I SMILED when I saw Mom and Dad sitting on the sofa when Zandy and I entered the house. Dad was still a little surprised while Mom's smile was wide, showing joy and excitement.
They both stood up and greeted us with Zandy. I hugged Mom and Dad. Even though I have a grudge against them for marrying me, I still can't bear not seeing them. I know they only think about me, but the only thing I can't accept is their reason for wanting me to get married. The curse and the man they wanted me to get married to. But I didn't hold a grudge against them.
"How are you, Auntie?" Zandy asked politely when I moved slightly away from Mom and Dad, they were even surprised when Zandy took the lead. They looked at each other and then smiled happily.
"Very polite child," praised Mom. Zandy just smiled as my eyebrows rose. "It's good that you arrived, I thought you wouldn't come," Mom said seriously and snorted.
"That's why you cooked a lot because you invited them," Dad said while looking at Mom. Anyway, I can see that Dad is doing well and I am happy about that.
"Yeah! I want you to surprise, Honey," Mom returned and held onto Dad's arm as if she were a teenager caressing him.
"Come on! Maybe you want to lovey-dovey in front of us?" I joke with them. "Teenager?" I teased them.
"Let her be, she's being like that because she's guilty," dad said who likes what Mom is doing.
I frowned. "Why? Did you two fight again?"
"It's your, Dad, Miles, he got jealous of our neighbor. He just saw us talking outside," said Mom.
"How can I not be jealous? You're just naive, Honey, so you don't notice that old man likes you. The way he talks and treats you, it's obvious," dad said, showing a hint of jealousy.
I just smiled and shook my head because of them. These two are like jealous teenagers. I turned to Dad. I held on to his other arm. "'Mom, Dad, is that jealousy still a trend for you? Dad, don't overthink, ok? Mom won't cheat on you and if she wanted to, she would have done it before, right? You know how much Mom loves you," I told him. I turned to Mom. "And you, 'Mom, be aware of someone's gesture because Dad is jealous. So what if our neighbor likes you? I'm not saying you should stay away from him, what I'm trying to say is stay away from our neighbor, maybe you will be the subject of their gossip outside. We know there are many gossipers there every morning."
They smiled at me. "Ok, fine, from now on, I will distance myself from him." Mom turned to Dad. "As for you, you're too old to be jealous anymore. You're my one and only, Honey."
I saw the smile on Dad's face as if he was thrilled. "Ok, I believe in you. I'm sorry, Honey for being immature," Dad said with a serious face.
"Did you just send us here to be your audience for your jealousy and affection?" I said to them, Zandy's smile couldn't escape my eyes. A genuine smile that I rarely see in him.
I just smiled too. So maybe Mom sent us here to make it an excuse for the two of them to make up for the little jealousy that happened. It also wants to make Dad happy.
"Uh! let's eat," Mom was still smiling at us. She separated from Dad and walked towards the kitchen. I followed her and the two men were behind.
"How are you, hijo? How's your life with my daughter? I told you, didn't I, that you won't eat well when she cooks. Does she take care of you?"
I stopped walking because of what I heard from Dad. "'Dad! Why do you have to say that I don't know how to cook? I'm still in the process of learning, I'll learn too," I said like a child in their conversation.
I saw Zandy bow slightly, trying not to smile. He looked up at me. Our eyes met. I see the simple smile on his lips that is good to my eyes. I don't know but his smile seems to attract me to look at it.
"Yes, Uncle Miles is taking care of me. Don't worry, I can eat your daughter's cooking. She's trying and I appreciate it," Zandy answered casually.
"Well, that's good to hear that she's taking care of you. By the way, I heard about the accident. Thank you, Zandy, for saving my daughter. How are you?" Dad turned to Zandy.
I remembered the accident and what Zandy had done. Every time I remembered that, I couldn't help but admire him. There is something in my heart that makes me happy and I can't explain it.
Zandy smiled and turned to me for a moment. "She's my wife, Uncle and I'm her husband, it's my responsibility to save her when she's in danger. Don't worry, Uncle I'm fine now. Miles spared me," Zandy answered encouragingly. As if we are ok and love each other.
