2 years prior to start of apocalypse

"You'll be okay, Seb! My parents will love you. I've already brought you up multiple times when I've gone home before and in phone calls!" she said reassuringly to her boyfriend, Sebastian. They had started dating three months ago, and this was his first time meeting her parents.

"What if I do something that will cause them to hate me?" she scoffed, sending a brief disbelieving look his way before returning her eyes onto the road.

"My dad is a big jokester; he'll pick on you, but don't take it to heart. My mom's a softie. She's just glad I'm actually bringing someone home! Not to mention we are running late, and almost everyone will be there for the turkey by now anyways."

"Everyone?" he asked in a nervous tone. She laughed, tossing her head back a bit.

"Yeah, three aunts, three uncles, Grandma and Grandpa, probably the two little squirts my cousin birthed and her boyfriend. Her mom and husband. My other cousin with her boyfriend and 10-year-old daughter. So, don't worry! You won't be the only boyfriend," she reassured, sending Sebastian a smile.

"If I wasn't for me driving, I'd kiss you on that adorably blushing cheek," she teased her boyfriend. He grumbled angerily under his breath folding his arms over his chest.

"Shut up and focus on the road," he whined, embarrassed. She laughed again before pulling onto her old street. She pointed to a white house on the right side. The driveway had two cars that weren't her parents parked on it. In the street, there were another three cars.

"That's my parents' house. You'd be wise to remember that so you can drive next time." She pulled in behind her aunt's ruby red Buick and put the car in park. She stuck her tongue out at her boyfriend before turning the car off, unbuckling, and getting out of the car. She rounded the car after shutting her door, and laced her fingers into her boyfriend's. She bumped his shoulder lightly.

"You'll do fine!" They trekked up the driveway. She rang the doorbell before opening the door and slipping in.

"Hello!" she called out. She heard her mom squeal from across the house before she came shuffling down the hall.

"Honey! And this must be Sebastian! Hello, dear! Welcome! Welcome! Come on, dinner is starting! I'm so glad you two could make it!" Linda jabbered on, hugging both of them quickly before beckoning them towards the kitchen. She gave her boyfriend a knowing look before tugging him forward.

In the kitchen there was a line of people dishing up various Thanksgiving dishes. She dropped his hand, moving into line to grab a paper plate. He stuck to her side, as if he'd be thought a trespasser by others if he didn't. They dished up, him answering interrogative questions like a champ. His girlfriend deflected uncalled for questions with hard stares and a reprimanding 'hey'.

"So, what are you going to college to be?" her father asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm currently majoring in Programming so I can program computers later on." Her dad nodded his head absently, taking another bite of his ham sandwich.

The night progressed on. At one point, the entire family was crammed into the living room to watch the traditional football game before slowly leaving one by one. In the end, it was was just her and Sebastian with her parents (along with her grandparents who were spending the night before going back home in the morning). This was when her dad and mom gave him a stern talking. They questioned various things about Sebastian's life, and he slowly began to relax around their company. He even managed to crack a few jokes at them.

"We should probably head home. I have work in the morning." She nudged her boyfriend who was in an intense conversation with her father about blues music. Sebastian sent her a pouty look before standing up.

"It was nice meeting you, sir." He shook her father's hand, a genuine smile on his face.

"And it was nice meeting you too, Sebastian," her father replied. Her mom and dad walked them to the front door. She could tell her parents would have an opinion about her choice in boyfriend, and she told Sebastian to go wait in the car for her. When he made it all the way down the driveway, and was opening the car door, did she turn around back to her parents.

"Well?" she asked nervously. Her parents shared a knowing look.

"I don't know about you, but I like him," Linda stated, looking back at her daughter with a happy grin. She returned it, glad to see one parent on board. The attention turned towards her father as he cleared his throat.

"I don't." She felt her heart still in panic. Then a few seconds later, she narrowed her eyes at her dad.

"You like him," she accused, seeing the mischief dance in his eyes. He laughed heartily.

"I do. I do. You chose well. Bring him down for Christmas or the next time you can come down." She nodded, a grin breaking out. She hugged both her parents before turning around. She waved good-bye to them as she rounded around the corner of the driveway to the sidewalk. She sat down in the car, and started the ignition.

"You did well!" she exclaimed to her boyfriend as she buckled up. Out of habit, she glanced over to make sure he had his seatbelt on before she shifted into drive. She slowly pulled away from her childhood home.

"That's because I'm just one hell of a boyfriend," he responded, throwing her a wink. She laughed, reaching over to hold his warm hand.

"I hate you so much."

"Someone doesn't understand my humor."

"Shut up. It was still great."

"I love you too."