// 23 March 2018 - Sydney, Australia //
I told Anthony I would stay in Sydney a little longer, while I figure things out and help him iron out his relationship with his son. We’re already in this together, and we thought we’re effective as a team.
Us, settling down, was one of the things Anthony and I have discussed last night. And about me meeting his son and mother, including Penny when there’s a chance.
Yet there was this argument again on who, between us, needed to move out. Anthony was certain of not leaving his son this time.
“I have abandoned him before. I can’t make the same mistake.” Anthony reminded me of this before he went to work this morning.
His statement was so clear to me and I surely didn’t want him make any compromises, but my father’s company is also at stake here. No matter how I try to dismiss the thought, I’m my father’s daughter, and he had great expectations from me.
For the hundredth time, I stole a look at Anthony’s photo in my phone and decided to go for a walk. It was after I cleaned the apartment, did the laundry, and ironed Anthony’s clothes for work tomorrow.
This morning, Anthony playfully admitted he’s going to work with ironed clothes for the first time, and that his friends might tease him about it.
I walked from pavement to another until I found myself lost in an alley. In there was a small coffee shop, perfect to warm my body from the chilly weather.
I could smell the bold flavor and smooth taste of caffeine the second I stepped inside, then sat on a chair near the glass wall and peeked at the people passing by.
In a short while, the waiter came and offered me the menu.
“What can I do for you, madame,” he asked, his tone well-refined it almost felt like I was attending a royal banquet.
I opened the menu and went to a section of pastries, panini, and gourmet sandwiches. On the other side were fresh-cooked meals. But a cup of hot, refreshing tea was all I craved for.
“Moroccan Mint tea would be fine.” I smiled at the waiter, and absorbed myself with the new air.
In my waiting moments, I couldn’t help but overhear the two women from behind me. They were chit-chatting about their husbands, and it seemed they were sisters.
“Trust me, darling. Men do feel emasculated when their wife is generating more income than them. I should know.” The one, nearer my proximity, said.
My body experienced a sudden chill, and fear suddenly consumed me. What the woman said somewhat resembled me.
Then the other woman sighed and unexpectedly returned a witty reply, “I should take it from the woman with three divorces and another one coming!” A sudden disperse of laugh came from them as I began to worry about the possibilities.
Although I’ve heard the same stories before, I couldn’t help but worry I might fall in the same assemblage. Then a battalion of thoughts came rushing in my head. That Anthony and I hadn’t even gotten pass the fundamentals of every relationship: meeting each other’s family and earning their approval.
It reminded me I haven’t even met anyone in Anthony’s life. His son. His mom. Even Penny. And the thought that even my own mother is not welcoming to Anthony. I couldn’t imagine now the chaos ahead once Anthony and I tie the knot.
I was turning hot and cold. My sudden chills cooling with the recently served teapot on the center of the table. Then I realized I had no more appetence to continue with the tea. At the least, I managed to sip a quarter of the porcelain cup.
I paid the bill immediately and headed out, wishing the unfinished tea wouldn’t insult the restaurant. I needed to breath in a fresh air at once, before I overhear another word from the two women. They spoke the truth. If it was a talk show I’d be happy to stay and listen more, but the truth is excruciating at the moment.
As I continued with my stride, my heart felt suddenly lacerated. I love Anthony so much I am willing to make unconventional sacrifices. But the kind of sacrifices I hope will prosper and wouldn’t lead to another heartbreak. There’s so much to lose in my part.
I heaved a sigh and walked to another street. My thoughts in vertigo, I stopped for a while and found solace in a mini grocery store nearby. I needed a bottle of water. I needed to sit down and reset the flow of my thinking.
When I finally calmed down, and the bottle of water almost empty, I headed back to Anthony’s apartment. On my way, I couldn’t help noticing the couples I’ve passed by. I found two kissing in the street-sides, some holding each other’s hand in between chitchats, and the others, simply walking and carefree.
I wondered what their relationships could be. Wondered how often they fight or make amends. Or who apologizes first or walks out first in every fight. I wondered who makes the higher income and if it even matters to them.
I was going crazy over these things. Maybe it’s true that things get scarier when a simple relationship advances to a matrimony. That it isn’t a simple romance anymore. And instead of getting only roses, you get bugs and worms, too.
