A meeting JD's Parents

JP with Redsword and Cindy

With the plan in hand, Rose and JD made their way to his house. The blonde girl was incredibly nervous. What little she had seen of JD's parents they had always been nice to her but she hadn't really spent much time with them.

That internal voice that still sometimes cropped up, telling Rose she would mess something up, or make some error in etiquette was making itself known. Making her incredibly quiet on the ride over.

The jeep pulled it into the driveway and the engine turned off. She looked at JD, kissed him, and took a breath. It was time to go to the house.

JD got out of the Jeep and helped Rose out. JD told her Jeans and a nice blouse would be good for dinner. he hold her hand as much as he could for the drive and now as well as they walked into the house the large wooden door opened the hallway that lead to the kitchen and had music coming from it. "Mother, Dad We are here," said JD in a loud voice that echoed slightly.

JD's mom popped around the corner in the kitchen. "Hello, come in. Rose, good to see you I was wondering when Jonny would bring you over." She said wiping her hands on a towel. as JD walked with Rose to the kitchen his mom walk up and hugged JD. She turned to Rose and looked for permission before she hugged Rose.

Jeans and a nice soft blue blouse was what the girl had worn, per the advice given. Now, she was standing in the hallway with JD announcing their arrival.

A greeting smile crossed her lips as she said hello to JDs mom. "Hello, Mrs. Davenport." Unless JD told her otherwise, Rose would always start with the more formal greetings

Despite being around Sam's family and others, and Rose knowing it was really the way things were supposed to be, parents hugging their children still threw her off. She tried to navigate in her mind whether to accept one or not. It was a quick navigation before the girl allowed the hug.

JD's mom hugged Rose and whispered in her ear "It is ok I know not formal but I like hugs" She stepped back and looked over at Rose like any mother checking out the girl there some brought home. "Jonny you picked a beautiful girlfriend. The dining room is this way," Mrs. Davenport commented showing the way.

The dining room was set perfectly. Mrs. Davenport knew how to from her upbringing it would probably give Rose flashbacks of her dinner table back home. the only change was the food was already on the table. there was a Russian Salad, very much a spin salad. Paella with Chorizo as a main dish, Pan con tomate, and Croquetas filled with meat and cheese. all the food smelled so good.

JD knew where Rose was going to side and pulled out the chair for her. His parents sat as well with the father at the head mother on one side and the mother on the other and JD next to Rose. there was a wine bottle and a water pitcher. Rose gets asked it she is allowed Wine if not what would she like.

Rose smiled at JD's mom's comment and compliment. Thanking his mom for both.

Rose had core memories, practically, of tables set up like this. In her home, growing up, every meal. And her strict British nanny made sure the right fork was used, and the correct manners adhered to. It was just a flash, but still. "Everything looks amazing," Rose's voice was pleasant.

She thanked JD for pulling out her chair and taking a seat. As for the wine, the girl was grateful JD had told her that it was fine to accept. It was a common practice in her home and among the rich and in Europe but many parents didn't want teens to even have a sip. "Yes, I am allowed and would like some, thank you."

Mr. Danvenport got up and poured some for Rose and JD the wife finishing with himself last. He sat and reached out with both hands and held them in the air his wife took one JD took hers She would probably know they were about to pray.

After he gave a blessing and for Rose for coming and the food the Daveinports said "Amen". The mom and dad started to serve the food. Mrs. Davenport smiled at Rose "if you want more you can serve yourself after this no need to ask. and if you don't you will go hungry." She commented. it was quiet as the food was tasted compliments were given to Mrs. Davenport. Then the Intaragation started. Mrs. Davenported started "Rose tell us about yourself. the normal stuff where you grew up, what you are studying in school." she tapered off to let Rose answer.

Rose wasn’t used to the grace being said at the table but did know what to do.

The food was really good, Rose didn't eat this kind of food often but did like it. While the girl might have grown up with servants and her last school had waiters, she had certainly been to homes like this one and was alright with serving herself. Of course, using still appropriate manners when doing so.

Then came the questions, while Rose was an introvert by nature she had learned early how to converse in this manner and shove the introvertness aside enough. "I grew up in Hempstead, Long Island." That was the rich part of Long Island and most people had heard of it but she would elaborate as asked. "I too was sent to a boarding school in Vermont when I was eight." She didn't pause long before answering the second question. "I'm studying Studio Art but I'm also taking Italian Literature which I'm enjoying a lot. Also, English Literature, Advanced World History, Geometry, Chemistry and I'm on the gymnastics team." Rose answered she had really never been asked that before by parents.

