Watching Sunsets With You (Original, English Version)

Chapter 11 - Gabriel Villareal

Carin's words... She got me thinking.

She's right in that I've never been personal with the others. I've always kept to myself, only talking about essential things. Things that would help us in cases, not irrelevant information about my background and absent family.

I stared at Lee. Carin's words, saying her family has been in a worse situation than I might have imagined, is a bit beyond me. I have really let my guard down.

All the others noticed my unnatural, so to speak, gaze towards her. Carin had to nudge me to snap out of it. This is completely out of my comfort zone. I'd rather be in a shootout. Oh wait, careful what you wish for.

If I'm not careful, I might face a truly jealous Oliver Taylor.

I stared at Carin instead, tearing my gaze away from Lee.

"Do you need me to arrange a time for the two of you to talk? We should say something to Oliver, too. That guy could misunderstand." Carin stated as Keith and I finally convinced her to check out the house.

"What are you guys on about?" Keith asked from the back seat. Normally, he sits on the passenger's seat, but given that his mom is with us today...

I glanced at Carin and her expression is pretty much asking if it's okay to tell Keith. I nodded to let her know.

She turned to face Keith.

"Well, you see... wait, how do I say this? Lee isn't his aunt, right?"

Carin sounded confused for a minute. I see why it stumped her.

"Cousins. They're cousins, aren't they?"

"That would be correct, yes." I responded.

"What is it?" Keith continued with his curiosity.

"Aunty Lee is not your aunt. She's your cousin. Your dad here is Lee's uncle, brother to Lee's father."

I could hear Keith muttering, absorbing the information. Carin had to repeat a few of the lines she said before Keith was able to follow the information.

"So, we're related to Aunty Lee? Like... a real family relationship? My grandfather is her grandfather, too?"

"Yes." Carin and I replied at the same time.

"Wow... that's so cool. We have rich relatives."

I can't help chuckling while Carin admonished him. I already told her how I've been kept a secret and received nothing from my father. I have no wealth. Not like Lee.

Carin explained the situation to him. Being the mature child that he is, it went smoothly. Sometimes, I wonder how and when he chooses to act childish. Just like earlier, but I think it's his own brand of humor.

Keith had this idea to cover his mom's eyes as we enter the house, but he doesn't have a handkerchief. I had to use my hands.

"Ready?" Keith pulled open the door and I guided Carin through the threshold.

We managed to get the reaction we wanted. The place awed Carin. She was able to pinpoint the ideas Keith told me we should do. The colors, the furniture, the arrangement, the paintings, the size of the television, the curtains... almost everything.

"How did you guys manage this?" She looked so bright and excited.

"Well, we add a few things almost every day, since you haven't been coming." Keith explained, looking proud of making her mom amazed.

"Come, look at the rooms. You'll like them." He tugged his mother up the stairs to start at the master's bedroom. Then, he showed his own room. A spare. The little balcony on the side. Then, we went outside for the backyard. It has the same setup as the one right outside the apartment. A table big enough for six to eight people, with extra chairs. We could invite our friends to hang out, if Carin wants to.

She hugged Keith and me to express her gratitude.

"I didn't realize you guys would consider my preferences."

"It's the only one that matters, actually." I stated out loud, and they both grinned. Keith took his new bike out and rode it in the yard. It was big enough for him to maneuver. I pulled Carin close as we watched him.

"I like it here." She pronounced and I pecked her lips.
"Good. That's the whole point."

"We'll live here?"

"Yes."