And So, Our First Meeting Begins…

So, the moment arrived

Ben, is something wrong? Emily asks after several minutes of quiet. Youre not yourself at all. You look pale Is everything alright?

Yeah, all good, Ben replies, pulling himself together. He puts his fork down and reaches for his glass of apple juice, procrastinating before having to give Emily an answer.

*****

Ben stands in front of the block of flats, gripping the cold metal handle of the main door. Hes just about to pull it open, but something makes him hesitate at the last second.

He doesnt want to go inside.

He knows hes expected. He remembers promising Emily that hed come round, but the nerves are so intense that hes finding them impossible to shake.

Hes embarrassed, really a grown mans knees wobbling like a schoolboy facing his first time at the blackboard. All he needs to do, really, is open the door, head up to the third floor, find number 36…

But he cant bring himself to.

Some unexplainable fear has seized him, making it hard to move his arms or legs, stopping him from finishing what hed started.

Right now, all he wants is to turn around and leave as quickly as possible. Home, another part of London doesnt matter. Just anywhere that isnt here.

Why did I even agree to this? he mutters, stepping back. Of course they wont approve of me.

He glances once more up at the window on the third floor, where the lights are glowing brightly.

Its as if its been set up like a lighthouse, impossible to miss, making sure that Ben doesnt stray off course.

He hasnt. Hes come to the right place. Its just that actually going up into the flat is another matter.

What really holds him back, he decides, is the thought of how Emily will react if he chickens out now. She asked him to come. He promised he would.

*****

Ben, love, somethings come up. Dont panic, Emily had said the previous evening. My parents want to meet you

Emily thats his girlfriend.

Theyd been having dinner together at a café, discussing weekend plans, when suddenly she drops the bombshell: her parents want to meet him. Its so unexpected that he stops eating, just staring at her, trying to decipher if shes joking.

But really, it isnt strange at all its normal for Emilys parents to want to suss out their daughters possible fiancé, her (potential!) future husband. In fact, it would be odd if they didnt invite him over.

The problem is

Ben is terrified that they wont like him. More accurately, that he just wont be good enough in their eyes. And, to be honest, he has every reason to feel this way.

Emilys mother, Victoria Edwards, has worked all her life at a top university, climbing from lecturer to vice-chancellor, and now holds some important post at the Department for Education.

Her father, Charles Edwards, started out as an engineer at one of the big construction firms, rose to become deputy director, and now well, now he owns his own construction company and personally knows the Mayor. A very accomplished man.

Emily herself, at just past thirty, isnt short on successes either. She runs a legal division at a large London finance company.

Ben, thirty-five? Hes an ordinary IT support guy. No university degree.

The pay isnt bad, but promotion prospects are non-existent.

So how is he supposed to sit at the same table as Emilys parents? Whats he supposed to say to them? How can he look them in the eye?

Youre probably wondering how Ben managed to meet Emily in the first place. It was pure chance.

That day, Ben fancied a walk in Hyde Park. As fate would have it, Emily was there too, with two friends. Her friends went to buy ice cream, while Emily stayed back by a bench, holding the spot and taking the opportunity to ring her mum.

While on the phone, she had no idea a lad on an electric scooter was heading straight for her at a terrifying speed.

The guy was quite clearly drunk, and had no intention of steering out of the way.

Ben managed to grab Emilys arm, yanking her out of danger just as the scooter flew past.

What do you think youre doing? Emily snapped.

But when she saw the drunken youth swerve past and crash instantly into a rubbish bin, she understood.

Looking at Ben, her attitude changed at once. If not for him

And so, while Emilys friends queued for their vanilla cones, Ben and Emily got chatting. They swapped numbers and arranged to meet. Six months have passed since then.

Ben remembers all this as he sits in the café, replaying Emilys words about her parents in his head.

His biggest worry is that her parents will forbid her from seeing him, convinced hes some kind of fortune-hunter. Something similar had happened years ago; he lost a girlfriend hed really cared about.

And now, he risks losing Emily, too

Ben, whats wrong? Emily asks, noticing hes gone pale. Are you alright?

Yeah, Im alright, Ben says, forcing himself to sound normal, buying time with a sip of juice.

So, will you come?

Sorry, come where?