Then came the questions about future plans, to which Rose responded, "In college want to double major in fine arts and business with a minor in art history. I want to eventually own an Art Gallery." Her life had revolved around art and that world for years, she knew it well and her the tone of her voice clearly reflected her love of it.

Mrs. Davenport smiled at her answer. "I was brought up in Spain this wine is from my family vineyard." Then she switched to Italian "we have vineyards in Italy as well Jonny has uncles and aunts in Italy". Mrs. Davenport was very good at speaking Italian.

Mr. Davenport smiled "You and Jonny always show off." Commented Mr. Davenport.

Mrs. Davenport Looked at her husband and gave a sarcastic smile. "I know Rose speaks Italia. JD has mentioned it. So Honey..." Mrs. Davenport stopped there. "well this evening is about Rose. I like Rose, she gave a good answer." She commented. Mr. Davenport looked like he was ok with Rose but still holding back.

Still eating Mr. Davenport looked at Rose "I have to ask does your parents know JD would come to the party." he asked.

Rose smiled as JD's mom switched to Italian. She could likely talk all day about Italy but knew there were other matters at the moment. The girl liked JDs mom and was glad it was reciprocated.

As for his Dad, Rose didn't know what to think. She barely had a relationship with her own father and judging them was just harder for her..

"Yes, they know," Rose responded honestly. Not sure if she should say anything else, but opted to wait until the next question was asked.

Mr. Davenport took a sip of his wine and sat back it looked like he could see right into her soul as he stared into her eyes. it would be an unsettling feeling for anyone. JD gave an unapproving look at his dad, and Mrs. Davenport put her hand on his. He looked at his wife's hand but did not brake his gaze. "Is there more to that, Rose?" after the question he looked at JD "Is there?" He took another sip of his wine.

JD knew his dad was good at reading people and even interrogations. His use of them on Rose angered JD to no end when JD was about to stand and challenge his dad. Mrs. Davenport spoke loudly "Jonathan! "and seemed to break the tension in the air. "Not here and not now," she said with disappointment in her voice. Mr. Daveninport and JD both said at the same time "Yes ma'am" There was silence then both JD and Mr. Daveninport chuckled. Mr. Daveninport smiled at Rose sitting more properly now. "Now you know who really runs this house," he said jokingly.

In that moment of tension, Rose didn't know what to do. JD's dad was more unnerving than the girl ever thought he would be.

Gratefully, Mrs. Davenport broke the tension quickly. Rose felt like she had been holding her breath. A joke from JDs dad and Rose softly smiled. The whole exchange had been strange to her and the blonde girl really didn't know what to say or do next.

Everything resumed to normal at the table JD placed his hand on Rose trying to comfort her.
Mr. Davernport sighed quietly he gave a small smile. "Rose, it's nothing to do with you directly. I know from what we have seen you are a wonderful person and JD likes you. It is just sudden for us for you to invite him to your home. In normal circumstances, this would not be a problem for most people because they live in the same city or town. Most of the time the parents have met. So with this, we should be coordinating with them directly. I am sure some probably do that for them. Mrs. Davenport did tell me that. Do you think I am right so far?" Mr. Davernport asked Rose.

Rose did not mention the flaw in Mr. Davenport's logic. Boarding schools were full of students whose parents never met each other, and who did not live anywhere near each other. Yet, invitations, like this were not that uncommon at all. Maybe, that was why the girl did not think it would be such a big deal. Or maybe it was more that what Mr. Davenport said just reiterated how different Rose's life was.

"Yes. It makes sense." At this point, she wasn't sure what to say. "My parents are usually not available to coordinate such things. The house manager, Edward, is my guardian when they are not available. He has been with my family since before I was born and is like an uncle to me." She was trying her best to explain the situation without coming right out and saying her parents just couldn't be bothered with being available, even for something like this.

Mr. Davenport thought and took a few bites of food chewing them each. Taking the wine glass and siping it. Mrs. Davenport smiled at Rose. "You are correct Rose, This is their first boarding school experience and different from private schools or public schools. and the military which can be an even closer community," she explained. She paused and looked at JD's dad. The thing that parents can do without speaking a word.

