(YDN)- Your Dad's Name (YMN)- Your Mom's Name-----  

My heart came to a full blown stop when I answered the door. There he stood looking more nervous than ever. He may have been wearing that charming smile and looked so sexy in his suit jacket, but the little droplets of sweat that form in his hairline said he was feeling every word opposite of relaxed. "God, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress," he whispered to me with a smirk while looking me up and down.

In his one hand was a bottle of wine and in his other was a bouquet of assorted flowers. Seeing him like this gave me a warm fuzzy feeling, and I knew it was the start of a great night. His hands may have been full but I had to embrace him now. Being my dad's so old fashioned there'd be very little physical contact made in front of him, so it was best to do it now while I had the chance.

"The flowers are beautiful babe, you didn't have to do that for me."-" I didn't. They're for your mother." Although I was slightly disappointed they weren't for me, I still found it really sweet that he would do such a thing. First impressions are a huge deal and I knew the flowers would earn him extra brownie points with my mom.

I unwillingly tore myself away from him- as I could have spent all night in our embrace but we had a dinner to attend. He kicked off his shoes by the door before I took a hold of his wrist, leading him through the hallway. On occasion he seemed to like to stop and take a moment to observe pictures from childhood hung on the wall, and would make a remark about how cute I was as a kid.

Finally right before the kitchen archway, we had to stop so he could take a deep breath. "Relax, okay. I promise my parents will absolutely love you." He let out a deep sigh and nodded his head ever so slightly in both agreement and understanding. I took the flowers out of Mark's grasp and hugged them tight leading him into the kitchen.

Immediately my dad's focus came to Mark, and if I knew my father- the look he was giving Mark was that of silent judgement. I could only assume he was trying to get a reading on my scruffy gentlemen friend. However so long as he wasn't going to try and intimidate Mark, I was okay with whatever it was he needed to do to get him through dinner with a peace of mind.

Mark didn't seem to take notice to the daggers I could so easily tell my father was sending him at a glance. He instead greeted my father's gaze with a warm smile and an extended hand reaching across the table. "Uh, dad this is the guy I told you so much about." I lied, but I felt if I didn't say something like that it may make Mark feel a little more out of place. "Nice to finally meet you sir, I'm Mark. How do you do," he greeted my dad while setting the bottle of wine on the table.

There was a cold look in my dad's eyes and I knew I was the only one to pick up on it. I gave dad a glare right back as if to say 'remember what we talked about,' and my father's face changed from a default expression to one that seemed almost welcoming. As he rose to his feet and shook Mark's hand, it brought me to a sigh of relief.

This wouldn't be the first guy I brought home that my dad wasn't instantly sure about: but I couldn't expect much less as he's only looking out for my best interest. I could only hope that by the end of the night the tension would have completely vanished. "Nice to meet you too, son. I'm (YDN), take a seat. Make yourself comfortable."

All while this was going on, mom was bent over in front of the open oven, basting what appeared to be a chicken. I knew she was busy but, when she immediately didn't stop what she was doing to come meet him, it kind of pissed me off. Instead of taking a seat at the table with Dad and Mark, I instead wanted my mother's attention, so I went over and tapped her on the back.

My gentle tap quickly brought her attention to me. Shutting the oven door, putting the baster down on the counter and then she finally stood up. She took one quick look over to Mark who at his point was already carrying on a conversation with Dad at a mere distance of about 15 feet and then a quick shot look back at me. Her lips began to move without a sound and she appeared to be mouthing 'he's cute.'

My mother and I had always had that type of relationship where we could play around like that. I couldn't help but silently giggle to myself, and wiggled my eyebrows at her before proceeding to show her the flowers in my hands, and handing them over to her. "Trying to win me over already I see. Smart man," she joked with a soft chuckle, and joined them at the table.

She set the flowers down on the table for the time being, and whipped her hands on he apron before introducing herself. "Hi there. I'm (YMN.)" Her introduction was welcomed by Mark standing up to greet her hand along with introducing himself in the process. I couldn't help but stand back and smile as I watched this seamlessly begin to unfold into utter perfection.

'I don't know why I was so worried. He's been here all of two minutes and my parents seem to be fond of him already.' If Mark was still at this point nervous about meeting my parents, he certainly was very good at hiding it. Already I could feel the tension in the room dissipating and it managed to put me more at ease.

***

For the next hour or so it seemed we sat around the table. I listened to my father do exactly what I asked him not to- talk about his business. I was both in awe and amazed at how intrigued Mark seemed by the brainless conversation my dad was holding with him. I was lucky if I even got a word in, they were that into the conversation.

Finally mom came to the rescue by beginning to set the table for dinner, and that quickly switched the conversation from boring business discussion to just general chit chat. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thankful for that, at least it gave me a chance to talk.

