THE MORNING, Zandy and I were surprised when both of our parents came to the house one after the other. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Mandy arrived first and a few minutes later, Mom and Dad arrived.
"How are you, hija?" Aunt Mandy asked me kindly as Zandy and I sat side by side on the long sofa. Mom and Dad are on one sofa and Aunt Mandy and Uncle Andrew are opposite us.
I smiled. "I'm fine, Aun—Mom," I answered shyly because I almost called her Aunt again. I don't even know what else to say. I suddenly felt tense and nervous.
Aunt Mandy and Mom just smiled, while the two boys next to them were serious.
"I'm glad to hear that, hija. I'm sorry, we can't visit you here always, we're just too busy with business and various business meetings," Auntie Mandy explained.
"You, Zandy, how are you? How's your back? Are you feeling well?" Mom said that there is still a trace of concern for Zandy.
I saw Zandy smile. I don't know if he's pretending or if it's real. "Don't worry, Auntie, I'm fine. I feel better now because Miles is taking care of me," he said and turned to me while the smile was still there.
I felt like I was scalded when I felt his arm clinging to me. I suddenly felt shame and heat on my cheeks. I don't know why Zandy had to say that, well, I didn't care for him.
I immediately saw the traces of happiness and joy on the faces of those in front of us because of what Zandy said. This is what they want, but I know Zandy is just pretending so that our families won't do anything to bring us closer, which we are sure we won't like.
"Ayie! It looks like you two are finally getting along and I'm happy for both of you," Aunt Mandy's reaction was that she couldn't hide her happiness. She turned to Mom. "Well, it looks like everything is about to come true." Aunt Mandy even held Mom's hand.
"I hope so, it's true so we don't have to hope anymore and we can be sure of the marriage." Mom turned to us. Her face was serious. "Thank you again, Zandy, huh? For saving my daughter."
Has Mom ever said thank you to Zandy? "No, Auntie, it's ok. I'm her husband and it's my responsibility to take care of her," Zandy answered.
"Also thank you, Hijo, for understanding our daughter. We know Miles is not good at doing house chores, she doesn't know how to clean and cook but you still understand her," Dad replied.
I frowned. "Dad, don't embarrass me here. I know how to clean the house," I protested. I saw AuMandy'sndy smile and the slight curve of the smile on Zandy's lips.
"No worries, Uncle, I understand Miles, she grew up with her family and she's your only daughter so maybe she became dependent on you. But she said, she's willing to learn her duty as my wife," Zandy said seriously.
"If you want, hija, I'll bring you to a cooking class," said Aunt Mandy. Uncle Andrew just listened quietly.
"No! No, Mom, Zandy is good at cooking, he can teach me. He always serves me delicious food, he's indeed a nice chef," I refused.
"Really, hija? He cooked for you?" Aunt Mandy said in shock.
I nodded in response. "He loves to cook, Mom and I can taste that in every dish he serves. Zandy is happy when he can cook and whenever he is in the kitchen." Suddenly everything went silent. Aunt Mandy's smile disappeared and Uncle Andrew became more serious, as did Zandy.
I want to let Zandy's parents know that he wants that stuff and they need to accept that. I know that Zandy wanted to build a restaurant before entering his family's company.
"Is that so, hija? Oh! Zandy has really liked to cook since he was little. By the way, how are you two doing at home?" Aunt Mandy changed the conversation and the smile was obviously forced. I understand the reaction of the Saavedra couple, they don't like what I said and what their son is doing, and instead of being in the company, Zandy is pursuing what he wants.
"We're good, Mom, we can adjust to each other," I answered casually.
"That's good, we know you had a hard time leaving home, but we also know you can adjust yourself. You're at the right age to start your own family and even if it's sad that you're away from us, that's the reality we have to accept," Dad said sadly.
"Hija, how is Zandy like your husband is doing?" Aunt Mandy was curious. The tension that had just built up has eased a bit.
