A Childhood Relationship Chapter I: THE BEGINNING AND DISTANCE

Chapter 23

CHAPTER XXIII: A START OF SOMETHING NEW

As soon as morning arrived, we immediately left the hotel we were staying at in order to go back home. However, unbeknownst to the both of us who left our phone in silent, the call logs already piled up. When we reached our home, the home telephone is already beeping with numerous calls that were recorded in the answering machine. Suddenly, the phone rang and I hurriedly answered it as he was still setting aside all the stuff we shopped yesterday. Apparently, it was my mother and she shouted at me for not being around the house even though she called several times. I nervously answered her that I wasn't at home when she called, but she rebutted that she even called my cell phone. I checked it and sure enough there were a lot of calls not only from her but also from my father. She reprimanded me for worrying them when they cannot do anything. Actually, they even considered filing for a missing report with the police, it's just that his mother said they'll wait till today. I apologized to my mother for not informing her regarding this matter. Seeming that my hand is already shaking and my voice stuttering, he told me that he'll take the call. I gave it to him without question and so he talked to my mother. Obviously, she asked him questions as to where we were that day and why we never answered even a single call, even from his phone. He also checked his phone to see a number of calls, this time from his own parents. I sat down on the couch as I didn't know what to do in this situation where we became careless. For the second time, our parents may lose their trust on the two of us.

However, instead of stating a reason to avoid the worst case scenario, he did the opposite. He told everything to my mother, like where we went and what we did. I tried to stop him from doing this, but he just continued as I fell hopeless on the floor. I thought that things will be over once and for all, we'll be separated and have to live away from each other. I didn't want anything like this to happen, so I tried to pull away the telephone from him, instead he held it down and told me that it's better to tell the truth than to lie to our parents. With his words, I managed to keep calm and wait for whatever it is that will happen to us. Eventually, my mother's voice turned softer as I could no longer hear any of it. Finally, he talked about how we stayed at a hotel after eating dinner. Then, he swore that he never did anything to me even though we stayed at a single guest room together. Their conversation stayed silent for a while before he greeted my father. There, the tone of his voice changed and I could see that he's being as serious as possible, making sure not to commit a single mistake. He explained that no matter what, they can be rest assured that we're staying together as a healthy couple. He reaffirmed that he isn't lying before thanking my father. Afterwards, he handed the phone back to me with a smile on his face. I wondered why he's smiling in this situation. Then, I talked to my father and he asked me if whatever he said was true. I nodded and told my father that everything was true. Surprisingly, my father believed what we said which contrary to what I did to him, are all true. Lastly, he talked about how my mother and his parents wanted to say that we should inform them of such things beforehand. I apologized and then answered that we'll be careful from now on so that we wouldn't trouble a lot of people outside the family. Before hanging up the phone, my father told me that they trust the two of us, so we shouldn't do anything to betray them.

The conversation was full of tension, but his decision to tell the truth was actually the right one. We talked regarding this situation and we agreed that we'll inform our parents whenever we would leave the house. After all, this would also reassure them of our safety. We don't know how they feel, but parents are supposed to be worry at these times, especially when they are far away from us. He hugged me and then touched my hair softly, as if making me feel calm. I hugged him back and told him that we should do everything we can to make sure that we can stay together till we graduate from high school. He nodded before moving back and going to his room. On the other hand, I brought my paper bags to my room. I changed my clothes and checked that everything is in order before going down. As soon as I reached the ground floor, he is already cooking brunch from the massive stockpile at the refrigerator. Winter is closely approaching, so eating healthily is a must. Eventually, the hectic day ended without any other problems which I initially thought would occur. For some reason, the closer our families are becoming, the harder to keep it together, not because there are disagreements, but because we are afraid of losing the important familial bond we worked so hard to form. Still, this mistake opened our eyes to the fact that we still aren't mature enough to keep things in order.