I let out another sigh and continued with my pace, getting even more perturbed because I had no more idea what street I was walking. I turned to my phone, clicked on the GPS, and learned I’m two streets pass my route.
Anthony arrived in his apartment first before me. It was almost sundown. The scenario I was expecting in his place was much different from the usual.
To my surprise, Anthony’s mom and Junior were there with him, in the living room. The sight of a simply astonishing woman in gray hair and charming little Anthony right before my eyes!
My throat entirely closed I wasn’t even able to greet them hi. Instead a subtle hand wave. I’ve known that at some point, I would have to face up Anthony’s mother and son, but I hadn’t expected to see them this evening.
In my mind were questions clamoring to be answered. Why are they here all of a sudden? Do they even know I’m here? My muscles went more paralytic and my heart drummed louder in my ears.
“Hello, dear.” Anthony’s mother got up from the couch and glided to offer me a hug. I saw same blue eyes, inviting, and a tame face etched with visible laugh lines. “It’s a pleasure finally meeting you,” she supplemented, her soft tone substantiating a sensible mother and grandma.
I apologized immediately as soon as my mind came back to life. And made amends for my delayed reaction.
“Don’t mind, dear.” Anthony’s mom spoke as she gave a pat on my back. It was followed by another smile but a wider one. “Call me, Ellen, by the way,” she added.
“Natalie…” I was about to grant Ellen a smile-back when the boy already spoke.
“Gran,” he said, pertaining to Ellen, like he was sending her a reminder that she forgot to introduce him to me.
“Oh, Natalie! I am assuming you already know our Junior here.” Ellen cupped the boy’s chin with both fondness and pride, but an embarrassment for the boy, who then manned up and greeted me gallantly. It seemed he was happy to meet me.
“Hello, Junior.” The kid, so irresistible I cupped his chin, too. I couldn’t believe I was that confident already and hoped I wasn’t making a mess out of it. I needed to appear dignified.
Giggles and pleasantries. Then that was the time when Anthony intervened and told us about the early dinner.
“Mom cooked for dinner,” he said to me, winking. Only a syllable of oh was all that I could manage, somewhat embarrassed I could have, at least, brought some dinner.
Ellen and Junior went first to the small kitchen and began preparing, as Anthony and I had a small talk in the living room. He could already detect the questions crossing through my face since I arrived.
Anthony began answering one of them. “I phoned Mom yesterday that you are here,” he said partially, his voice low so the two in the kitchen won’t hear us. “It happened Junior was with her because Penny went to Darwin… with Arthur. And I thought it’s the perfect time for you to meet them.”
I was happy Anthony was making efforts for all of it, but I couldn’t help but wonder how Anthony and his son are doing? I thought the kid was mad at him. Have they made amends already?
“About Junior? You two are okay now?” I asked Anthony, and he just smiled.
“He and I had a serious talk earlier, at the airport.” Anthony stepped closer and told me the truth, that he excused himself from work today and picked the two up from the airport.
I was relieved Anthony is now in good terms with his son. I felt a portion of weight was just removed from my chest.
“Dinner’s ready!” Ellen called from the kitchen and peeked at us. It was then when I realized Ellen was simpler than I thought. She wasn’t the typical woman who wears woven coat and beaded necklace. Instead she stood at the kitchen majestically tall with her white long sleeve top, black tapered trousers, and black flats.
The early dinner answered my rumbling worries from a while ago, back in the cafe. Now, I have met Anthony’s mother and son. And the bonus part is… They are welcoming and good-humored. Especially the part when Junior volunteered to pour wine in my glass, like a small sommelier, despite Ellen telling him earlier not to touch the bottle.
“This is not for you yet,” Ellen told Junior just before we started the dinner, and Anthony and I could only stare at each other, smiling, our hands intertwined under the table, entertained by how Junior made efforts to join in the adults.
Things happened so fast and easy it is impossible to have any more doubts. I looked at the people in the table again, and asked myself if this is what I want for the rest of my life.
The answer is certain. It is the best thing that happened to me. They are the kind of people I won’t have trouble getting along with. They are happy and contented. And they don’t end up in a disastrous family reunion, unlike mine.
Now, there is one more task to do: To meet Penny. I tried not to have expectations nor assumptions, but I wished things to be well.