After The Credits

Chapter 15 Dinner for Four Sue's POV

Sue was in the driver's seat of her car, parked outside the apartment complex she had picked Joan up from earlier that day. She unlocked the door to let the guy standing outside her car in.

    "Hey, Vlad." She greeted him with confidence in her voice.

    "You look awfully calm for someone who just messaged me saying we needed to meet urgently. So, ano yung emergency mo?" Vlad replied, taking his seat next to her.

    "I'm coming out. To my parents. And I need you, my best friend, to be there. Tonight, by the way." She answered.

    "That's great! But Sue, this is so sudden. Sure ka bang ready ka? Of course, you have my full support, but I just want to make sure you aren't rushing this." Vlad said concernedly.

    "Thanks, Vlad, but I'm sure. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

    Vlad looked at Sue and smiled.

    "You're brave, Sue. Very brave. Pero saan galing 'tong katapangan mo? Until now, you insisted you weren't ready."

    "Joan. She cried in front of me, Vlad. And I couldn't bear to see her like that. This whole... subtle relationship thing, making sure my parents never found out, it all took its toll on her. I guess I just realized I needed to be brave. For her." Sue said, taking deep breaths while speaking.

    "I know you love her, Sue, but I hope you're not forcing yourself out for her." Vlad replied, putting his hand on hers.

    "Don't worry, I'm doing this for myself too. I've had enough hiding. Though I must say, I didn't expect so many reservations from you." Sue smiled at Vlad.

    "Let's just say... encouraging people to come out before they're ready is a mistake I can't afford to make again." Vlad nodded at her.

    Well, Vlad, if what Joan told me is true, konting tiis na lang. He'll be ready soon.

    "Anyway, we will be meeting them at the house for dinner. I told them you'd join us. They probably think I'm going to announce that you and I are together." She joked.

    "Sue, mahal kita, but never. Ever." Vlad laughed in response.

    After a short drive, they arrived at the house Sue grew up in. She didn't spend too much time there anymore since she got her own apartment after graduating, but she would drop by now and then to join her parents for a meal. The house was decently sized, having a front yard and a second floor. Its walls were white, a stark contrast from the black gate.

    "Ready?" Vlad asked before opening the car door.

    "Ready as I'll ever be." Sue shrugged in reply.

    She picked up her handbag, hanging it on her shoulder, then got out of the car. The duo walked towards the gate's door and Sue rang the doorbell. Vlad grabbed her hand and looked her in the eye, nodding as if to tell her "You got this!"

    The gate's door slid open and on the other side was Sue's mom, greeting the two with a smile. She was a tan woman of average height with hair that was just short of her shoulders and a face that had hints of wrinkles, dressed in a green blouse and black pants with expensive-looking slippers.

    I told her she didn't need to get dressed for our guest, but I guess she wanted to anyway.

    "Hello, Sue! Ang ganda mo, anak!" She said, hugging her daughter.

    "Hi po, tita." Vlad greeted her.

    "Hi, Vlad! Come in, come in!" She replied before whispering in Sue's ear.