I smiled. "I just found out, Mom Zandy is husband material. Apart from being a good cook, he also knows how to take care of his wife," I said. I turned to Zandy and he looked right at me so I immediately avoided him. I was counted. I don't even know if what I said was pretending.
"Hopefully, the next time we come here there will be good news from the two of you," Aunt Mandy said meaningfully. Uncle Andrew was still silent with a serious face.
"I thought about that too, I hope next time you show us a Pregnancy test with two stripes," Mom said.
My eyes widened when I understood what they wanted to say. "What? 'Mom, I'm not ready to get pregnant, and then—"
"Yes, Auntie, just give me a little more time and I'll give you the PT with two lines there," Zandy interrupted what I was about to say. I widened my eyes at him but he just smiled at me.
Mom laughed, and so did Aunt Mandy while Dad smiled. Uncle Andrew did not react. "I'm so excited about that, son. Hurry up and do something so that we can catch up with the growth of our grandson, won't you?" Aunt Mandy said happily and finally turned to Mom.
"Of course, I hope we can have grandchildren as soon as possible," Mom agreed.
I wanted to speak but I couldn't find the words to say. I feel like my cheeks are getting red because of the shame of what Zandy is saying that sounds like it's true but it's all pretending. Why do I feel sad when I think about pretending?
"And because of that, we planned the honeymoon for you and Zandy. Since no honeymoon took place after the wedding, now you do it. I rented a resort around Quezon Province for your honeymoon, Miles," Auntie Mandy said.
My eyes got bigger. "Yes? Honeymoon? But—"
"No buts, hija we have planned everything and we can't go back. It's a two-day vacation, I mean honeymoon for you and Zandy," Aunt Mandy interrupted what I was going to say.
"So, just think of it as your vacation. It's been a long time since you've had a vacation, right? It's the right time for you to have a vacation and not just work," Mom said.
"Your mom is right, hija, take a break from work sometimes. You're not getting younger and you need to relax at least once in a while," said Dad.
"They're right, Miles, why not, right? It's our vacation. A two-day vacation away from our work and time to relax and refresh our minds from stress and tiredness from our daily lives here in Manila," he agreed.
And Zandy agreed? Is he going crazy? They want a honeymoon and not just a vacation. I widened my eyes at him but he just smiled at me.
"They are right, hija this is your chance to relax with Zandy," said Aunt Mandy.
There is nothing I can do if I don't agree with what they want. What else can I do if I don't nod and agree to what they want?
"And you, Zandy, what do you plan to do in life? Do you insist on building a restaurant? After your vacation with Miles, you have to go back to the company," Uncle Andrew said authoritatively.
I was surprised and took seriously what Uncle Andrew said, they were there the same way.
I saw Zandy grin and his serious face broke. "We talked about it, 'My five months to return to the company are not yet over. I have one month left, can't you wait for that?" Zandy reasoned.
"I gave you five months, Zandy, but until now nothing is happening with what you want to do. You are just wasting your time trying to get what you want that you could have used in the company," Uncle Andrew returned.
"But, Dad, the five months are not over yet so you can think that nothing is happening. Building your own business is not easy and you know that, Dad. My time is not wasted on what I do, it is what I love to do. This is the satisfaction I feel, Dad. I'm happy here. All my life I've done what you want but this time, I hope you give me what I want,'" Zandy said, full. of resentment.
I felt nervous at the rising tension. I don't know but I held Zandy's hand to calm him down. I look at him seriously saying that he calmed down.
"Are you blaming me for your doing my wishes, Zandy? I'm not doing this for my own sake and I hope you understand that. Don't wait for me to think about giving the company to someone else when I can't run that anymore," Uncle Andrew insisted menacingly.
"Honey, stop please!" Aunt Mandy scolded. She turned to Zandy. "Son, that's right," she said.
