Until We Meet Again

Chapter 28

Calvin

Xavier gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as we settled into the rental car, securing our seatbelts for the journey to his parents' home. After driving for an hour, we made a pit stop at a gas station to refuel and grab some drinks. I used Xavier's bank card to pay for our beverages and the fuel, placing the sodas in the front cup holders as we continued our drive. Along the way, we passed elegant two-story houses with expansive porches before arriving at a stunning dark blue house where Xavier parked the car and turned off the engine.

"Ready?" Xavier asked, to which I replied, "As ready as I'll ever be." Stepping out of the car, we made our way to the front door where Xavier rang the bell. A moment later, a woman answered, exclaiming, "Is that my little boy?" Xavier groaned, and she turned her attention to me, introducing herself as Yolanda. I greeted her with a friendly hi-five as she welcomed us inside, introducing her husband, Michael.

As we settled in, Michael inquired about our university, and I mentioned my studies in accountancy. He playfully suggested I might one day handle taxes for celebrities, to which I humbly responded, "A man can dream." Throughout the evening, I grew more at ease in Xavier's parents' home until Yolanda began recounting a story of Xavier falling in the snow, which he quickly dismissed.

Just then, a girl's voice called out for Xavier from down the hall. Xavier eagerly greeted her, and she turned to me, inquiring if I was the person her mother couldn't stop talking about. Introducing herself as Jamilla, she warmly welcomed me to the family before excusing herself to her room, promising to chat later.

As Yolanda excused herself to check on dinner, the rest of us engaged in conversation. When Xavier's brother arrived and met me, he jokingly remarked about hearing so much about me. Jamilla returned and playfully probed about my intentions with her brother, a question Xavier swiftly deflected.

Gathering in the dining room, we enjoyed a scrumptious meal prepared by Yolanda. Michael asked about the duration of Xavier and my relationship, and I mentioned it had been nearly a year. Yolanda insisted I address her informally as Yolanda or Mrs. Silverman, rather than as "ma'am," and she proudly presented a pitcher of homemade Arnold Palmer, which I complimented.

The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, and warm hospitality from Xavier's family, making me feel truly embraced as part of their clan.

As the night came to a close, Xavier and I prepared to depart. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Calvin," Jamilla said cheerfully. I suggested hanging out with her and Xavier's brother before leaving town, to which she eagerly agreed, proposing some fun spots. We exchanged a fist bump goodbye, and Markus expressed his hope of seeing me again. "As I mentioned to your sister, Xavier and I will be back in two days," I assured him. Xavier's parents bid us farewell and wished us a safe journey.

Leaving the house, Xavier and I walked to our rental car. After stowing my leftovers on the backseat floor, we settled in, and with a mix of nervousness and happiness in our voices, Xavier started the car, and we set off on our way.