Today is Saturday, the anticipated dinner with Raven and Shaine together with my parents here at our house. Since mom wants everything prepared, we cleaned the house, order the ingredients for the dish that she'll cook, we ready the utensils, and changed the curtains. It was like a big time family member from abroad is visiting home, and we need to prepare everything. I still have to remind mom that it's just a dinner.
Because of excitement, they arrived three hours advanced from the call time. Shaine was given a free ride from Raven and I know it's her idea to came here early. Good thing was that they never ran out of topic, that's why we didn't get bored. We talked about different stuffs, took pictures, and I even toured them to our garden.
“I thought you don't like flowers. But turned out, you have a sunflower garden here in your house,” Raven muttered, holding its stem. I guess he loves flowers too.
“Who said I don't like flowers?” I answered his question with another question. Shaine was busy taking pictures, that's why she wasn't able to join the conversation.
“Well, it's just my thought, anyway. You always reject the bouquet I gave to you, so I said to myself okay maybe she doesn't like flowers.”
Oh, that was before. The reason I don't want to accept the bouquet of flowers he gave to me is because I hate him. But like what I said, that was before. We're good friends now.
“I love yellow, that's why I asked mom if we can put up a sunflower garden in this spot,” I said, changing the topic. But aside from that, I also love other colors like pink and red.
“I see.” He smiled.
“Thanks for coming by the way.”
“It's my pleasure, Ari. Inviting me for dinner is my happiness, don't you know that?” He showed a sweet smile and pointed the flowers. “Those are your happiness too?”
I slowly shook my head. “Well, not that much.”
“But why?”
I wandered my eyes. “None of your business,” I jested.
We did a lot of things before mom invited us to the table. I find it hard to convince Shaine to stop taking pictures because it's already time to eat. Thank god, she listened to me after I shouted that mom ordered her favorite flavor of cake. Raven can't stop laughing, saying my friend is really a food lover.
I leaded the prayer as a way of thanking god for the blessings and for the foods that we are about to share tonight. After the prayer, we occupied our chairs as mom served the utensils on our plates. In a not so long rectangular table, I was seated beside Raven while Shaine occupied the other half. Mom is seated at one end of the table while dad is on the other end.
“Are you serious about courting my daughter?” mom asked straight to the point. I was almost choked as Shaine immediately gave me a glass of water. God, mom… I didn't see that coming.
“Raven's not here to court me, mom,” I chuckled. I just want to tell you guys that it's a bit awkward. Biting my lower lip will help me ease the awkwardness, I guess?
“But he courted you before. You guys are perfect for each other. What do you think, tito and tita?” Shaine butt in. I glared at her, but she only answered it with a teasing smile. This girl, I swear.
“Well, there's no problem for me. I'll support Ari wherever she's happy. Besides, I'm not the one who's gonna decide for her. We, as her parents, are just here to guide her,” dad replied. Why am I not surprised? I never heard him before saying he's against with this and that. He always says yes.
“Anything for my sweetie,” mom added, slicing the mango cake into almost equal portions. “She can choose any guy that she wants as long as the person is deserving and worth it.”
“Oh, that's heaven, man! Tito and tita likes you for our Ari!” Shaine raised her fork, nudging Raven on the arm. The latter smiled as a show of response.
“It's a pleasure to be here,” Raven said with respect in his voice. He is savoring the crispy fried chicken in his mouth while I'm enjoying the cake. I couldn't figure out how awkward it is in his part. After all, we are the topic here.
“You should visit Ari again if you're free. I can beat you in basketball,” dad jested, which made us all laughed. He's not even a shooter. He plays basketball, but not professional when it comes to it.
“Oh, hon. You're joking the kids again,” mom chuckled.
“But seriously speaking, Raven, please do anything to make my daughter happy. Make her feel the love that she deserve.” From joking, dad went serious. I was like, hey dad, he's not courting me anymore.
“I'm always doing that to Ari, tito.” Raven shifted his gaze from dad to me. “She's always special and loved.”
Oh, stop that. I don't want to blush today.
“And this is a happy family! I'm willing to be a flower girl in your marriage. Oh, I can't wait for that day to come,” Shaine giggled, eating a slice of mango cake. She's always thrilled when she talks.
“A flower girl, huh? But you're not a kid anymore,” dad chuckled. My friend pouted and said she's gonna be the bride's maid instead.
“Raven, try this cupcake. I always bake this every time there's a special occasion at home.” Mom happily gave one to him as he savored it. I can assure myself that it's tasty because I always eat what my mother bakes.
“This is delicious, tita. What's the secret?” Raven complimented.
