"Excuse me please, I have to call my family and wish them," Ted's dad said and suddenly got up from the seat. Ted choked on the piece of chicken while my eyes widened as I sipped the Apple juice.

"Why so sudden?" I asked without my intention for all of them to hear. My mum glared at me and dad laughed awkwardly. Ted's dad smiled at me and his attention darted towards Ted. I could see Ted's hands trembling as he held the fork. I squeezed his hand in comfort and assurance.

Ted's dad excused himself and went out of the dining room. I nervously whispered to Ted, "It's okay, he would call at your home. Grandma will take care."

Ted nodded but my guess was completely wrong. Ted's phone started vibrating and thankfully he kept it in the vibrating mode. I could see him panicking. He quickly retrieved it and fumbled with the phone.

"Honey, is everything alright?" Mum asked.

"Yes, yes," I said and purposely pushed the glass of Apple juice on Ted's lap. The juice spilled over his neat shirt and pants. "Oh, no. I'm so sorry, Ted. Let's go in, I'll help you get changed."

All the people blinked rapidly at me in suprise and astonishment. Ted was nervous as hell and he didn't utter a word. I grabbed his arm and he got up.

"Dad, can I borrow one of your shirts?" I asked and dad nodded. He quietly continued to drink wine while mum looked at us suspiciously. Poppy and her friends resumed eating and gossiping about boy bands.

I quickly pulled Ted in the kitchen. We hurriedly looked at the phone which was still buzzing.

"What should I do?" Ted asked in a shaky voice.

"Pick it up," I hissed.

"No, I can't - "

"Pick it up son," We heard a manly voice behind us and we whirled around. We froze when we saw Ted's dad standing at the entrance.

There was silence. Ted stared at his dad in shock. Ted mumbled nervously, "I - I live here nearby. Ask grandma, she'll explain how, how I'm here."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Ted was holding my hands ever so tightly, I could see my hand turning white. I didn't let go of his hand. He looked down at the floor nervously.

"So, grandma is it? I talked to her now about your whereabouts and I realized that the stories she narrated to me is true. Isn't this all about the closet - connection thing?" Ted's dad said and my jaw hung open wide. Ted looked up.

"Yes," He said in a low, shaky voice. He took a sharp breath and said, "You don't know how-much-I-missed-you."

"I'm sorry son," Ted's dad apologised so sincerely and I too felt emotional. Ted hesitated but went towards his dad. His dad hugged him. I could see Ted's ears turned a bright shade of red. He pulled away and sniffed. His dad patted his back and said, "Come on, son. You'll make me cry too."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I exited the room. I glanced at them for one last time and closed the door softly behind me.