Chimer Boyfriend: Eli (special preview)

Before I went to school, before I ever made friends with Max or even Urata, all I had was my mom. Along with Hephaestus, I owe her my life and the way I am able to live it today. I haven’t seen her in a long while, and even if we talk all the time, I miss her a lot. I miss her hugs, her cooking, I miss reading with her. But luckily, with spring break coming, I’ll be able to go see her and spend time with her again. Now that there is Max though, she’s invited him along as well.

“You have to behave!” I fuss at Spite.

Spite’s eyes narrow as he looks over the rim of the coffee mug. “Why am I the only one receiving this warning?”

I glare at him. “Why are you even asking that? You know why!”

Max puts his hand over the coffee mug Spite is lounging in. “You sure you want us to come?” He asks. “I don’t mind missing out.”

I look dreamily at Max and smile. If it were possible, I could almost picture fuzzy hearts floating all around him. “I’m not worried about you, I really want you to meet my mom. I just don’t want the candy cane nightmare to pull his stunts.”

Spite pushes against max’s palm and finally lifts it up. “If she had to raise you I’m sure she’s seen it all. Why worry about me?”

I frown at him. “What sort of kid do you think I was?”

Spite lowered Max’s hand back over the coffee mug and closed him inside. “I don’t like the way he’s looking at me Max,” he whispers from inside.

I scoff and shake my head. “I didn’t use to be like this you know? I used to be a very scared, very timid kid.”

“Seeing you now, that’s so hard to imagine,” Max murmurs.

I nod, idly stirring my tea. “Yea, after I was rescued from Dr. Aesop’s lab I wasn’t exactly the bubbly ball of sunshine. It’s thanks to my mom I’m even here.”

Max’s soft smile grows and I love the way the stubble on his chin looks. “Then I’m even more excited to meet her.”

“I am curious to see what raised you,” Spite says, peeking out from the mug.

“My mom is amazing, I’m sure even you will like her too,” I smirk at Spite.

Spite scoffs back at me. “I am loveable as fuck. I am like one of those weird cats online people won’t shut up about. I am charismatic and unique, the ultimate pa-” Max closes him back into the mug.

“You sure you want him around?” He sighs.

I lean over the table, giving max a big, sweet smooch. “Despite who Spite is, I really want my mom to meet you, all of you. That includes Spite. I actually think he’ll like her and behave.” I kiss him again, if only to see the color in his cheeks blossom. Even after all his hard work, his success in being a hero, and even living with me, he still blushes and acts awkward. I love that about him.

Max’s eyes brighten as he looks at me. “I can only make promises about his behavior, not guarantees. So if your mom gets upset with us, I’ll make sure to go ahead and prepare a card.”

I sit back and gaze dreamily at him. “You won’t need it. I know my mom will adore you just as much as I do.”

We pack up and rent a car to take to her place. The drive is beautiful as we wind into the countryside. The trees outnumber the people, and their shade makes the air feel more crisp and cool. I remember being scared of leaving the trees when I was going to the Hephaestus Academy. They felt like my guardians, and leaving them meant so much more than leaving home for the first time.

Mom’s house was down a narrow gravel road that winded for a bit before opening up to our house. The place hadn’t changed at all since I was a kid, although the yard was much neater. Max gazes out the window with a surprised look upon his face.

“This ain’t no three bears house,” Spite giggles.