A Holiday to Remember [18+] Chris & Valentine

* * Chris's POV * * "Are you sure you're going back to the Philippines, Chris? Christmas is almost here, and there are only a few days left," my mom said to me as we were going down the stairs after she overheard my conversation with my best friend, Matt, who is in the Philippines. There was a hint of sadness in her voice, so I immediately sensed that she had something she wanted to say. "Mom, don’t worry. There’s still over a month before Christmas, and I’ll try my best to come back here so I can be with you on that day," I replied, hoping to ease the sadness she was feeling, wanting to reassure her. We are currently living in the States because of our businesses here. Aside from our business here, we also have one in the Philippines, where my best friend, Matt, handles all the operations for me. This business is a clothing factory that produces different branded clothes under the label Chris Branded, known for making t-shirts, pants, and other trendy apparel. "Alright, but does your departure really have to be tomorrow? You have important meetings scheduled here," my mom said again, sounding concerned about how my decisions might affect our businesses here. "I already talked to Dad, Mom, and he’ll take care of the work I left behind here," I replied as we reached the bottom of the stairs. As I spoke, I felt the weight of the responsibilities I have, but I believe Dad is more than capable of handling these things. "What? You and your Dad talked about you going back again to the Philippines, and I had no idea?" she asked in shock. I could see the surprise on Mom’s face, mixed with confusion and a bit of hurt. "Yes, honey, we’ve talked about it, and we didn’t tell you because we knew you wouldn’t let him go back unless we’re all going together," Dad chimed in from the top of the stairs as he came down. He smiled, but I could sense the worry in his eyes, probably concerned about how Mom would take our plans. "And so? What’s the problem if we go to the Philippines with him?" Mom asked, so Dad and I could only shake our heads, unsure of how to respond. We knew she wouldn’t be happy with our plan, but we needed to explain it to her properly. "Honey, that’s exactly why we didn’t tell you, because we knew you’d want to go with him, and we can’t go to the Philippines all at once because there’s still a lot of work here that needs to be finished before Christmas," Dad explained to Mom, while gently holding her hand as a sign of support and understanding between them. "Just make sure that we’re all together for Christmas, because if not, we’ll go back to the Philippines and celebrate Christmas there," Mom warned Dad, her tone serious. When Dad heard her warning, he immediately hugged her as she came closer to us, seemingly trying to calm her down. "Sure, honey. You know I won’t allow us to not be together for Christmas, so don’t worry. Before Christmas, your son will be back here, or we can just go to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas and New Year there," Dad said with a smile, his voice full of assurance. Slowly, Mom began to smile, feeling reassured by what Dad said. Their deep understanding of each other brought clarity to the situation, and we all felt a sense of relief amidst all the planning and concerns. Dad is American, while Mom is Filipino, which is why I’m half-American and half-Filipino, carrying the unique cultures of both countries. After Mom and Dad discussed my trip to the Philippines, Mom immediately said goodbye to us and called our two helpers. She said they were going out to buy groceries. Once it was just Dad and me left, Dad tapped my shoulder and spoke. "So, what’s the plan, son? Are you ready to go back to the Philippines, even though you just got back here last month?" Dad asked, laughing. He’s right, actually, I just returned to America last month after coming from the Philippines. Well, I shared with Dad what my real reason was for going back to the Philippines—it's all because of a woman who hasn't quieted my mind and heart ever since something happened between us one night. "Yes, Dad, I’m ready to go back to look for her," I answered, smiling. Dad tapped my shoulder again to show his support for my plan. The woman I’m referring to is someone I was with for just one night. I didn’t know her, and the only thing I knew about her was her name—Val, which was what she was called by her companion at the club where my best friend Matt took me to enjoy some time with the women who were paid for their company. I didn’t expect that the woman I slept with was actually innocent and a virgin, and that she’s the one who has been on my mind ever since. Actually, when I first saw her that day, I was immediately amazed by her beauty, and without hesitation, I chose her to be with in bed that night. She was so beautiful, and her face was so elegant. If she wasn’t at that club, I wouldn’t have thought of her as just a paid woman for that night. "Well, good luck, son. I just hope you find her before Christmas, so you get to know her, and then come back here in time for Christmas. You know how your mom gets, she’ll be upset if we’re not complete for Christmas and New Year," Dad said, giving me a reminder. "Sure, Dad, don’t worry. We’ll be together for Christmas and New Year. I promise that," I assured him. "Good, son. Just let me know if you need anything, I’ve got your back. You know I support you in this because I also want to see you get married, and of course, I want to have grandchildren," Dad said, laughing, but I knew he was serious. Mom and Dad have been bugging me to get a girlfriend so I could get married because I’m already 27 years old, but I haven’t introduced anyone to them yet. I still haven’t found the woman who would make me feel true love. Well, I’ve found her now. In fact, I was with her one unforgettable night, but when I woke up, she was no longer beside me. So now, I’m going back to the Philippines to find her. I will find you, Val, and when I see you again, I won’t let you leave my side again. I whispered to myself.