Pronounced creases overshadowed the more delicate wrinkles on my mother's forehead as she spoke. "Love? It's not a word you should be throwing around casually. I'm not sure if you even understand-"
"You don't understand, mum." I interrupted, my arms remaining secured around Harry's larger built one. "I've never been this sure about how I feel."
"I don't think I can let you go through with this, Helena. I don't mean to offend anyone," She raised up her open hands for a quick moment. "But our families are worlds apart. You and Harry are worlds apart." She said, referring to Harry's disorders mentioned earlier.
"That shows you don't know a single thing about us." I retorted, lightly shaking my head before resting it against Harry's shoulder which was at my eye level.
My mother's confusion and distress was well reflected in her taut features. It was contrasting to Mary's, which slowly eased as the both of them watched Harry and I silently for a few moments.
We were vulnerable standing infront of them with our lies and truths all exposed and laid out. We were in a position I'd never even dared to think about. It felt as if my insides were all tremoring as we awaited their verdict.
"Harry," Mary called before pausing again with a sigh. She examined the two of us with focused, pondering eyes.
"Be a good boy then." She finally avowed and her lips curved into a genuine smile.
Harry's face lit up as he beamed at his mother. "Thanks, mum. I'm not going to let you down."
"I'm letting you stay provided that you regularly go for those therapy sessions at the hospital." She added, pacing towards him. "I trust you this time, Harry. I trust Helena with you. I've never seen you this dedicated or committed to anyone before."
I couldn't believe what I'd heard. She was letting Harry stay. Now the only obstacle that stood in our way was my mother.
"Don't I have a say in this? I'm not very comfortable with the whole thing. What would your father say, Helena?" My mother folded her arms as she complained. "All of this is so twisted and I honestly don't know what to believe anymore."
"Mrs Lilan," Harry began, his voice low and serene. "I love your daughter and right now, she means the world to me. Without her, I couldn't have gotten through a lot of things. All I'm asking for is one more chance. You can trust me."
"Mum..." I encouraged.
"I just don't want Helena to get hurt." She sighed.
"That's the last thing I'd do to her. And that's a promise." Harry swore.
My mother palmed her face before rubbing beneath her eyes as she exhaled profoundly. I became increasingly apprehensive and anxious as I thought of the possible things that were running through her mind.
"Alright." She approved before letting a grin show. Harry shut his eyes in relief as I briskly wrapped my arms around his neck, excitedly pulling him in for a victory hug as I giggled. Mary looked on with a jaunty smile.
"But there is one thing I need to make clear." My mother continued.
Harry kept his hand on my waist as we pulled away from our embrace. We intently listened.
"No sex." She asserted. My cheeks immediately flushed as I buried my face in my hands. Harry nervously rubbed the nape of his neck while he uneasily tried to hold in a smile. My mother has done it again. This was the worst time to declare a rule like that.
