Family Dinner

Our chats completely revolved around Nicholas. My friends wouldn't stop asking about him like where he comes from, why did they leave their hometown, etc.

I did not participate in their conversations I just listen to them intently, and I am just amused by hearing his stories.

I keep glancing at my watch until it is time to go. "Guys, I am sorry, but I need to go home or else my parents will freak out." I said to them, and I got up from my chair.

They all did the same, we get our bags and books, and headed for the door. "See you tomorrow girls" Freda said to Jane, Lina and Cindy, since they live within the city area, they will take the bus to go home. We went on separate ways.

We on the other hand go to the parking lot, and I am taken aback to see the extravagant car before our eyes. "Wow, cool car is this really BMW i8?" I can't help myself, but asked.

"Yeah! Indeed." Freda answered.

"So you are definitely having it all." I smiled at him, but he only shrugged his shoulders and said. "No! Not all my lady." He said and smiled at me weakly.

We get in the car, Freda took the back seat, and it left me no choice but to sit beside Nick in the front seat. The smell of his car is so Nick. It smells good. He turns on the stereo, but keep the volume low.

"Malia, I decided to meet your parents today, don't worry, they will like me." He said to me with confidence. "No! Nick, we just know you please don't ruin the chance of us becoming good friends in the future."

"Believe me, okay? They will accept me because my intentions are pure. They will be very happy to know that you gain another close friend except Freda."

"I will be staying until your parents come, I will make the introductions Malia so you don't need to worry." Freda said to me with assurance.

"Okay then, but don't blame me guys if this turn into something you don't like. Just for your information, rich boy, my parents do not care if you are wealthy."

"Hey! Please don't call me that, I want them to know me for who I am not because we are well off. I hate it when people judge you by what car you drive or what clothes you wear." He said.

"Very well said Nick, and if I will be the one to judge you will pass the stage one." Freda joked.

We go directly at our house, and we were all surprised to find my dad's car in the garage. "Oh! They said they will be home late." I said to them.

      "Maybe they are cooking dinner because you have a new friend?" Freda asked me, I know she is trying to lighten my mood. I feel my knees became weaker and my heart beats faster than normal.

      "Hey! Relax Mal, you looked like you committed a murder. You are just going to introduce me to your parents. It is not a big deal." Nick said casually.

     "You don't know them Nick, it is so easy for you to say."

      "Let us better get out of the car and get this over with. The more we keep here talking the more agony it is for you." Freda said while opening the car door.

Nick and I did the same, we got out of the car. I dreaded to get inside with Nick, but he is so determined to meet them. Freda can feel my uneasiness, so she held my hand, and walked beside me.

I opened the main door using my own key, and invited them to come inside. They follow me in slow pace, I looked at Nick, and found him so relaxed.

I admire his courage, and I find myself excited for the outcome of his interest of knowing them. "Hello Mom! Dad! I am home." I called out to my parents.

"We are here in the kitchen honey." My Mom answered.

I let Freda and Nick sit on the sofa and I asked them to wait while I'll tell my parents about Nick.

"What is for dinner Mom?" I asked her while she is slicing some cauliflowers. "Your favorite Mal, Roasted Cauliflower with Pasta with toasted walnuts." She said smiling at me.

My parents both love eating vegetarian food during dinner, that is why I love eating vegetarian recipes.

Dad is reading his book at the counter. He puts the book down when he sensed my presence beside him.

"Yes Mal? Is there anything you want to say?" Dad asked me.

"Well, Dad Freda is in the living room with a new friend. His name is Nick, He is a new transfer and our new classmate. He likes to be friends with me, and wants to meet you guys." I said it casually.

I found my Dad raising his left eyebrow, and I see him smirking, while Mom is smiling too. Really? Is this for real? They are not even angry?

"Wow! This is the first time you brought a friend home sweetheart except Freda, then it is a boy, I think it's about time that you will have a boyfriend Malia." Mom said excitedly that made me so shocked. They are very stern regarding my social life special with the boys.

"Mom, he came here to ask you and dad to be friends with me, not to court me. Please don't say something stupid, okay?" I said to my mom a little irritated, but it makes me thrilled that I can't see any objections on their faces, and they didn't ask me to drive Nicholas away.

"Relax Honey, everything starts with friendship." It made me more surprised that mom winked at me, this becomes more interesting than I expected it to be, but in a nice way. All the worries and apprehensions I felt were gone now. I never disobey my parents before, bringing Nick in our house without telling them is the first rule I break, but so far everything is in order.

Dad stands up, and my Mom stopped chopping the vegetables.

"Okay! Let us meet this friend of yours." Dad said. I followed them to the living room still pondering about their reactions.

Freda makes the introductions, and I on the other hand keep looking at them. My parents are so happy meeting Nicholas.

They seem to know him long before. Mom asked Nick and Freda for dinner, only Nick stayed since Freda needs to go home for her own curfew. She will just walk in going home, her house is only three blocks away.

After dinner, Dad and Mom are talking with Nick in the living room, I wash the cooking utensils and dishes. I heard the laughter of my parents while Nick is talking to them.

He is right after all, my parents did not only accept him, they adore him, I was just being paranoid thinking that they will make a scene and get mad at me the moment they will meet Nick. Now I am relieved that they really get along, and I feel so lucky that I found another friend except Freda.

"Bye Mr. and Mrs. Blaze, thank you so much for the delectable dinner, bye Malia and see you tomorrow morning." Said Nick when we send him at his expensive car. I can see the looked of admiration of my father's eyes when He looked at the car of Nick.

"Bye son, take care." Dad said, before Nick closes the window of his car. Then he drives away.

"Such a nice lad Malia, I am glad he wanted to meet us right away when he realized he wants to be friends with you. Starting tomorrow, Nick will drive you and Freda in going to school and in going home since he lives in the same neighborhood." Dad said with at ease while playing with my hair like the way she used to when I was still a child.

"Yes a very fine young boy indeed. We know his parents Malia, no need to be worried. I am glad you have another friend to look after you, and who knows, maybe love will blossom too." Mom said teasing me with a wide grin on her face.

I am speechless, how did Nick do all that? In just more than two hours talking to my parents, he was able to win their hearts. He is indeed a one kind of boy! I can feel the good mood of my parents, they talked about Nick, even he is long gone already.

"Hello Malia! How was dinner with Nick?" Freda asked me over the phone.

"I can't believe it until now Freda, He is really something. My parents allow him to take us to school starting tomorrow, and He will also drive us in going home."

"Really? Wow! Nick is awesome!" Said Freda with a giggle.

"Yeah! I know right." I said while laughing.