Several days passed since we spent our days together at the heart of the city. Now, it's already the final day of December and New Year is just around the corner. My friends suddenly burst in front of our home and they talked about wanting to visit the shrine to celebrate. I thought that since there is nothing to do in the first place, I could go there and enjoy a little festival around the shrine grounds. I offered them to enter inside the house as they already brought bags containing their attires with them. It seemed like they wouldn't let go of me either way so I'd rather accept their invitation than to just laze around at home watching television. Since he was already there, I asked him if he wanted to go with us to approach to the new year with the fireworks and all. However, he merely declined my offer and told me that he'll be with his friends from the soccer club. I would be lying if I thought that this didn't made me feel down. Since there is nothing I can do about something planned beforehand, I welcomed them inside my room as they took out their traditional clothing. They had varied patterns and colors, but all looked nice and pleasing to the eyes. Apparently, they'll be wearing them instead of just casual attires. Then, I remembered how I have my own kept inside my cabinet. I checked it and there it is still wonderfully plaid. The moment I took it out, they were overwhelmed with awe as they talked about how mine is an expensive one. I never paid attention about how much these traditional attire costs, but when they showed me an identical one from an internet clothing store, the price is enough to buy a high performance notebook computer.

It took us a while before we finished putting on our attires. Upon making sure that everything is okay, we went downstairs but he is no longer there. Thus, we began walking towards the shrine while talking about the usual topics. I asked then what will they do there, but upon reaching the entrance to the shrine, their boyfriends are already waiting for them. I knew I should have expected something like this to happen, nevertheless they kept me company. Still, it's really different when you're the only one without a partner. At times like this, I really wanted to be with him, to share conversations without feeling alone. All I could see are their smiling faces at every direction, they are definitely happy. All of us our together as they cannot leave me behind, so I took the liberty of telling them that I can handle myself alone and that they should enjoy the day with their boyfriends. Ar first, they didn't want to leave me behind as it won't be good as they invited me to enjoy the day. However, I insisted that they walk around separately as new year only occurs once a year and that they may regret it in the end. After much hesitation, they agreed with what I said and they thanked me. They told me that they'll get back with me next time in order to return the favor. I smiled as I saw them slowly drifting away and disappearing into the crowd.

I sat down on a bench a few distance away from where the people are gathering. I contemplated about the various scenarios I could do with him. Like how we can buy food and eat together, play with the games, walk around together, watch the fireworks, pray at the shrine and then get our fortunes. However, this is not possible and tears just began to well up from my eyes. I know it wasn't his fault, but slowly I feel like wanting him to be near me as much as possible. As I wiped my eye, a guy approached me and it's obvious that he's trying to hit on me. He kept asking roundabout questions as I declined each one of his requests. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and told me that we'll just hang out for a while. I tried to scream until I heard a loud thud and my wrists breaking free. The moment I looked at the scene, he was already there in front of me with his fist clenched. He shouted at the person and told him to go away which the person obediently did seeming that people are already looking at him. I turned towards him and was about to ask him why he was there when his teammates approached us. They talked for a while before pushing him towards me and telling him that he should protect me. Just like that, he was left behind while they are happily laughing and talking about how it feels great to be in a relationship. As if my wish was granted, I tried to speak to him but I couldn't muster the courage as I feel shy. Upon closer inspection, I saw that he is wearing traditional attire which seems to resemble mine with its expensive-looking fabric. This made it possible for me to form a topic. Then, he told me that the traditional attire looks good on me and that I look beautiful. I immediately told him my inner thoughts about how he also looks good on it. The two of us shared a smile and a soft laugh.

