The Upside of Falling

3

As the end of the semester approaches, Millie and Seb prepare to return home for the holidays. They are excited to see their families and spend some time away from the stress of college life, but they are also nervous about sharing their new relationship with their loved ones.

Millie dreaded telling her parents that they are now in a relationship. Since she was sure to be teased by her parents about it.

Her having feelings for Seb had long been known by her parents. Heck, even before she realized her feelings for Seb they had already known. Sometimes she wonders if her parents had the power to see the future because of it.

She did not mull over it for long since she still had to pack some clothes and essentials to bring home.

Millie wonders if it is really that important to pack her stuff since she'll surely have more clothes to wear at home than what she has brought in her dorm. Due to that, she decided only to pack lightly. Besides, they will not stay there for long only a few days. Maybe even a maximum of three days then they'll go back to campus since they are also both pretty busy with their respective course.

On the afternoon, Seb helped her bring her things in his car. They did not have to make a trip back and forth in their dorm and car since they did not bring much.

On the drive home, Seb takes Millie's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "I know this is scary, but we're in this together," he says, his voice soft and reassuring.

Millie nods, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. She's never been in a serious relationship before, and the thought of introducing Seb to her family is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Ah, how she wishes her mom and dad won't tease her about it in front of Seb. Coz she'll surely die of embarrassment if ever.

When they arrive at Millie's house, her parents greet them warmly and invite Seb to stay for dinner.

Millie can feel her heart racing as she watches Seb interact with her family, laughing at her dad's jokes and chatting with her older brother, Dos.

Amadeus was his real name, but like Millie, their family calls him Dos. Much shorter and easier to pronounce. Dos was two years older than her and goes to a different campus than her. Her brother is following in their mom's foot steps. He's studying medicine and plans to work in the same hospital as their mom.

After dinner, Millie and Seb sit down with her parents and tell them that they have started dating. Her parents acted quite surprised but supportive, and they welcomed Seb into their family with open arms.

Millie helped her mom clean up the dining table while Seb accompanied her dad and brother in the living room. Milliw wondered what they were talking.

And as if her mom read her mind " Honey, they must be having boys talk," her mom said while washing the dishes.

"I'm just worried, they won't scare Seb away right?"

"Millie, honey, they won't scare him. You know your dad and brother, they are probably asking him about how he came to have feelings for you. You know, the usual interrogation for a son-in-law," Millie's mom added.

"Oh my, now I'm getting worried. I wanna pull him out from there,"

"Calm down, honey. Just let them bond,"

Millie decided to heed her mother's words and continued to help in cleaning everything up.

Seb stayed over that night since his parents wouldn't be home in their house until tomorrow afternoon.

And this time Seb slept in Millie's room. Back then whenever ho comes over, he always sleeps in Dos' room. But now that things have quite changed between Seb and Millie, he was able to sleep with her. And he liked it even better. Being able to sleep while hugging his girl was what Seb loved the most.

The next day, Seb and Millie head over to Seb's house to share the news with his parents. They are a bit more reserved than Millie's family, but they are happy for their son and welcome Millie into their home.

As the holiday break continues, Millie and Seb spend as much time together as possible, soaking up the warmth and comfort of being in each other's company. They explore their hometown together, sharing memories and stories from their childhoods.

"Geez, who would have thought that we would end up dating each other?" Millie says while giggling.

Seb smiles and said " Well, imagine what our younger selves' reaction, if they knew we'd be all up in each other," Millie laughed, imagining the young Millie and Seb's faces.

"Oh my, they were in for a surprise!"

Their conversation was cut short when Seb's dad calls him in his office. Unsure of what it was for, Seb debated on following the maid who recited his dad's orders.

"Hey, do I really have to go?" Seb asks Millie with a quiet annoyed face while still having that gentle tone. As if he was signaling Millie to tell him to stay with her.

"You should go Seb, your dad's waiting for you. He might want to discuss with you about something important," Millie retorted while gently caressing Seb's face.

"Fine, wait for me here okay. I'll come back quickly," Seb replied before following the maid to go to his dad.

Millie just nodded and continued to enjoy the peace as well as the warmth of the sun hitting her skin.