Chocolates and Beer

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‘We’re here,’ Jacob said as we arrived at my house.

‘Thanks, Jacob.’

‘No problem.’

I just looked at him for 10 more seconds before I finally managed to say "Thank you" and give him a tight hug. I would like to convey in the most effective way possible how much I am grateful for his presence in my life. How happy I am that God made our path crossed and how lovely those weekends are whenever I'm with him.

‘Drive safely. And bye to you, Jin,’ I said softly to the young man at the back of the car who was soundly sleeping.

‘I’ll get your bags,’ Jacob already got outside before I could say anything.

‘Thanks again. Good night.’

‘Good night.’ Jacob smiled as he took me to my doorstep. ‘Ah, Jean,’ he said quickly, before I was able to close the door.

‘Yes?’

‘Do you have any plans for this weekend?’

‘Ahh, none. Why?’

‘Want to go out for a movie?’

‘Sure, I think Jin would like that.’

‘Just the two of us.’

‘Huh?’

‘Well, Jin and my parents will go to the US this weekend. They will have a consultation in a hospital there. Maybe they can do something about his eyes.’

‘Really? I hope we get good news.’

‘Yeah, I hope so. It has been the plan ever since, but Jin refused to go. He gets into depression but last week he mentioned it. I feel like he became enthusiastic and in high spirits after he met you.’

‘Not true. I think he's become like that because of you. You’re not going with them?’

‘Well, I have stuff to do here. But I don’t have a schedule for this coming Saturday.’

‘Oh, will you be lonely?’

‘A little? Haha.’

‘Sure, let’s go out,’ I said with a smile. ‘Actually, it’s becoming so normal for me. Like not seeing you within a week feels..'

‘Lonely?’

‘Weird. Haha. Good night and see you this weekend.’

‘Good night.’

***

Jacob and I went out the next weekend. Watching a movie was something that I really don't do. I'd rather watch anything at home with my homemade chicken popcorn and beer. But right now, I truly think it's nice. Going out to watch a movie with a bunch of people who are all captivated and reacting the same way that I do. I really had fun.

‘Jean?’ Dan shouted.

‘Dan.’ I ran to Dan and threw myself at him for a hug like a kid.

‘Wow, I never thought I’d see you anywhere other than your house or your shop. What are you doing here? And who’s this guy?’

‘Nah, I just watched a movie. And this guy is Jacob.’

‘I think I saw you somewhere. Have we met before? You look familiar.'

‘You must’ve seen his picture on my phone. Anyway, Jacob, this is Dan. Dan, Jacob.’ I introduced the two.

‘Hi, nice to meet you,’ Jacob said politely and offered his hands.

‘Oh, handsome.’ Dan replied, caressing Jacob’s hand instead of shaking it. Jacob was slightly taken aback by his actions.

‘Stop that. Sorry, Jacob. This guy’s a little twisted.’

‘Nice to meet you, Jacob. I didn’t know that my cousin was dating someone.’ Dan teasingly poked me.

‘We’re not dating,’ I said quickly. I don't want Jacob to misunderstand.

‘Not yet,’ Jacob said, and I quickly turned to look at him. No way. My cousin would play cupid again.

‘Don’t say that. Dan might start imagining things. He’s quite desperate to marry me to some guy.’

‘It’s because you’re getting old. And never been in a relationship before. Who will take care of you?’

‘I’ve been taking care of myself these past years, Dan. You’re a worry-wart.’

‘Don’t worry, cous’. Leave Jean to me.’ Jacob smiled and shook Dan’s hand as if they were having a pact.

‘Oh, cous. I like that,’ Dan replied and shook his hands.

‘Seriously guys,’ I don't know what to say anymore. But the good thing, it seems like they like each other.

‘I’m really glad to meet you, Jacob. If you have time, let’s hang out sometimes. In Jean’s house,’ Dan said.

‘Why my house?’ I protested.

‘Sure,’ Jacob replied, ignoring what I said. Dan then went inside the mall. He said that he'd meet a friend, so we go our separate ways.

‘You’re really close, aren’t you?’ Jacob started the conversation as we sat in his car.

