Athena Cooper's POV

Isaac walked into my bedroom. I was too busy studying for a test, but I knew it was him. So, I couldn't look up at him because I was in full concentration and I am in the zone.

"Athena?"

"Busy." I said as I read over my notes.

I heard him sigh and imagine him rolling his eyes at my attitude. But whatever. I don't care. I don't have time for this.

"I need to talk to you about something that I am suspicious about," He began. "Mr. Kripke talked to us when I was at Father's work. He told him that you are dating his son, Tobias?"

My eyes widened, but I force myself to not look up. So he won't be able to see that Tobias' father actually spoke the truth. But why would he do that? Does he know? If that's true, then how did he know? Did Tobias tell him? Why would he? A lot of questions were in my mind.

"Athena?" Isaac said my name. Urging me to confirm it. "Is it true?"

"Um..." Oh, no. I can't lie. I'm a horrible liar. But I have to try. "No. I-I'm not." Darn it. I stuttered.

"Are you sure?" I nodded. That's all I could do. "Father will probably ask you about it. If you are dating him, why won't you say anything to us?"

I rolled my eyes. "Th-That's not a question I can answer because I-I'm not d-dating Toby."

"You call him Toby now?" He asked. Darn it again! He's catching onto me! I heard the door closed and I still can't look at him. I can't concentrate on my studies right now. "You can to confide in me, Athena."

I sighed, and finally, look up at him. "If you must know, Toby and I are in a secret relationship. The reason I could not reveal us is because of how Father might react. Did he believe in Kripke of what he said about me?"

"Of course not. I think he would ask you about it sometime to be sure."

"Kids, dinner!" I heard my mother's voice.

"We should go." Isaac said and opens the door.

"I'll be right there." I said and he left.

I take out my phone and quickly text Maddie for her advice about this situation. She already knows about Tobias and I because I texted her about it once.

Should I expose my relationship to my Father or not? What do you think?

I paced on my floor because I want a fast response. Suddenly, my phone made a noise and it was her text.

If you think that you're ready to tell your family then it's best that you should. Just be open & honest.

I text her back.

Okay. I will. Do you think I should inform Tobias?

After waiting a little while, she replied.

Yes. So he can be warned & know that your relationship is out in the open. I'm so proud of you!

Okay. I'll tell him. And thanks for your help, Maddie. You're a good friend.

Any time, bestie.

I read Maddie's last recent text over ten times. Madison Hofstadter called me bestie!

"Athena!" My father's voice called me loudly. "Your food is going to get cold."

"I'm coming!" I told them.

I had to get this text out fast to Tobias.

I'm going to do it. I'm to let my Father know about our relationship.

I've been waiting impatiently for his text. But I gave up and went downstairs for dinner. Maybe Tobias will text me later.

I was surprise to see my Uncle George here for dinner. He gave me a hug and I sat in my regular seat. He would always tell me and Isaac that he's our favorite uncle. While that may be the case, but we remind him that he's our only uncle. Sam and Uncle George sat together. While we are, Sam asked if he had found her mother.

He shifted in his seat uncomfortably as he ate and looked at my parents. His facial expression was as if he's subliminally pleading for their help.

But he continues eating and was enjoying his food. "Boy, this chicken is good. What did you marinate this with, Amy?"

"I think you should tell her the truth, George." Mother sternly said.

"I agree." Even Father told him too.

George sighed and looks at Sam. "I was hoping to wait to tell you this until we're done eating and we can go and hang out."

"Where's Mom, Dad?" Sam kept pressing. "Is she going to come back?"

He looked sadly at her and shook his head. "No, baby. I'm afraid she's not," To Sam's face fell like that was hard for even me to watch. "She doesn't think she's suitable to be a mother and doesn't want anything to do with me. We just want to let you know it's not your fault."

"How can it not be my fault?" She asked.

"We were not ready to have you and not ready to become parents."

"So, I'm just an inconvenience to you?" She sounded hurt.

"Samantha..." Uncle George said in his serious and parental voice.

"No. It's fine! I'm not hungry anymore anyway..." Sam got up and left. She went outside of the house and we don't know where she's going.

"Sam!" Uncle George yelled back at her. He stopped eating and got up. Most likely to get her. "Sorry about all of this. You've guys been a great help."

"It was our pleasure," Mother said. "And if you need Sam to stay with us more-"

"No. I want to take her and she can live with me now. Even if she may not like it at the moment."

"You should probably go get her," Father advised. "She may have not gone far."

"I will. Thanks, Sheldon and Amy." Uncle George said and went to get his daughter.

We continue eating despite the tension. I don't think right now is the perfect timing to tell my Father about my relationship.

Then, my phone buzzed. Shoot! I forgot to leave my phone in my bedroom! My parents doesn't like it when we have our phones at the table. I try to read it nonchalantly.

That's good you're going to tell your Dad about us. I already told my family. Hope you don't mind. Let me know how it goes.

"Athena, what are you reading on your phone?" Mother asked.

I quickly put my phone back inside the pocket of my skirt. "Just a text from a friend." I discreetly look at Isaac and our eyes met. I think he knows who the text is.

"You know neither of you children aren't supposed to have any cellular devices at the dinner table," Father lectures. "What was the text from your friend that was so important it diverted your attention?"

I glanced over at Isaac and he nodded at me. He wants me to make the confession to him. I understand what he means. It's a twin thing.

I look at both of my parents. My relationship is about to get exposed. My Father's approval means everything to me.

"I have a confession to make." I started.

"What is it, Athena?" Mother asked me kindly. "You know you can tell us anything."

"I'm in a relationship with Tobias Kripke," I gulped as I await for their reactions. "We've been dating for about seven weeks. Our relationship has been kept a secret not because of him, but it was my idea," I looked at my father. "I know you wouldn't approve of us so that's why I kept it a secret."

"I knew you had a crush on him, but I didn't know that you would go that far to keep a relationship from us." Mother said. She was disappointed in me that I kept it a secret. It was clearly evident.

"Hold on," Father then turned to Mother. "You know that our daughter had a crush on him?"

"Yes," Mother said and thought she must be in the wrong, too. "She didn't feel ready to tell you yet. However, I did not know about the relationship so I'm surprised and shocked just as you are, Sheldon."

Father turned his head to me. He didn't look too happy. I'm in trouble.

"You have an ongoing relationship behind my back who's related to someone I cannot stand. And to someone who I don't even regard as a physicist no less. I will not stand by and allow this relationship to continue any further."

"Why?" I demanded.

"For one thing, you've lied to us and don't seem to trust us at all. Not to mention, I told you that you shouldn't date him. Even his father was in my office and asked me if I knew you were in a relationship with his son and I denied it which I didn't know at the time. I knew he took in the pleasure that he knew something and I didn't and that you're dating his son after all this time."

"You can't just stop the two of us from dating-" I protest.

"I believe I can." His eyes directly looked at me.

"Now, wait-" Mother attempted to intervene, but I do not want to know that she agrees with him too.

"No! This is exact reason why our relationship was hidden. Whether you like Tobias or not, I won't terminate our relationship!"

I got up from my chair and stormed to my bedroom. Mother was trying to call me back, but I won't answer her. I just slammed my door.