CHAPTER 7

It was a little after six in the evening as Lauryn stood beside of Reginald in front of the bathroom mirror fixing her hair. "This is going to be such a great night, I can just feel it!" Lauryn said, enthused at the idea of her parents and Reginald's parents as well as Reginald's uncle and the Smith's attending a feast at the Osbourne house. "I just hope that mother doesn't leave the turkey in too long like she did last Christmas," Lauryn smirked, remembering how when she and Reginald arrived that her mother was very drunk on wine and going through a temporary rough patch with her father, which had since resolved. "I also hope that your folks like mine," Lauryn added, topping off her lipstick and turning to Reginald, straightening his tie. "Remind me again why I decided to marry you?" she playfully questioned, as Reginald leaned in, kissing her before being disturbed by a knock on the door.

Having arrived to the hotel with Cecillia at the appointed time in order to meet Reg and Lauryn in order to drive over to the Osbournes together with Vlad, Amy, and Syerren, Simon became somewhat impatient after waiting for what seemed like too long for the couple. Heading upstairs to their bedroom, finding only their son, Simon picked up the baby along with the diaper bag, and then headed back out into the hallway. Hearing what sounded like Lauryn's voice on the other side of the bathroom door, he approached the door, banging on it. "Come on you two love birds! You already have one bun in the oven; no room for any more."

Laughing to Simon’s comment while as excited as everyone is to have everyone together, Reginald glanced at himself once more before manoeuvring past Lauryn, exiting the bathroom. Seeing Simon gesturing them to come on, he nodded then turned around and saw Lauryn was ready he grabbed her hand and kissed it. “You look divine my dear and I can’t wait to the point of which I can rip it off of you,” followed by receiving a shove as he laughed making his way outside.

Upon arriving, Reginald looked out to the brightly lit and decorated house in the distance then parking on the side street. Feeling Lauryn pull ahead of the group while holding her hand, Reg moved with her saw Lauryn’s father come out of the house.

“Ah you’ve arrived," Luigi commented hugging her daughter and greeting everyone, "I was beginning to suspect no one was coming.”

“Has no one arrived yet?” Reginald questioned glancing at the time being already fifteen minutes late as is.

“No your the first but I’m sure everyone will be here soon. Please everyone, come in and make yourself comfortable.”

Piling Vladimir, Syerren, and Amy in the car along with himself and Cecillia, Simon figured it the best time to go over a few pointers to make the night run a little more smoother for everyone so that they didn't feel quite as much like strangers. "First and foremost, know that your son married into a family just about as wealthy as the one he came from, but the Osbourne's don't flaunt it around so much. They do own two homes, a vacation house and the current house which they live in. The father, Luigi, is half Italian and works for the government on the legal sides of things. Kacee, Lauryn's mother, is a home maker with the raising of two children under her belt. She will likely ask a lot of questions so be prepared for that. As for the meal, if it's anything like it is during Thanksgiving or Christmas, then there's going to be a lot of it. I don't know how you two are going to go about getting out of that, or if you will just have to suck it up and play along. If it's any consolation, I assure you that it really does taste good even though you won't be tasting it," Simon smirked.

"I would say that my husband is just trying to intimidate you all, it seems," Cecillia said, shaking her head. "The Osbourne's are good people and I'm sure that you will be happy with having them as in-laws. I know that they do love Reginald and adore their grandchild."

Soon, the five arrived at the Osbourne's, as everyone exited the car. Simon, being closest to the front door as they approached, rang the doorbell. After just a brief moment, the door swung open as Kacee stood on the other side. "Simon, Cecillia!" she exclaimed, greeting them both as she gestured them inside, leaving Amy, Vlad and Syerren outside. "Well, what a pleasure this has certainly become!" She spoke, calling for Luigi. "Look dear, our in-laws at last!" She grinned, sticking out her hand and shaking Vladimir and Syerren's hand, before giving a hug to Amy. "Oh you just don't know how much we have longed to have you here all of these years. To see Reginald's poor face every Christmas morning when he misses out on seeing you all here sitting around the tree. But where are my manners, please, come in out of the cold dears!"

Entering the residence trying not to let Reginald’s past get to him while happy to see it was a warm homey feel to it, Vladimir, turned removing his cloak then looked to the couple in the den. “Good evening; pleasure to finally meet you both. I’m Richard and this is my wife Amy and my brother Dylan.”

“Pleasure Mr. Armâge,” Luigi responded greeting them. “Reginald and well our daughter too have told me a lot about you lot over her phone calls and letters but had rumours been true that you all were in an accident.
“Fiction Mr. Osbourne I assure you.” Vladimir protested. “The important thing is we’re back and here to stay for our boy and his lovely family.”

