Jay had been trying to move on, focusing on his own interests and making new friends. He was starting to feel happier, more confident, and less heartbroken. He still thought about Erin often, but the pain wasn't as sharp anymore. He was starting to accept that they were just friends, and that was okay.
One afternoon, while hanging out with his new friend, Liam, Jay received a text from Erin.
"Hey Jay, want to come over to my place this weekend? My parents are throwing a barbecue and I thought you could come."
Jay's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't been to Erin's house before, and the thought of meeting his parents made him nervous. He knew it was just a friendly invitation, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of hope. Maybe this was a chance to see Erin in a different light, to see if there was still something there between them.
He quickly texted back, "Sure, I'd love to come!"
The weekend arrived, and Jay found himself standing on Erin's porch, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.
The door opened, and a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile stood before him. "Hi, you must be Jay," she said. "Erin's been talking about you. Come on in!"
Erin's mom, Mrs. Miller, was even more welcoming than Jay had imagined. She introduced him to Erin's dad, Mr. Miller, a tall, jovial man with a booming laugh. They were both incredibly friendly and made Jay feel instantly at ease.
The backyard was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and sizzling burgers. Jay was introduced to Erin's extended family, all of whom were warm and welcoming. He felt a sense of belonging, even though he was still an outsider.
Erin was busy helping his parents with the barbecue, but he made sure to spend some time with Jay, introducing him to his friends and showing him around the neighborhood. Jay noticed that Erin seemed happy and relaxed, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. He realized that he was still in love with Erin, even though their relationship was just a friendship.
- Scene: Erin's backyard barbecue.
- Characters: Jay, Erin, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Miller.
(Jay arrives at Erin's house.)
Mrs. Miller: Hi, you must be Jay. Erin's been talking about you. Come on in!
(Jay meets Erin's parents.)
Mrs. Miller: (to Jay) It's so nice to finally meet you!
Mr. Miller: (to Jay) Erin's told us all about you!
(Jay joins the barbecue.)
Erin: (to Jay) I'm glad you could make it!
Jay: (to Erin) It's great to be here!
(Jay spends time with Erin and his family.)