Page 94 of Strictly Against Policy

“It’s only seven,” Jonathan pointed out.

“Even better.” His sister laughed as she turned to her husband. “Sweetheart, what’s this movie about anyway?”

Andy quickly pulled up a movie on the television with a movie poster of a Victorian home shrouded in darkness. “It’s a psychological thriller about how an older housemaid is obsessed with this family who has power, money, and too many secrets,” he answered.

“Let me guess. The housemaid wants some kind of revenge for the horrible crap they’ve done?” asked Anthony as we all read the title of the movie, Sweetest Revenge. His tone was flat and unamused.

“Yup,” Andy answered enthusiastically.

“I’m going to eat and head to bed,” stated Julie. She looked over at Jonathan and I as we sat on the furthest end of their large couch. “Lina, please get seconds if you’re hungry. Our home is yours, don’t be shy. Shoua, make sure you all take home some food later. There’s no way Andy and I will finish everything.”

“I’ll make sure Lina packs plenty to go.” Jonathan smiled, looking at me. I shook my head.

Julie laughed, eyes flicking between the two of us. “You better. Make sure she eats a second plate.”

“Just do as she says. She’s scary when she’s angry,” said my boyfriend.

I turned to him with furrowed brows. “I thought you said it was Andy and Anthony who were scary when they’re mad.”

Both the Hughes twins erupted in boisterous laughter despite the eerie music filtering through the air from the television as the movie started. They both nodded at me in unison.

“I didn’t realize we were so scary you had to comment on it, Jonathan,” said Andy, turning to grin at him.

His twin howled with a whooping laugh. He was so loud the doors practically rattled, until Shoua reached up and threw a hand over his mouth. He looked at her with twinkling light-brown eyes, the smile he wore pulled wider and rather proudly.

“Shoua,” he crooned.

“You’re too damn loud,” she said. Despite her low, threatening voice, Anthony’s lips tugged from corner to corner.

“Ignore all of them. They’re embarrassing,” Jonathan said to me, sighing. He was loud enough for everyone to hear. “Once we’re done with our free food, we can leave.”

“Ah, c’mon, Jonathan. You can’t say you’re not taking pointers on the way your older brothers flirt,” cooed Anthony, giving him a smack on the shoulder. “If we had to witness you flirting with Lina when we helped her move, you’ll have to sit through this, too.”

Andy laughed. “How could we forget the way you tore off your shirt just to show off your abs!”

Julie and Shoua’s eyes turned to us, shining with curious glints. I parted my lips to explain, but Jonathan spoke up in my stead instead.

“Enough!” Jonathan exclaimed, blushing. “Just watch your darn movie, or Lina and me are leaving.”

“Right now? You two should finish your food first, at least,” commented Julie nonchalantly. “Why waste the journey walking over here?”

My boyfriend flashed his sister an irritated scowl just as the Hughes twins’ lips pulled into similar playful smiles. One of them looked like he was readying himself to spring another embarrassing statement as Shoua and I made eye contact. There was something comical about the way her eyes flashed with a dire need to stop Anthony from blabbering again. It made me laugh.

It filtered out of me as a soft snicker at first, but it quickly rang louder into a light laugh as their voices lowered. My cheeks ached from smiling so wide, and my eyes burned slightly from the way they watered. Everyone turned to me, smiling.

“It’s alright, Jonathan,” I said, another chuckle tumbling out of me as I glanced up at him. He turned to look back at me, amused. Despite the feigned annoyance he showed, it was clear he loved his friends and family. “I think we can stay a while.”

“Let’s just focus on the damn movie, please,” he stated.

One of the twins muttered, “Fine.” Meanwhile, the other let out a small laugh.

As everyone turned their attention toward the film, a buzz began thrumming from my limbs to my core. It quickly shifted into a blanket of comforting warmth when it reached my chest, causing my heart to swell in happiness. This surprised me as I realized how comfortable I felt around Jonathan’s family.

A tiny ache sprouted in my chest, reminding me of my own family. I had long accepted the fact that I would never feel this way with them, though some part of me would always wish it could be as effortless as this. The little girl in me will always want to be a part of her family instead of being the adult who had to find her own elsewhere.

I glanced at each of their faces. From Julie at the end of the sofa with her sleepy, heavy eyes. Then, to the Hughes twins sitting next to each other, and to Shoua. I made sure to take in the details of their faces and the warmth they’d shown me. I didn’t even feel comfortable in my own parents’ home. Yet, I did here.

Here, I felt welcome.