Ruel

2

"Oh my God, what are you doing here?" I ask, walking, well more like limping, into the pub and finding Ruel sitting right there with Aunty Kelsey and Ella.

"Surprising you?" He shrugs, standing up.

"Well, I'm definitely surprised." I grin, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

"How was netball?" He asks, hugging me back.

"I won, but my ankle hurts like a bitch." I state.

I had almost torn all three ligaments in my left ankle but had school netball carnival yesterday which I was waiting just about all year for, and because I played netball all day yesterday my whole family forced me into playing for my team today, and I actually can't move anymore.

"At least I'm here to make things better." He smiles.

I just shake my head, leaning into him.

"Are you planning on introducing us anytime soon?" Pop asks.

"Give me a second would you?" I turn to Pop.

"Guys, this is Ruel, that's Mum, Lilah, Nan, Pop, and apparently you've already met Ella and Aunty Kelsey." I point to each person in turn.

"Why didn't you tell any of us he's this tall?" Nan asks.

"You just don't listen to me."

"Jesus, what shoe size are you?" Pop asks.

"Oh my God." I run a hand over my face. "I'm actually gonna go die now, anyone wanna join me?"

Lilah just laughs at me.

"Um, currently 14," Ruel tells him.

"What shoe size is Damo?" Pop turns to Aunty Kelsey.

"13."

"Are we done talking about how big people's feet are?" I ask.

"I think so." Mum laughs.

Then I spot Coco walking out from around the corner where the bathrooms are.

"Coco's here too?" I look up at Ruel.

Coco and I had talked a bit and facetimed each other a few times, but I'd never actually met her in person.

"Yeah." He nods.

"I thought you said she wasn't coming."

"She wasn't, Dad's here too," Ruel tells me.

**

"I can't believe mum actually let me stay," I state, walking into Ruel's hotel room.

"I definitely wouldn't let my daughter stay in a hotel room with her boyfriend until she was at least 30." Ruel voices.

"Boyfriend?"

"If you'll let me." He asks more than elaborates.

"Of course." I laugh, "Why would I be here if I didn't want to be your girlfriend?"

"To steal my stuff."

"I'm gonna steal your stuff anyway." I roll my eyes at him.

"Like my heart?" He asks.

"That was so bad." I laugh, jumping on the bed.

"You secretly loved it." He tells me, from his position laying down on the bed, right next to where I just sat.

"Oh did I now?" I turn to him.

"Mhmm." He nods, placing his hands on my cheeks and bringing me down before pecking me on the lips.