Abby's POV:
Luke and I still haven't made it official. Last year people shipped me with him. It was a game, but I guess they didn't believe it. For some reason, they always thought there was something between us. Now it's true. We have been together for a month. I know I should tell my parents about it, but I can't find the right moment. I want my dad to like my boyfriend, but I'm afraid this won't happen. Luke is not that bad, but I don't think he will fit the requirements of my dad. Let's say he wants someone who can take care of me and will help me with everything. I believe my boyfriend is like that, but I'm scared. Maybe I am worrying too much. There is a chance that my dad will like him. I'm not saying that they have to be friends. All I want is my dad's approval. Someone will say that I date Luke, and that's what should matter. It's true, but he is my dad. I want to know what my parents think about my decision. The final one is mine, but their opinion matters to me. Maybe we have to make it official in school. That's why people will always talk, but I should ignore it. Honestly, I don't know why they care what happens with other people. What we do is our business. I like that we spend so much time together. Luckily, both of us calmed down a bit. I mean, we don't need to be together all the time. Well, I like it when doing some things. I will figure it out myself. Hiding a whole relationship is not something I want to do. Also, one day my parents will understand that. It's better if they hear it from me. I don't know when the dinner will be, but I'll talk with them soon. I already know what reaction they might have, but I will try to convince them of the opposite. Luke is not that bad, and I want to be with him. I mean, at least for now. No one knows how long we'll be together. I hope that we can manage to have a long-lasting relationship.
I woke up and went to get ready for school. Today we'll make the first step. I don't want to hide anymore. People will ask me many questions, but I will avoid them. What I do is not their business. After all, I don't ask them what they do every day. That is part of my private life. Also, I don't want to share every single thing I do. That is not something I would like. It's better if I don't think about this. I will focus on myself. It's my life, not theirs. No one can tell me what to do.
When I was ready for the day, I went for breakfast. Mom and dad were already at the table. I sat down and started eating. I can talk with them now, but I prefer to do it with Luke first. I don't know if he is ready for that. If I tell my dad now, he will want to meet him tonight. That is too soon. It's not bad for me. I know he won't like it. I will convince him. Luckily, he does everything I say. That is a benefit for me. I should use the chance as long as I can.
- Honey, are you ok? - mom asked
- Yes, I'm fine.
- Your head was somewhere else.
- I was thinking about something.
- Is there a problem?
- No, everything is fine. You don't have to worry about anything.
- If you say so.
- How is school? Is there something new? - my dad asked
- Not really. The same things happen every day.
- Does this mean that something happened?
- No. I hear rumors about people. It's not nice.
- People will always talk. Ignore that and focus on yourself.
- That's what I am doing.
- If you have a problem with something or someone, tell me. I will deal with it.
- Thanks, dad, but I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself.
- Maybe, but you are my little girl.
- I know. You don't need to remind me.
- I'm saying it in case you forgot about it.
- There is no way I will do it. You keep saying it a couple of times a day.
- Can't a father love his daughter?
- That's not what I meant. Whatever. I don't want to talk about this.
- No matter do you deny it or not. You are mine, and I will always take care of you.
- When I grow up, someone else will do it.
- But not as good as me.
- Well, no boy or man can replace a father.
- I'm glad we think the same.
- Ok, leave her to eat. Otherwise, she will be late. - mom said
After breakfast, I walked to school. I texted Luke to see where he was. I decided to wait for him before I went inside. Mentally, I prepared myself for the glares. Let's say that some girls still check him out. Before, I had no problem with that. Now I will keep my territory. They have never seen my dark side. It's not like I have one, but I know how to make myself look scary. With the help of someone else, of course. Also, I know that Luke won't let me do anything that bad. He said he would do everything possible to keep the good girl in me. We'll see if it's true. Soon, he came, and both of us walked in. Here we go. People immediately stopped talking and looked at us. I tried to ignore it as much as possible. We walked to my locker.
- Hey, relax. It's not a crime to date someone.
- I know, but so much attention is not for me.
- I can make a scene, but I won't.
- Please don't. That only will make me feel worse.
- It's ok. I won't do anything that you don't like.
- Thank you.
- Grab your things, and let's go to class. You can't be late.
- Good girls don't get late.
- I know.
Both with Luke walked to class. Since we won't hide anymore, he sat next to me. I only hope that he won't distract me. Maybe I can make him pay attention. That is a bit mission impossible, but it's not that bad. Soon, the teacher came. She looked at us but didn't say anything. I only smiled. Of course, Luke wasn't listening to her as usual. I took his phone and put it in my backpack. He wasn't happy but didn't complain. I will give it to him after this class.
On the lunch break, I went to eat. There was one free table at the end of the row. The sun was right on me, which was perfect. Today is a bit cold. I was enjoying it until someone sat in front of me. Luke didn't say anything and started eating. He is one hungry boy. I didn't say anything and only chuckled.
- What's so funny?
- Nothing.
- Come on. Tell me.
- You are eating as if this will be your last time.
- I skipped breakfast, ok?
- Why?
- I didn't want to be around my parents.
- Did something happen last night?
- I don't want to talk about it here.
- Ok, I won't ask.
- How are you today? You know why I am asking.
- I'm fine. I feel like people can't stop looking at me.
- You have something from the food on your face.
- Where? - I asked and used the napkin
- There.
- Where?
- Come here.
- Tell me where it is.
- Come here.
- Ok, fine. - I said and sat next to him.
- It's there. - Luke said and kissed me
- Seriously?
- I know it will make you feel better.
