Speak To Me

(Alder)

I glanced over at Jolie nervously, feeling this panic rising the further we drove down the freeway.

And I swear, the closer we got to the airport..the tighter I gripped the steering wheel.

Surprisingly Jolie was taking this well. Like..too well. We haven't exactly talked about meeting my family yet..which of course would've happened eventually, but with all the crazy stuff going on lately..the conversation hasn't really come up.

She knows all about them though, don't get me wrong..but telling Jolie that my mom was flying in tomorrow..yeah, I was freaking the fuck out. Would this add pressure to her? Will it affect the baby somehow?! We aren't even past the six-week mark yet and I know she is at risk more now than anything..well, that's what the internet says at least.

"Maybe I should just have an Uber pick her up..she can stay at a hotel." I offered for the third time, making Jolie look at me dryly.

"Alder..we are not forcing your mother to stay in a hotel." She muttered, her hand coming out and resting on my thigh, calming me slightly.

"I know this is a big move..and I realize things are a little..backwards with us. But I bet once your mom sees us together, she will understand why we are together. Also, I think we should tell her about the baby. I know it's adding a lot of stress-" "Stress?! What stress? Are you feeling stressed?!" I panicked, glancing between her and the road anxiously as she let out a laugh.

"Alder, calm down..I'm not saying I'm stressed..I'm saying you are." She explained, making me let out a deep breath I must've been holding.

"I know..I'm sorry. I just don't want this to be too much for you. My mom is amazing, but she is also very protective.." I tried to put it lightly..but Jolie knew my mom heard Matteo's call. I thought my explaining things would've changed Mom's opinion..but it seems that it still plays a factor.

"And I'm guessing the impression I've left hasn't been very good." She whispered sadly, making me reach down and grip her hand.

"Jolie..that had nothing to do with you..and my mom will realize that the moment she meets you. She is just a little weary considering I haven't been calling her as much.." I mumbled the last part..realizing this was probably mostly my fault considering my lack of communication. "You haven't?" She asked curiously and I shook my head no.

"I just got preoccupied..I mean..how can I call my mom when I'm so busy getting lost in your eyes?" I added playfully, smiling at Jolie widely as she rolled those beautiful green eyes in response.

"Real smooth..better save some of that charm for your mom..I have a feeling you might need it." She added before bringing my hand up and kissing the back of it.

It wasn't too long until we were getting off of the exit and driving towards the arrivals at the JFK airport. Of course it was hectic like always but the moment my eyes landed on the huge ass guy standing on the sidewalk..my jaw drop.

Caspian..why the hell was Caspian here?! I could already tell he was super pissed off. The deep scowl on his face made him look even more intimidating than the tattoos that covered his arms and neck.

Yeah he was my little brother..but he wasn't so little anymore..fuck, he must be training for the upcoming season or something.

Then beside him was our mother..she wasn't as big but the look on her face scared me even more.

"Shit.."

"What? What's wrong?" Jolie asked worriedly.

"She brought one of my brothers..my little brother.." I grumbled, making Jolie look out towards the line of people before settling her gaze right on him. "Wow." She mumbled.

Wow? What the hell was that supposed to mean?

I looked over at her, seeing my future freaking shifting in her chair before brushing her hair back..the fact that she was trying to fix herself up made me frown..was she doing that for my brother?

"Do you think I look okay? I mean..you didn't tell me that your mom was this gorgeous..look at her! Oh god..is she wearing Oscar de le Renta?!" Jolie gasped, making me realize she was looking at my mom rather than my brother..which honestly made relief flood through me.

The last girl I liked freaking married my brother..so I won't lie..I was worried Jolie might see him and think he was attractive or something. Not like Caspian would ever notice, he only has eyes for Jo..and vice versa..that's why I never acted on my previous crush, and thank god for that. Because now I have found the woman I was always meant to be with.

"Listen..Caspian can be an asshole..so whatever he says, don't listen to him." I rushed out as we neared closer to where my family was standing.

"That's hard to believe..you're like the nicest guy ever..I bet he isn't that bad." Jolie tried to stay positive but she had no idea.

Yeah, Caspian is nice to his family..but other people..he is a complete prick. He better not be rude to Jolie or I'm going to kick his ass..usually I try to talk some reason into him, but in this case, there is no cool, calm, and collected Alder when it comes to my girl. Matteo can tell you that firsthand..

I could see the moment Caspian locked eyes on me..and there was no trace of a smile whatsoever. Then his gaze shifted to Jolie..and I saw just how pissed he was.

"Baby, just stay in the car for now okay? Let me talk with them first." I stated firmly, making Jolie frown.

"But I don't want to be rude.." She said, making me turn to look at her.

"You aren't..I am, and I will let them know I made you stay inside." I rushed, pulling the car to the side before putting it in park and kissing Jolie swiftly before jumping out.

I could see my mom staring into the passenger seat curiously as Caspian just kept his dark gaze on me.

"Well, if I would've known you were bringing Cas, I would've brought a bigger car. Damn little brother, you bulked up." I tried to come off lighthearted and friendly, but I think everyone could feel the tension..

"I wouldn't have had to come if you just would've picked up your damn phone and communicated with us." Caspian spat, annoyance clear in his voice as I stared at Mom.

"Hi, sweetie..don't mind him. He is just grumpy because Johnnie had to work on an English paper and couldn't come with us. I told him he didn't even have to come either but he insisted.." My mom explained, side-eyeing Caspian as he just glared at me. Wow..was he seriously that pissed off at me?

I reached down, hugging my mom tightly as she didn't seem to want to let go at first..and that's when the first wave of guilt hit.

"I've missed you Alder." My mom choked out, practically shattering my heart into a million pieces as I felt like a real asshole. "I've missed you too Mom." I whispered.

"You sure have a great way of showing it." Caspian spat before bending down and picking up their suitcases. I watched as he stomped his way to the back of the car before frowning. "What's his problem?"

Caspian has always been moody..so it's something I grew used to..but he hasn't been this way in a long time. Not since marrying Johnnie..things got better..so why was he mad now?

"He misses you too Alder..we all do. Ben almost came as well but he didn't want to leave Robin alone considering the twins.." My mom explained..and I know she isn't telling me this to cause some type of guilt trip..she is saying it because it's true. I haven't been a very good son or brother for that matter..fuck..this is going to be bad..

"Well, I'm guessing that's the girl?" Mom added, peering around me as she looked towards the passenger seat of the car.

"Yes, that's Jolie, I told her to stay in the car because of Cas's death glare." I mumbled, making my mom laugh.

"I guess I can't blame you..well, she sure is pretty. Let's just hope her intentions are what yoy think they are.." She added, making me frown.

"Mom..I already told you-"

"I know Alder, but I have to see for myself. This is already pretty serious if you are throwing the marriage word around and as your mother..I just want to make sure you are truly happy..when you are a parent, you will understand." Mom added, patting my chest softly before turning and heading for the car.

Yeah..when I'm a parent..that's about to be a lot sooner than you think Mom.