The Misplaced Love of Childhood Sweethearts

Before Owen and I had a chance to sort things out, our parents dragged us both into a living room arranged like a war room, ready to discuss the "situation."

"How do we even explain this? My daughter isn't even eighteen; do you know how bad this looks?" Amanda fumed, pointing an accusatory finger at Owen. "You little brat! Did you take advantage of my Mia when she was drunk?"

"I didn't do anything!" Owen protested, his eyes darting over to me, pleading for help.

I stepped forward. "Mom, it's really not what you think."

"Shut it! You don't get a say right now!"

I sat on the sidelines, watching my parents and Miranda lecture Owen like he was a wayward child.

They took turns; they went on for a good thirty minutes!

"Maybe we should throw these kids an engagement party?" Miranda suggested after a while, slapping her knee for emphasis. "We've watched them grow up. They're good kids. This is going to look bad if it gets out, so why not make it official?"

My parents exchanged looks, and to my utter disbelief, they nodded in agreement!

"This engagement party could double as a graduation celebration. How convenient! All our relatives are already in town, so why not kill two birds with one stone? A double whammy!"

I shot a desperate look at Owen, trying to signal him to come up with a plan, but he just rolled his eyes at me.

"When they were grilling me, you said nothing! Now you want me to speak up? Not a chance!"

His defiance was infuriating!

"Mom, can you at least respect our opinions?"

I couldn't hold back any longer.

Amanda shot me a fierce look. "Do you realize the rumors? You sleeping over at his place? I'm trying to protect your reputation!"