This is my chance, I tell myself. Mum is driving me to my clarinet lesson, so I won't have to look at her and if she reacts in a way I don't like, I can escape, because we're going to arrive in five minutes tops.

"Mum, can I ask someone over on Friday?"

"Who do you want to ask over? Do we already know them?"

"No, I ... wanted to introduce my girlfriend. I ... She agreed to come, and, well ..."

"Okay. I'm sure your father would also love to get to know the girl who got you head over heels. She's called Elisa, right?"

"Yes."

"How long have you two been together now?"

"Next week is our three-month anniversary. We were thinking about going to that Chinese restaurant to celebrate. If we're allowed, that is?" The difficult part is already over, seemingly, so I feel a bit more confident replying, though I'm still shaky. I never expected mum to react so casually, but I'm sure she and dad will love Elisa. I can't help smiling when thinking of her and her enthusiasm about the restaurant. I've never been there before, but she has and needless to say it took little effort for her to convince me.

"You'll have to ask dad as well, but I see no reason why not. As long as it is on your own costs, as usual."

"Of course." I roll my eyes. "I know the drill, and what's the meaning of treating your girlfriend on a date if your parents paid for it?"

***

I wait for Elisa in the bike shed and when she scans the hustling crowd, I wave.

"Elisa! Over here!" We lock eyes and she gives a thumbs up. She grabs her own bike and hurries over.

"Hey, Soph." She glances around, then gives me a firm peck on the lips. Officially we're not allowed to kiss on the school grounds, but nothing like sneaking in a couple of kisses here and there and we're definitely not the only ones.

"Ready to go?"

"Technically, yes, but I'm definitely feeling like stalling another minute or cycling very slowly." She drags out the 'very'.

I chuckle. "I promise they'll love you and you have nothing to worry about. They're just curious about the girl who got me head over heels. And broke."

"Hey!" Elisa exclaims indignantly. "You are the one who insist on paying for every date!"

"I know. Just don't worry too much."

"As if I'm not trying. I mean ... I know they're normal people and won't go in overprotective mode and subject me to a cross-examination and be all like 'hurt our daughter and we'll hurt you', but I want to make a good impression, you know. And if they don't approve, they have the right to forbid us to see each other. And don't tell me you wouldn't be a nervous wreck right now if it were the other way around and I were going to introduce you to dad and Chloe."

"Do you want to introduce me? They do know you have a girlfriend, right?"

Elisa rolls her eyes. "Like they could forget it, after my 'dramatic' coming-out." She emphasises her point with quotation marks. "You know I don't want my sexuality to be something big, so I wanted to treat it as normal as possible and I just said I was in relationship with a girl. And then they reacted as if I had confessed a murder or – I don't know – that I wanted to become a nun! Though they would probably have been angry if I had murdered someone, and they were just shocked. Do I look that straight?"

I suppress a giggle, because it's at least the third time she has told that story. "You can't look straight or gay, you know. As a member of the LGBT+ community, I would expect you know those stereotypes are not always true."

"I know, I know. I'm joking. And stop lecturing me; it feels weird."

I shake my head. "Let's just go. My parents won't be home for at least another hour, but if you keep postponing, I'm afraid we might arrive after them."

"Okay. But be prepared to calm me down when I freak out in your room, okay?"

***

Elisa doesn't freak out. In one way or another, she manages to suppress her nerves during the ride home. We spend the time at home lounging around, drinking cola, eating biscuits and the first strawberries of the season – to pretend we have a healthy diet – chatting about school and homework and cuddling. I think the physical contact reassures her, and me too, to be honest. I might not show it, but I'm nervous as hell. This is my first relationship – except for that boy I dated back in kindergarten for all of two hours – and I don't want to fuck it up. I want Elisa to make a good impression on mum and dad too. I mean, I know it's kind of the same as introducing a friend to your parents, but still ... This is more serious and I'm in love with Elisa, so it would devastate me if this put a strain on our relationship.

Our chatter has died out and I initiate a kiss that lasts a bit longer than I intended. We're interrupted by the sound of keys turning in the lock of the front door. I almost jump from the couch. Elisa laughs quietly and stretches an arm to me.

"Pull me up. I don't think I have the courage otherwise." It's not the time to question her antics, so I do as she says.

"Sophia?" mum calls.

"In the living room!" Elisa clutches my hand. Mum enters and when she notices Elisa, she smiles.

"Hello. You're Elisa, right?"

"Yes, that's me. Nice to meet you, madam."

"Just call me Josephine. I'm not the stern woman Sophia has undoubtedly made you believe me to be."

"Mum!"

