Ray of Moonlight

Chapter Four - Ray

I arrived at the beach way too early. I guess I'm that excited to swim and have fun. It's been long since I've come to the beach. I can't even remember that time anymore. What I know is that it was before the end of my college years.

Walking out of my car, I stretched my limbs and look out the sea. It's surely a view I can never get tired of. Slowly, I walked to the shore and let my feet touch the end of the waves. It's refreshing.

Suddenly, a car parked next to mine and I immediately recognized it as my sister's car – Leo's mom. I ran off to the parking lot and was shocked when only my sister and his husband got out of the car.

"Where's Leo?" I asked upon reaching them.

"At the uni." Dominic, Leo's father, answered me. "Got some papers to pass." He chuckled, probably knowing that it was just one of Leo's lame excuses to not attend such gathering.

"You know how your nephew is. Dedicated to studying." Lucy, Leo's mom and my sister, added. Always the clueless one, I suppose.

I clicked my tongue inside my mouth then chuckled. "I'm gonna go grab and bring him here. He can't pass on a beach. He's a beach dude." I stated as a matter of fact. Leo sure loves going to the beach. Almost everything in his Instagram is of him on the beach, except for the occasional formal and semi-formal posts. Oh, don't fret it. You know what I mean.

I immediately walked in my car and started the engine. "I'll be back." I said before driving off. Speeding off, I enjoyed how the wind meets my face. I drove straight to the nearest department store at the uni to buy Leo a board short. I know he'd pull up excuses like 'I don't have a something to wear' so better ready than be sorry. I grabbed at the only one that is light blue because it would be perfect for his blue eyes.

I walked to the counter and paid for it. Walking outside the store, I walked straight to my car and drive off. After a good 10 minutes, I'm already outside the uni. 'Ah' I muttered to myself at the nostalgia. Just seeing the familiar entrance brought back the memories I had when I was in college. Those were definitely good times.

Fishing my phone out from my pocket, I went straight to my contacts and called Leo.

He answered right after the fourth ring. "Yes, uncle?" he answered, purposely dragging the word 'uncle'. He's in a good mood, that's good.

"Move your ass and come outside. I'm waiting for you." I said and then quickly added. "I know you've already passed your final paper." That's me leaving him no room to escape.

"Did you, by any chance, put a tiny camera on me?" He asked, and I can clearly hear some annoyance in his voice.

I laughed. How could he think of such a thing? I'm not even an agent. "Maybe." I chuckled. "Faster. I'm excited to swim." I said, more like ordered him, before hanging up.

A minute has passed before he finally got out the uni, hand-in-hand with a girl. Is she his girlfriend? How come I didn't know such a thing about him? As they both walked towards me, I took a good look at the girl and instantly noticed her beauty. By the looks of it, she's probably also clever. Leo is smart so he wouldn't befriend some dumb girls, would he? But why am I feeling a little pain in my chest instead of happiness for him?

I've had no time to think about it as they both get in the back seat. "She's coming with us but we need to drop by the department store first to get her some swimming outfit." Leo informed me, more like ordered. I don't know but it's kind of feels good being bossed around by him. What's happening to me all of a sudden?

"Roger that, sir." I replied, mimicking a soldier. I started driving off, focusing on the road, while constantly glancing at them through the rearview mirror. Leo is still holding her hand. I cleared my throat to get their attention but miserably failed. It's like they are in their own world and I felt left out.

"And we're here." I announced as I stopped the engine of the car. They both got out the car and walked in the store. I just silently watched their retreating figure until I couldn't see them anymore.

They look perfect together. Leo is very handsome while the girl is just as attractive. They'd make a perfect couple. Them being smart is a bonus. Somehow, I kind of feel awkward.

After a good 10 minutes, I saw them getting out the store laughing together. That little pain in my chest earlier suddenly resurfaced. "Let's go." Leo said, his voice a lot happier now might I add.

I silently drove off to the beach while listening to their occasional laughs. Somehow, the little pain in my chest grew bigger. We arrived at the beach with a lot more people now. I quickly got out the car once I parked it, not before handing Leo the board short I bought for him, the two of them following my actions.

I led them to where everyone is not bothering to glance back and see if they are indeed following me. "Who's the fine young lady?" Lucy asked me the moment I got near her.

"Leo's girlfriend." I replied blankly.

"Hey mom." Leo greeted Lucy before introducing his girlfriend. "This is Diane, by the way."

"Hello ma'am. It's nice to meet you." she smiled sweetly at Lucy.

"So, you're the famous Diane." Lucy grabbed her and engulfed her into a tight hug. What Lucy meant by that is beyond my comprehension. "I've heard a lot about you, from Leo I mean." Oh, so that's what my sister means.

"Good things, I guess?" Diane responded, while quickly glancing at Leo's direction. Leo scratched the back of his neck.

Lucy laughed at that. "Of course, dear. A lot of good things, actually." Lucy, stop flattering her! "You've met one of my brothers, Raymund here." She added, referring to me.

I offered her a quick nod which she replied with a sweet 'Hi!'.

"I'm gonna go swim." I said to no one in particular as I took off my shirt, only leaving me with my board short on.

As I walk towards the beach, I can't help but glance back at where I left and notice the way Leo and Diane is flirting. I swim, and swim and swim trying to get the weird feeling out of my chest, but it wasn't working.

Minutes later when I saw Leo and Diane walking towards the beach. Leo is now wearing the one I gave him which brought a tiny smile to my lips. From where I am looking, I can see the slightest outline of his abs and looking further down, I noticed his obvious bulge. This kid is sure 'up' almost all the time. Diane, somehow looks really good in her light blue swim suit. Now, it looks like they are wearing a matching outfit. 'I should've just gone with red' I thought while looking at Leo's trunks.

I swam farther away, not wanting to be near them and watch them all lovey-dovey. 'You're just jealous' the inner me thought.

I completely ignored them, along with the weird feeling in my chest. As I got out of the water, Leo caught up to me. "Where's the energy you have when you picked us up at the uni?" he asked, gently nudging my forearm.

"The waves took them all away."

He broke into a fit of laughter. "That one was really good." He said in between laughs.

I just stared at him, really stared at him laughing, and my heart suddenly beats faster and louder. A realization struck me, real hard. Now I know why I'm having a weird feeling in my chest. I may or may not have a crush on my nephew and I'm not even gay, not that I know of. My girlfriend just recently broke up with me saying she can't do long distance relationship, for fuck's sake.

Let's just hope that this, whatever this is, won't last long or else, I would be in a really deep trouble.