Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Six•

•A Daughter's Dilemma•

Michelle stood up and said, "We need to talk!"

Naomi dropped her purse on the couch and curiously asked, "Okay?...what's going on?"

Michelle began, "I understand that you have your car, but we need to discuss some boundaries. I don't want you going out whenever you please, especially with boys."

Naomi asked, "So that's what this is about? Daddy, didn't you tell her that you allowed me to go out?"

Before Eric could respond, Michelle interjected, "I know what your dad said, and we've had a conversation. We've agreed that after school and on the weekends, your curfew is to be back by six. Unless you're working."

Naomi exclaimed, "SIX!? Mama, school ends at four! I won't have much time for anything in that one-hour window."

Michelle responded, unmoved, "Well, you'll have to manage, because dinner is at seven, and you should be in bed by ten. There's no way you should be walking in and out this door of your own will. Especially with the car that WE bought you! Our house; our rules, our car; our curfew!"

Naomi asked, "So it wasn't a problem when I went to go get my nails done, but it's a problem when  I go meet up with Ricky?? Daddy say something!"

Michelle shot Eric a stern look, signaling that he should support her or else.

Eric stood up and said, "Your mother is worried because you went out with an older boy, and you came home an hour late. I asked you to be back by seven, and it's already eight."

Naomi defended herself, "Daddy, traffic was terrible. It's not my fault. Besides, you've known Ricky for years. He's not just some random guy; it's not like I met him on Tinder and decided to meet up with him."

"Wait, you have a Tinder account?" Eric asked.

Naomi rolled her eyes, "No, Daddy, I don't. My point is that I understand you don't want me dating, but now I can't even hang out with guy friends?"

Michelle added, "You don't know what's on Ricky's mind. He could have changed during the time we haven't seen him. We want to protect you from any harmful influences."

Naomi replied, "Mama, Ricky is not like that! Why can't you trust me?"

Michelle responded, "This is about trusting you, Naomi. If you listen to my rules and obey what I say, then I can trust that you won't get in any trouble or anything you're not supposed to as long as you listen to me."

"Both of us," Eric added.

"Both of us," Michelle repeated.

Naomi looked at Eric with frustration, "Daddy you  too??"

Eric shrugged, "Your mother has valid concerns. We haven't seen Ricky in four years, and we don't know what kind of person he's become."

Naomi huffed and stormed off to her room. Michelle reassured Eric that Naomi would eventually understand.

The Next Day*

During lunch, Naomi vented to Leroy about the conflict she had with her parents. Leroy was sitting in the driver's seat listening as he was eating.  Naomi was so worked up she couldn't even think to eat her food.