"But it's true, isn't it? Aren't parents always the bad guys?"

"Actually she hasn't really," Elisa butts in.

"Oh, my bad. Has Sophia already offered you something to drink?"

"Yes, mum. I'm not that bad of a host."

"Okay. I suppose you're staying for dinner, Elisa? We would like it very much to get to know you better."

Elisa visibly relaxes and jokes: "I thought that was obligatory?"

"Of course not, but Sophia's father won't be home before six and he'd like a chance to speak with you as well."

"Thank you."

"Why don't you two go do something, while I start cooking?"

I don't hesitate to grab Elisa's wrist and drag her to the door of the living room. "Okay. We'll be in my room."

When we're out of earshot, Elisa asks: "Don't we have to help or something?"

"If she needs me, she'll come find me. You certainly don't have to do anything, since you're a guest."

"But I like feeling useful. It's awkward if I just have to allow everyone to spoil me."

"I'm your girlfriend; I'm entitled to spoil you."

"I could say the same, but you always protest."

"Ah, but I'm the man in the relationship."

"Are you? In that case, we can better break up. I'm a lesbian, so I'm not interested in men." She throws me a cheeky smile.

"I'll suppress my manly attitude for you, then."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." We giggle. "What do you want to do? We have still an hour, so ..."

"Play for me. I'm in the mood for some music."

***

"Girls! Dinner is ready!" Elisa entwines her fingers with mine and we walk down the stairs. Dad is just putting away his jacket.

"Hey, dad. Didn't know you were home. This is Elisa."

"Hello, sir." They politely shake hands.

"Hello, Elisa. Nice to meet you. We've heard so much about you."

"Nice to meet you too."

"I'm Kurt, by the way. Have you already had a nice afternoon?"

"Yes. Sophia has entertained me quite well."

"I hope so. Have you met my wife?"

"Yes, she has. Can you set the table, please?" mum calls.

"No problem. Good evening, by the way." He pecks her cheek. "How was your day?"

"As usual. One annoying client, but nothing I couldn't handle. How was yours?"

"Same. Less tiring than expected."

"How so?"

"No meetings, just office work. Kind of boring, to be honest."

I chuckle. "Know what you want: tiring or boring days."

"Isn't a mix of both the best?" Elisa puts in her two cents. "Sometimes you want excitement and a challenge and sometimes you just want to relax and not think too much."

"Right! It seems you picked a clever one, Sophia."

Elisa looks down and blushes. I hiss: "Dad!"

"Don't worry, wise one. I'll try not to scare her away." My name meaning 'wisdom' in Greek, mum and dad – but mostly dad – made it a running joke to call me 'wise one', especially since I'm practically obsessed with anything Greek. Nevertheless, the nickname gets on my nerves every time, now more than ever because he's embarrassing me in front of Elisa.

She chuckles and kisses my cheek. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." I heat up, but thankfully mum and dad don't comment on her sweet words and mum urges us to take a seat.

"Do you want to drink anything? And I forgot to ask, Elisa, but you have no problem with vegetarian food, right? I made vegetable burgers and we don't really have meat in house, so ..."

"I eat pretty much everything and even though I'm no vegetarian, I try to eat at least one vegetarian meal a week."

"Wonderful. So, ... Kurt, can you give them something to drink, because I'm still busy here."

"We have water of course, both still and sparkling, cola, apple and orange juice, grenadine, mint syrup, even a few beers or wine, if you'd like that ..."

"Definitely no alcohol. Sophia can affirm I get tipsy after one glass and I embarrass myself way too much if I'm tipsy."

"You do, but I find it cute."

"You wouldn't find it cute if you were in my place, though."

"No alcohol, thus", dad takes over again. "What would you like then?"

"I'll try that grenadine, if possible."

"Of course. You too, Sophia?"

"I'd like that." Elisa frowns, because I'm speaking quite formally, while I'm usually much more relaxed. I guess I'm still on edge because of the situation, even though everything is going smoothly. I attempt a smile that seems to reassure her.

Mum serves us all and then the interrogation starts, though I'm fully aware it could have been worse and they're just getting to know her.

"So, Elisa, what is it you're studying?"

"I'm studying Engineering Sciences. Kind of a typical boy's orientation, but I guess the stereotype about lesbians being boyish is true in my case."

"Since when is being intelligent with a knack for math and sciences boyish? That's just sexist," I object.

"But it's a fact that in general girls are better at languages and boys are better at math and that kind of thing."

"Are you saying you're the man in our relationship? In that case, we can better break up. I'm a lesbian, so I'm not interested in men."

