Tangled Love

There's no point beating around the bush so I tell them about Emily moving in because she needed a place to stay. I explain her situation vaguely, leaving our Trevor's role in her running away. From the look on both of their faces, I know they've pretty much worked it out anyway. They both turn to look at each other again as I wait for their response. My leg begins to bounce up and down nervously under the table. Finally, Mum is the first to break the silence —

"She sounds . . . Nice. Is Emily a good friend of yours?" She asks, suggestion lining her voice. I nod, scratching the back of my neck as I know what I'm about to be asked next. Both of them are way too predictable.

"Are you dating her?" Auntie Myra asks me, confirming my suspicions. What is it about parents being way too involved in their kids relationships? I shake my head at her answer, biting down onto my bottom lip.

Why am I not dating Emily yet?

Because I'm scared of that kind of commitment.

"But you want to?" Auntie Myra adds and I glance up to find her watching me, waiting for an answer. I clear my throat, feeling uncomfortable with the conversation subject.

allowed to have friends stay over and if it's a girl you're interested in, I'm happy for you, really." Mum says placing her hand over my arm. I turn my head, giving her

asks and Auntie Myra nods, wanting to know the answer

Mum and stepfather and she needs somewhere safe to stay, is that cool?" I ask, lifting the mug to my

Myra for her approval. I live under their roof so it was my responsibility to ask. It's respectful and the right thing to do.

is big enough and I can see she means a lot to you." Auntie Myra finally responds, eyes shining brightly.

can we meet her?"

sleeping at the moment," I lie not wanting to worry them. Technically Emily

bedroom?" Auntie Myra asks, her eyebrow raised at me. I clear my

so I let her stay in my bed. Don't worry Auntie Myra, you're still

shaking her head at me at me in response. We chat for a while about their business trip before they both decide to go up to bed, exhausted from the plane ride. I'm left alone in the kitchen, giving me time to think through everything

and her eyes brimmed with redness. I sit up straighter, giving her a small smile. She doesn't smile at me

are back," I say quietly letting her know. I watch as her eyes widened and she swallows nervously. I tilt my head, low key finding her nervousness a little adorable. "Does she know about