After I recovered from my shock and horror, I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt. I glanced at Ted and flashed him a weak smile. I gestured him to be seated and walked out of the car. I jogged towards my parents.

They looked puzzled and their attention darted between Ted who was in the car and me. I didn't know how they would react. My heart hammered against my chest as I approached them. I tried my best to calm myself. It's wasn't a sin roaming around with a boy, was it?

"Uh, you guys are early from work today?" I asked as if ignoring their stares towards Ted.

"Yeah, hon. And where were you?" Mum asked curiously and I knew she directed her question towards the presence of Ted.

"At Noelle's house. I did mention earlier, didn't I?"

"You did but I suppose plans might have changed," She explained and I shifted to block her view to look at Ted.

I bit my bottom lip and thought of ways to escape this situation. All my thoughts were futile. I took a sharp breath and blurted, "Mum, dad, if you guys don't mind then can I invite my friend to dinner?"

"A boy?"

"No, a bulldog," I murmured.

Fortunately, my parents didn't hear me murmur. I nodded slightly and they glanced at each other. I was already preparing myself to pack my bag and get ready to be kicked out of the house. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating but I knew that they wouldn't leave me without a long, boring or threatening lecture.

"Is it okay if I bring him in?" I asked, my voice laced with uncertainty.

"Of course, hon! That's so great to know that you socialize with guys too. We thought you weren't into guys and we were worried about you," Mum said and I blinked at her.

"Well," I said. "Wait - you thought I wasn't into guys? What do you mean?"

"It's just that your father and I have never seen you with any boy. You were always with girls and at first I was terrified with it. But soon, I overcame by attending counselling and I convinced myself that it was not your fault. At this age, self discovery happens and we would love and support you no matter - "

"Whoa, hold right there. What's wrong with you all? What are you talking? I'm into guys and I have always been. It's just that I wanted to set a good example for Poppy. Dad, tell her!" I said and dad shrugged. It was weird that my conservative parents were cool even if I was a lesbian.

But at the same time, if I knew that my parents were cool with me hanging around with guys, I would already had gone through seven boyfriends and innumerable kisses. I sighed wearily.

"Did anyone gave you the idea of me being gay even though I am not?" I asked and raised my eyebrows in suspicion.

"Poppy was - "

"POPPY!" I shouted on top of my voice and I heard shuffling from inside the house. I heard her footsteps and she stuck her head out of the back door. I frowned at her and she walked casually towards us.

"What is going on here? Wait - " Poppy said and scratched her head. " - are you finally coming out of the closet?"

"What?" I snapped at her. My eyebrows knotted in confusion. Did she come to know the truth about the closet and Ted? Or -

"Are you finally confessing about your sexuality? I'm there for you, Abby," She rushed towards me and hugged me. I pushed her away and she stumbled back. She giggled and asked, "So, who's the lucky girl?"

"Shut up."