Imagine by Christiane Shoenhair, Liam McEvilly

me? 
    “Mother let the girl go! She is not here for hugs! We are here simply for some food and to introduce her to you and Dad.” He tells her while he is pul ling me away from her and further into the house by my arm. I just give her a smile as he guides me towards a large wooden table with benches on both sides.
    I was too preoccupied with meeting Keagan’s Mom to really notice my surroundings , but now they have my full attention. She has definitely made this her home; instead of the dirt covered floor that is in the other house, this one is covered in beautiful, homemade rugs. The walls are covered with simple sketches and carvings; the fireplace is pretty big too. It is surrounded by a sitting area, soft pillows cover the floor. The entire house is set out to ensure that every space is used in some way, and I have to say I like every inch of it.
    The front door opens and in walks Keagan’s father, he looks just like his son.
    “Marcus, hello honey! I’m so glad you made it home. Dinner is almost ready”
    “Hey, Helen” He replies
    “Keagan brought his charge, Trish, over for dinner” Keagan’s mother tells her husband as he walks over to her and with a smile gives her a soft kiss on the lips and then puts his arm around her waist.
    “Son , you made it back okay. We have missed you so!” He leaves his wife’s side and embraces Keagan with a big slap on the back, like only a Dad can. He takes a look over at me and adds.
    “So you’re Trish, It’s nice to m eet you. In all honesty, we were expecting to meet you under different circumstances.” He says as he extends his hand to me.
    I shake his hand and begin to wonder about this place I have found m yself in. This place has me completely baffled, one minute I see a man hitting a woman’s hands with a stick, Keagan washed my mouth out with soap for being sarcastic with him once, and now I have witnessed such affection from all three members of one family. I definitely have a lot to learn, a lot to figure out.
    We go over to the table and Helen serves a delicious stew, which has big chunks of meat and vegetables in it. Throughout dinner Keagan’s parents are keeping up a lively conversation with us, mostly about embarrassing moments from Keagan’s childhood. It really feels a lot like I am meeting a new boyfriend’s parents for the first time.
    They tell me about the time that Keagan climbed into an apple tree to rescue a kitten only to end up needing re scuing himself and the time he lost his shoes in a muddy puddle. The night is filled with laughter and lots of smiles, even though Keagan keeps quiet. I catch occasional glimpses of a smile from him; I realize how much he really loves his family.
    I can’t help but like these people. I know that they are part of this society but I realize that these people truly have e mbraced the lifestyle as a family. I cannot dislike them for that. The only thing I do have a hard time with is the fact that they do not seem to have any issues with tearing teenage girls away from their normal lives and thrusting them into the dark ages. I make sure not to show this and just politely enjoy the food and company. It is, after all, my first time meeting them.
    By the time we leave it is already late . The moon and twinkling stars fill the night sky. Keagan walks back to the house with me and, to my surprise, follows me as I walk through the door.
    “I’m so tired. I was planning on going to bed now .” I tell him.
    “I know. I’m the same, it’s been such a long day.” he replies.
    “ But where are you going to sleep?” I don’t move an inch. Nervousness overcomes me at the thought of him sleeping in the same cabin.
    “I am planning on sleeping right there in that bed, right next to you.” He has stopped moving and now we are facing each other.
    Goosebumps break out all over my skin; there were so many nights when I would lie awake in my bed, wishing that Keagan were there with me, holding me.
    “I’m not