Laughing slightly, Luigi nodded, “I see well in whatever case welcome. Please let me get you men a drink.”
Gesturing for him and Syerren to have whatever he was drinking to not make it more obvious, they were then asked about their line in business.

“Well more so, we buy and sell imports and exports that come. It’s a small company right now but thriving.” Vlad commented glancing at Syerren who in turn nodded. As Luigi was prepared to say more the three looked and saw the rest of the group join them.

"So dad, what do you think about your new in-laws?" Lauryn questioned, seeing that her father was quick to approve. "So, did mom manage to not burn anything this year?" She then asked, as Simon quickly burst into laughter, wrapping his arm around Cecillia's shoulder, already having a beer in his hand. "We do love your cooking though Kacee!" Simon called out, noticing Vladimir to look a little uncomfortable. "Hey Lu, I have some business figures to go over with you if you don't mind? It'd only take a few minutes," Simon added, as Luigi agreed. Moving past Vladimir with a wink, Simon quickly switched his empty beer bottle with Vlad's full cup of brandy, following Luigi into the study.

"So Amy," Kacee piped in from the kitchen. "What kind of work are you in? Or are you another lucky housewife?" She questioned, smiling. "Some times I think raising a family is more work than going to a job every day."

Being left in the kitchen with Kacee and Cecillia then being questioned about what she did, Amy smiled nodding, “Yes housewife and proud being one and I could agree on it being a job on its own. I do however have several hobbies of sewing to gardening and things to take care of that life keeps me busy especially while everyone is away . . . at work.”

As Kacee then asked as to why they returned and kept it from Reginald, Amy leaned in closer. “It was family crisis you see. I had . . . relatives in England that needed immediate caring for and I didn’t want Reginald to be a part of that. Before I knew it, media got wind of that we died in a car accident and it was best that it was left like that.” Seeing she bought it, Amy looked around, “Oh but it is good to be back in Collinsport. I have missed it so."

Coming back into the den and hearing from Kacee that it would be another thirty minutes before dinner was ready, Simon sat down on the sofa, looking around at everyone awkwardly standing about. Knowing that Vlad or Syerren would show no interest in football, he opted instead for activities that could be enjoyed ball all, or so he hoped. "How about a game of Twister?" Simon questioned, laughing at his own recommendation. Seeing that Reginald and even Lauryn was fans of it, he pulled the game off of the shelf above the sofa. "Come on . . . Richard," Simon said, eyeballing Vladimir who hesitantly agreed to play. Deciding that he would spin for them, Simon sat back on the sofa and watched as the game went under way. With Lauryn falling out of the game after her second turn, unable to stay in her position, just Reginald and Vladimir remained on the mat. Watching as Reginald struggled but remained in place with both legs spread across the bottom of the mat and one hand far away between Vladimir's legs, Simon spun the arrow again. "Ok Richard. Right hand green," he said, then looking at the mat, knowing there was no way he was ever going to pull it off.

Considering such a game to be ridiculous but nevertheless enjoying his time with Reginald, Vladimir looked at the spots to the closest green one near him almost feeling he would have to bend over backwards. “Right . . .” managing to swing his flexible body to the designated area, he breathed in a sigh but then felt Reginald near him as together they toppled on one another.

Laughing from the experience, the two shook hands. “Very well played, Son.” then standing as the group heard about dinner being ready. Soon having an achy feeling in his stomach, Vlad followed the group into dining room unsure how his and Syerren’s lack of eating will play.

After a couple minutes had past, as everyone was enjoying the food brought out and passing around bowls, Vladimir looking down at his plate turned to Luigi and spoke, “So, I heard tell you have a vacation club out near Canada?”

Looking up from his food then finishing chewing, he nodded, “Yes, exquisite property, Richard one looking over a lake. You know I remember one story . . .” he paused, laughing then glancing at Kacee, “how did it start dear the one when we took the kids?”

"Oh Luigi, I'm sure they don't want to hear that story," Kacee said, covering her face for a moment as she laughed, remembering the old times when her children were young. "But I will tell you a story that I'm sure you will all get a laugh out of," she said, taking a drink of wine before starting. "Well, it was probably the second time I had ever put eyes on Reginald so this was when he and Lauryn first started seeing each other. I remember opening the front door to retrieve the newspaper one morning, and there he lay on our front lawn!" Hearing everyone start to laugh, she covered her mouth. "The poor boy was completely naked and quickly woke up once he realized I was there standing over him!"

"Oh my gosh, mother! I can't believe you told that story!" Lauryn exclaimed, laughing uncontrollably as she looked at Reginald, who seemed all but tickled at the anecdote. "Don't be so embarrassed babe!" Lauryn laughed, kissing his cheek as Reginald stared down at his plate.

