Tomorrow well go to my flat Sam said, planting a kiss on Mabels cheek.
Brilliant. Are you heading somewhere else? the girl replied, eyes bright.
Im fed up with the cinema and cafés. And I cant stay in the dorm; someones always eavesdropping.
Sam pulled her close and smiled.
Cold? Let me warm you up. You got the wrong idea. Tomorrow were off to my parents house so I can introduce you.
Mabel jumped back.
What are you talking about? Have you lost it? Look at us. You act like a proper lad, and me? They wont even let me cross the threshold.
Sam laughed.
Scared now? My fearless girl afraid of my folks? Why do you think were not a couple? I love you, hope you love me too. My parents just want to meet the girl who keeps me coming home late. Thats all.
Sam first saw Mabel perched on a thirdfloor windowsill, washing the glass. He was heading to a friends flat when a crash rang a metre away. A bucket of soapy water tumbled from above.
Oops a voice called from the sill, and Sam looked up. I didnt mean that. Hope it didnt hit you?
Mabel hung precariously from the sill, and Sam startled.
Careful, or that bucket will come crashing down, he shouted.
Dont worry, I wont fall, she called, and her headscarf slipped off. Sams mouth opened. She was completely bald.
Scared, are you? Listen, be a mate, put the scarf back on and take it to room 404. All good? she asked and vanished from sight.
At first Sam was embarrassed by her bald head, but he got used to it quickly. Mabel was always cheerful and witty. Shed shaved on a dare, and oddly enough it suited her; she looked distinctive and stylish.
Mabel ran through the hall in panic.
Girls, help! Get me a decent dress and anyone have a wig? They found everything, but the wig was a bit big and kept sliding. Still, Mabel looked modest and proper.
Father, mother, meet my Mabel, Sam introduced her to his parents.
Mabel stammered nervously:
Pleased to meet you.
Mrs. Green invited everyone to the table and they all sat properly. Mabel stared at the cutlery in horror. Not only knives and forks, but tongs as well. The dishes were unfamiliar. She decided shed just ask Sam for a salad, at least she could eat it with a fork.
The meal began. Mabel pushed a leaf of lettuce around when Mrs. Greens voice cut in.
Mabel, arent you eating? Dont you like it? she said with a sly grin.
Im not hungry. The girls already had enough chips and fried bits, Mabel blushed.
Hmm Mrs. Green whispered something to Mr. Green.
When the dinner ordeal ended and Sam and his father went for the cake, Mabel sprang up.
Let me clear the table, she told Mrs. Green and tripped over the edge of the tablecloth. Falling, she saw Mrs. Greens eyes widen.
When Mabel pulled herself from the broken pieces, the wig had slipped sideways. Mrs. Green covered her face with her hands and fled the room, sobbing loudly.
Mabel, dazed, ran outside. Her coat flapped, wig in hand, tears streaming.
How did it go? the other girls asked breathlessly.
I embarrassed myself, Mabel sniffed.
She spent the whole night replaying the disastrous evening in shame. She even switched off her phone, fearing a text from Sam: Sorry, youre not right for me. Were breaking up.
The flatmates left for their classes. Mabel, swollen from crying, replayed her humiliation over and over. She thought, maybe I should just go home. Sam would never look at me again.
There was a knock at the door and Mabel imagined one of the girls had returned. She opened it and was stunned. Sam stood there holding a box.
Why didnt you answer the bell? Why did you run off yesterday? I chased you all the way to the dorm, but you vanished like a ghost, he asked briskly and stepped inside.
What are you doing here? How did you get past the nightwatch? Mabel asked.
I brought you a slice of cake. You never tasted it yesterday. I refused, but Mum insisted. She said you hadnt eaten all evening. Youre thin, you need more food, Sam said calmly, cutting the cake.
And youre laughing at me? What cake? Which mum? I smashed all the plates. Your mum even wept. Are you trying to break up with me? Say it, and go, Mabels lips trembled.
Sam embraced her.
What? Your parents liked you very much. Mum didnt cry, she laughed. The first time she visited my parents she broke a kitchen tap and then zealously started washing dishes. She said she never liked the cutlery, so now well get a new set. So, Mabel, youre invited to a family lunch on Saturday.
He added that shed look better without the wig. He even teased my dad into thinking he also wanted it.
Mabel and Mrs. Green became friends, shopping together and cooking meals. Sam even bought a ring. Mabels birthday is coming, and he plans to propose then
The tale shows that honesty and perseverance can turn embarrassment into acceptance, and that love built on understanding endures beyond awkward moments.
