What about me?

Part 16

Tonight, mom is somehow different. I believe the music and conversation takes her back to a time before I was born. They look at each other with love and respect. It's different. It's a love and caring that's built over years of commitment. I can't remember if I've ever witnessed this level of closeness between them before. Tae is wonderful and sincerely interested. It's the same impression I got last night when we were talking. He's very present and I dig that about him. I snicker to myself using his word from yesterday.

Mom returns to the kitchen as the three of us quietly listen. There's nothing like listening to vinyl. Jazz has a feeling to it that takes you completely. I watch dad and then Tae. They are in the zone. How is it that I'd meet this amazing man? There must be a reason.

We sit down and have an amazing meal. Tae compliments my mom and Dae on their delicious Christmas dinner. Tae starts a conversation with them about cooking some of the dishes. That's my date, a jack of all trades. He's really adorable.

When Hwan isn't stuffing himself, he's taking jabs at me. "Wow Kookie, a rich guy, lover of jazz and now a chef," he teases. "Kookie, you'd better not let Tae get away like the other. You know, the one you talked about but who could never come over to meet your family." I don't usually let his ill taste get to me, but for some reason tonight is different. I don't want Tae to think bad of me. It's not like he might visit again. I do feel guilty. Dad and mom like him. Mom likes him so much she's forgotten about all her nosy questions about his family, job and thoughts on having children. I sharpen my claws for the attack on Hwan but Tae intercedes.

"Hwan, not every man can be fortunate enough to find a sincere true love that will survive the storms of life. It's truly a blessing to find the one that compliments you to completeness. It's a rare find."

"You mean like me and Dae." He plasters on a pleased smile.

"No, I meant your parents." Hwan's snide grin falls. I press my lips tight together into a thin line to prevent the burst of laughter wanting to soar from me. "Mr. and Mrs. Jeon, your love story is amazing and that's what I want." My god, mother actually sighs or was that me.

Later, we gather in the living area and pass out gifts in front of the Christmas tree. Of course, Hwan gives what he always gives every year. Not a damn thing. No, that's not correct, his 'not a damn thing' always comes with an excuse.

"You all know things have been tough with me being between jobs. But I'll make it up to you, next year."

"Oh, we'll just add that to the last 5 years."

"Why you gotta be like that Kookie?! Not every one can afford a 60 inch screen TV or a fancy ass sit to stand chair that dad hates."

"Because your ass is a deadbeat!" I attack.

"Boys, stop it!" Mom shouts. Dae then quietly comes forward.

"No, we have gifts sweetheart. I-I wrapped them. Did you forget?" She then passes them out and they're all very thoughtful. I still have no idea what she sees in his dumb ass. He certainly is not deserving

Tae clears his throat and I look over to him. "I'd like to share a few gifts with the family if it's okay." I knew he had brought something for my parents. But there's something about the sound of the word family in his mouth that warms me from head to toe. It's a sweet moment as I think of something so wonderful that I've never had. A loving mate that cares for me and my family. Tae gives my mother a tea set that is beautifully hand painted. She's so touched by his generosity that tears form in her eyes. And my dad a bottle of Hwayo 53 Soju.

"Damn Tae!" Hwan shouts. "That bottle cost like 132,000 won. I heard it's smooth as hell." Can this dude embarrass me more. What am I saying, of course he can.