Connection

Chapter Fifty-eight

"OH MY GOD, THEY'RE SO CUTE—"

Ashlyn stood with her arms crossed, a small smirk on her lips. She huffed.
"He better treat him right."

Ben, standing beside her, simply smiled, giving her a small nudge.

She sighed, chuckling.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm happy for him."

Ben nodded, quietly giggling.

They all were.
—

Days passed after Tyler and Logan started dating, They both stood outside Tyler's house, the soft afternoon sun casting long shadows across the yard. Logan shifted nervously, adjusting his glasses and fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. He glanced at Tyler, his heart racing in his chest.

"Tyler, I don't know if I'm ready for this .." Logan muttered, anxiety bubbling up in his throat.

Tyler grinned, stepping closer and placing a reassuring hand on Logan's shoulder. "You're fine. My mom's super chill. She's gonna love you, I promise. Just be yourself."

Logan gave him a shaky nod, but the knot in his stomach remained. "But .. what if she doesn't like me? I mean, she only speaks Spanish, and I .. don't really speak much."

Tyler chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I'll help translate. Besides, my mom's got a heart of gold. She'll be fine with you, I swear."

Logan inhaled deeply, trying to calm his nerves, but his hands still trembled slightly. "I-I guess I'm ready."

Tyler smirked, giving Logan a playful shove. "You're more than ready, amor. Let's go."

With a deep breath, they both walked up to the front door. Tyler opened it, and they stepped inside, the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen.

Tyler's mom, hearing the door, quickly emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She greeted Tyler with a big smile and a rapid string of Spanish, her voice warm and welcoming.

"Hola, hijo! Quien es este niño?"
(Hello, son! Who is this boy?)

Tyler beamed back at her, grinning wide. "Ma, and this is Logan, mi novio."

Logan's eyes widened at the word boyfriend, his stomach flipping. He stepped forward awkwardly, extending a hand with a nervous smile. "H-Hello, nice to meet you," he said, doing his best to sound confident despite the growing anxiety in his chest.

Tyler's mom blinked, her smile faltering for just a second. She took his hand, but there was a look of confusion in her eyes as she glanced between him and Tyler.
She then spoke more slowly, trying to understand.

"¿Cómo? Tú eres su .. novio?"
(What? You're his .. boyfriend?)

Logan froze, feeling like he might pass out on the spot. Tyler's mom didn't seem to fully understand what was going on, and it made him feel awkward, like he had done something wrong. He stammered out a response.

"Sí, I mean-Yes, I'm .. his boyfriend," Logan said, his voice a little shaky.

Tyler's mom's face lit up with a big smile. "¡Ay, qué bonito!" (Oh, how cute!) She dropped Logan's hand, and before he knew what was happening, she reached out and pinched his cheeks. "Qué guapo!" (How handsome!) she exclaimed, pulling him into her embrace for a brief hug.

Logan's face flushed bright red, his eyes widening in shock. "Uh .. th-thank you?"

She laughed warmly, continuing to hold his cheeks in both hands as she inspected him, eyes narrowing slightly. "Pero, mijo, tú eres muy flaco. Necesitas comer más."
(But, sweetheart, you're so skinny. You need to eat more.)