A Childhood Relationship Chapter I: THE BEGINNING AND DISTANCE

Chapter 17

CHAPTER XVII: RECONCILIATION

The following morning, I checked the calendar and two days from now our class will resume. It seemed only yesterday when the summer break started and I felt like I still needed some more time to relax. After all, for the past few days I've been experiencing various feelings which strained me emotionally. I was about to open the door when I saw him standing in front of me about to knock. I immediately greeted him before he told me to dress up. Now that I think about it, he's wearing casual clothes and he is all tidied-up. Without any questions being asked, I closed the door and proceeded to wear a casual dress which would suit the current temperature outside. I thought it was a date and although I'm still not prepared, this is at least a good thing as he's doing the efforts to deepen our relationship. I went outside after preparing everything I needed on my bag. I met with him on the front door and there was a taxi outside. Since a taxi was there, he may have spent a large amount of money for it so I asked about why he needed to hire a taxi just for this date. He smiled and just told me to wait and see. I went inside as he locked the main door and the gate and followed suit. For some reason, even though I live near the city, it's my first time to ride this kind of transportation. What shocked me was how much the amount is ticking as we gained distance. In just a short amount of time, we're already at the city yet we skipped the downtown and went to a financial district. Soon, I saw the airport right in front of us and we were dropped at the entrance.

As he was paying the taxi fare, I went outside ahead of him. Afterwards, he followed me and he guided me inside. He prepared everything at the front desk and the second I knew it we're already waiting at the departure hall. He told me to wait at the seat as he proceeded to go and buy something. Still, I'm bewildered as I don't know where he'll be taking me. Not to mention the fact that this would really cost a lot as we'll be boarding an airplane to who knows where. I wasn't even able to catch a glimpse of the ticket. Then, he hurried back with food on his arms. He apologized to me for suddenly pulling me here without even serving breakfast. I just nodded and proceeded to eat whatever he bought. I can see that he's happy with his smile and all, but it seemed like there was a hint of uneasiness in him. I was about to ask him where we would be going, but I decided to hold off for a while since I'll know it sooner or later. I finished the food which is actually delicious despite how small the serving was. We just conversed regarding the food and nothing more than that.

Eventually, the time arrived and he stood up. It was there that I found out that we'll be going to the north where our parents our working. Perhaps he wanted to meet with them, but it's really spontaneous and I cannot be blamed for my feeling this way. For a while, we walked towards the airplane through the tube. He even cracked a joke about how it's colder there despite the summer season enveloping the entire country. I just rebutted and told him that it's only natural since it's near the pole and any elementary student would be knowledgeable regarding this matter. Still, I realized how it was supposed to be a joke but I went ahead and complained to him about this. Thus, I apologized to him for my rude behavior. He just smiled and told me it was okay and so I need not worry about it since we're already dating. Hearing this word from him, I felt embarrassed as I've become aware of the fact that we're already dating.

We proceeded to our seats and there he told me about his plan to meet with our parents. This is the first time that I'll meet my parents after a few months. I asked him why our parents wanted to meet us and it surprised me when he told me that they're not aware that we'll be visiting. I almost shouted at him before I saw the people around us which are either doing something silently or sleeping. I asked him where he got his money and he just stayed silent for a while before responding. He told me that honestly he wasn't sure if he should say it to me since I might find it distasteful. Yet, he still revealed to me that the money he used for the taxi fare and the fare tickets are from the stash he kept from middle school. Figures, he wouldn't be worried if he used his own allowance for this, after all the money he spent were from the girls he went physical with. He seemed like it bothered him a bit so I told him that it's okay since he didn't use it as a gift for me in the first place. At the very least, I'm happy since he told me the truth and would even go as far as to let me meet my parents.

The travel took quite some time before we reached the airport. I was happy since it wasn't as hot in here. The summer breeze is also a bit fresh and cool. He took some cash from his wallet and bought an expensive pastry at a nearby shop. Perhaps it's a gift for his parents so I told him to wait for me as I'll also buy for my parents. However, I forgot that I didn't bring any money at all so I didn't know how to respond to the saleslady who is calmly waiting for the money. I just stood there for a while before he went and handed money to the saleslady who smiled at him. He grabbed the pastry I bought and told me to go with him. I thanked him for paying for me. I felt really embarrassed so I told him that I'll carry the one I bought for my parents. He went told me that I shouldn't have bought another one since it's more than enough. So, I told him that I needed to at least give something to my parents in return for letting me study at a prestigious school. I got a bit pissed when he laughed at me as I felt even more embarrassed. So, I started punching him on his arms and he kept covering himself while laughing. I couldn't help but laugh as well seeming how happy he is. A few months ago, I wouldn't imagine that he'll show this kind of emotion. I didn't like him for quite a while so something like this seemed unnatural for me.

