Page 150 of Lessons in Chemistry

“I know. I love you too. Do you mind if I take my things to my room?” I need a moment to myself, and I want to connect with my boyfriends.

“Of course not. Invite them to dinner,” Mum says.

“I will.”

We all stand, which is awkward, and then my parents surround me and hug me. I lean into their embrace, truly grateful for their acceptance not only of my sexuality but of my relationship too. They’re pretty cool.

I take my rucksack upstairs, lie on my bed, and text Em and Auggie.

All done. My parents were laid back about it all. How did it go with your parents, Em?

Em

They were stunned. It took Dad about five minutes to scrape his jaw off the floor. They’re okay now. They love Auggie.

Was there ever any doubt they would?

Auggie

Well…

Em

No.

Mum wants you to come over for dinner and says she won’t take no for an answer.

Auggie

LOL. It would be rude to refuse.

Em

We’ll be there. What time?

Around five? Or whenever if you want to come over sooner.

Em

Ash and Hazel aren’t going to let us go yet. They’re demanding to see you before we go back to Leeds.

Auggie

They’re loud. Makes me almost glad to be an only child. They’re also great. They weren’t shocked that Emory has two boyfriends. Ash declared that it was ‘cool’ his big brother was dating two guys, and Hazel congratulated us for bucking the ‘artificial constraints imposed upon us by a patriarchal society.’ I didn’t understand what any of that means, so I smiled and nodded. She seems kinda young to be using language like that, but what do I know?

I laugh as I imagine that conversation unfolding.

Em

That’s Hazel for you. Dad says she has an old soul.

Auggie

Yup, I can see that.

If it gets too noisy there, you can stay here tonight.

Em