The Talk with mom.

I went into my house and immediately looked for my mom. No use trying to delay the inevitable. I needed to explain things… to some extent. I found her in the kitchen, squeezing juice out of some oranges. She stopped when she saw me, standing straight and with her arms crossed.

"It's nearly 10:00 pm, Oliver," she said, giving me a stern look. Seeing me nod meekly, she let out a sigh. "Sit down." We sat across from each other at the kitchen table. Her gaze softened and she continued. "I see you're not entering the rebellious phase, at least."

"I really did lose track of the time. I'm sorry."

"Look, Oliver. It's not that you're not allowed to come back home a little late every once in a while, but you've never done this before, and it's becoming more common. What's going on?"

"I'm… making friends," I said. "There's this guy I told you about already. Thomas, the one whose birthday party I went to. And… these three girls have been inviting me to hang out."

Mom raised an eyebrow at that. "Three girls?"

I nodded. "Milana, Grace and Sarah. They're classmates."

"I see." Mom sighed again. "Oliver, you've earned my trust in several things, but you have to admit this is not the kind of thing you normally do."

I swallowed. "Not because I didn't want to."

Mom looked taken aback. "Oh?"

"I… I've been having a rough time at school for years, mom. You know I have no friends and that Isabelle hangs out with her own. I don't know how to talk to people, but these girls… They've been helping me out. I like being with them and they like being with me. Thomas too. He hangs out with me despite how quiet I am. I always wanted this, to have friends to be with and talk to. Now it's suddenly happening for some reason and I don't want to waste this chance."

Mom looked at me with eyes wide. She breathed in deeply, held the bridge of her nose and let the air out. She closed her eyes and remained quiet for a long moment. When she spoke, her voice was soft, softer than I'd ever heard it. Weak, even.

"I'm sorry, Oliver. I really have no excuse for not noticing this, do I?"

"It's my fault. I never said anything, always kept to myself. But now I… I feel like I can change for the better. I really do. I know I shouldn't be getting home at this hour without saying anything, and it won't happen again, but… there was something important I had to do."

"..." Mom looked deep in thought. I didn't know what she was thinking, but it looked to me like she was sorting things out in her head. Then her eyes set on me, firmly. "First off, I don't care what you believe, **** are a big no, you hear? If your new friends tell you you need to do **** to hang out with them, then I won't approve and you'll lose my support."

"O-Okay," I said.

"Second, you're allowed to come back by 8:00 pm at the latest. Any more and you need to ask me first and tell me where you'll be. If I ever find out you're lying to me, you'll lose my trust."

I nodded firmly.

"Third, I'll give you a bit of money to go shopping. Pick out your own clothes this time."

"Y-Yes!"

"Fourth, I promise to let you have your privacy, but you need to talk to me more. Tell me how things are going. If you're doing well or bad. How things are in school and with your new friends."

"I promise."

"Fifth…" Mom took a deep breath. "Use protection. I'm serious."

My face instantly caught fire. I looked down at my knees and answered with a slow, shame-filled nod. Did she think I had already done it or was it a warning just in case? Anyway, p-pills counted, right?

"I know I haven't been a very present mother." Mom grimaced. "I should've been, and it might be too late to start now that you're already 18. But everything I've done has been for your and your sister's sake. I want nothing but the best for you two."

"I know, mom. I've always been thankful. Sorry I haven't said it till now."

"I'm sorry I haven't paid enough attention to you. You're soft-spoken and rarely cause trouble, unlike your sister. I'm still wondering when she'll introduce her boyfriend. Well, at least I know she's being careful."

My eyebrows shot up. "Y-You knew?"

"I found some boxers that aren't yours in the wash a week ago. Also a box of condoms in her drawer. I'm surprised you didn't tell on her, with how much she annoys you."

"Why haven't you talked to her about it, then?"

"I had a similar talk with her to the one we just had. When she was 17. I wouldn't let her come back late if she wasn't respecting my rules. Mostly. Bringing her boyfriend home while I was away is a serious breach of trust. If she doesn't mention it by the end of this week, we'll have to talk again."

"... Sorry we're such trouble."

"Don't apologize, dear." Mom chuckled. "I'm lucky to have you two. I did stupid things, too, and I had your grandmother to beat some sense into me. Scolding me and grounding me, mind you. Never with ****."

"We're going to the gym this Saturday, right?"

"As long as you're not embarrassed to tell your new friends that you're hanging out with your mom on Saturday mornings," she teased.

"They're not the type to laugh at something like that. I think." They’ll probably still tease me, though.

"Good to know. Bring them over whenever you want. If Isabelle can bring her friends, you can bring yours. I want to meet them."

PERMISSION!

"Thank you. Oh, and… one more thing."

"Hm?"

"I'd like to get a part-time job."

"Oh my. Do you now?"

I nodded. "My friends treat me to things, and… I don't like it. I want to pay for my own stuff or be able to treat them back."

Mom smiled with clear pride. Her eyes even showed a light glitter. "Would you like me to help you find one?"

I pursed my lips. "Well, yes, but… It might be better if I found one on my own?"

"Very well." Mom's smile only grew. "I'll keep an eye out. If you can't find one in two weeks, I'll help. How does that sound?"

I nodded. "You're the best."

"You say that now. You'll think differently when I'm telling you no to something."

It was the first time I had a talk like his with my mom. It went better than I expected, more than I dared hope. But I don't think I could've started it if not for the wild things I'd already done. I dared to do it because I felt like I was finally taking steps to fix my own problems. I didn't expect her to be so supportive. I didn't want to lose her trust, so… I'd better stick to her rules. It meant that eventually I'd have to tell her I was dating three girls.

…

She gave Isabelle a grace period. I'd take mine before daring to tell her. Maybe she'd warm up to the idea after meeting them as my friends? I hoped.

I'd like to be all wise and tell you that sometimes talking to your family is the right answer. That they'll always be there, that they'll support and love you no matter what. However, as much as I believe that, you may not want to take familial advice from me. You'll see what I mean eventually.

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