Eventually, we reached the house from the address he held in his hand. I thought we'll be visiting my parent's house first so I prepared myself by fixing my hair. However, I was surprised when the person who opened the door was his mother. Without thinking, I greeted her and talked about how she's visiting my parents house. She softly laughed and asked me if I'm not aware of the fact that they're living together in a single rented house. Honestly, I didn't know this, my mother didn't even mention this to me. With that, she welcomed us inside. Although, I noticed how the two of them still aren't on speaking terms even though I thought that his relationship with his parents had improved. She just kept on talking to me and telling about how it was their decision to rent a single house since the price is virtually the same yet larger and more comfortable. Well, this is actually much more convenient since both our families are close friends in the first place. As soon as we entered the living room, I saw my parents that I hurried towards them. They were surprised since they aren't aware that we'll be visiting. Still, I embraced my parents and told them how much I missed them. Yet, by the side he just greeted his parents formally.

Before I knew it, all six of us are already seating at the spacious living room. The two of us sat on the same couch so I noticed how uneasy he is feeling at the moment. So, I whispered and asked him what's wrong. He didn't respond at first before our parents asked us why we visited without even informing them. Obviously, they scolded us for going to this faraway place and at a time when class is already just around the corner. I don't know what to say, since I was just dragged by him and it's hard for me to lie especially when I've already kept the secret that he's been doing indecent things to me. Soon, he went ahead and responded that it was him who forced me to come with him. He stood up and pulled me with him by grabbing my hand. There, we are suddenly standing up with his hand clenched unto mine. Then, he told our parents that we're already dating. This surprised them including me as I felt really embarrassed of what he just said in front of our parents. I complained to him but he just went and looked at me with a firm expression. Also, even though it is faint, I could feel how much his hand is shaking and it was there that I realized that it was this very reason why he's been feeling uneasy since earlier. Afterwards, we sat back down on the couch and awaited the response of our parents.

Then, his parents talked about how I'll be his first girlfriend if that is the case. Everything would have been good and would just go on smoothly but he went and told them how I'm not the first. It was at that moment that he confessed about how he went out with several girls back in middle school and even went as far as bringing them at their home. This shocked me and I felt something heavy pressing down on my heart. I thought that their relationship would improve, but he just went and revealed to them a secret he wasn't supposed to say. Immediately, without sparing a moment, his father punched him on the face and shouted at him for disgracing the family.

My father held him back and told him to calm down. This is really a difficult time for us, witnessing something like this in front of my very eyes. But, he bowed and apologized for keeping it a secret for a really long time. I thought this problem would be over, but his father went and mentioned to my parents that the two of us should be separated. Just like that, my father talked about how I need to go and live with them now and disregard the tuition fees. I thought the two of us will be happy by spending time with each other, but now this is no longer possible. Regardless, I didn't want to allow our relationship to end so I mustered the courage to tell my father that I don't want to leave my school. I don't know how my parents would react to this, but this is the first time they heard about him playing around with girls so his parents couldn't even trust me with him.

For a while there was just silence within the living room. If meeting each other would turn out like this, I wouldn't have agreed to go with him here. Then, my mother went ahead and asked me if I don't want to leave because of school or that it's due to him. For this question, I already know my answer so I went and grabbed his hand and told them that we're happily loving each other and I don't want to separate from him. I looked at him and although he seemed sad, there was a bit of gleam in his eyes. I at least know that he's happy that I'm fighting for our relationship which just recently began. Then, his father told me that now that he learned about what his son really is, he can no longer trust him and that I should be mature and think about my own safety. Hearing that, I felt angered and shouted and asked his parents about why they cannot forget about what he did back in middle school. I told them how much he changed now that he entered high school and no longer does whatever he did from back then. I even talked about how he confessed just now about going out with various girls despite knowing the fact that they' wouldn't take it lightly. Even though they are his parents, I forgot about my respects and just talked without thinking much. I was about to tell something more until he clenched onto my hand and told me to stop. Eventually, our parents decided to go upstairs and ordered us to stay in the living room as they'll talk about their decision regarding this serious matter.

This is hard for me, but I know this is even harder for him as this is also related to his parents. The most probable conclusion would be my being suddenly transferred to a school here or something the like. Right now, he's just looking down with a sad look on his face. I tried to comfort him but he'd just smile at me. I asked him why he told his parents about what he did back in middle school and e answered me straightly. Apparently, he wanted them to know about what he did and let them decide what's best for us. I could at least realize what he wanted to do, but still this doesn't bode well with me so I argued with him for leaving the decision regarding our relationship to our parents. He apologized and then he told me that even if we're separated, it's not like we'll break up just like that. Also, he said it would be better for the two us as he cannot be tempted to do something to me whenever we're at the same house. He's thinking positively even though it's already obvious that we would be separated so I couldn't even hate him for this. However, no matter what, I hope that the worst-case wouldn't happen.

