The Lover Girl

Big Decision

The next week, Sofie got a call from Ethan. "I turned down the job," he said. "I couldn't leave you behind. I just couldn't do it."

Sofie felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was so happy that he had chosen her. "Thank you," she said. "That means so much to me."

Then, she had an idea. "Maybe we could do something to celebrate," she said. "What about if we go out to dinner with my parents and your parents?"

Ethan was quiet for a moment, then he said, "I think that

"I think that would be great," Ethan said. "I've been wanting to introduce you to my parents for a while now. And I know my mom and dad have been curious to meet you. This could be a great way to get to know each other better."

Sofie agreed, and they made plans for a dinner with both sets of parents.

As Sofie and Ethan were about to leave for the dinner, Sofie's parents stopped them. "We're not going," her mother said, her voice firm. "We don't approve of this relationship, and we don't want to be a part of it."

Sofie felt her heart sink. She had been so hopeful that her parents would come around, but it seemed that they were more set in their ways than she had realized. "I'm sorry you feel that way," she said. "But I'm not going to give up on this relationship. I love Ethan, and I want to be with him "I love you too," Ethan said, taking Sofie's hand. "And I support whatever decision you make. If your parents don't want to be a part of this, then that's their choice. I just hope they'll come around eventually."

Sofie smiled, grateful for his support. "Let's go to dinner," she said. "We're not going to let them ruin this night." so they left for the dinner The conversation flowed easily, and they all found themselves laughing and enjoying each other's company. Ethan told some funny stories about his childhood, and they all had a good laugh. The parents even asked Sofie about her interests and future plans. She was surprised by how interested they seemed in her life. Sofie and Ethan had a great time. But they couldn't help but feel a bit sad that her parents weren't there. Well, a few days after the dinner, Sofie and Ethan were walking through the park, enjoying the autumn leaves and the crisp air. They were holding hands and laughing about something funny that had happened earlier in the day. It was a perfect moment, but then Sofie's phone started ringing. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw that it was her mom.

She looked at Ethan and said, "I'm sorry, I need to take this." She answered the phone and said, "Hi, Mom."

"Hi, sweetie," her mom replied. "I just wanted to call and see how you're doing ".Right! I'm sorry, I forgot that part. So let's try this again:

There was a long pause Then, her mom said, "I know you're probably disappointed that we didn't come to dinner the other night. I'm sorry about that. We just... we weren't ready. But we're willing to try to get to know Ethan. If you're willing to give us another chance."

Sofie was taken aback. She hadn't expected this. "I am willing," she said. "I really want you to get to know him. "He's a great guy," Sofie continued. "He's smart, funny, and kind. And he's so supportive and understanding. I know you'll like him if you give him a chance."

There was another pause, and then her mom said, "Okay. We'll give it a try. But I have to be honest with you, Sofie. It's going to take time for us to get used to the idea. And I can't promise that we'll approve of everything. But we're willing to try."

Sofie felt a rush of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Mom,"

"Christmas is going to be different this year, isn't it?" her mom said. "With you and Ethan together, and your dad and I still getting used to the idea."

"It might be different, but I think it'll be a good different," Sofie said. "I'm just so glad that you're willing to try. And I know Dad will come around too. He just needs a little more time."

"You're probably right," her mom said. "And in the meantime, we'll plan a wonderful Christmas. And next year, when you graduate, we'll celebrate that too.