She bursts out laughing and then turns to mum and dad: "Sorry. Inside joke." And then to me: "Anyway: no worries. I'm still very much a girl and I wasn't planning on changing that anytime soon and I'm all for women empowerment." I'm tempted to blow her a kiss and say something cheesy, but I don't want to act too lovey-dovey while mum and dad are watching. Speak of awkward.

After that, we somehow start a discussion which part of math we hate the most or – since mum is the only person who didn't study something math-related – is the most unpleasant. Elisa describes her love-hate relationship with algebra with a passion. Dad takes that as an incentive to start ranting about functions. Although I prefer chemistry and physics, where I can apply my mathematical knowledge, I join the conversation. Mum seems kind of lost, but she smiles at our enthusiasm and she's used to dad after all. Besides, I'm sure the subject will change to music sooner or later and then dad will be the odd one out.

And indeed, when mum switches on the radio, the discussion soon revolves around the mathematical qualities of music.

"There has always been a relation between music and math. The foundation of music theory was made by one of the most famous mathematicians ever!" I exclaim. "Did you know that Pythagoras discovered that if you divide a string into halves, you get an octave and two thirds give a fifth and three quarters a fourth? And did you know he was also kind of a sect leader and they were the first vegetarians, but they also weren't allowed to eat legumes, because that were all possibilities for reincarnation?"

Elisa sputters: "For real? He was a brilliant mathematician, but he believed you could reincarnate as a legume? Wow."

"It's not that stupid to believe in reincarnation." That is mum.

"No, I know. I didn't mean the reincarnation part, but reincarnation as a legume?!"

"Yes, I know. Pretty funny, isn't it?" I exclaim.

"It is."

After that, Elisa and I finish our meal in quiet, while mum and dad listen to the radio news. I start cleaning the table when dad eventually asks: "What time do your parents expect you home? They knew you would be staying for dinner, right?"

"I said I would text them if it became later than nine pm, but my father let me know just now that he and Chloe were going out to dinner and he didn't know when they are going to be home."

"Is Chloe your sister?" I pause putting the plates in the dishwasher and glance at Elisa, but she just smiles.

"No, she's his girlfriend. My mother has had young dementia for almost eight years and has been in a care home for a few years now and they were never married anyway."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. If you don't want to answer questions, just say so."

"It's alright. I'm used to it. It's hard sometimes, more so in the beginning, but I get along with Chloe just fine and I know my father still cares about my mother."

Dad seems to want to ask more, but I'm happy he decides to let it be. Elisa may act as if it's no problem, but I know she doesn't like too personal questions and she often cries afterwards because they rake up memories and feelings she prefers to be left buried.

After I've put the last glass in the dishwasher, I wash my hands. I'm not too sure what to do now and the silence is a bit awkward. "Elisa? What do you want to do now?"

"I don't know. Anything is fine. What do you usually do after dinner?"

I shrug. "Reading. Watching tv. Practising for my clarinet lesson."

"Let's watch some tv then. We can see if they're playing an interesting movie tonight."

"Okay."

We settle on the couch. Elisa rubs her leg. "I've got at least four mosquito bites on my calf and they itch like hell. I don't understand how they keep getting between my sheets. I even use an anti-mosquito spray."

I shrug. "Some things remain mysteries for all of us. Don't you have something for the itch?"

"I applied it this morning, but that doesn't help me now of course."

"You can try putting a cross over it with your fingernail and then keep your mind off it so you don't start scratching again."

"Does that help?"

"It's something my grandmother always says and you can always try. Here, let me do it." I press my nail in the skin of her leg to make little crosses.

I take the remote in my right hand and Elisa's hand in my left. We don't really decide on anything in particular, but just watch everything for a few minutes while making remarks, then zap to the next, even after mum and dad join us. Dad comments on some outrageous ads, which causes a bout of laughter. I rest my head on Elisa's shoulder and she turns her head, awkwardly kissing right next to my eyebrow because of the position we're in. She plays absently with my fingers. My eyes meet mum's. She smiles softly and elbows dad. He grips her hand and kisses her cheek, grinning cheekily at me. I turn away and nuzzles Elisa's neck.

She jerks away. "That tickles!"

Mum and dad laugh out loud and I grumble a sorry. Elisa moves forward as if to give me a kiss, but she stops, probably realising we're in front of my parents. I'm sure mum and dad notice, but fortunately, they don't make any remarks.

***

Eventually, after we've finally settled on some lame talk show, Elisa whispers: "It's already past ten pm, so I should go home. Dad and Chloe are probably back by now."