“Oh, there's no secret. I just want to bake.” She then gave one to Shaine and my food lover friend asked for more. According to her, the cupcake is so sweet, and she likes it.
After the fulfilling meal, we delivered the plates right to the sink together with the other utensils we used earlier. Dad insisted on washing the dishes and told us to relax in the sofa. He doesn't require me to do the household chores today because he wants me to entertain my friends.
“Juice or soft drink?” Mom asked. We all preferred the first option.
“Alright. Is it pineapple or orange juice? I can make a fruit shake if you guys want to.”
“Just the pineapple juice for me, tita.” Raven was the first one to reply, as I said the same.
“I want apple shake, tita. Thank you so much,” Shaine said.
“Noted. I'll be back in a minute.”
While waiting for the drinks, Shaine suggested for us to watch a movie. They chose action since Raven requested for it. I'm not fond of watching guns and combats, but I enjoyed.
Mom returned in a minute, bringing a tray of drinks. Raven approached her and insisted on carrying it from there to the table placed in front of the sofa where we are seated.
“I'll be flying to New York new week, guys. I will miss the both of you,” Raven said out of the blue. I was surprised to hear it from him, but I chose to keep a normal face.
“For what reason?” Shaine asked the same question on my mind.
“I will attend on my cousin's debut. We haven't seen each other for a long time and I really miss her a lot.” His eyes were glued on the action movie he's watching while talking to us.
“When will you come back?” I can't help but to ask. Raven's always present every day that's why it is kinda hard for me to figure a day without seeing his presence… without seeing the smile in his lips.
“I'll stay there for one week. I already informed my class adviser and glad to say she accepted my excuse.”
“New York, huh? It's far. For sure, you're going to miss Ari.” Of course, Shaine will not let a minute pass without mentioning my name.
“Exactly. That's why let's take a groupie. If I will miss the two of you—well, sure I will—then I'm just gonna look on our photo.” He then stretched his hand and counted from one to three. His phone flashed as we take our different pose. It was followed by another clicks until we got satisfied.
“We will miss you, Raven. Please bring some foods before going back here,” Shaine chuckled which made us all laughed.
The two of them are very talkative until the movie ended without us noticing it. We were laughing all the time because of Shaine's corny jokes. When my eyes darted on the TV screen, I noticed that the movie already ended.
Since it's not yet late for Shaine to go home, she requested to have an evening stroll but only at our garden. 11:03 pm is not yet late for her, huh? How about me, I go to bed at exact eight. Lol.
“I genuinely love your sunflower garden, Ari.” Raven touched the petals, smiling from ear to ear. He looks happy with the flowers on his front. I just noticed that he's soft with the things around him making him appeared as a good guy with a strong sense of care and concern.
“Wow!” Shaine pointed at the stars above the sky. Its shine glittered on my eyes like silver dust. Just wow.
“This is the nicest view when you go for an evening stroll,” Raven muttered. He took out his phone and captured the good scenery above.
“You don't have plans of talking, Ari?” Shaine stood at my back, resting her chin on my shoulder.
The stars made me speechless. I just don't find the exact words to say, every time I'm staring at the sky, and suddenly, it caught my attention.
I'm just wondering what Shan's doing right now. Oh god… I have missed seeing his face. But I have to distance myself away from him. After our girl to girl talk with Marga on the coffee shop, I promised to her that I'll do my best to move on. And I want to be true to myself. Stop this shit, Ari. Focus, please?
“Deep thoughts?” Shaine whispered, snapping me back to my senses.
I heaved a deep sigh and turned on her. “Let's go back inside. I'm sleepy.”
“It's okay, Ari. Besides it's already time for us to go home,” Raven replied as he paced toward our direction.
“Have a safe ride, guys.” I bid my farewell to them, as they did the same to me. Shaine will be riding on Raven's car, since they went here together.
“Thanks for the dinner, Ari!” Shaine gave me a tight hug, to which I reciprocated. They already said bye to mom and dad, and they are about to go now.
“We'll go ahead, bye.” Raven waved his hand until his smile disappeared in my eyes.
After their car drove away, I closed the gate and went straight to my room. It is almost twelve in the morning and my eyes were complaining already to rest.
While I'm staring at the high ceiling, I can't help but to smile. I didn't expect this kind of bond. Dude, this one's solid. It was like a few days ago I hate to see and even hear Raven's voice. I always want to avoid his presence. But now, he's included in our moments like he is a best friend. I just rejected him and we're already friends. Crazy, right? But I salute him for his toxic positivity.
Moments with friends—if that's the proper term for that—is indeed a quality time. I'm looking forward to more moments with them, but I hope that in the middle of making fun and enjoyment I will also be able to find the quickest way if possible to move on.