When food was finally placed down in front of us I found I was right. She did indeed stuff a chicken, along with mashed potatoes, gravy and various vegetables. We hadn't had a meal this large since Christmas dinner and it all smelled fantastic. However it wasn't long after we started digging in that my worst fear began to arise- my father began to ask questions.

"So, Mark tell us a bit about yourself." This was exactly what I had dread the entire day and the anxiety was overwhelming. My parents had never bothered to ask me much about Mark, and I certainly didn't expect them to choose tonight to do so. "Like how did you two meet, and what do you do for a living if you don't mind my asking," my mother chimed in opening the bottle of wine, pouring the table a round... except for me.

Immediately Mark and I looked at each other, and I could read his eyes as if they were saying 'help me.' He was panicking, I could easily tell although I wasn't sure if my parents could. I sent him a light kick from under the table, took a deep breath and piped up. "Uh, I-I don't think you guys have met Kyle. He's just a friend from school but ah-a few months back he was having a party and that's where we met. Mark is Kyle's older brother."

I wasn't sure if that lie was good enough, but I had hoped it would satisfy their curiosity. They didn't know Kyle so surely, they would have zero knowledge of the lie. However still, I sat there finding it near impossible to breath, just preying the questions wouldn't go any further.

"Older?" My dad huffed. His ears perked up and his head shot up, with a raging fire burning in his eyes. "How much older ?" I could have just died there and then. The questions just kept coming, and Mark and I never discussed what we'd say if asked. "I'll be 28 this year sir."

Immediately I choked when he said how old he was. Obviously my parents could tell just by looking at him he was a few years older, but now finding out he's almost 10 years older... I wasn't sure how that was going to go over. Although mom seemed perfectly fine by his answer, it was Dad I was worried about.

Glancing over at him while he took a swig of wine, he had nothing to say about the age gap but I could see the gears turning in his head, and that worried me. I knew immediately I had to change the subject. "So, dad how do you like the wine? Mark is quite the wine enthusiast himself. In fact, his job allows him some really intriguing hook ups. Well at least for him."

Instantly I was mortified by my statement. I couldn't help but spew the first thought that came to mind, but regretted my choice to bring up his profession as I knew it'd just raise more questions. "Ah yes, that was my other question. What is it exactly you do for a living?" My heart all of a sudden began to thunder beneath my chest in fear. Not that they would know why but, I guess I in a way began to feel almost guilty about having to lie and hide some details from them.

However to my surprise, staring at Mark awaiting for him to answer my mother's question he was in a calm and relaxed state. He didn't seem at all phased and with that, I gradually started to calm down.

"Well, as for right now I'm bar tending. However I do have a 6 year bachelor degree with a major in English. As I'm sure you know, the job market is rough right now but I hope with in the next few months I may be able to find something where I could put them to good use. Personally, I've thought a lot about teaching and I do have the recommended credentials. So perhaps that's something I should look into in the near future."

He was so well spoken, and very well versed. I, myself was surprised with the detailed and honest answer he managed to convey. My mother seemed impressed to say the least, and the upturned corners of her lips told me she liked what she heard. "A young gentleman who has his head on straight. I'm rather impressed. Good for you son but, it really makes me question what it is you see in my daughter."

I dropped my folk on my plate out of shock and sheer disbelief that my dad would have been so blunt as to say something like that. If anything, I was near infuriated. Although now would be a great time to laugh it off as if it were a joke, my father's face was blank and emotionless, and my mother seemed just as in shock as I was. Mark would know, that was no joke.

I would have liked nothing more then to address the situation but, I wasn't willing to risk ruining my idea of the perfect evening by causing a scene. "I'll tell you exactly what I see in your daughter, sir." Mark glanced over and sent me a sweet smile, and swung his arm over the back of my chair before beginning to put my father in his place.

"I think she's absolutely amazing, in every sense of the word. She makes me smile and laugh like no one ever has. She's bright, sweet, charming and beautiful. She's been there for me in hard times over the last few months. She pushes me to do the best I possibly can, in all of my endeavors and, in short I think we could both say we share a very close bond. If you ask me, I think the better question is, what's not to see?"

I knew I shouldn't have been affectionate towards him in front of my parents. They didn't need to see it, and I knew my father just simply wouldn't want to. However after hearing those words, it was like I was smitten all over again. I had to kiss him, and in the moment I didn't exactly care who was watching.

"Yes... Well, (YMN) how about you bring out dessert?"

***

After the earlier confrontation over Mark's age, profession and what he likes about me, the rest of the evening was quite comfortable. Dad didn't say anything more out of line, and mom and Mark spent a majority of dessert talking about their favorite authors. Yet another conversation I couldn't really be involved with other than a few words here and there. I was just thankful that at this point any and all tension had vanished and we were off the previous subject matter.

I couldn't help myself but to admire Mark even more now. He got over his fear of meeting my parents, and managed to give what I felt was a great first impression. The peace of casual chit chat was suddenly interrupted when dad got yet another business call, and with that mom made time to clean up the kitchen.

