“Would you like to see the rest of the place? I’d be happy to give you a full tour.” Ashley flashed my mother her best pearly white smile – the same bright smile that always threw my stomach in loops.

“That would be great. Spencer, Arthur, you guys coming?” My mom asked after her and Ashley got halfway up the stairs.

I went to speak, but was interrupted by my dad.

“Actually I would like to speak with Spencer first if that’s alright. You two go ahead, we’ll catch up later.”

My mom nodded and excitedly continued up to the top floor with Ashley.

“What’s up pops?” I looked at my dad questioningly.

“Look Spence, I already talked to Glen and I know about you and Ashley.” My dad’s casual tone had me shifting nervously at first, but then a huge smile tugged at his lips, which then had me smiling all stupidly.

“Yes dad, it’s true.” I released the breath I had been holding in attempt to calm my excitement. “Ashley’s my girlfriend. We fell in love and now we’re living together.”

My dad opened his arms and I rushed over to hug him.

“Congratulations Spence, that’s great.” He said placing a kiss on my head. “She seems like a really great girl.”

“She is.” I told him, trying my best to not want to just scream from my happiness.

My dad and I conversed about Ashley’s and my relationship until my mom and Ashley had finally finished a tour of the entire condo.

“Absolutely beautiful, girls.” My mom said, putting an arm around my shoulder. “There’s only one problem though.”

Ashley and I both looked at each other questioningly, wondering what the hell my mom could possibly have to say.

“That bedroom of yours Spencer. It’s so… plain. I know I raised you better than that. I mean, come on there’s not one hint of life in that whole entire room. First of all white walls, single bed, uh boring and then there’s Ashley’s room, so well decorated.”

“Oh that’s not my room, I sleep with A-”

“What she means is that it’s not finished yet.” Ashley chimed in, rescuing me from a potential disaster moment. “You know what Paula, she probably could use some help decorating her room, huh Spence?” She gave me a look.

“Yes, that would be great.” I choked out.

“Aw of course honey.” My mom squeezed my shoulder and I forced out a smile.

“Well, I gotta go to work. I unfortunately have patrolling duty tonight.” Ashley grabbed her belt and jacket off the kitchen table. “Mr. and Mrs. Carlin, it was great to meet the both of you and I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of you.”Ashley gave both my mom and dad a hug then gave me a quick wink before heading out the door.

I blew my girlfriend a kiss behind my mom’s back and she pretended to catch it and tuck it in her pocket then shut the door behind her.

“Well it’s getting late and we better get heading out too.” My mom said placing a kiss on my cheek, followed by my dad.

“Oh and Spencer, before I forget, the family camping trip at the beach is next weekend.”

“Right, thanks for reminding me.” I said attempting to hide my un-excitement.

Don’t get me wrong, I love camping, but camping with the Carlin family is just a load of unwanted stress that I don’t need. First of all Clay hates camping and just sits in a chair and reads the whole time, so he’s no fun – Glen can be an ass, even though his wife tries her best to keep his assness to a minimum,  and my parents are just trying their best to keep the tradition alive when we all know it’s pointless.

“You know what Spence, why don’t you bring Ashley along this year?” My mom said and my eyes widened in realization at what she just suggested.

“Um, okay, I’ll ask her.”

“Okay great. I’ll call you later and we can work out all the details. Bye dear.”

My mom and dad left me in the empty condo. My mind was racing at the idea of bringing my girlfriend camping for a weekend with my dysfunctional family. Should she have to brave through the torture, do I even dare ask her?