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anything

"Mother?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Can I take the last cookie in the kitchen drawer? I'm really hungry."

"Oh, I'm sorry dear. You can. Lunch's soon going to be ready."

"Okay, mum. I've seen two cookies. Can I eat both?"

"Of course, darling. They're yours anyway."

"I'll need to sandwich them, Mum. Can I?"

She chuckled and stooped to look at me. "You want anything, you just need to ask, and it's all yours."

"Thank you, Mummy. I hugged her neck with my very small arms."

When I was 3, my mother made me understand that if I asked for anything, she would give me. Same with my dad. The policy never got old.

Here I was now, on my way to my home with Ethan, to tell them that I had a boyfriend, and ask if they approved. While I was overthinking, Ethan was so much excited about meeting my dad again. The last time they met, they cracked a lot of jokes together. My dad remarked that Ethan loved dad jokes, and they enjoyed each other's company.

Dinner was all set, and my mum asked Ethan to pray.

"That was beautiful, Cheshire. You must be very spiritual."

He smiled, looking at me across the table. I was tensed, and he could see it. I managed to smile at very odd questions.

David and Becca couldn't stop teasing me. They knew about us, and Becca spent all dinner wiggling her brows at me.

When dinner was over, Mum, Dad, Ethan, and I, sat in the living room.

"Hm."

"Emilia? You had to say something."

"Yes, Mum. I just wanted to inform you both about something."

"Yes, but you haven't introduced us to your Ethan officially."

My Ethan?

"Exactly. Okay, Mum, Dad, this is Ethan Cheshire, my boyfriend."

The living room was dead silent. I looked everywhere except for my parents who were looking at Ethan and me like we were crazy. After long minutes of silence, my dad said it was getting late.

"Wait. Are you a Christian?"

That was now the question that kept all eyes focused on Ethan. He had to give up his life to Christ but wasn't ready.

Even so, the things he did had proven him a Christian. Right?

"Not yet."

"So what are you looking for? A Christian girl when you're not a Christian? Are you one of those people who derail Christian girls from their belief?"

I watched Ethan all the while, and at the mention of the last statement, he widened his eyes at my dad.

"Oh, so you are."

"Dad this is getting far."

"I'm sorry, I'll have to go." He rose. "Take care of yourself, Emilia."

He walked out the door, and I tried to catch up, but when my little legs took me to the front door, his car wheels were already screeching.

When I got back, I sat on the couch, my mum doing the same.

"What's wrong with having a boyfriend?"

"Dearie, you're so much exposed to risks. Risks you will regret in your entire life."