“You must be Sebastian, right? Oh my goodness, you’re adorable! Look at those freckles, and that dimple!” She gasps playfully, nudging Remi. “You didn’t tell us your friend was this handsome!”
Remi bursts out laughing, which only makes my face go even redder. I open my mouth to reply, but before I can say a word, she wraps me in another quick, affectionate hug that somehow makes me feel instantly welcome. Then she pulls back and gestures to the others with a proud smile.
“I’m Emma, and this is Maude and Ben,” she says, nodding towards her daughter and her partner, who are now taking turns hugging Remi.
Emma and Maude are both tall and blonde and stunning, just like the pictures I saw last night. Honestly, I think it’s safe to say this family hit the genetic jackpot.
Maude gives me a small nod, her eyes meeting mine for the briefest moment before flicking to a spot somewhere behind me. She doesn’t try to touch me or smile, but knowing she’sneurodivergent, I’m not surprised. If anything, I’m relieved that my presence doesn’t seem to unsettle her.
Remi’s sister stands a little taller than their mum, with longer hair and striking green eyes, but the resemblance is uncanny. She could easily pass for a younger version. Both of them wear no makeup, their expressions bare and natural, and they share the same wild, free-falling hair as Remi.
Their blonde waves rest loosely over their shoulders, and even dressed in joggers and trainers, there’s something effortlessly elegant about them, like beauty was simply something they were born into, rather than something they had to try for.
Ben approaches next, offering his hand with an easy, open smile. With his thick black hair dusted with grey, dark eyes, and sun-kissed skin, he’s undeniably attractive, and his warm, grounded presence contrasts beautifully with the ethereal glow of the three golden-haired Elliotts.
Still a little overwhelmed, I manage to find my voice, comforted by the kindness I’ve been shown. “It’s lovely to meet you all, and thank you again for welcoming me on such short notice, I’m truly happy to be here…” I don’t get to finish. Remi steps in close and, once again, catches me off guard, he reaches for my hand and threads his fingers through mine in a gesture that speaks volumes.
Emma and Ben exchange a look of quiet surprise, while Maude remains still, her expression unreadable. But I can tell she’s absorbing everything, observing in her own silent, thoughtful way.
No one speaks. For a moment, we’re all suspended in an awkward silence, as if none of us quite knows what to say or how to begin, until Remi steps in to gently break the tension.
“Why don’t we all take a seat?” he suggests, his voice calm but steady. “It’s been so long since we were last together, too long,really. There’s something important I need to talk to you about, and if it’s alright, I’d prefer to do it now.”
Still holding my hand, he leads me over to the cozy brown sofa and settles into the cushions, pulling me gently down beside him without ever letting me go.
Emma nods, offering us both a warm, encouraging smile. “Of course, sweetheart. Let’s all sit down and take our time. You can tell us everything in your own words. I’ll just put the kettle on, alright?” She heads into the kitchen to flick on the kettle, gesturing for Ben and Maude to take a seat.
Maude’s face is as unreadable as ever, but I don’t sense any discomfort, only a quiet sort of attentiveness. As she settles into an armchair directly across from us, I silently hope I haven’t misjudged her reaction.
Ben, meanwhile, hesitates, caught in a brief moment of uncertainty, as if he’s not sure whether this is a conversation he’s supposed to be part of. He turns instinctively toward Emma, seeking some kind of unspoken confirmation. But before he can say anything, Remi steps in gently.
“Please, Ben. Sit down. I’d really like you to be here too.”
Before sitting down, she places a silver tray on the low table in front of us, neatly arranged with a steaming teapot, four cups, a plate of biscuits, and a milk jug with a matching sugar bowl.
Remi’s mum glances around the room. “Shall I serve?”
Everyone nods their thanks, clearly familiar with her quiet efficiency. She already knows exactly how they take their tea, so it’s only me she pauses for, her eyes warm as they rest on mine.
“And you, sweetheart? Milk and sugar?” she asks, still gentle, still kind, even after seeing Remi take my hand in his.
I nod, managing a grateful smile. “Yes, please. Thank you.”
Her kindness softens something in me. I still don’t know where this conversation is heading, but for now, I feel… safe.
Remi must sense how anxious and on edge I am, because he pulls me even closer, letting the warmth of his body seep into mine. He strokes my cheek tenderly, his fingers lingering on my skin, and in his eyes, I see everything he can’t put into words, steady, quiet reassurance that grounds me instantly.
At last, I begin to relax, leaning into him, soaking in that deep sense of safety only he can give me. While his family begins sipping their tea, I steel myself for whatever reaction may come, knowing that no matter what happens, he’ll be by my side, just as I’ll be by his.
Remi clears his throat, and I can feel his whole body tense beside me; he’s nervous, too, no question. But when he finally speaks, his voice is calm and sure.
“Mum, I waited to tell you because I wanted to do it in person… but it’s been a few weeks now since Maddie and I broke up.”
Emma nods, taking the news in stride. She doesn’t look especially surprised, and neither do Ben or Maude. No one says a word, which somehow makes the silence feel heavier. Then Remi draws in a quiet breath and goes on, his voice a little softer now.
“Since then, something else has happened. Something important, something I wanted to talk to you about in person. I didn’t plan for it to come out this weekend… certain things kind of pushed my hand. But maybe it’s for the best.”
He pauses, turning to me with a look so full of meaning, it takes my breath away. It’s as if he’s asking for my blessing to keep going. I nod and give him a quiet smile, trying to pour everything I’m feeling into it. He smiles back, steadier now, and carries on.
