In Motion

Chapter 20: Come Back When You Can by Barcelona (2007)

Martin and I agreed to have a proper date before Christmas. That meant budgeting my allowance, having my savings on standby, and spending hours obsessing on what to wear. That Thursday night, I settled for a navy button down, khakis, and rarely-worn loafers. I also wore his favorite perfume, the one that distracted him in Int Dev. 

I kept checking myself out in my bedroom mirror, imagining what Martin would see. I meant, sure, he had seen me in school casuals—and uhm, not in school casuals. But a date was different. It was also our last dinner before he flew out. (Doofus refused to let me send him off at NAIA, saying he'd be a crying mess. I would be, too, but whatever.)

Sighing, I swiped wax on my hair and realized how nervous I was. "It's just Martin," I said to myself. "Just Martin."

I took one last look at my reflection and shook my head. Martin was already on his way to QC. 

I made way downstairs and found my parents in the living room. They looked up and blinked at me in my dressed up, perfumed glory.

"You look nice," Mom said, tilting her head at me. "You have a date?"

My eyes widened. I opened my mouth to say yes but I clamped it shut again. Then they'd ask with who. I wasn't prepared for that conversation when I was already brimming with anxiety.

"Okay," Mom mouthed, sensing my discomfort. I saw my Dad shoot her a warning blink, as if saying "Not now."

"I'll be home late," I mumbled and made my way to the front door. Halfway through, I sighed. 

"Hey," I announced, facing them again. Mom and Dad looked up from their books. "Can I talk to you both when I get home?" I said, eyes downcast.

"Sure, anak," Dad said, his tone encouraging. Mom smiled kindly at me.

I nodded and took a slow breath in. "And do you guys remember Martin?" I asked, looking for the slightest twinge in their body language. There was none.

"Of course," Mom said. "How is he?"

"He got a scholarship in Australia," I answered, my voice low. "He's leaving after New Year's. We're having dinner tonight."

That was when my mom reacted. My mom's expression looked like she wanted to hug me, but she stayed put. Dad, ever stoic, just examined me.

"So..." I trailed off, gave an awkward thumbs up, and turned to leave again. 

"Kyle?" Dad called out.

"Yeah, Dad?" I said, spinning around again. 

"Are you taking the Skyway to drive him home?" he asked, his expression unreadable.

"Guess so," I replied, confused where he was going with it. 

He raised himself and pulled out his wallet. He took out three crisp 1000 bills and offered them to me. My eyes widened in surprise.

"What's that for?" I asked, staring at the bills. 

"Toll fee," he answered. "And take him somewhere nice." Dad stretched his arm, urging me to take the cash. 

Was Dad giving me... date money? To go out... with another guy? Man, my family was weird. 

I walked in a daze to Dad, took the bills, and pocketed them. "Uhm, thank you?" I whispered, unsure of what just happened. Mom looked down at her book, hiding her amusement. 

"Almost forgot," Dad mumbled. He brought out his bag and took out a leather file case. A shiny, silver, silky ribbon was tied around it. He offered it to me.