‘Yeah. Like I’ve told you, he’s my only family. My emotional support.’

‘I can be your emotional support, too.’

‘What now? Want to be my cousin, too?’

‘I want to be your family.’ I just responded with a smirk.

‘Well, my parents don’t have a daughter,’ he continued.

‘I’m too old for adoption. Just get married and give them a daughter-in-law.’

‘Okay, let’s get married.’

‘I’m not proposing to you. Haha.’

‘Aw, I thought…’ Jacob acted hurt and looked at me with puppy eyes. ‘Haha, but I think they’ll like you.’

‘I don’t think so. "I told you, I’m not the type that anyone would like to be their daughter.’ I said, smiling, but my head is going somewhere outside the window.

***

‘What’s this?’ Jacob knocked on my door so early in the morning the following day. We go out often, but he had never visited me unannounced before. He's looking so handsome like any other day, but today feels different. He's holding a bag of food in his left hand, a potted flower on the right and a teddy bear tucked between his body and left arm.

‘Food. For breakfast. And a plant?’

‘Oh, right, why did I even ask? Silly me.’

‘I wanted to give you a bouquet of flowers, but it feels weird since you own a flower shop. It's called gladiolus. The shop owner said it symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity.'

What do you mean by that? I think they scam you. Haha. And these?’ I pointed to the teddy bear.

‘Just some add-ons, I also have chocolates in this bag,’ Jacob responded. I don't know if it's because I just woke up that his gifts early in the morning were not really making any sense to me. Is it my birthday? Did I forget again? But if it was, Dan would've called me at 12 midnight. He's been doing that ever since.

‘Thank you. But why are you giving me these? I’m pretty sure it’s not my birthday,’ I said as I offered him to come in. He's been holding these things for some minutes now, and it looks like he'll drop them any time soon.

‘No reason. I just want to give them to you,’ he said as he put his gifts on the center table.

‘Okay? Thank you.’ I replied with a smile. It's still not making any sense, but I admit that I'm quite happy. This is the first time someone has given me things like this. Even Dan only takes me out for dinner on my birthdays. If he would buy materials things, he would always take me with him so he's sure that I'll like them. ‘Oh, you want something? Coffee, water, fruit juice?’

‘You.’

‘Huh?’

‘You.'

‘Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not a drink.’

‘Ah, I mean. I want you. I like you.' He paused for a few seconds. He seemed so nervous suddenly. "I know it’s not that long yet since you’ve met me, but I’m serious." Please don’t feel pressured, okay? I hope you’ll give me the chance and let me court you properly.’ He continued. ‘So, would you give me a chance please?' I got lost for words. Where are we going? I've always admired Jacob but starting a relationship with him never crossed my mind. Did it not? I always thought he was handsome, kind, and nice. And I enjoy every moment with him. Do we really have a chance? If we cross that line and eventually break up, what will I do? How will I live?

'Jean?'

'But I don't want to lose you.'

'Huh? Who says you're going to lose me? I will not leave you.' He smiled brightly.

' Say we start a relationship but later on figured that we don’t really match up and break up. What am I going to do? I don't want to lose you, Jacob.'

'You're overthinking. I'm sincere with my feelings, Jean. You might not fully trust me right now, but I promise that I will never leave you even if you want me to. I promise to keep you close to me. To always take care of you. If the time comes that we argue, and you asked for space, I'll patiently wait. I'll wait for you until you come back. You can guarantee that the day you step back into your home, I will be waiting here. I will make you happy with all my might. I love you, Jean, and I'm sure that's the feeling I will have for you until the day I die.'

‘Okay.’ a short reply. I honestly don't know how I should respond to Jacob after hearing those sincere words. His feelings are slowly warming up my heart and soul as he said those words that I only felt joy.

‘Okay?’ Jacob said, making sure that I was giving him permission.

‘Yes,’ I reassured him. Jacob let out a sigh of relief after hearing my confirmation.

‘I really don’t know what you’ve seen in me, but okay. Let’s see where this will go.’

‘You really don’t have any idea how precious you are. Like I said, no pressure.’

‘Okay.’