"I went to a school in Switzerland Surval Montreux one in Spain and Italy. Yes, all boarding schools. Even in college, I stayed in the dorms. So yes I understand and have forgotten Rose. Further explaining her view and experience.

Mr. Davenport looked at JD "Son you do know how to.... JD I am sure you have a plan now would you and Rose like to tell us that plan?" asked his dad.

Rose hadn't expected Mrs. Davenport to say she had gone to boarding school but wasn't that surprised by it either. Boarding school was just a different experience than a regular high school, from what Rose understood.

Mr. Davenport mentioned the plan and Rose looked at JD to see if he wanted to start, she could fill in as needed.

"We have Father," JD took out the folded paper and handed it to his dad. That's the plan for each day and the people you can call to check up on I and Rose. We will be supervised the whole time" explained JD. His dad looked it over then handed it to JD's mother.

"That was a good itinerary now I know who to hire this summer to work in the office," Mr. Davenport said with a grin. Mrs. Davenport also smiled "Good job you too. I appreciate all the hard work" Mrs. Davenport said. "let us check this itinerary out. Rose, is it ok if we call the people on the list here to verify their phone numbers?" asked Mrs. Davenport.

The acknowledgment of the good job the two did, made Rose smile slightly. The list of people wasn't overly long. There was Edward, the pilot and attendant for the flight, the two drivers, and maybe one or two others. To contact them, Rose replied. "Yes, you can call all of them."

Mr. Davenport gave a nod to Rose. "I will look into this. Is anyone on this list coordinating all this or overall in charge? like a mane person to contact?" asked Mr. Davenport.

Mrs. Davenport looked at the list "Jonathan, it would be Edward, I believe. I am Right Rose? He is the head butler head of the house staff?" she asked.

"Yes, it would be Edward, and he is in charge of the staff," Rose responded. Edward had just always been there as needed.

Mr. Davenport took a sip of wine "I only need to call him then." He said. "Rise is there anything you want to know about us? this is the perfect time to be asking questions, especially embracing ones about Jonny."

While Rose knew JD's parents called him Jonny, every time they said it, it threw her just a bit. "JD has already told me quite a bit but," She turned to JD's mom. "It seems you grew up similarly to the way I'm being raised. Did you always live in Europe, during that time?" Most people, even wealthy ones, didn't have the same experiences Rose did. The way Mrs. Davenport spoke, it was like she might have some understanding.

Mrs. Davenport wondered when that question would come up she spoke in Italian. "My name is Elizabeth Helena Ramiro Davenport from Haro Spain. There we own a large winery and other crops and cows in the last few years we have started a hotel Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm Spain Haro and started to rebuild the family castle. Yes we come from Nobility one of the old royal linds we have had that land sens I think the 1100s or 1200s. We still own the whole valley there. How do Americans put it? Old money? I am not sure if you put it all together it adds up to your family but it is a lot. We also have some land in Italy. with wineries there too. the wine is sold all over the world." She explained. Yes, I had nannies, boarding schools, and all that stuff. we had all the comforts you could imagine." She finished sounding proud of her heritage.

Rose responded in Italian, as easily as Mrs. Davenport spoke it. "Yes, that's different but similar. My family is from money that old as well but from England." So, it wasn't exactly the same but it did give them a connection.

It was so easy to fall into speaking Italian but Rose tried to mind her manners and switched back to English. "Mr. Davenport, how long were you in the military?" She had not spent much if anytime around military people and that way of life seemed quite foreign to her but Rose also had a feeling she couldn't ask a lot about the man's time in the service.

Mr. Davenport thought "25 years retired as a Special Warfare Operator rank of Command Master Chief, E9. It is the max rank you can be enlisted. Or short I was a Navy SEAL in charge of special operations pacific ocean region was my last assignment." Mr. Davenport explained.

Rose nodded at that response. She wasn't sure what else to ask and was concerned about overstepping. The girl hadn't finished the one glass of wine she was given earlier, so she sipped it while thinking. "It sounds like you both have traveled a great deal." There that gave both of JD's parents a chance to respond or not as they each chose.

The evening went on talking about their travels and places where they have lived. after dinner, JD's parents took Rose to see pitchers of where they had been and a tour of the house. By the look of things, you would think they had a lot of money. but after looking at the name brands of stuff it was just above average most of the time. It was not long before JD and Rose had to get back to the dorms.