Introductions now being out of the way, Hugh and Bernadine spent available time at school trying to learn a little more about each other. Hugh loved Nadine's wit, and Nadine would jokingly tell Hugh that she was so impressed to have her very own stalker. They were both becoming more comfortable with each other though, and trying to pick a day when they could actually go out. It was quite difficult though, as Nadine was expected to maintain her grades and work her part-time job; and Hugh was expected to do the same, though he worked evenings and weekends in his dad's collision shop and doing yard work at home. Regardless of the difficulty in setting a date for their date, Hugh inquired if there was a time that he might be able to get the formality of meeting her parents out of the way. Bernadine knew the coming weekend would be fine, there were no family plans, and she was scheduled to work mornings both Saturday and Sunday, so she said she would check with her folks and let him know tomorrow at school. She did inform him though, it might not be a good idea to show up in his father's Barracuda. While her father would love to see it, it might not make such a good impression. Hugh smiled and agreed; expressing that in her father's shoes he would probably be concerned about that too. There wasn't likely to be much about Hugh that would alarm Bernadine's parents though. They're certain to see why she is growing interested in him; he's kind, polite, respectful, and a good student. But he'll still be as nervous as he was the moment he first met Nadine in the store. So, the next day Nadine confirmed with Hugh the day he'd meet her folks; it would be Saturday evening for dinner. Hugh said, "You know, my folks are probably going to like to meet you at some point too." Nadine jokingly teased Hugh, "I'm sure they'd like to know who this girl is that their son has been stalking all throughout high school. They're probably thinking if it wasn't for me, you'd be Valedictorian." Hugh laughed and said, "If you had been in any of my classes that would certainly be true; but I think they blame football for that." So, with that on the calender, Hugh had little to do other than prepare for the grilling that he thought he was likely to get from her parents. He managed to remain calm though until he had gotten to her house that evening.... Thanks for following up on the story! Hope you all have a wonderful night!