“I agree with you. That’s why I’m going to become a teacher.”
Mum tuts. “That’s not exactly what I meant, but if it’s what you really want to do...”
“It really is.” I sigh.
“You’ll teach English, I presume,” she says, and the fact she’s talking about it like this tells me she’s already warming up to maybe, possibly, one day being okay with the idea.
“Yes. You know how much I loved English at school.”
“There are worse subjects you could teach, I suppose. And I dare say sometimes you may find it rewarding. They can’t all be disobedient delinquents, can they?”
I pull in a deep breath and then slowly let it go. “Thanks, Mum.”
“What for?”
“For being a little bit more open to this than I expected, and for also being happy for me because I have more news.”
I look down at Mina whose brow is creased in confusion.
“Do I need to sit down? I’ve only had two sips of wine so go easy on me,” Mum says.
“You remember Mina from your birthday party?” I ask.
“Tattoos? Dark hair? Slightly acidic tongue? Also bisexual?” she asks and I don’t think she used air quotes for bisexual. Could this be more progress?
“The very one,” I say, beaming down at Mina. “She’s my girlfriend now.”
A look of horror flashes across Mina’s face and I am expecting it. What I wasn’t expecting was how quick it would melt away into a slow smile, a smile so wide that she decides to hide it in my T-shirt where she buries her face.
Another Mum tut. “Well, I suppose I should say congratulations.”
“Thanks, Mum,” I say, too proud and smug and happy to care how disingenuous she may have sounded.
“You’ll have to bring her over one day soon,” Mum says and her voice is different now, a little bit more restrained and slower. “I’d like to meet her properly, and I’d like to see you again too.”
“I’ll see when she’s free,” I say. “I’ll call you soon, I promise.”
“That would be nice,” she says and I actually believe her.
After saying goodbye and hanging up, I throw my phone onto the bed and finally have both of my hands on Mina’s body. Having her warmth pressed up against me, has the blood travelling south but I am quick to redirect my thoughts.
“You need dinner,” I say with my head resting on her head.
“I’m still full of soup,” she mumbles into my chest.
“Let me at least make a start on cooking something, while you rest,” I say but I don’t make any move to release my hold on Mina.
“I’m proud of you, Charlie,” Mina says as she pulls back and tips her head up to look at me.
I roll my eyes. “It’s embarrassing that I haven’t stood up to her like that before.”
“But you did it now,” Mina says.
“With you literally holding my hand!” I protest.
“You even told her about me.” Mina’s voice is quieter.
“Was that the wrong thing to do?” I ask nervously.