"Damn!" Zandy said softly. I tightened my grip on his arm even more. "Fine, if that's what you want, Dad I won't stop you. I'm just asking you to support what I want to do and I'm not blaming anyone for doing what you want from me, Dad. I also understand what you want for me but you don't understand me for what I want to do." I feel Zandy's resentment toward his father.
He stood up violently and walked away. I bit my lower lip. I don't know why I feel this sadness and sympathy for Zandy. Uncle Andrew rubbed his forehead while Aunt Mandy's face showed tension and sadness, the same for Mom and Dad who were surprised by what happened.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I apologized to Uncle Andrew and I could see the anger on his face. I stood up and walked to follow Zandy.
I found him on the terrace with his arms holding tightly on the iron barrier there. He combed his hair with his fingers.
I want to comfort him but I don't know how. I feel his sadness and resentment. I also understand how he feels.
"Z-Zandy," I mentioned his name. I was shy to approach him and he might get angry but I got up my courage. I plucked up the courage to speak. "I know you're not ok and if you don't want to see me, I'm sorry but I want you to know that I understand you. I'm on your side this time. I see how much you love cooking and I always see you every time you're in the kitchen and the kitchen is in front of you. I witnessed your happiness. If you need support, I'm here. I'll support you in whatever you want," I seriously said to convey my support to him.
Zandy was immediately speechless. He was still serious and the sadness was still there in his eyes. He turned his back on me and faced the wide sky. The wind blew and touched my skin.
"You know, Miles, since I was young, I wanted to cook. I still remember the time when my Mom cooked, I tried to help her and at a young age, I learned to cook. Unbeknownst to them, I took a cooking class so that I could learn how to cook better. All my life, I followed them in what they wanted me to be, but this time, even if it's just this, I hope I can do it," he said, full of sadness and resentment.
I approached him. I don't know what to say but I feel so sad for him. "Then, pursue your dreams, Zandy. I'm here to support you. I want you to do what you want to do, where you're happy. I know, someday they will also realize what you feel and want to do. I also understand them, they just want you to manage the company because you are the only one who will inherit it, but they limit you in what you want to do," I said hoping to help ease his mind.
He turned to me. His face was serious. I couldn't take my eyes off him. Another Zandy is in front of me now. He was very serious and there was a trace of sadness on his face, but even so, he still couldn't hide his handsome face. Zandy didn't say a word either.
Later, Zandy turned back to space. "Should I continue doing what I want, Miles? What's the point of pursuing my dreams if in the future, I will enter the company and also leave the business I'm going to build?"
I closed my eyes to get his face out of my mind that was stocked there. "If that's what makes you happy, Zandy, keep going. Don't let your passion for food go away inside you and you'll regret later that you didn't do what you wanted to do. You're too young and there's still so much you can do even if you're in the company," I answered.
Zandy sighed and bowed for a moment. He turned to me again, his face still emotionless. "Why are you telling this to me, Miles? I thought you were still mad at me because of the past?" He asked at the same time.
I looked away and tilted my head slightly. "I was angry, Zandy, but I woke up and it was gone," I replied.
A smile appeared on Zandy's lips. I felt cold because of his very handsome face which came out even more when he smiled. "Thank you, Miles," he said seriously. "I appreciate your presence at least no matter how, I felt that someone is willing to support and understand me." He sighed. "And I want to say sorry for what I did in the past. I want to formally apologize to you because I know I was guilty then," he added.
I smiled. "I forgive you, Zandy," I promised. "I'm here to support you as a friend."
"Friend?"
I nodded. "Yes, friend. Maybe we can be friends, right?"
"We are married and you want us to be friends?" It was a surprising question. "I want more, Miles."
My mouth fell open at what he said. Is Zandy serious or is he just crazy and he's going to tease me because he's sad? "C-crazy! Stop acting, Zandy they are not in front of us," I said. I feel that my cheeks are getting very hot at the same time as my heart is beating abnormally.
"What If I wasn't acting at all, Miles?"