Simon, taking great interest in the change of mood around the table, cleared his throat before adding to the torment. "I have one even better!" Simon started, glaring at Reginald as he stared back at him, wishing he would not continue. "One time when Reginald was twelve, maybe thirteen, I remember that he came home from school with a weird look about him as he scurried off to his room."

"Oh not this one, Simon!" Cecillia interrupted, laughing as she tried to put her hand over Simon's mouth, but was unsuccessful as he continued.

"So, I snuck upstairs behind him to see what was going on with him, and it turned out that my son, Trevor, had given Reginald a collection of men's magazines at school and he apparently turned into a man right then and there!" Laughing so hard that he nearly choked, Simon managed to scarf down half a beer as he continued. "Poor boy didn't know that I had intentionally left the magazines out to see if one of the two would man up and take them so we could go ahead and get 'the talk' out of the way!"

"Well, I hope my tits are nicer than the ones you jerked off to that evening!" Lauryn giggled, resting her elbows on the table as she wiped her eyes with a napkin.

Feeling as if his whole life is ruined as of two minutes ago with talks of his wild stupid days and in front of his family, Reginald felt embraces, pats on the shoulder as he tried playing a straight face but couldn’t as it was described by Simon how red he was getting.

Having enough he stood. “If you all will excuse me,” departing out of the dining room.

“Reginald!” Vladimir called out smiling by the events he heard but still feeling his son’s shame. Moving his chair he stood but then was held by Syerren as he looked at Lauryn doing the same. “I’ll go check on him. Stay with the family.” Seeing his brother go but not before giving Simon a smack on the head for his mouth, Vlad moved from the subject figuring it would be best.

Syerren focused on the location of Reginald finding him in his room. Hearing sobs coming from the other side of the door, Syerren knocked hearing go away from the other end. Frowning, he knocked again trying the door finding it locked and spoke clearly, “Reg it’s your uncle, Uncle Dylan, can I come in?”

Hearing nothing and little movement as he was prepared to talk, Syerren sighed, hating what he was about to do but wanted nothing more than to reassure him that everyone was sorry and didn’t want him to get embarrassed. Snapping his fingers as the door unlocked on its own, he opened the door peering inside. Seeing he was in his guest best curled up, Reginald stared at him, “How did you get in?!”

“A key Kacee gave me.” Reginald, please understand; it was just stories of times when you weren’t at your best. We all have our stupid moments in our lives.” Sitting down with him, Syerren laughed, “I remember a time in England when I was growing up, I was dared by Vladimir or someone to roll in the mud with no clothes and walk in the street with people staring at me.”

“Did you do it?” Reginald questioned, laughing slightly already feeling better.
“Of course, I was only ten then so why not,” he laughed. Just know that we all love you and just I don't know what to know more about you.” Putting an arm around him then hugging him, “even if it’s not the most comfortable events to talk about.”

“Yeah you’re right Dylan and thank you.” Reginald smiled then stood. “I guess I’m just being silly. I guess we’d better head back. . .”

Noticing then there was a look that was odd to him, Reg questioned, “Are you alright?” seeing he turned away having his hand on his chest.

Coming back into focus after hearing Reginald question about his actions, Syerren shook off his daze and looked back at him nodding, “Yea . . . I’ll be fine Reginald just . . . having pain in my chest. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Well we can see if Kacee has something for you to take.”

“Reginald” grabbing his arm, “I said I’m fine, really.”

Staring at him he shrugged, “Alright, if you say so.” Leaving the room thinking Syerren was behind him, everyone was relieved to see Reginald back as he sat down. “I know, I was just being a fool. I couldn’t miss this amazing meal anyway, launching into the chicken he had on his plate while hearing laughter.

As dinner concluded after some thirty minutes and Syerren arrived back at the table just as the plates were being collected, Lauryn looked at him, noticing something odd or unusual, but soon forgetting it as her attention was drawn towards Michael, whom had awoken. Standing from the table, she went over to the play pen and picked up the infant along with a bottle of formula. Prepared to sit down and feed her son, she was soon interrupted by her father.

"I'll do that, dear," Luigi said with a smile, as Lauryn willingly turned over her son to his grandfather. "It's just been too long since I seen you, little Mikey," Luigi spoke to the baby, sitting down on the sofa and flipping on the television, then placing the bottle in Michael's mouth as he eagerly sucked up the formula. "Why don't you men come join me for some foot ball," Luigi called out; "the women seem to have the clean up taken care of, after all," he added. Looking back down at Michael who had already finished his bottle, Luigi smiled, turning the baby up on his shoulder and burping him. Luigi then grabbed his pipe and lit it as he lay back on the sofa with Michael on his chest. "Yes, I have turned little Mikey into quite the Steelers fan," Luigi smirked, happy to see his team was playing and in the lead tonight. "My grandson is sure to grow up and play in the big leagues like his grandfather had always dreamed of. Of course, I never had the opportunity to experience American football until I moved here from Italy for University; however, I've been hooked ever since!"

