Our Journey

12. Future Plans

The first day back after the Christmas break was always a mix of excitement and exhaustion. Hidayah found herself moving through the day in a haze, her mind half on the lessons she was teaching and half on the weekend ahead. Her parents had agreed to meet Aaron, and she couldn't help but feel the weight of the upcoming meeting. There were so many unknowns, and she found herself anxious about how it would go.

The bell rang for break, and Hidayah was organising some papers when Aaron appeared at the door of the staffroom, holding a mug of tea in his hand. His eyes immediately sought her out, and he gave a small wave as he crossed the room toward her.

"How's the first day back treating you?" Aaron asked, setting his mug down on her desk.

Hidayah looked up, startled for a moment, but then smiled as she registered who it was. "Oh, hey! It's... it's been alright. Just trying to ease back into the routine after the break."

"I hear you," Aaron said, pulling up a chair and sitting across from her. "I'm sure it'll be smooth sailing. You've got this."

Hidayah smiled faintly, though her mind was still preoccupied. "Actually, there's something I need to ask you about... something about the weekend."

Aaron leaned in slightly, curious. "Yeah? What's up?"

She hesitated for a moment, then took a breath. "So... my parents have agreed to meet you. They've invited you over to out home this weekend."

Aaron blinked, surprised. "Wait, really? They've—wow, okay. ." He sat back in his chair, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "I wasn't expecting that, but it's great news."

Hidayah couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief wash over her. "Yeah, I wasn't sure what they'd say, but they seemed alright with it. My mum can be a bit—well, traditional, I guess? But she's coming around."

Aaron gave her a nod, his voice steady. "I'm glad they agreed. I really want to make a good impression. But, uh... I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to bring. Is there something specific I should get, or...?"

Hidayah chuckled softly at his uncertainty. "Aaron, seriously, don't worry about it. Just bring yourself. My parents won't expect anything extra."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, still not convinced. "Are you sure? I don't want to show up empty-handed if it's something your family values."

Hidayah gave him an easy smile, trying to ease his nerves. "Honestly, it's fine. My parents won't mind. They're not big on that kind of thing. Just... come as you are."

Aaron hesitated, clearly still feeling unsure. "Are you sure about that? I just... I don't know what's expected in your culture. Should I bring something?"

Hidayah leaned back in her chair, her expression softening as she realized how much he cared about making the right impression. "Well, alright... since you insist." She paused thoughtfully before adding, "My mum loves flowers. If you want to make a good impression, bring her some flowers. She'll appreciate that."

Aaron smiled at the suggestion, feeling a little more confident. "Flowers. Got it. And your dad?"

Hidayah grinned, enjoying his eagerness to do things right. "My dad's a sucker for sweets. If you bring him a box of nice sweets, he'll be happy."

Aaron nodded, taking mental notes. "Flowers for your mum. Sweets for your dad. And then just... me, right?"

"Exactly," Hidayah said, her smile widening. "That's all you need to bring. Just be yourself."

"I can do that," Aaron replied, feeling a little more at ease now. He stood up and gave her a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Hidayah. I'm looking forward to it, really. I know it's a big thing for you, and I appreciate you giving me the chance."