Prodigal

~2.16~

The car ride to Grandma’s house seemed like it was taking forever, but at the same time I wanted it to never end.

The anxiety levels just kept rising the longer I was in the car. They maxed out when we pulled into the driveway.

Both Dad and I walked into the house. I smelled the house’s familiar smell and heard the familiar chatter of all the family members.

The first family members I saw were Uncle Ben and Aunt Stella. Stella first turned around, and put on a big artificial smile as to cover the discomfort of the situation. “Hello, Emelia.” She said, putting emphasis on Emelia.

I smiled back and muttered the word “hi.”

“Hey.” Ben said to me, uncomfortably.

This was the most uncomfortable moment of my life. But it wasn’t a moment. It wasn’t ending. It wasn’t passing. This “get together” would last for hours!

Moving along the family tree, I saw Jack next.

“Sup Luke.” He said to Luke, then turned to me. “What up Emme…Melia.” He said, catching himself.

I noticed myself cracking a little smile, happy that he was being conscious about that.

“How are you?” Grandma squealed as she came over and gave me a hug.

“I’m okay, how are you?” I responded.

“Where’s Dad?” Dad asked, referring to my grandpa.

Grandma looked around for a second and noticed he wasn’t in the kitchen, where everyone else was hanging out. “One moment please.”

Grandma then walked up the stairs that are off the kitchen and into her bedroom.

I followed her and stood halfway up the stairs. I heard her muffled voice. She was commanding that my grandpa come down and say hi to me.

Something he didn’t want to do.

Notes

Oh yikes is Emelia's grandpa going to be hella' transphobic?
(Sorry Andrew lol)