My place! Emily grins. Mums making something nice for dinner. Dads bringing a special bottle of wine a mate of his collects rare stuff, promised to spare a bottle for this. You dont need to bring anything, Ben, just yourself. Please say yes?

I dont know Ben hesitates. I just, I doubt your parents will approve.

Why not?

Im just an ordinary guy, Em. No degree. All I do is install software and recover lost files. I dont imagine your folks dreamed of a son-in-law like me. They probably wanted I dont know, a businessman, or an MPs son. Or at least someone on their way up the civil service ladder. Im just an IT support lad with no future prospects. How could they like me?

Oh, stop worrying, Emily assures him, squeezing his hand. My parents are just like everyone else. Youre really overthinking this. Listen, Ill see you tomorrow at seven. Dont be late.

Right Ben nods, though he genuinely isnt sure hell show.

*****

Now, the next day has arrived.

Ben stands outside Emilys flat, its five to seven and bitterly cold. And he

hasnt a clue what to do.

He knows that, sooner or later, hell have to meet her parents (hes dead serious about Emily hed like to marry her). But today just doesnt feel right. In a few months, maybe six at most, hes been promised a transfer to the IT team at the new branch opening up. Maybe then, standing in front of Emilys parents might not seem so daunting.

Maybe then theres a chance Victoria and Charles Edwards wont send him packing straight away.

Just as hes about to leg it, his phone starts vibrating insistently in his pocket.

Its Emily.

Hey, Ben! she says, all excitement. Mum and I have got almost everything ready. Dads running a bit late but hell be here any moment. Are you nearby?

Hi Em Ben manages weakly. Yeah, Im

Youre breaking up! Are you nearly here?

Yeah almost, he sighs. Its just that

If youre worrying about what we talked about last night, Im not listening. Youve nothing to worry about, trust me. If it would help, Ill come and meet you?

No, no, its fine, Ben mumbles, afraid shell catch on. Ill be there soon.

Alright. Waiting for you!

Ben slips the phone back in his pocket, rubs his temple fiercely, desperately seeking a decent excuse not to go to Emilys flat.

Nothing comes to mind.

And now Charles Edwards could turn up any moment last thing I need is bumping into him on the doorstep he thinks, a bit panicked, and wanders off towards the end of the block.

He bums a cigarette from a stranger, even though he hasnt smoked in years, but his nerves are shot. He needs to calm down, clear his head.

Standing around the back of the flats, he breathes out a cloud of smoke that quickly merges with the night air, as he looks around anxiously.

There isnt much to see just bins on one side, a patch of empty ground on the other. Emily told him they used to be garages there, but now theyve been demolished, ready for new-build flats.

But something odd does catch his eye a stray dog, curled up on the bare earth. At first Ben tenses (stray dogs can be unpredictable, especially towards strangers), but on closer inspection, the animal is barely aware of him, simply lying there, unmoving, as if all its strength has left.

It turns out the dog is called Jack.

*****

Jack hasnt eaten for days.

He used to live near another housing estate, where he was even liked by locals whod sometimes give him food. But that all changed.

A particular woman decided he didnt belong. She kept writing letters of complaint to the council, rallying neighbours, and eventually, people split into two camps: let him stay and he must go.

That stray dog keeps coming near our children! What if he bites someone? Just look at his hungry, dangerous eyes! she raved.

Jacks eyes, in reality, werent dangerous or hungry only sad. His first owner was a boy named Alex.

When Jack was still a puppy, Alex had begged his parents to take Jack with them to the countryside. The parents gave in, wanting to please their only son.

But when it came time to head back to London, they left Jack behind.

We cant have a stray in our flat. And wholl walk him? his parents reasoned.

Finally, Jack was left alone, heartbroken. Hed thought everything was fine.

Luckily, a month later, a kind woman picked him up and brought him to the city, but life was no easier. She tried to sell him at the market, telling people he was pure bred, though she had no papers. When he grew older and the couple who bought him realised he was just a mongrel, they drove him to the outskirts and abandoned him.

Thankfully, it was late March, and the weather was mild.

From then, Jack had been on his own.

He ended up in another area where it was much calmer no large, aggressive dogs, no trouble, so he stayed. He liked watching children playing, remembering Alex, his first owner.

Deep down, Jack hoped to see that boy again and maybe, just maybe, have a home.

