First Love (David & Liza)

Chapter 25, part 2

"So, David, have you thought about college yet?" My dad says and takes the last bite of his cake.

I quickly glance at David, curious about his answer. We've been avoiding this particular topic from day one. We both know it's our last year in high school and that the chance we're going into the same college in September is very, very little.

"I have, actually." He nods and looks at me from across the table, but quickly moves his eyes back to my father. "I really like filming and UCLA have the best program in the whole country." He says and I lower my head, trying to hide my suprised face.

"That seems like a very interesting major. And I think, during the summer Liza said that she also wants to apply there. What a coincidence, don't you think, sweetie?" I see with the corner of my eye that my mom is looking at me with a smile and my cheeks instantly blush.

"Mhmmm." I slowly nod in response and continue staring at the dessert in my plate.

"Well, at least I won't be all alone in a new city. If we both get accepted, of course. Liza, do you know what major you want? Maybe something like mine?" My eyes widen in shock and I look at him.

"W...what? I...I don't know." I stutter, shrugging and notice that evil smirk appears on his face. What the...? I kick his feet under the table, but he ignores me and just takes a sip from his cup before speaking again.

"I don't understand, sweetie. Can you explain, please?" My mom says, frowning her eyebrows and I let out a loud sigh.

I've never lied to my parents. Sure, there had been times throughout the last few years that I kept some things about my life to myself, but I don't think that that's counting as lying. I don't want to start lying now, so I take a deep breath, pushing my chair behind me as I stand up.

"I think it will be better if I just show you." I head upstairs to my room.

Ok, let's analyze the situation. My parents would have eventually find out about my channel, so it's maybe better to rip off this bandaid now. Better soon than never, right?! Right? Even though I'm not ready for such a huge step. My hands start sweating, shaking uncontrollably as I take the laptop from my desk. I take a couple of deep breaths before I go down the stairs again.

What can possibly go wrong? There are way too many options, but I'm absolutely sure that David is going to pay for this. I make my way to the living room and see that my parents and David have moved and now are sitting on the couch, waiting for me. And he still has that mischievous smile plastered on his face. I open the laptop and place it on the coffee table in front of them.

"I'm sorry!" I say quietly and press the play button on my last video. My parent's confused eyes slowly move from me towards the screen. I take a few steps back, deciding to busy myself with something in the kitchen while I wait for their reaction. Washing the dishes has never sounded so tempting.

=========================

"Liza, it's over. Can you come here, please?" I hear my dad's voice and slowly stand up from the last step of the stairs.

I was always been a good daughter, a good friend, an excellent student. I've never been late to class, never gotten a detention or a bad grade. I've always listened to my parents, always done my chores, cleaned up my room. I've never disappointed my parents in any way and I really thought that this day would never come.

As I enter the living room again, I see their serious faces and my eyes start tearing up. I sit down and sigh inwardly. I know I have to accept the consequences for my lies and actions.

"Liza, I've never been more..." My dad starts first, but I can see he can't find the proper words. I lower my head and stare at the carpet, waiting for the worst. "Ummm... More surprised and proud of you. You are so good! Why didn't you tell us earlier?" My head up shoots up when my brain comprehend what he's saying and I see that they are all smiling.

"W... what?" I stutter, not believing my father's words and still waiting for the storm to hit me.

"You are so amazing, sweetie! And if this is what you want to do in the future we are totally supporting your decision! You can count on us and if you need something you can just ask!"

"W... what?" My mom giggles at my stuttering and stands up.

"We would like to watch all your videos, sweetie! Can you show us?" She takes my hands and pulls me up from the chair. "And please, no more secrets! Secrets lead to tears and broken hearts and we don't want those, do we?" She wipes a tear from my cheek when I slowly nod in response and she hugs me tightly. I see David also standing up and give him an angry glance.

"It's getting late, so I think I better be going. Thank you so much for the dinner! I had a great time!" He shakes my dad's hand and turns to me and my mother. "It was a pleasure to finally meeting you!" My mom nods and shakes his hand.

"Then the feeling is mutual! We should do this again sometimes! Good night, David!" She smiles and goes to the kitchen, but not before dragging my father with her. Suddenly an idea pops in my head, making me smirk a little.

"Dad, I'll walk David to his car!" I say and David immediately tenses up. What a perfect opportunity for revenge!

"Ok, Liza. Good night, David!" My father says just before he enters the kitchen.

David looks at me, but I stay silent and simply start walking towards the door. I can feel his eyes on my back as I get his jacket from the hanger. I give it to him without making eye contact. I know he feels guilty, but right now he deserves to see the "other" side of me. He should know he made a mistake, that he can't go around and just tell the world other people's secrets. I open the door and make a couple of steps outside, breathing in the cool night air.

"Liza, wait!" I hear the door closing and a few seconds later David appears in front of me. At this moment I feel like I'm going to explode. "I'm truly sorry! I know I shouldn't have said that, but..." 

"But what, David? Why did you told my parents the only thing I asked you not to tell anyone? Do you realize that you were the only person on this planet who knew about those videos. You were the only person I trusted enough to keep my secret. I trusted you! That was my secret and I should've be the one deciding when I'm ready to share it with my parents, not you. You've put me in such a difficult position. Thank God, they took it well!" I stop to take a breath and he uses the pause to take my shaking hands in his. I look into his dark brown eyes, then down at our intertwined fingers. The shaking and the anger vanish instantly. Dang it!

"You're right to be mad at me, but just hear me out." He lifts my chin and I sigh. "Your mother already knew!" He says and my eyes widen in surprise, eyebrows shooting in the middle of my forehead. "She told me today at the parking lot that she found your video on YouTube and she showed it to your father. They are really proud of what you do!" My hands start shaking again and he smiles. "But she wanted to give you a lesson for hiding this for such a long time from them. That's why we made that little "scene" with the college question. It was her idea, your father and I were just actors, puppets." He says and I take another deep breath, closing my eyes. 

"They already knew!" I finally manage to whisper, opening my eyes and he nods. "You three are so dead!" I hit his chest, but he catches my hand and pulls me for a hug. "You made me cry!" 

"I know and I'm sorry. That wasn't a part of the plan." He kisses my forehead and I look at him. "But I promise to never make you cry again!" I nod in response and he leans closer.

"Ummm... What do you think you're doing?" I quickly pull back.

"Maybe I just want to kiss my girlfriend!" He says innosently, but when I shake my head and he raises his eyebrows.

"Nope! Not tonight! Maybe tomorrow..." I turn around and I hear a loud sigh behind me. "... if I'm in a better mood!" I smirk and start walking to the door. "Good night, David!"