Capítulo 329: Family
Two days later, Lucas and Jennifer ventured out for a shopping trip in New York. The bustling city, accustomed to celebrity sightings, provided a relatively normal backdrop for their outing. Most New Yorkers went about their business, barely giving the couple a second glance.
However, the relative calm was occasionally interrupted by excited fans - a mix of tourists and local admirers - who approached for autographs or photos. The ever-present paparazzi also hovered nearby, their cameras clicking incessantly.
Fortunately, Lucas's security team was on high alert. Simon and Jack, the veteran guards, were joined by new recruits Adrian and Michael. They formed a protective barrier around Lucas and Jennifer, expertly managing the excited crowd and overzealous photographers.
"Excuse us, coming through," Adrian said firmly but politely, guiding an enthusiastic fan away from the couple.
As they moved from store to store, Lucas and Jennifer tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, chatting and laughing as they picked out items.
"Do you think your mom would like this scarf?" Lucas asked, holding up a soft, patterned fabric.
Jennifer nodded, smiling. "She'd love it. And look at this for Dad," she said, pointing to a vintage record player.
Most of their purchases were gifts for Jennifer's parents, in preparation for their upcoming visit in two days.
As they left the last store, bags in hand, Jennifer leaned in close to Lucas. "Thanks for doing this," she said softly. "I know meeting the parents can be stressful, but I really appreciate the effort you're putting in."
Lucas smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm looking forward to it, honestly. Your family sounds great."
Jennifer chuckled at Lucas's comment, a mischievous glint in her eye. "They're great, but fair warning - we can be a bit... intense. My brothers might try to give you the third degree, and don't be surprised if my dad challenges you to a game of horseshoes. He takes it very seriously."
Lucas laughed, "I think I can handle that. Anything else I should know?"
"Well," Jennifer said, her tone playful, "Mom might try to feed you until you burst. And if anyone brings up politics, just nod and smile. Trust me, it's safer that way."
They both laughed as they climbed into the car, the security team ensuring their safe departure.
As they made their way back to the apartment, their conversation flowed easily.
"So, any family traditions I should be aware of?" Lucas asked.
Jennifer smiled, her eyes lighting up as she thought about her family. "We usually have big family dinners on Sundays when everyone's around.."
She paused, hanging up her coat. "Oh, and during the holidays, we always watch Christmas Vacation together. It's kind of a Lawrence family tradition. Don't be surprised if they quote the entire movie."
Jennifer chuckled, remembering something. "And fair warning, my brothers can be a bit protective. They might try to grill you, but it's all in good fun. Just be yourself and you'll be fine."
She flopped onto the couch, kicking off her shoes. "Really, though, they're excited to meet you. My parents have been asking about you for ages. Just be prepared for lots of questions about your movies from my dad."
Lucas sat beside her, taking in all the information. As Jennifer spoke about her family, he couldn't help but think about his own complicated family situation. The stark contrast between Jennifer's warm family life and his own strained relationships made him sigh deeply.
Jennifer, noticing his change in expression, realized she'd been rambling about family matters. She remembered Lucas's difficult relationship with his own family and felt a pang of guilt.
Hesitantly, she suggested, "Maybe... maybe we could try to visit your family too, after we see mine?"
Lucas shook his head firmly. "You know how bad things are with my family, Jen."
"I know, but... they're still your family," Jennifer said softly.
Lucas was silent for a moment before responding, his voice tinged with sadness and frustration. "It's complicated. I might have an okay relationship with some of my half-brothers, but my father, stepmother, and certain siblings? No. Just... no."
Jennifer sighed, reaching out to squeeze his hand. In her mind, she thought about how fortunate she was to have her own family. Growing up in Kentucky, she'd always taken for granted the strong bonds and support system she had. Hearing about Lucas's situation made her appreciate her family even more.
What Jennifer didn't know was that Lucas's feelings towards his current family were more complex than she realized.
Having transmigrated into this body, Lucas didn't have the deep-rooted emotional connections one would expect. However, over the past few months, he had begun inheriting the original Lucas Knight's memories, which complicated matters further.
As these memories settled in, Lucas found himself grappling with conflicting emotions. He discovered that he actually had good relationships with some of his half-brothers, particularly Melvin, and another one named Joey, who worked in Denmark.
The memories revealed their kindness and support for the original Lucas.
This realization made Lucas feel a twinge of guilt. He hadn't contacted these brothers in years, not out of malice, but simply because he hadn't known about their significance until recently. The full memories of the original Lucas Knight had only settled more clearly to him a few weeks ago.