That left Mark and I to sit and chat amounts ourselves for a few short minutes until the kitchen clock struck 9 o'clock. "I know it's still early babe, but I don't want to overstay my welcome, besides your parents are busy. How about we call it a night?" Although I was slightly disappointed, I thought about the bigger picture and instead focused on the fact that it happened at all, and went so well too. As much as I didn't want to see him go, I didn't argue against it. Mark took the final sip of wine left in his glass, and rose to his feet, reaching out for my hand.

I grasped a hold of his soft hand with a smile and a gentle nod in understanding before escorting him out into the hallway and back to the foot door. "Tell your parents, I said goodbye and it was nice to meet them," he requested slipping on his shoes. I knew he would be honest with me about how he felt about meeting my parents for the first time and to hear he enjoyed it was a relief.

I opened the front door for him and watch him step outside only to turn around and give me a hug and kiss goodnight. During our kiss I could both smell and taste the alcohol on his breath and it drew cause for concern. "Are you going to be okay to drive?" -"It was one drink that I started like two hours ago. I promise I'll be fine." The genuine smile, and warm look in his eyes put all worries to rest. He's a grown man, and would know his limit or when he's too drunk to drive.

"Okay," I whispered pulling him in for one more hug. "I love you. Thank you for coming," I cooed into his ear. His rough and shaggy face scraped across my shoulder as he broke from our embrace. "I already told you how you can thank me, but clearly that can't happen tonight. So, you owe me. I'll call you when I get home, beautiful. Love you."

With the taste of wine still lingering on my lips, I watched him as he walked down the driveway and got into his car. He may never know how proud I was to introduce somebody like him to my parents, nor could he ever understand how much it meant to me. I guess now having my family's approval made it that much easier to continue to love him, and fall even more in love with him everyday.

Completely satisfied with the night's events, I couldn't stop myself from reminiscing of things that happened only hours prior and smile. I closed the door behind him once I seen him off and headed back down the hallway towards the kitchen. "So what did you think of him," I inquired taking a seat back down at the table.

With mom doing the dishes, I guess she didn't hear me but dad was now off the phone, and he did. I gave dad a hopeful grin and in return all he managed to do was shake his head from side to side. "He's not for you." In all of a single second hearing those words threw me from content to utter confusion.

"Wh-what do you mean he's not for me. Of course he is. He's perfect for me." -"A boy like that isn't interested in girls like you. I only want what's best for you sweetheart and there's only one thing going through his mind. I can promise you, it's not love. I don't want you to see him anymore. In fact, I forbid it. He's far too old for you."

I shot up from my seat in complete rage, ready to scream. "What do you mean you forbid it! I'm almost 19 years old, you don't control me! Besides, I think I have a good idea what's good for me, and he's the best it gets. So don't you dare try and stop me from seeing him." I looked over to my mom who at this point was standing back watching this all unfold, as his a means to ask for help. Yet, all she did was stand in her silence.

I was doing this completely alone, and somehow I knew one way or another this battle would end poorly. "Wanna bet there's nothing I can do to stop you," he hissed getting up out of his seat, picking up his half glass of wine and flinging it across the room. "End it with him, or I end it with you, and you can get the fuck out of this house!"

So full of hate and bitterness, I stormed out of the kitchen and up to my room. I couldn't believe how ridiculous he was being. Replaying the threat he made about practically disowning me and kicking me out of the house, the crime just simply didn't fit the punishment.

I knew it was because he is way over protective and old fashion but I never expected this. I worked hard, and faced a lot of heartache to get the Mark and I's relationship to where it is now, and I sure didn't want to throw it all away. The more and more I thought about it, the more it angered me and upset me to the point of nausea and tears. I didn't know what to do, but I knew what felt right.

Hastily I tore my book bag from off the floor and emptied it's contents onto my bed and proceeded around the room cramming it with anything and everything I felt necessary. It wasn't a big bag so I really didn't get to pack much but I didn't care. The longer I stayed in this house, the more it broke me down. I just wanted out. I threw my full bag back up onto my bed in frustration, and collapsed onto my bed in tears.

I felt completely defeated. 'I know what I'm about to do feels right, but was it actually the right thing to do?' I took a moment to catch my breath, and try to calm myself down a bit before taking my phone off my bedside table, and making a call.

Within a few rings it was answered, and hearing his voice after what just happened sent my emotions into overdrive. Again, I broke down feeling completely shattered. "What's going on?!" -"Baby, I need you to come and pick me up. I can't stay in this house with him," I cried. Mark clearly now in a state of confusion and dread, didn't have to think twice before responding.

I didn't know what else say, nor how to say it. There was so much going through my mind and I couldn't quite make sense of any of it. However, he was there for me when I needed someone, and that's all that mattered. "I'm on my way, hold tight."