‘Yeah. I just need to tell my parents before they find out from someone else. They’ll resent it, of course, but… after all, they have to respect our decision, right?’
He reached across the table and took my shoulder. ‘If that’s what you both want, absolutely.’
That Saturday, I arranged another dinner with my parents. This time at our house. I hoped they would feel less in control if it was on our property. Mallory made her famous lasagne, drenching it with love and an extra helping of melted cheese – honestly the best I’ve ever tasted.
My mum and dad arrived on time, carrying a bottle of wine. They took one look around our living room – simple decorations, mismatched furniture that Mallory and I had picked up at thrift shops – and looked slightly awkward.
Mallory greeted them with a bright smile, offered them a seat and poured them drinks. My parents were polite enough, but you could feel the tension in the air. My father cleared his throat after Mallory stepped back to check the food. ‘So, how’s the wedding planning going?’
I saw my chance to steer the conversation in the right direction. ‘Well, that’s actually what we want to talk about. It’s going to take place sooner than you think, and… after that we’re moving. To California.’
My mum’s eyes widened and she nearly dropped her wine glass. ‘Moving? You never mentioned that.’
I nodded. ‘Yes. Mallory and I have been saving up for a long time. We had the opportunity to open a small cooking studio in Santa Rosa. It’s a passion of hers. And to be honest, I’ve been wanting to break out and start something new for years.’
There was silence for a long time. Finally my father spoke, his voice a little uncertain. ‘You’re just going to pick up and leave? Leave everything and everyone behind?’
I folded my arms. ‘No, not everyone. We still want you in our lives. But, Dad, Mum… we’ve made our decision. We really hope you’ll support us.’
My mum’s lips pressed into a thin line. ‘We’re just worried about you, honey. Mallory, she’s…’
‘Please,’ I said softly but firmly, ’don’t talk about her size anymore. She’s healthy, she’s happy, and she’s the best person I’ve ever known. That’s what we want to do. It’s out of the question.’
They exchanged glances. I saw a flicker of disapproval on their faces. But before either of them could object, Mallory returned, carrying a dish of lasagne. She set it on the floor and then lowered herself into the chair next to me.
‘Is everything okay?’ – She asked quietly, shifting her gaze from Mum to Dad.
Dad cleared his throat. ‘Just a lot to take in.’
Mallory nodded, her expression calm. ‘I understand. I know it’s a big change. And I know you don’t approve of everything about me.’ She took a deep breath. ‘But your son means a lot to me. I want us to have a future where we can both do what we love, and that happens to be in California.’
My mum’s eyes softened, though only slightly. ‘Well, I suppose you’re both adults. We can’t stop you.’ She forced herself to smile. ‘I guess we’ll have to visit you once you’re settled.’
It was hardly a glowing endorsement, but it felt like a step toward something. Hope stirred in my chest. ‘Thank you,’ I said quietly. ‘It means a lot to us.’
A week later, we got a call from my father. He sounded hesitant, but wanted to meet for a cup of coffee-just him and me. I agreed, feeling anxious about what he might say. Maybe he’d try to talk me out of going. Maybe he’d say something hurtful about Mallory again.
We ended up sitting on a bench outside the café, holding our drinks. My dad stared at the ground for a while before he spoke.
‘You know,’ he began in a low voice, ’your mum and I belong to a generation that is… a little more traditional. We have ideas about how things should look. It’s not right, but it’s there.’ He paused. ‘I don’t want to lose you, son. I’m worried about your future. But I realise I have to let you live your life.’
It wasn’t exactly a tearful apology, but it was closer than I’d expected. I moved my cup closer to me. ‘Thank you, Dad. It means a lot.’
He exhaled heavily. ‘Your mum is having a hard time with you moving out. She’s fixated on the differences between you, like she’s trying to find reasons to keep you here.’
I managed a weak smile. ‘We both have a lot to learn about acceptance, Dad. I don’t blame you or Mum for worrying. But Mallory isn’t just a size or a figure, she’s a person who supports me in everything I do.’
He nodded slowly. ‘I can see that.’ He looked at me, eyes shining with something I couldn’t put a name to. ‘After all, if she’s the only one who makes you feel alive, you shouldn’t let anyone stand in your way.’
I felt tears come to my eyes. Hearing that from him, I never thought I would get this opportunity.