Max-
The living room is cozy and dim, lit only by the soft glow of the TV and the lamp. My parents are sprawled out on the couch, engrossed in a rerun of an old sitcom. I’m sitting in the armchair across from them, my mind still buzzing from the events of the day. I’ve been putting off, but now feels like the right time.
I take a deep breath and turn off the TV, the room plunging into a brief, comfortable silence. Mom and Dad look up, surprised by the sudden lack of background noise.
“Hey, can we talk for a minute?” I ask.
Dad raises an eyebrow, glancing at Mom before giving me his full attention. “Sure, Max. What’s up?”
Mom pats the seat beside her, inviting me to join them on the couch. “Is everything alright?”
I sit down. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I just wanted to talk to you about something important.”
Dad leans forward slightly. “Go on.”
“So, remember how I mentioned that I’ve been spending a lot of time with Elio lately?”
Mom nods, a gentle smile on her face. “Yes, you two have been inseparable. What about it?”
I glance at both of them, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief. “Well I wanted to let you know that Elio and I…we’ve both realized that we really like each other. More than just friends. We’re sort of seeing each other now.”
The room goes quiet for a moment as my parents absorb what I’ve just said. Mom’s smile fades slightly, but looks more thoughtful rather than upset. Dad’s expression is a mix of surprise and curiosity.
“Oh,” Mom finally says, her voice gentle. “I see. That’s a big step, Max. How do you feel about it?”
I shrug, feeling a bit more at ease now I’ve said it out loud. “I feel good about it. It’s been nice to talk about how we feel, and it feels like the right thing to do. I just wanted you to know.”
Dad nods slowly. “Thanks for being honest with us. We’re glad you’re happy. It’s important that you feel comfortable talking to us about these things.”
Mom reaches out and places her hand on mine. “We support you, Max. As long as you're honest and respectful in your relationship, that’s what matters most to us.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Dad leans back. “If you ever need advice or just want to talk, you know we’re here for you.”
Mom nods in agreement. “Absolutely. And remember, relationships-of any kind-take effort and understanding. Just be sure to communicate openly with each other.”
“I will. Thanks, you guys.”
With that, I turn the TV back on, and as the familiar sitcom resumes their antics. The evening settles into a peaceful rhythm. It’s one less worry on my mind as I head to bed.
Elio-
Gia is sprawled on the couch, absorbed in a book, while Mom and Dad are finishing up their tea at the coffee table. After my conversation earlier with Max, I know it’s time to share the news with my family.
“Hey, Mom,Dad,Gia.” I start. “Can we talk for a minute?”
Mom looks up from her tea. “Of course, Elio. What’s on your mind?”
Dad sets down his cup, giving him his full attention. “Is everything alright?”
I nod, though I can feel my pulse quickening. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I just wanted to tell you something important.”
Gia glances up. “What’s up, Elio.”
I sit down on the arm of the couch, trying to find the right words. “So, you know, Max, right? My friend?”
Mom nods with a smile. “Yes, we know Max. What about him?”
“Well,” I say. “Max and I have realized that we both have feelings for each other. We’ve decided to be more than just friends. I wanted you to know because it’s important to me that you hear it from me first.”
Mom’s eyes widen but she quickly schools her expression into one of calm understanding.Dad nods, his gaze steady.
“Oh,” Mom says softly. “I see. How do you feel about it?”
“I feel really good about it. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I didn’t want to keep it from you.”
Dad nods again. “I appreciate you telling us, Elio. How do you think Max feels about it?”
“He’s happy,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips. “We talked about it, and we’re both excited about where it could go.”
Gia who’s been listening intently, finally chimes in. “Does this mean you guys are, like dating now?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Mom’s expression softens, and reaches out to pat my knee. “We’re glad you’re happy, Elio.And if Max makes you happy, that’s what matters most.”
Dad gives me a smile. “Just be yourself, Elio.”
Gia looks up from her book again. “I think it’s cool. Max is nice, and he’s funny. I think you two make a good pair.”
“Thanks everyone.”
Mom smiles warmly, and Dad gives me a pat on the back. “You’re welcome, Elio.”
As we settle back into our evening routine, the atmosphere feels lighter and more supportive. Gia goes back to her book, and Mom and Dad return to taking sips on their tea. The TV continues its soft hum. The conversation shifts to other topics, but my mind is still on Max. The night ends on a high note, and as I head to bed, I feel excitement about where me and Max could go from here.
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