But a few days ago, the hostile woman intensified her campaign. More people turned against Jack, some throwing sticks and shouting abuse.

No one wanted him there, so Jack made his choice and left quietly.

Now hes here, lying on the cold ground, too weak from hunger and the freezing weather to even move.

He notices Ben nearby, but has no hope that hell help. Hell finish his cigarette and go, Jack sighs inwardly.

*****

Ben finishes his cigarette, glances about, and heads over to a nearby bin to dispose of the stub his mum always said, If you want to make the world better, start with yourself.

Just as he reaches the bin, a car pulls into the courtyard sleek and black, headlights dazzling Ben, making him pause. Then the drivers window lowers.

You alright, mate? Need a hand? a man asks.

Ben hesitates, indicating the dog. Theres a dog over there found him frozen and starving. Do you know where the nearest all-night vets is?

Not close, the man admits, thinking. But I know one, and Ive got a mate working there. Jump in the back, Ill give you both a lift.

You? Youd let a stranger and a stray in your car? Ben is stunned the car is obviously expensive.

Get in! You said the dog doesnt have long. We need to help him.

Ben doesnt need convincing. Within a minute theyre speeding off.

The driver makes a call: Sorry love, somethings come up. Ill be late. Who? No, havent seen anyone. Strange, no one about when I left What does he look like? Right, Ill let you know if I see him.

Am I causing you trouble? Ben asks when the call ends.

No, not at all, the man replies. Hows the dog?

Hes breathing, but only just.

Alright, lets get moving faster.

In ten minutes, Ben and the dog, Jack, are at the vets. The driver calls ahead, and theyre seen straight away.

Jack is whisked off for treatment.

Ben sits in the waiting area, checks his phone: several missed calls from Emily and a message Ben, where are you? Are you alright? He ought to ring and explain, but doesnt want to his only thoughts are on the dog.

Ben would later realise he never properly thanked the driver. He rushes out but the car is gone, so he heads back inside, deciding on the spot that if Jack survives, hell keep him. If things dont work out with Emily, at least hell have a loyal mate by his side.

*****

It must be at least forty minutes now. Ben sits staring at the closed door at the end of the corridor, nerves a mess.

Suddenly theres a commotion at reception, voices he recognises Emily, her mum and, incredibly, the very driver who gave him a lift.

Hes grinning when he spots Ben.

Told you hed be here, Emily. Your Ben very much cares for the dog.

It dawns on Ben at once that these are Emilys parents. Hes stunned.

Ben, why didnt you ring? I was so worried, Emily rushes to him.

Im sorry, Em, Ben says awkwardly. I just thought your parents might not fancy me bringing a stray into their flat.

How silly you are! Emily laughs. I told you my parents are just regular people. And they love animals. Weve got three rescued cats at home, all thanks to Mum.

Really?

Really.

Emilys parents come over, and Ben faces the moment he dreaded.

Well, here we are at last, Charles says with a handshake. Pleased to meet you, Ben.

And let me shake your hand too, Victoria says. What you did was a truly decent thing. You should have come straight to us. I hope your dog will pull through.

Im sure of it, the vet interrupts, coming out of the surgery. Hell live. Just needs some care now.

That evening, Jack is allowed home. Hes revived now all thats left is patience and love.

Love works wonders, the vet comments as they leave. It can pull you back from the brink.

Ben wanted to head straight home, but Emily and her parents insist he brings Jack back with them the cats will keep an eye on him, and its only right to celebrate saving the dog and finally Bens meeting with Emilys family.

While Jack, surrounded by three curious cats and barely believing hell never be cold or hungry again, lies in the warm living room, Ben sits in the kitchen, chatting easily with Emilys parents.

All his fears look foolish now. Theyre genuinely lovely people warm, down-to-earth, true salt of the earth.

A few days later, Jack is back on his feet.

Ben decides the times right to bring him home.

Are you planning on taking me too, by any chance? Emily says with a smile, suitcase in hand.

You? Are you serious?

Completely. The thing is my parents have banned me from staying at home.

What? Why?

They want grandchildren. They say the population needs boosting!

Ben bursts out laughing, joined by Emily and Jack, who wags his tail energetically.

Jack might not understand all thats happening, but he knows one thing life has just got a whole lot better.

And thats the story.