I remember what he said, that we better pretend to be ok so they don't try to get us closer and he is starting to do that.
"Hey! Are you guys just going to stand there?" We heard Mom's call.
Even though there was joy in my heart because of what Zandy said, it disappeared when I remembered that we were just pretending to make them believe that everything was fine with us. It was replaced by frustration and annoyance in him.
I turned and walked into the kitchen. The various foods cooked by Mom are ready there. Almost all of Mom's cooked food is my favorite. Because she cooks well, which is the opposite of me. I don't know why I don't know how to cook or maybe it's because I love to eat rather than cook.
"Alright, sit down," said Mom. The excitement and joy on her face were obvious.
Later the two arrived. They are smiling as if they are talking about something funny. I can't help but look at Zandy's smile which gives me a strange feeling. From all angles, you can see his handsome face. None of his emotions could hide that. Whether he was angry, disgusted, or happy, it was still there.
Zandy sat next to me while Dad was next to Mom. I didn't say a word. I just feel for them.
"Eat, Miles. I prepared all this for you two and to thank you, Zandy, for saving Miles. I also can't visit your house because of your Dad's condition. I can't leave him because he is not yet fully recovered . He gets tired easily now and we go back and forth to the hospital for the check-up," Mom explained immediately.
They started taking food from the table. I just waited for them to finish.
"It's ok, Auntie, we understand and besides we are also busy at work. Miles leaves early and comes home at night," Zandy replied while getting some rice. "I'm also busy with the restaurant I'm building," he added.
The couple looked at each other and turned to Zandy in surprise. I was also slightly surprised by what I heard from him. I mean, that's what Zandy is all about? I knew he loved cooking, but I didn't know that was his preoccupation
"So, you're making your own business?" Dad was curious.
Zandy nodded. "Yes, Uncle I wanted to do what I love and it's cooking." Zandy smiled. "I want to do what I know I can do and at the same time, make me happy."
I also started taking food. My mind was busy thinking about what Zandy said. I want to ask him many things but I feel I shouldn't.
"How about your Daddy's company?" Mom asked.
They started eating while I was just waiting for Zandy to answer. His face was serious. "I don't know, Auntie I'm not ready to replace Dad in the company. I want to do what I want first and to make my name in my own business," he explained. "I don't want to put myself in the company without the knowledge and skills that I need to manage the company. I'm not into gaming and I don't know anything about running it and I might be the reason for the company's profit to weaken," he added.
"I understand your point, son, but if you don't replace your Daddy, who will continue to do so?" Dad commented.
Zandy grinned. "I'm not saying that I won't join the company, but right now, Uncle, I'm not ready. I'll do what I want first."
I didn't realize I was staring at Zandy. With every answer, I could feel his emotions. What he wants. I couldn't help but admire every answer he gave, it was so true and I could feel his desire to be successful in what he wanted to do.
"You're too young, son, you can do a lot more. Just enjoy your age and prepare for the right decision you'll be making soon," Mom said.
I blinked. I just chose not to say anything because I didn't know what to say. I just want to listen and hear what Zandy has to say. I still want to know him and know what he thinks. There is also a part of me that wants to support him in what he wants to do.
I just ate quietly while listening. I am also not related to the business they are talking about.
"Can't you guys stay here tonight? Weekend tomorrow, right? Just sleep here," said Mom after we ate and we were in the living room.
I didn't know Zandy was that close to my parents. He could talk to them as if they had known each other for a long time. He is also good to be with and I can see his genuine attitude.
"Yes? Do you want me and Zandy to sleep here?" I asked in surprise.
"Why not, right? And besides, it's too late for you to go home," said Mom.
"Yeah! Your mom is right, hija you can stay here tonight," dad seconded.
"But—"
"We can stay here tonight, Miles," Zandy agreed. My eyes widened and I looked at him in shock. I slightly elbowed him. What was he thinking to agree to them? Doesn't he know that there is only one room in the house and that is my room?