***
Three days later, Lucas and Jennifer boarded a flight to Kentucky. Even in first class, they couldn't escape the curious glances from fellow passengers, most of whom seemed more interested in Lucas due to his recent rise in public prominence.
Ignoring the stares, they settled into their seats for the flight. Upon landing, they made their way through the airport, Jennifer's eyes scanning the crowd.
"There they are!" she exclaimed, pointing to a couple holding a sign that read "Welcome home, Jennifer (and Lucas)!"
As they approached, Jennifer's parents enveloped her in a warm embrace. After the family hug, they turned their attention to Lucas.
Jennifer's mother, Karen, stepped forward first, a warm smile on her face. "Lucas, it's so wonderful to finally meet you. We've heard so much about you."
Gary, Jennifer's father, extended his hand for a firm handshake. "Good to meet you, son."
Lucas smiled, feeling both nervous and welcomed. "It's great to meet you both. Thank you for having me."
As they made their way to the car, Lucas could feel the warmth and easy-going nature of Jennifer's family.
Jennifer, noticing Lucas's slightly overwhelmed expression, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
As they arrived at the Lawrence family home, Jennifer's parents continued to express their admiration for Lucas.
Jennifer chuckled, "Mom, Dad, you're acting like Lucas single-handedly saved Hollywood or something."
"Well, he did take on Weinstein," Gary remarked with a hint of pride.
As they entered the house, Jennifer was surprised to see her brothers, Ben and Blaine, lounging in the living room.
"What are you guys doing here?" she asked, a mix of surprise and joy in her voice.
Ben grinned, "Couldn't miss the family gathering, could we?"
Blaine added with a smirk, "Yeah, and we had to see if Lucas here lives up to all the hype."
The brothers approached, greeting Lucas with firm handshakes and light-hearted jabs.
"So, you're the guy who's stolen our little sister's heart," Ben said, his tone playful but with an underlying hint of protectiveness.
Blaine chimed in, "Hope you're ready for the Lawrence family interrogation."
Lucas, feeling slightly out of his element but appreciating the normalcy of it all, responded with a smile, "I'll do my best to pass the test."
The brothers grinned at Lucas's response. "We're just messing with you, man," Ben said, clapping Lucas on the shoulder.
"Yeah, don't worry. We'll save the real interrogation for later," Blaine added with a wink.
As the day progressed, Lucas gradually found himself easing into the Lawrence family dynamic, with Jennifer by his side, offering subtle support and guidance. The initial awkwardness began to fade as they shared stories, jokes, and a home-cooked meal.
***
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Lucas and Jennifer, their arrival in Kentucky hadn't gone unnoticed. The paparazzi, always on the lookout for celebrity news, had already caught wind of their visit.
Hours after Lucas's introduction to the Lawrence family, TMZ posted an article among their daily celebrity updates:
"Lucas Knight Meets the Parents.
Hollywood's hottest couple, Lucas Knight and Jennifer Lawrence, spotted in Kentucky. Sources say Knight is meeting the Lawrence family for the first time. Is this a sign things are getting serious? Details inside..."
The article was accompanied by a grainy, long-distance photo of Lucas and Jennifer entering the Lawrence family home, clearly taken without their knowledge or consent.
The article on TMZ featured a somewhat blurry but recognizable photo of Lucas and Jennifer with her parents at the airport's arrival's hall. Despite the distance from which it was taken, the image clearly showed the warm greeting between the Lawrence family and Lucas.
Within minutes of the article being posted on TMZ's website, Twitter, and Facebook, the online world erupted with reactions:
"OMG! Lucas Knight meeting J-Law's family? This is getting serious! 😍 #Lucifer"
On Facebook, a fan page dedicated to Jennifer Lawrence posted: "Our girl's bringing Lucas home! Who else thinks we'll be hearing wedding bells soon? 💍"
"From taking down Weinstein to meeting the in-laws. Lucas Knight's having quite a year! #PowerCouple"
Some fans expressed excitement:
"They're so cute together! I hope her family loves him as much as we do!"
While others were more skeptical:
"Am I the only one who thinks this is moving too fast? They've only been together for like a year, right?"
As the likes, shares, and comments continued to pour in, the news of Lucas's visit to the Lawrence family home quickly became one of the day's hottest celebrity topics.
The public's fascination with their relationship, combined with Lucas's recent rise to prominence, ensured that every detail of their visit would be scrutinized and discussed across social media platforms.
Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Lucas and Jennifer remained oblivious to the online frenzy, focused instead on enjoying their time with her family.
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