“Irene, why are you cleaning up after the boy?” Mahmoud asks with a sigh, watching his wife clear the table. “He needs to take responsibility of his own actions. He made the mess. You have him spoilt.”

Irene sighs. “Mahmoud, it’s two in the morning. I just want to get to bed. Can’t we figure this out tomorrow?”

Mahmoud looks across at Adam and Rehan. “We should sort it out now.”

Irene opens the trash can and throws the boxes in before making her way over to sit down beside Mahmoud on the other sofa. Staring across at her Son, she doesn’t know how to react.

“So, why where you sleeping with her?” Mahmoud hisses in a low tone. “Tell me, Boy.”

Adam shakes his head. “We weren’t sleeping together. She took off her shirt, and I undressed because we were too warm. We even opened the window.”

“But WHY was she on your bed?”

“I dragged her up as a joke and she snuggled into me. I guess she was lonely.”

Rehan sighs back. “I’m sorry, Mahmoud. I didn’t mean anything sexual. I thought we were just two old friends hanging out.”

Adam nods. “We were listening to music through my headphones and resting on top of the bed before you barged in . I have no interest in her sexually. I’ve never had any interest past puppy love.”

“Yeah, he’s not really my type. We were never going to go anywhere. Adam’s much better as a friend than a lover, no offence.”

Irene looks at Mahmoud. “Is this true?”

Mahmoud thinks for a moment. “Well, I did see the earphones fly out of his ear when I startled him with the box of chalks.”

Irene shakes her head. “Why are you so distrustful of your own Son? I get that he’s not perfect and he makes mistakes, but I know he was telling the truth.”

“Why do you always stick up for him?”

“Why do you always stick up for Zara? I know for a fact that Adam didn’t make out with Rehan because he told me that he didn’t feel comfortable dating her and that she was better friend material, but he was too afraid to tell you.”

Mahmoud leans closer to Adam and looks him in the eyes. “Is this true?”

Adam nods back. “I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me. I’m sorry for not telling you.”

“You could have told me, and I wouldn’t have set you two up on dates. I would have been happy to let you be friends.”

“Baba, I barely knew how to shave, let alone express my feelings. I was a mixed up kid—“

“—You still are. Don’t get this frisky again. Remember the ground rules we set out? I expect you to follow them. Consider this your last warning. I won’t be compromising with you anymore in regards to relationships—“

“—Okay—“

“—You’ve pushed enough boundaries today already. You’re giving me 250 Euros as a penalty this month. Either that, or you’re going homeless.”

Adam sighs. “Fine. I’ll be good okay?”

Mahmoud shakes his head. “We’re way past the grounding stage. You need to pay for your mistakes. You’re old enough to know better, and you’re a grown up now.”

Irene yawns and gets up. “Son, please think before you do something impulsive. And sleep well. All of you.”

Mahmoud nods at her as she leaves. “Rahel, next time you come around, wear a shirt. And keep it on please?” he adds with a sigh, “And Adam, don’t test me anymore, okay?”

“Yes, Baba. I get it—“

“—I’ve tried being reasonable with you before. Now I’m clamping down. Don’t you forget that.”

“I won’t.” Adam yawns as he turns around to find out who’s opening the door. In walk Zara and Marco. “Hello.”

Mahmoud shakes his head at both of them. “What’s Marco doing here?”

“He was hanging around with Adnan and he wanted to get a ride home with us because he wanted to say hey to Adam. He missed him tonight.”

“And how did he get here this evening?”

“Adnan , Sir.” Marco explains. “He brought me from my place earlier and now he’s bringing me back home again. Do you mind if I say hello to Adam and give him something?”

Mahmoud nods. “Where’s Adnan?”

“Out in the car waiting. I’ll be quick.” Marco adds as he walks over to Adam. “I promise.”

Adam leans in close to hug him, smiling as Marco hands him a small paper bag. “Thanks.”

“I also left you a present in there.” Marco whispers before leaning away. “Okay, maybe two. Wear it tomorrow night okay?”

Adam nods. “Did you win your game last night?”

“Yeah, we did. Raul scored the winner though. And he thought he was god for a few hours.”

“Did you score any?”

“Just one. He scored two. We had a couple of beers and some tapas after the game and then went dancing in the club.”

“Did you have fun?”

Marco nods. “I had a dance and burned off a lot of calories. And I also have to use your bathroom.”

Adam smiles. “First on the right. Flush twice and don’t forget to wipe.”

Marco laughs as he walks out.

Mahmoud looks at Adam.

“What, Baba?”

“Wasn’t he over before?” Mahmoud asks.

Adam shrugs. “Maybe for a moment. I genuinely can’t remember. Anyway, I’m away to bed. Good night.”

Rehan gets up and hugs Mahmoud.

She waves at Adam and follows him out of the lounge, closing the door behind her.