Afterwards, he extended his hand and told me that since we are already together, we should enjoy the day. I happily grabbed his hand as we walked around the shrine. Most of the people are middle-aged and young children, so we stand out at the crowd. As with what happened during Christmas Eve, people are staring at us while grandparents are complimenting the two of us. It even surprised me when they gathered around us as we shared enthusiastic conversations with them. Having this kind of attention isn't so bad after all, especially when you know you're having fun while talking. Eventually, they motioned that they should leave us behind to enjoy our time together. We both felt embarrassed with the way they were teasing us, but it is nevertheless enjoyable and something new to me. For the past few minutes, we did everything I thought about earlier and we even managed to win a stuffed toy from one of the games. We even managed to pray at the shrine despite the overwhelming number of people waiting to have their turns. Also, upon my insisting, he agreed to get our fortunes. Although, I think I know why he didn't want to get one at first. Apparently, he doesn't have any luck when it comes to drawing out fortunes. So, the result was he got bad luck and he felt dejected upon seeing whatever was written. I laughed at his priceless reaction that I almost ruined my attire. Since there's nothing we can do about it, I accompanied him towards the tree so he can tie it there and wish for good luck. In a way, I learned that he believes these things and I found it interesting. As for me, I drew the best luck available which is the exact contrast of his which made it all the more hilarious. Finally, only a couple of minutes remain before the new year actually arrives. Although, I no longer know the number of times the bell rang compared to the elderly people who looked like they were focused on diligently counting them. This is not a problem though, because nowadays it's easy to check the time as accurately as possible.

Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and pulled me with him. We aren't running, but I can tell that we are walking faster than normal. Before actually getting exhausted, we reached what appears to be the other side of the shrine with a majestic shallow pond at the front. I asked him why we are there, and he just answered vaguely that I'll just have to wait and see for myself. Actually, I think I already had a hunch as to what he will do, and that he'll suddenly kiss me as I could see him constantly looking at his wristwatch. Eventually, I heard a loud deep sound and then he grabbed me by the arm. Just like that, he pulled me a little closer and then kissed me. I don't know if it's me, or the fireworks that bloomed like flowers into the dark sky, but I felt something unexplainable within my chest. As soon as the first set of fireworks died down, the short and plain kiss ended. Perhaps, it is the first time he did something as simple as that for a kiss. Yet, I can confidently say that it felt really sweet coming from him. He then greeted me a happy new year and told me that we're each other's first person for the year. I gladly smiled at how childish he is acting and then told him without noticing. Thus, he felt embarrassed and looked away slightly. Seeing his cute face, I decided to kiss him on the cheek until my cell phone suddenly rang and I immediately stopped what I was about to do. Then, I thought about having forgotten to inform my parents so I answered and apologized. Feeling confused, my mother told me that there is nothing to apologize for as I messaged her earlier regarding this. It felt like I was too defensive that my mother laughed at me. I didn't know what to say as even he began to laugh at me. Apparently, my mother only wanted to greet me a happy new year and so we shared a short conversation between each other. While talking to her, he just looked away while trying to hold his laugh since he noticed that I was about to come near him as well as how I'm panicking for nothing. Eventually, I hang up the phone after telling her to have a good night's rest.

As the fireworks are dotting the sky, he told me that we can sit at the soft rock near the pond. He helped me until the two of us settled down. He started reminiscing about our past and everything are still clear from within my memory. Though, he's speaking as if I already forgot about it. So, I decided to tell him that I still remember all of it, right from the moment we first went to the shrine together with our parents. Just like that, we talked without stopping mostly about our being together when we are still really young. I even teased him that he always cried at the time that he's traditional attire was already smeared with his tears. He would get annoyed whenever I tease him like this, but I know that the two of us are having fun together. This is the first time we ever talked about something about the past which transcends our dark days from middle school. Honestly, I could say that talking about this is quite refreshing to the ears. Moments later, we finally went back to our home and into our separate ways again into our own rooms. It was a wonderful night and now it's etched into memory as we both took a photo of each other. In just a matter of minutes, we'll go back to our usual attire and everything would seem just like a dream, only it is reality. That I can say with pride that there are more things to expect, as this is surely a start of something new.