- Thanks. It did. Well, a little bit.
- I can do it again.
- No, thanks. I prefer to keep some things private.
- Ok, then. - he said and hugged me
I shouldn't worry much, but it's weird when people look at me. They make me feel as if I have done something. Soon, I received a kiss on the top of my head. I didn't say anything and only snuggled. You know what? I will ignore everything and everyone. I will put my attention on my boyfriend. He deserves it. Also, I don't know how long we'll last. That's why I will use my free time to be with him. Hopefully, he won't get annoyed with me.
After the last class, Luke and I walked out together. He wanted us to go to the lake. I have homework to do, but it can wait. After all, I am a good student. It doesn't matter when I will do my homework as long as I do it. I would love to study with him, but that won't happen. He will distract me way too much.
- Will you study with me?
- Did you hit your head?
- Got it.
- You can be the good girl you are. I will be myself.
- At least you are honest.
- I don't see a point in lying. It's not helping. Also, the truth always comes out.
- I don't know if I have said it, but I like this side of you. That way, even if you want us to break up, you'll be honest with me.
- Thanks, but I don't plan on doing it soon. I want to see how long we can last.
- Hopefully, as long as possible.
- That is what I want.
- Me too.
- Do you have plans for the day? Well, except for studying.
- Not really. I haven't planned anything specific. Maybe to chill after dinner.
- Do you want me to occupy you?
- How?
- I will find a way. We go to some places or come here again.
- I don't mind, but I'm not a fan of going out during the night.
- Hey, I'll be with you. Don't worry.
- Will you mind if I talk with my parents about us?
- Do you have to do it?
- Yes, I do. Since people in the school know, it's about time for my parents too. It's better if I tell them.
- Ok, I guess. When do I have to do the official presentation?
- I don't know. I will tell you everything after dinner.
- Good. Let's hope I won't be dead.
- Come on. Be optimistic.
- I'll try.
Luke and I stayed at the lake for a while. Later, I walked home. No one will do my homework, so I have to do it. For dinner, my mom made lasagna. It's so delicious but so heavy for my stomach. I will wait for them to eat a bit before I start talking. The thing is that I don't know how to say it.
- Dad.
- Yes.
- I have to tell you something.
- Ok, what is it?
- I don't know if now is the right moment for this, but I don't think I will ever be able to find it.
- Did something happen?
- I... I have a boyfriend. Please don't kill me.
- You have what?
- I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I didn't know how. I know what you will want from him, and I was afraid you wouldn't like him. That's why I didn't say anything.
- You know that I will want to meet him.
- Yes, he too.
- Can we know for how long this is? - mom asked
- A month.
- A whole month? Abby! You have never hidden anything from us.
- I know, and I'm sorry. I like him a lot, but I don't think you will.
- Is he a bad guy? - my dad asked
- Not exactly. He is not fighting or getting in trouble.
- But he is doing bad things, isn't he?
- Sometimes, he gets late for class and talks back to teachers. That's it, nothing else.
- Will you tell me why?
- Why what?
- You picked him of all the boys that go to your school.
- But you never met him.
- I don't need to do it. He already has a no from me. Tell him to get ready for dinner tomorrow. I want him here at 7 pm. Make sure he is not late.
- Ok, I will.
- Next time, choose wisely. - my dad said and left
- He is mad at me, isn't he?
- Maybe, but it will be ok. Give him some time. - mom said
- Ok. Let's hope it will help.
I finished dinner and went to help my mom with the dishes. Later, I walked into my room. I promised to call Luke after my conversation with my dad. He wanted us to go out, but I don't think it's the right moment. After all, I gave my dad a bomb. It will take him time to adjust to everything. After the second call, he picked up.
- Hey, how are you?
- I have been better.
- Did something happen?
- I talked with my dad about you. Things weren't that bad, but they could've been better.
- He doesn't like me, does he?
- At 7 pm, get ready for dinner.
- Tomorrow?
- Yes, tomorrow. I know it's soon, but I can't do anything else. Dad wants to see you.
- Ok, ok. I will get ready.
- Hey, I'm sorry. I could've waited, but I felt like it would get worse. I don't want him to find out from someone else.
- It's ok. Don't worry.
- You might get mad, but I told him that sometimes you get late for class, so he told me to ensure you will be home on time.
- Oh, boy. I will put an alarm.
- If you want, I will come to get you.
- Thanks, but I think I'll be fine.
- I can call you around 6 pm.
- That is something you can do.
- Ok, then. I'll do it.
- Thanks.
- Are you mad?
- No, why would I be?
- I tried to make you look good, but I failed.
- I know he won't like me, but I will fight for you.
- No need to do it. I'll do it myself.
- You calm down. It can't be that bad.
- Dad has criteria that you can't do.
- How bad is it?
- Let's say that he expects some things from my future boyfriend. In our case, you.
- I'm dead.
- He is my father but can't tell me how to live my life.
- Hopefully, things will end well.
- They will. I love you.
- I love you too.
Luke and I talked for like an hour. Around 11 pm, I went to bed. I don't know if that was a good idea. I mean, to tell my dad about my boyfriend. Well, I'm glad I did. We have to get through this one day. I believe that things will end well. Even if my dad doesn't like him, it won't stop me from dating him. That is my life. All I want is a peaceful dinner. After all, I don't want to argue with my parents about that. Maybe my mom won't mind. I'm not sure about my dad. Let's say that my dad gets in protective mode. That is when we talk about boys and me. I understand him, but he can't keep me by his side forever. I hope that the dinner will end well. I don't want us to argue.