The Styles Triplets Part 2: The Triplets go to College

Chapter Twenty-Two

Edward's POV

Francesca, Tia's mom, welcomed me with open arms while Ben watched with disgust. 

"Edward, you know my nana," Tia introduces me to her nan, whom I haven't seen in such a long time. 

"Hello Helen," I kiss her hand, " nice to finally see you again."

"It's so nice to see you again Edward," she says very fast. She is a very fast speaker, "I'm so glad to hear you and Tia have got together again. It made me so happy when she told me you two were a couple once again, love has a way of coming back."

"And I'm very fortunate to have her back." I tell her and Tia looks very happy.

"I remember when she first arrived at my house from the move, her eyes," she looks at Tia and gives her a cheeky smile, "they were bloody red and she ran into my arms crying her eyes out. Ben over there was bloody pissed and oh dear gosh, I didn't think she would ever stop crying. She went through this depression phase while she was away from you."

"Nan," Tia feels embarrassed, although I already know how hurt Tia was when she left.

"Believe me I was the same way." I make her feel a little better.

"It was a fucking mad house for the longest time," Helen's waves her small arms in the air as she tell her story. I laugh and so does Tia.

"Mother," Ben frowns at her for her choice of words.

"Oh shut it, I'm your mother." She punishes him. "I can say whatever the hell I want to."

 Helens actions surprise me. Why can't her son have a little bit of her humor? I can see it only rubbed off on Tia.

We go into the dining room and Francesca sets all the good smelling food out on the table. My stomach rumbles and Tia giggles. I notice she's made tons of her italian dishes. I sit next to Tia on one side of the table. She reaches over for my hand underneath the table, as she can tell that I have started getting nervous. Even though I said I wasn't going to get nervous and come here to face Ben like a man, the tension I felt while sitting almost right next to him really caused a lot of nerve.

"Smells delicious as always my darling," Ben tells his wife, then looks back at me with a distinctful stare.

"You look incredibly gorgeous tonight Tia," I compliment her and kiss her hand. Two can play at this game.

"Fran, the gown you've chosen this evening really brings out your natural beauty," he smiles at his wife. She thanks him and serves everyone a platter.

I stare back, "Tia, you're glowing. Could it be the lighting or is it you're beauty that's lighting up this room?"

"You're quite cheeky tonight," she pats my thigh and places a napkin on her leg. I won.

"So," Ben takes a big breath, "how has your birthday been so far sweetie? Good, I suppose."

"It's alright," she shrugs. I laugh, and Ben doesn't seem pleased.

"Alright?" he seems confused, "why just alright?"

"I'm just glad I'm here with all of you," she smiles, "the people I love most in this world." She squeezed my chin playfully, then kisses my cheek.

"Tia, watch your actions at the table," he cuts into his chicken very roughly.

"My actions?" Tia seems offended. "What actions exactly?"

"More sauce on your chicken Helen?" Fran asks Tia's nan.

"Pile it on Franny!" Helen tells her. She does as requested, but looks at her husband with plead in her eyes.