A few minutes later, they went back to the living room and went to their respective seats. My mother asked me what I wanted to do so I answered with what I had in mind all along and that is to stay with him. Also, she told me how I'm still young and my feelings would still change. Her mother on the other hand kept on telling me things to discourage me from staying at the same house as him and even talked about how he might suddenly attack me without my knowing. Finally, I answered that it doesn't matter whether that would happen or not as long as I like him. I talked about how it was only recently that we started going out and so spending much more time together as a couple would help us develop intimate feelings for each other.

As my response to my mother, I told her how I had two boyfriends and both of them dumped me without any care for my feelings at all that it was him who helped me regain my footing. In this house, I need not ask who the bad guy is to their eyes, and that is him. He just stayed quiet as I was being discouraged by our mothers. Our argument has been dragging on for quite some time that my father stopped them and asked me if I wouldn't regret it if something unexpected happened. With my head held up high, I answered that it wouldn't matter as long as we share the same feelings for each other. Since they know that my I wouldn't falter, my father finally gave up and convinced them that they should just leave us behind as we are old enough to know what we are doing. I thanked my father for what he just said and I felt a sudden burst of relief in my heart and looked at him. I held onto his hands and told him that we no longer need to resort to being separated from each other. In the end, he smiled at me with the most cheerful one he ever made.

Lastly, in order to fix the discord between him and his parents, I asked my parents for us to spend time together at a restaurant. I pulled them together with me and I looked at my back with him looking down again. With that, I shouted and told him to talk things out with his parents and restore their relationship back to how it was back then. I made sure that even his parents heard this for them to consider him as their son because as it stands they aren't treating him as one; by pushing all the blame on him without regard for his feelings. My parents and I went to a famous local restaurant and caught up with a lot of things. I told them about my life back at his house and how he would always cook and wash the clothes for me.

Although, I told them that I'm slowly learning how to return the favor by helping him with it. I even told them how I cannot imagine a house without him around. With that, they talked about how originally it was their plan for us to be together in the future, yet they almost retracted this earlier after hearing his confession. I could understand what they're feeling now, after all I'm their only daughter but they cannot even be with me at this critical age. With this in mind, I told them that I'm happy now and that is the only thing that matters. Although, my father did tell me to call as soon as possible in case of emergency, but the thing is I cannot tell them about his dark habits as something as something like this is already a big problem for both our families.

A few hours later, we went back to their house and I saw him preparing dinner with his mother and they're casually talking with each other. I don't what the three of them talked about, but as long as I could see this, it's enough for me. Being with him, I can ask him whenever I want and as long as he would answer so there's no haste. Moments later, we were invited for dinner but we already ate so we just went to the living room and give them precious time with each other. Tomorrow, we will return back to our place first thing in the morning so this is just the appropriate thing to do. Afterwards, I apologized to her mother for arguing earlier and she told me to pay no mind to it as she was also in the wrong for not defending her own son at all and just thinking about appearances. This really made me happy and I could also see how he is also feeling the same as he is longing for his parent's understanding. This trip was full of ups and downs, but it solved something important at the very least and I could proudly say that meeting them like this is the best decision he ever made. We are also able to gain our parent's approval of our relationship when I didn't even thought about telling my parents about this in the first place. Eventually, we went to sleep to rest for tomorrow's trip back to his place.

The following morning, we prepared to go back and we were drove by our parents to the airport. Inside, his mother told me to continue taking care of him and guiding him to be a person fit for society. I answered in the affirmative and told her that he is already a good part of society since he's even started earning money by himself as a commercial model. She stayed silent and I know that they are aware of this fact and they understand it well. To cement things even further, I told them that he is the one who chartered the airplane tickets without any help from me at all. Their relationship is still a bit icy, but his father told him that he shouldn't be careless of money and to remember how to save first before spending. Lastly, he told him to continue protecting me in my parent's place as it is only him he can do this at this time. He agreed and responded to his father that he'll do his best to live up to their expectations.

Soon, we reached the airport and we said our goodbyes before entering the building. Eventually, they returned back to their place as soon as they saw us enter. Inside, I talked to him about how everything is now settled and that even his relationship with his parents are moving once more. Suddenly, he embraced me with all his might and thanked me. He told me that if it weren't for me, nothing would change at all and everything would remain the same with his very own parents. He told me that he is really glad that I defended him till the end despite whatever he did to me. I pinched his cheek and told him that it's too late to reflect on his actions and that as long as we're both happy, there's nothing to worry about. Just like this, with our feelings for each other growing further, we returned back to the place where everything began, the place which I can finally call home.