"Was it hard finding the place?"Sophia asked as Ali closed the door.

"Nope," he answered, flashing his smile at her, "Easy peasy."

Definitely easy. He didn't make several rounds earlier because he was lost. No, he did not. He was just ... admiring the view ... and getting to know the neighbourhood better. Yes, that's what he was doing. Yes, indeed.

"Ali?"

Sophia's gentle voice broke him out of his thoughts and he asked apologetically, "I'm sorry. Did you say something?"

Sophia shook her head, "No, but you just looked like you zoned out for a while."

"Oh, sorry. Was just taken aback by you," Ali said smoothly, causing her to blush.

"But how did you drive here? You have a driving licence already?" Sophia asked, wanting to change the topic.

"Ah, yes," Ali said, "Abba, I mean, my father, obtained special permission for me. Back at my home country, the age allowed to drive is 14 and I do have a valid licence there. So it was just a matter of procedure and taking some tests here."

"Wow," Sophia said, "14, huh? And you've been driving since then?"

"Pretty much," Ali said, "Around the house compound mostly. This car was my 14th birthday gift. Kyle says it's a bit flashy. Is it?"

"It's nice," Sophia said instead.

Ali beamed, feeling happy, "Are your parents in then?"

"Yeah, come on in," Sophia said, "I'll introduce you."

At the door, Ali hesitated, "Is it really okay to walk in with my shoes?"

Sophia looked at him strangely, "Yes, of course. Why?"

"Oh, nothing," he answered as he used the welcoming mat to clean the dirt from the soles of his shoes.

No matter how many times he sees it, it still felt strange to him. The shoes were from outside, and the house inside is their home. Why do they allow such dirt to be brought in?

"Mum, Dad," Sophia said as she brought Ali into the living room, "This is Ali, my boyfriend."

"Mr. and Mrs. Hanson," Ali greeted them politely, "I hope you don't mind me dating your daughter."

Sophia's parents stared at him for a while, then Mr. Hanson said, "It's her life and her choice."

Mrs. Hanson nodded, shrugging, "Just remember to use protection."

"MUM!!" Sophia shouted her face beet red.

"If you don't have any, I have some spare in my bag," she continued, as she reached out towards her handbag.

"No, thank you," Sophia said, "We'll be going now. Don't wait up for me."

Grabbing Ali's arm, she hissed under her breath as she pulled him along, "Come on, let's go."

Even though she was super nervous to go to Ali's house, it was far better than staying here. Who knows what her mother would say next?!

"Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, I'll be making a move now," Ali said politely.

"Make sure to bring her back before midnight," Mr. Hanson told Ali.

"I will, Sir," Ali answered, "I will take care of her and bring her back safely."

They nodded and hardly glanced up as Sophia practically dragged Ali out.

Once outside, Sophia buried her face in her hands, "Oh gosh, Ali. I'm so sorry. That was embarrassing."

"Sophia, am I your first boyfriend?" Ali asked suddenly.

Sophia brought down her hands and answered, "Yes, why?"

"You're my first girlfriend, too," Ali said with a smile, hiding his immense relief. Just hearing how helpful Sophia's mother had been in supplying him with a condom made his head spin. He knew the people here were quite liberal but still!!

He was just shocked, but he had no ill feelings or thoughts about them. It was their way of showing care for their daughter, so he didn't blame them or looked down on them at all.

Ali opened the car door and once Sophia went in, he closed it before heading to the driver's seat. The nervousness that Sophia was feeling now overrode the embarassment she felt earlier.

✿ Dinner, Ali's House ✿

Sophia felt like she was in another country. Literally.

Ali's mansion was huge. Everything here was modeled after their home back in their home country.

Her first shock hadn't been the huge mansion that was Ali's house. She was already mentally preparing herself for that.

No, it was the fact that at the door, she was to take off her shoes!

"In my home," Ali said, "Shoes are only meant to be worn outside the house, and the home is not to bring in the dirt from outside."

In a daze, Sophia took off her shoes and followed Ali's lead. Thinking of the many movies she watched of Country J, she couldn't help ask, "Are there indoor shoes?"

Ali shook his head, "No, we walk barefooted inside. But if you're not comfortable, I can get some slippers for you?"

Sophia hesitated for a while, then shook her head, "No, it's okay. I'm here to learn as well, aren't I?"

Ali smiled at that. He smiled a lot whenever he's around her.

The whole night was a night of shocks for Sophia.

So much so, that meeting Ali's parents wasn't the difficult part.

Her second shock came from the manner in which Ali greeted his parents.

First, he gave that greeting she had already known, 'Peace be upon you' and they responded accordingly. Then, he took one of their hands in both of his hands and kissed it.

"Abba, Ummi," Ali said, "This is Sophia. Sophia, these are my parents."

"Nice to meet you," Sophia said nervously.

Now what? Was she supposed to do the same hand gesture, like Ali had done?

As if knowing her dilemma, Ali's mother stepped forward and took Sophia's hands in hers, "Sweet child, welcome. Just call us Auntie and Uncle."

Sophia nodded and barely managed a "Thank you, Auntie, Uncle."

"Come, dinner is ready. We were merely waiting for you," she said as she led them to the dining room.

That was where she had her third shock.

There was no cutlery.