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“I hope that makes up for a sloppy engagement.” He’s the first one to speak. I love how he’s become so playful around me, contrasting his usual no nonsense demeanor. I love how he’s only like this for me.
“Mmm, it’s a start, I guess,” I reply, matching his energy, and he can only really smirk.
“Well, I guess we have to go for round two back at the hotel?”
I roll my eyes, but I don’t necessarily hate the idea even a little.
Chapter 20
Leo
Boracaywasfun,puttingit mildly. The view was great, the food was astonishing, and the people were really nice. And the time with Isa was, well, it was mind-blowingly amazing.
Even now, as we’re walking back to Isa’s childhood home after packing all our bags back at our hotel in Manila, memories of the filthy things that we did together remain fresh in my mind. After that time at the beach, Isa and I haven’t exactly slowed down.
Yes, the trip was fun, and I’m even more enamored with this seemingly unlabelled thing Isa and I have, but we both know we’re not out of the woods by a long shot. After all, our priority in coming back to the Philippines was to get everything sorted out for our marriage — both legally and personally. Now, Isa knocks on the door of her home, waiting for her parents to answer. I’m not even really sure why she’s willing to come back to this place so soon after everything that she learned. Personally, it would take some time for me to be this approachable to people who have wronged me. I know I sound a little mean, but there’s really no denying that Isa’s parents shouldn’t have used her money behind her back. They may have good intentions, but the fact that it wasn’t discussed is a red flag for me. But I don’t say these things out loud, of course. They’re still Isa’s parents, and hers are not necessarily problems that involve me. I’ve learned the hard way in Hollywood to keep my nose out of other people’s personal problems.
A couple of seconds later, Isa’s parents open the door, and their faces both show a sign of relief as they pull their daughter in for a hug. Isa slowly hugs them back, though anyone can see that she’s hesitant. A few beats later, her younger siblings Lia and Benji also come to the door and give her a hug. The little brother seems to be staring at me a little too long, though, but I don’t do anything about it. Again, this is Isa’s thing, but also it’s nice to be present because they already know I’m her fiancé.
“Babalik ka na sa California?”Isa’s mother asks, her hands pointing toward both of our luggage, which I’m holding while tears well up in her eyes. I don’t understand Tagalog, but California is enough for me to indicate that she’s asking Isa if she’s about to go back to the United States.
“Yes, ma,” Isa answers, and her mother speaks no more but only pulls her daughter in for one more hug as she cries. “I’m sorry, ma.Hindi ako nakatagal. They need me back at work.” Again, I don’t understand Tagalog, but it’s likely she’s apologizing that she’s leaving so soon.
What I currently don’t really understand is how willing Isa and her family are willing to put their differences aside all because she’s about to leave to another country again for who knows how long. It’s almost a selfless act, if I think about it. Isa still harbors some negativity from what happened — from how her childhood home hasn’t become her dream home even after years of hard work, but she manages to set all of that aside to still say a proper goodbye to her parents. Maybe she’s doing it for her siblings? I will never really know. It kind of pains me to not understand their motivations and intentions. Would I have done the same for my family?
Or…
As they all hug each other in tears, the little brother Benji starts to shyly walk toward me. I immediately kneel down to his level, trying not to overwhelm the little guy. Isa told me he's six years old, so I’m sure he’s confused about what’s happening. “Ikaw…” Benji starts to speak in Tagalog, pointing to me, and I’m prepared to try and make the most out of it even though I only really know like ten words, but he seems to catch himself. “You are my sister’s…” He tries to form his sentence, but he seems to be having a hard time coming up with the right word.
Uhh… How do I explain engagement to a child? I need a second to think. “I’m your sister’s very special friend,” I try to explain it a bit more vaguely. The little guy doesn’t need to know all the truth. He’s too young for that. All he needs to know is that his sister is important to me, and hopefully, vice versa.
“Like… boyfriend?” Benji asks, and I have no idea how he knows that word, but Isa isn’t really aware that this conversation is happening as she’s still hugging her father. I guess it’s all up to me, really.
“I… Uh…” I stammer. I’ve dealt with the most cutthroat and vicious executives in Hollywood, yet here I am, being at a loss for words in front of a child. “Yes. Like a boyfriend,” I reply, completely giving up. I figure it’s the best way to get him to understand the whole situation.
The little man simply smiles very widely, like he’s almost overjoyed at my confirmation. “You’re my future brother-low?” Benji asks, seemingly unaware of what in-laws really are, but I’m more flabbergasted that he knows these terms. What are they teaching at school? “I have… brother?” he adds, and the way his little voice comes out almost melts my heart. I’m reminded that he’s the only boy in their line of siblings. He must have dreamed about having a big brother. “Will you come to my birthday?” he asks, not even giving me a second to process anything.
What am I supposed to say to that, really? Imagine rejecting that. I can’t even fathom the little kid’s expression. “Of course, I will, Benji. Is there any gift you want for your birthday?”
The little boy simply shakes his head, pointing at me. “A big brother.” He jumps into my arms and gives me the biggest hug.
I’m about to be swept away with how adorable this little kid is. He’s so adorable that it leaves me speechless. Before I can open my mouth to say anything, I notice that every other person in the family is looking right at us. I give them a sheepish smile, not really knowing what to say. “He’s very smart,” I tell Isa’s parents, but they only nod and smile. Lia’s hiding her laughter, while Isa’s just looking at me fondly.
“You’re a good man, Leo,” Isa’s father states, walking toward me. He eyes me up and down as I stand back up, trying to meet his gaze, but this is actually the first time in a long time that I’ve been scrutinized by a father. Suddenly, he offers his hand for a shake. “I just wish you could have asked our permission for my daughter’s hand first. It’s tradition in the Philippines, you know.”
I nod, accepting his criticism and his handshake at the same time. “I’ll give the rest of my life with your daughter to make it up to you and your wife, sir,” I declare, and I can see Isa profusely blushing at my bold statement.
“I like your guts,” Isa’s father comments as he lets go of my hand. He pats my shoulder firmly. “I’d ask you to take care of her, but if I know my Isa, she’ll take care of you first. She’s just caring like that,” he says, giving me a small grin.
“I know that all too well, sir.”
Isa blushes, then begins to walk toward the luggage and hooks it with her hand. “Okay! We have a flight to catch, Leo. Let’s go, let’s go!” She pushes with a pep in her step, effectively sprinting toward the car waiting for us by the road. “I love you guys. I’ll see you soon!” she shouts to her family without looking back.
I look at her family and their house one last time, offering a warm smile. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, and it’s so great finally meeting all of you,” I politely say, nodding toward them before following Isa into the car while waving them goodbye.
“Goodbye, big brother!” Little Benji cries out, his face still bright and happy.
“If you break my sister’s heart, I will hunt you down!” Lia threatens jokingly, letting out an amused cackle when her mother slaps her on the shoulder. “I’m kidding! Or am I?”