"Oh yes, the highlight of every dinner we have here," Simon smirked, swinging a beer bottle in the air as he slumped lower in the chair he was sitting in, propping his legs up on the coffee table.

Since meeting Luigi, Vladimir had been on the fence with him while admiring his ideals of parenting and business ethics, his feelings however, soon turned sour once sitting with him in the living room. Hearing him babble on about his hopes and dreams for Michael and what he believes Michael likes. Scoffing from it, Vlad folded his arms, becoming somewhat envious of his bond.

However, quickly shaking it off, he then spoke, “You know, perhaps Michael would be more into other activities; I’m surprised Luigi you would support him going into such activities where . . .” glancing at the television then back, “where pushing people for a living would be ideal.”

“Well consider this, Richard; Mikey is growing up in a world where times are changing. I mean we’re hitting a new millennium in not too long and who knows what will happen. You can’t expect him to live in the past, so let’s encourage him to do something he’s already enjoying!”

“That may be true but if anything the past can teach us is to learn from it and believe me the last thing I would consider is Michael to be a part of some sporting event. He’s capable of so much more! He’s only an infant Luigi.” then heard Syerren trying to calm him.

Scoffing, adjusting in the couch, he glared, “You need to understand you may be his grandfather as well but you’ve only arrived back. You know very little of what goes on and how my little Mikey here ticks.”

“How dare you, you utter bastard!” Vladimir exclaimed, then quickly stood, causing instantly every lamp in the room to flicker. Knowing Luigi had a few drinks in him, as he dealt with drunks before, he sneered “First, off his name is Michael. Michael Richard Armâge. He’s an Armâge, my grandson! He will be an astonishing, brilliant boy when he grow up and won’t waste his time in your petty sporting events. Second, I intend to be there for Michael as if he was my own son. I want nothing but the best and will make sure that he will succeed happen every step of the way.”

Reginald, both stunned in the sudden yelling going on, but proud of his father for standing up for Michael and for wanting to be a part of his life, decided it best to break up the tension by grabbing Michael and holding him himself. Standing up prepared to take Michael from Luigi, he suddenly felt awkward in doing it, remembering all of the things that Luigi had done for both him and Michael all of this time. Turning around instead, he headed into the dining room to go check on Lauryn.

"Now mate, any other time I would have your back on this matter one hundred percent, but you have chosen a bad time to try to grow a pair," Simon stated, sitting up in the chair with his elbows on his knees, staring vividly at the television. "Touchdown!" he suddenly yelled, jumping up from the chair and giving a high-five to Luigi. Turning around then to observe Vladimir who appeared very enraged, Simon turned back to Luigi, picking up the baby, then handing the child to Vladimir as he started to cry. "There; there's your happy moment. Here's what you wanted mate. Watch after the child while us men go and celebrate our victory," Simon smirked, popping open two more beers, handing one to Luigi, as he stood. "Still got that pool table in your basement?" Simon questioned, seeing as Luigi agreed. "Best two out of three?" he then suggested, wrapping his arm around Luigi and heading off into the basement.

Coming out of the kitchen after Reginald had told her of the disagreement between her father and Reginald's father, Lauryn was prepared to set things right, but instead smiled, watching Vladimir coddle Michael. "You know, I've always said that Michael had neither of our noses," Lauryn spoke, going to Vladimir's side and kneeling down on the floor between him and Syerren. "But after looking at him now, I can see that it's your nose that he has," she said, smiling at Vladimir as she placed a hand on his knee. "I'm sure that my father made you angry tonight or made you feel as though you were not good enough. Just know that he means well and that isn't his normal persona. He and my mother are very excited to have you and Amy in our lives again, and that means getting to know all of us, even your grandson and soon to be granddaughter," she said, smiling as she stood.

“I, thank you for your comforting words, Lauryn,” Vladimir responded, stroking the baby finding him to be such a delicate thing, making him wish Reginald was that little again. “I’m sure you’re father means well and please have him know that our disagreement was nothing to hang over.” Kissing then Michael’s head he passed him back to his mother. “You’re quite the loving mother Lauryn and I’m honoured in having you in our family. Seeing Reginald join him Vladimir embraced him. “You’ve grown quite into a young gentleman Reg; I wish only the best for you.”
“Thank you Father,” he smiled wrapping an arm around Lauryn. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally have you all in our lives. We can now be a real . . . normal family.”

Glancing at Amy and Syerren from the comment, seeing they possessed a look of sorrow that he’s yet to learn their secret, Vladimir sighed, then smiled, “Yes, everything you want Reginald, we’ll all help you achieve, as a family.”