A/N: Two more chapters of hilarity!

My lower lip is almost gone because I have been gnawing on it all evening. I am so incredibly nervous—and Artie isn't even meeting my parents yet. I'm just working up my courage to ask them if he can come to dinner. What should I say? Should I tell them the truth that he's my boyfriend? Or should I just say he's a friend and avoid all physical contact with him?

I sigh and gather my courage to talk to them at dinner that night.

So, Mom, Dad, I'm dating this guy, and you should meet him.

Hey! Funny story! I'm in love!

This isn't going to work out at all.

As we sit down to eat vegetarian lasagna, I decide to not beat around the bush. "So, guys, you know my friend Artie?"

My mom snaps her head toward me. "The boy in the wheelchair?"

Oh, no. She remembers. "Uhm, yeah, him." Do it do it do it do it. "I was… I mean, I was wondering— can he come over for dinner this Friday?"

My father's eyes narrowed. "Are you dating this boy? This… Artie? Tina, you shouldn't focus on boys right now. You need to work on your grades so you can—"

"—get into a good college, I know, Dad."

"Your father is right; you shouldn't start dating until at least after you are accepted into college and start a decent job, in a medical or law field."

I roll my eyes. "But what if I don't want to get a job in a medical or law field? I told you guys, I like art!"

Dad shook his head. "We aren't discussing this right now, Tina. Are you dating him or not?

"… no, I'm not dating him." I wince inwardly. I can't believe I don't have the balls to stand up to them. "He's just a friend. I just want you guys to meet him, please?"

They exchanged A Look before my mom cautiously says, "I suppose, Tina… He can eat with us."

I smile as much as I can right now, which albeit isn't very much. "Thanks. I… I really appreciate it."

I am so not glad we talked because I'm feeling ten times worse about Artie meeting my parents.

It's so shooooort, I'm sorry. ): I feel like I copped you guys out, but my muse is taking a day off, I guess.