Generations of Hobbits

One night a group of us were having a movie-fest. There in the last seat on the couch was "Brandon." One of the shyest guys that I have ever met. We had met several times before but this was the first time that we actually talked. So, I sat next to him. He leaned over and asked me out. I was a bit surprised but said yes anyways. With my 'yes', he text me the rest of the night to finalized our plans and directions. Remember, that he was still sitting next to me.

The Hobbit is quaint little restaurant in Orange. I am just glad that I came hungry that night. This restaurant is known for their seven course meals. When I got there I was expecting to see a group of friends that I knew for a fun-filled evening. Sadly, this was not the case. Brandon, waved me over to this small unknown group and then he introduce to his mom, his dad and both sets of grandparents!

The conversation was a bit strained at first and then it just straight to Mount Doom in the land of Mordor from there. Each grandparent seemed to have questions and were waiting to for my attention. I was cornered in the cellar while having hors d'oeuvres by Grandmother 'Mae', "So tell me dear, did you go to the University?" Oh, good an easy question. We then had a whole discussion on the woman's movement that she was a part of help me be a student.

After a graceful breakaway, I become trapped by Grandfather 'Robert', "Brandon, tells me that you are a very busy little lady. Why is that?" Okay, still a fairly easy question. "Well, it keeps me out of trouble." If you know me, that statement is true, but apparently the wrong thing to say to 'Robert'. He cleared his throat and then walked over to 'Mae'.

The hors d'oeuvres were over and on to the main course. Just up stairs while waiting for our tables, the other grandparents, 'Bill and Diane' tag-teamed me. "So how close are you and Brandon to getting married?" Bold, very bold. After a few seconds of eternity, I simply answered that this was our first date. Thinking that answer would appease the masses. Boy, was I dead wrong. "That means nothing. I asked Diane to marry me on our first date."

Okay, there is an exit to my right, one just behind the grandparents and I'll bet you there's one in the kitchen. I could make a break for it. Brandon, finally seeing me with his grandparents came to my rescue.

Dinner was excellent. I must admit that this was some of the best food that I had ever had.

As dessert was coming out, the parents, 'Daniel and Lily', now had a moment for their questions, "So, what do you think of our son?" Tell me, how does one really answer this question when there are three generations sitting at the table. I simply smile, took a deep breath and said something along the lines that he was a very sweet boy.

The evening had come to an end and as we walked out, Brandon said "Wow, you are the first girl that made it through the whole date with my family." Turning to look at him with biggest eyes ever, "What do you mean the first girl?" He then explained that he brought every girl that he asked out on a first date to the Hobbit. He needed to see if the girl would be the right fit for his family.

Needless to say, I thank them all for a lovely evening and headed home.

"There is NO one ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!"