Engaged & Underage › Ep. 210

Michelle was 15 when she stopped at a fast food joint for fries and a shake and thought 17-year-old Ben, who worked behind the counter, was the hottest thing on the menu. A hot-headed Italian princess from a big, wealthy family, Michelle always went after what she wanted -- and she wanted Ben. An only child of slightly lesser means, Ben quickly fell head over heels for the aggressive Michelle. Now, nearly 5 years later, they're psyched to be Engaged and Underage. If only their families were as happy about the upcoming wedding?

When Ben is invited over for a family dinner at Michelle's house one week before the wedding, he's grilled in front of everyone by her hardheaded dad. Michelle's father wants to know what "Burger" Ben's goals are and whether he can really commit to being there for Michelle in the long-term. As Ben sweats it out, it hits him that, despite the wedding being around the corner, her family still isn't convinced they're ready to get married.

Meanwhile, Ben's got his own family to deal with. His mother isn't exactly fond of Michelle's loud, aggressive ways and feels that Michelle is stealing Ben away from her. But Ben explains that Michelle's personality is why he loves her, and nothing will change his mind. Opposites attract!

Later, Michelle has a mini-meltdown about Ben's mother, saying she's well aware his mom doesn't like her. She demands that Ben talk to his mother and fix the situation before the wedding. Michelle wants Ben's mom to respect her, communicate with her and accept her as a daughter-in-law. But Ben really doesn't think it's his place to step in.

At a Fourth of July beach party, things really heat up. Just a few days before the wedding, Michelle makes one last attempt to make peace with Ben's disapproving mom but it's no use. Frustrated and at her wits' end, Michelle storms off just as Ben arrives. They step outside together, only to find both their parents having a tense conversation about them. Michelle thinks maybe a boat ride will calm things down but it's just the beginning of a complete breakdown.

When Michelle complains to Ben about how poorly her talk with his mom went, his frustration reaches a boiling point and his "excuses" put Michelle over the top. A raging fight ensues, which all of the guests at the party witness. Seeing Michelle so hurt and angry, her father questions whether this marriage should even happen. He prods Ben to do the right thing -- apologize and promise to work things out.

After the party, Michelle, who is still upset about what happened on the beach, has lunch with her mother. Michelle's mom wonders if Michelle hides her pain behind her icy exterior due to a family tragedy -- her autistic brother Joey died when he was just 10 years old. Michelle's mom suggests that the bride-to-be tells Ben's mother everything she's been through in her life in hopes of breaking down some barriers. Ever protective and guarded, Michelle storms off, saying the only person allowed to really know her is Ben.

The day before the wedding, Ben assures Michelle that she doesn't need to be upset or afraid of what's to come. He thinks they will prove everyone wrong by making the relationship work, no matter how much -- or little -- money he makes. He says he loves her more than anything, and that is all that matters. The wedding is emotional -- bittersweet for some -- but for Ben and Michelle, nothing is sweeter than driving away, just the two of them.