Educate Me. (Robert Downey Jr)

Approval?

She eyed him for a moment. "Your.. boyfriend?" She asked, confused.

We both nodded.

"Danielle, can I speak with you please? Alone?"

Shit.

We both walked into the kitchen.

I folded my arms and looked at her.

"Danielle, he looks a little.. Older.."

"I know, mom. He is."

"Is this the reason why you thought I would kill you?" She asked.

"No, you're going to kill me because of who he is."

"What?"

I sighed deeply. "Mom, he is my tutor. He is Mr. Downey."

Her eyes widened. I scrunched my eyes together, getting ready to get slapped.

I was like that for a moment, but I didn't feel anything. I opened my eyes and she was looking inside to where Robert and Katrina were sitting. I guess she had brought some of her toys in, and they were both playing.

He is adorable.

"So, he is your teacher?" She asked, no tone.

I sighed, still watching them play. "Yeah."

"Does he treat you right?" She asked.

"Yes, better than anyone."

She turned to me. "Honey, do you love him?"

"Yes. I do."

"You know, I can't agree with everything you do.."

"Yeah, but---"

"And I can't say I'm proud that you are dating your teacher. But if you are happy with him, then I'm happy."

I looked at her confused. "--Really?"

She smiled. "Yes, really."

"He looks like a great guy, and you've been a lot more happy lately. As much as most parents would freak out, I won't. I don't really agree, especially because he is your teacher, but you're a adult now, and I can't keep you from loving who you love. Just, hide it from school until you are out of there."

"So, he's approved?"

"Put a check mark next to him." She said and chuckled.

I smiled and jumped on her, hugging her tightly. "Oh my gosh, Thank you so much Mommy. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you."

She kissed my head and grinned. "I love you too."

"Ask him if he wants to stay for dinner." She said, smiling.

"Okay." I smiled about to go inside and ask.

"But honey, one thing."

I turned around. "Yeah?"

"Don't let him hurt you."

I smiled. "Don't worry, he won't."

That night was the best. I thought it would end horribly, but my mom ended up really liking Rob. We all had a great time at dinner, laughing and having a good time.

"Thanks for coming Robert, it was nice to meet you."

"It was nice to meet you too Miss Reyes." He said smiling, giving her a handshake.

"Natalie." She corrected him, smiling.

"Natalie." He nodded to her.

"Thank you for having me over."

"Thank you for making my daughter happy."

He grabbed my arm, pulling me close to him and he looked down at me.

"She makes me happy, no need to thank me." He said, looking at me in the eyes.

She smiled. "I'll leave you two alone."

Katrina ran up to Robert, hugging his legs. "Bye Robert! Thanks for playing with me!"

He bent down and picked her up to a hug. "Anytime, short stuff." We all laughed and he put her down.

"See you soon" he said waving.

"C'mon sweetie, let's leave Dani and Robert alone.

"Aww." Katrina wined.

My mom giggled. "C'mon.." She said, leading her inside.

Once I heard the door close, we both turned to each other.

"I'm so glad this wasn't what I thought was gonna be." He said, bringing me into a hug.

I sighed of relief and put my head against his warm chest.

"Me too."

He rubbed my back, and kissed my head.

"I love you."

"I love you too."