The week went slower than ones prior usually went, but it didn't drag as much as I dreaded. It helped that every class I exited, there was a text and picture waiting from Frazer. He made more of an effort to include me in his schedule as he went about his photoshoots, recordings, and press tours. Moreover, Frazer also spoke to his friends about the camping trip, and I was very assured I was included... especially when Kevin reminded me every day that week as they fleshed out plans and he'd tag on, "With Em there too, of course."

A small part of me worried that it was a jab. That maybe Frazer pressured them into including me... But the soft smile on Caleb's face and Kevin's warm eyes were enough to quell those thoughts when they arose.

Which brought Frazer and I to our final hurdle: our parents.

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"I'm eighteen," I retorted after dad instantly shut me down.

"And I'm thirty-eight, but that still doesn't make it okay for me to go on a camping trip with a group of girls, does it? The answer is no," dad replied as he continued to chop the veggies for dinner.

"So if there was a mix of both genders, it would be okay?" I replied.

"... probably not."

"Why?"

"Because you've told me there aren't any girls in your friend group. Meaning if any girls did go, they'd be strangers to you and probably wouldn't look out for you."

"Frazer will look out for me."

"... Frazer is the one I'm most worried about."

"Because he's my boyfriend?"

"Because he's a boy who denies your existence and is also a hot-shot celebrity now. I'm sure he's feeling heaps of pressure right now, and what if one of those pressures impacts you?"

"You know he's keeping our relationship on the down low at my request. And what pressure?"

My dad cocked an eyebrow before glancing at Archie who sat on the couch, fixated on his game.

"He won't pressure me to do that."

"Because he's Prince Charming who could do no wrong?"

"No. Because he lo... cares about me. A lot." I can't believe I almost said he loves me... If only he would. "And for all you know, we've done it already anyway."

"Have you?"

"... No. We've been following your rules."

"Then keep doing so."

"Abstinence isn't always best, you know. Also, camping doesn't equate to sex either."

"Oi... your brother is over there."

"I know you've been talking about sex since the beginning," Archie called back in response. "I think Frazer is nice though, dad. I don't think he'd hurt Em."

Dad shook his head before he turned back to the stove. "Did you know 1 in 5 women who are sexually abused are by people they know?"

"You've got to stop watching these current affair programs, hey," I responded.

He didn't say anything back, as if he were done with the topic.

But I wasn't. "How long do we need to be together before you give us your blessing?"

"You have my blessing to be together. Just not alone."

"We're both legally adults though."

"And your relationship is still young. And it's the first for the both of you. And, as I said before, Frazer would be feeling all sorts of pressure right now, which could impact—"

"He knows what no means, dad. I assure you."

He glanced at me like he didn't buy it. "Some other time, Em."

"But there won't be another time for us all to hang out like this."

"There will be. Don't be so dramatic."

"Dad... I don't get to have formal with him. Please let me have this."

"Where are you going to go if things go south, Em?"

"They won't—"

"You'll be out alone in some secluded spot with no one to turn to for help."

"He's not going to—"

"And what kind of father would I be if something happened to you?"

I heaved a sigh. "I hear your concerns dad, but... I really don't have to ask for your consent anymore. As I said, I'm eighteen now."

His eyes narrowed, challenging me.

Though before he could go on, I said, "But I also don't want to upset you."

"If you don't want to upset me, then listen to my instructions."

"... is there a way we can compromise?"

"Emilia. I said no."

"If I get some pepper spray, maybe?"

It was a long shot, but the determination in his face lessened slightly. "Pepper spray is illegal in most parts of Australia."

"Then... something? Maybe we can work it out together?"

He took a deep breath, then caved, "You'll need to pack a screwdriver, aerosol deodorant, and a flashlight at least if you want me to consider it."

"Not a pocket knife?"

"That's some grey area, apparently. Self-defence using an object should be common items instead of actual weapons, legally."

"Right. Okay. Anything else?"

"Of course, you will need to pack condoms too."

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Me: I got permission from dad. How's your end? Sent at 7:34pm.

Frazer: She said yes... if she can talk with you about it first. Sent at 7:38pm.

Me: With me? Sent at 7:39pm.

Frazer: Yup. Sent at 7:39pm.

Me: About what? Sent at 7:40pm.

Frazer: ... I'm not certain. Sent at 7:42pm.

Me: But you have some clue. Sent at 7:43pm.

Frazer: Well... if it's anything like our conversation, then yes. Sent at 7:44pm.

Me: ... which was about? Sent at 7:48pm.

Frazer: Can't you just find out when you talk to her? Sent at 7:50pm.

Me: I'm NOT facing your mum without knowing what I'm walking into. Sent at 7:51pm.

Frazer: ... I told her it's not something she has to worry about. Sent at 7:53pm.

Me: You're going to have to be more specific. Sent at 7:54pm.

Frazer: Sex. She gave me the sex talk and I think she wants to do so with you too. Sent at 7:58pm.

Me: I have a dad who already did that. Sent at 8:00pm.

Frazer: I told her that too. Sent at 8:01pm.

Me: We are also both adults... who have almost finished schooling. Our education has taken care of all the chats too. Sent at 8:03pm.

Frazer: She wants to be sure we're both clear on... specific aspects of it. Sent at 8:05pm.

Me: I don't think I want to talk to her about it. Sent at 8:09pm.

Frazer: I know it's awkward, but please. It's three whole nights together! Just ten minutes of bravery, Em. For us! Sent at 8:11pm.

Me: It's too weird. Sent at 8:12pm.

Frazer: :( Okay. I understand. I guess we will find another time to go away together. Sent at 8:14pm.

Me: You're still going then? Sent at 8:16pm.

Frazer: Of course not. I told you, if you're not going then I'm not. Sent at 8:18pm.

Me: Maybe you can just talk to her again. Tell her my dad beat her to the chat. Sent at 8:20pm.

Frazer: ... I can try. Sent at 8:21pm.

Frazer: She claims she doesn't want to talk to you about that. Sent at 8:53pm.

Me: That's what she wants me to think. Sent at 8:57pm.

Frazer: I don't trust her either. Sent at 8:58pm.

Me: Can you convince her again? Sent at 9:01pm.

Frazer: What if you just come over tomorrow morning and I refuse to leave the room? Then she can have this chat with me there and you won't be alone? Sent at 9:05pm.

Me: I don't know... Seems pretty awkward. Sent at 9:06pm.

Frazer: Please? For me? Sent at 9:09pm.

Then, to top it off, he sent me a selfie of himself pouting.

Me: Ugh! Why are you so cute? Fine. Okay. But you owe me. Sent at 9:13pm.

Frazer: I'll definitely make it up to you. Sent at 9:14pm.

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