"Okay." We both prepare to stand up and mum and dad glance our way. "Elisa is going home," I announce.

"Is your father going to come here to get you?" dad questions.

"I was just going to cycle home. There is no need for my father to come when I have my bike here and am perfectly capable of driving it. And it's not that far."

"I'll accompany you. I wouldn't feel comfortable if we let a young girl cycle home all by herself at night."

"That's really not necessary. I'm not afraid to be alone outside at night and I don't want to burden you."

"It's no trouble at all, so just humour me for my peace of mind."

Elisa chuckles. "Alright then."

"I'll come as well," I declare.

Elisa shrugs and smiles just for me, which gets me all giddy. "The more, the merrier."

We all get ready and I wave to mum, who is now watching some talent show.

Elisa and I cycle next to each other, while dad follows us.

"Sophia, you should replace your tail light sometime soon, because it's very faint."

"Yes, I know. It's been like that since February, but I never think of it when I have the time to do it."

"If you want, I'll do it tomorrow and while I'm at it, inflate your tyres as well, since I assume that hasn't happened recently either."

"Thank you. That would be wonderful."

Elisa laughs softly. "My father would never do that for me. He insists I'm old enough to do all those things on my own."

"He's probably right, but I'm too forgetful and clumsy. If I try to pump up my tyres, they end up being flat instead of full."

"In that case, I'll have to teach you tomorrow, since that's kind of a basic skill."

I sigh. "Alright."

We arrive at Elisa's house and I step off to embrace her. I glance at my dad and give her a quick peck on the lips, blushing.

I whisper: "Can I call you later? I want to talk for a bit before we go to sleep."

"Sure. Text me first to see if I'm in my room."

"Okay." I let her go, but she leans forward to give me another peck on the lips.

"Bye, Soph."

"Bye."

***

It was a quarter past eleven when I could finally call Elisa. I had been anxiously fiddling with my phone, playing Tetris until I got a text back.

"Hey, Soph."

"Hey."

"Everything okay? Is there a reason why you wanted to call me?"

"I just wanted to know how it was for you. My parents weren't too ... Their questions didn't make you uncomfortable, did they?"

"No, I didn't mind. They were more or less what I expected, so I had mentally prepared myself."

"Oh, right." A silence falls. "Do you still want to introduce me to your father and Chloe?"

"If you're ready. And if you want, you can also go with me on my next visit to my mother."

"You would take me with you to see your mother?!"

"Yes. I know it won't mean all that much to her, but it's more for me than for her. And your company soothes me. Strengthens me."

I blush and squirm on my bed, helplessly looking for the appropriate reaction to such a confession. "Whatever you want. I'll always be there for you."

"I know. I'm happy you're my girlfriend."

"That's mutual." Another silence. "Do you have permission for our anniversary date?"

"Yes. Who's going to make the reservations?"

"I am. It's my treat, after all."

"Next time you really have to let me surprise you."

I smile. "I'll think about it."

***

Author's note: In a lot of stories I've seen on Wattpad, when people introduce their boyfriend/girlfriend to their parents, said partner is either questioned as if they are criminals and gets "the talk", or they are practically adopted as a member of the family and the future in-law (which is - let's be honest - unlikely when you're still in high school). Maybe some parents are indeed like that, but I can't imagine my own parents or my aunts and uncles acting like that, so I wanted to write a more realistic approach.
Also, in Belgium, most people go to their secondary school by bike (or bus) and a few are brought by one of their parents and if they live very close, they can go on foot. They can't drive to school on their own, because we're only allowed to try to obtain a driving license when we're 18, but if you're 16, you're allowed to have a moped, so there are a few people who go to school that way.
And concerning Elisa's studies: in Belgium, you choose an 'orientation', a discipline, which is like a package of subjects with a set number of hours for each subject, and a little bit of freedom for the school to add more hours or create an extra subject, ... E.g. I studied Greek-Latin and in my last two years of secondary school I had 4 hours of Greek, 4 of Latin, 3 of math, 2 of sciences, 4 of Dutch, 2 of history and so on for other general subjects. Other possible orientations are: Sciences-Mathematics (who have 2 hours of chemistry, 2 of physics, 2 of biology, 6 à 8 of math, 4 of Dutch, ...), Economy-foreign languages, Latin- Sciences, Greek-Mathematics, Nutrition-Nursing, Business, PE and Sport, Industrial Sciences, ... The system is more complex than this, but it should give you an idea if you were wondering.

Also, I wrote most of this during my exam period with just a few hundred words a day (or less), so the flow and consistency aren't perfect. Constructive criticism is very welcome.

Sorry for the long author's note.