure me into a false sense of security. Mrs. James seemed like the type of person who wanted you comfortable before laying into you. 

“What brings you by Daren?” Mr. James asked. 

“Darius Daddy,” Chayla corrected him. 

“I thought you told us we could call you ‘some boy?’” Mrs. James quipped. 

“Mom!” 

“Sheree,” Chayla and her dad said in unison. 

“What?! It was funny when he said it but not when I do it?” 

There was a moment of awkward silence, until Mr. James got up, smiled at us and asked what we wanted to drink. 

“Water,” both Chayla and me said, trying not to make eye contact with either one of them. 

“Sheree.” Mr. James gestured with his head for Mrs. James–Sheree–to follow. 

Reluctantly, Chayla’s mother peeled herself from the edge of the armchair, with what I could have sworn was the stink eye as she exited into the kitchen.