Beautiful Dreamer

59. Getting It Twisted

"What do you mean you are sleeping together? If anything, your partner should be sharing the room with your sister!"

"What?"

"Rey, I'm warning you. I hope you two are not living under the same roof back in the city."

"Darling, calm down..."

"What do you mean calm down? Your son has no manners! Thinking of fraternizing with his partner in my house!"

"Excuse me, sir..." Ari appeared from behind Rey. "I can sleep in my car... I do not mind..."

"Car? That was your car?" Turning to Rey, the older gentleman shook from rage and pointed his index finger at his son. "You are taking advantage of him, aren't you?"

"I never said it was mine, Dad!"

"Then why are you driving a car that is not yours?"

"Dad..." Rey seemed utterly confused and frustrated at the same time. "I do not comprehend the point of this conversation... All I asked is what you told Manager Ari to have him in tears, and you went ballistic on me! You are the one who suggested we spend the night here, to begin with, so why are you meddling in my..."

"Meddling! I'll be dammed if I let you spend the night with your partner in the same room, and for an entire night for that matter! That will only happen once you two wed... Or whatever..." Turning to Rey's sister, he asked, "What do they do?"

"They could get married out of the country."

"Yes, " Turning back to Rey, his father nodded, still digesting the possibility of his son tying the knot with Ari. "When that happens, you can have your say in this matter. Now, come here, son." Grabbing Ari's arm, Rey's father stormed into his daughter's room and demanded that his wife bring a futon. Ari couldn't fight him, for the man had a bigger build, and as he spoke, his voice bellowed in the entire house. He was far, much different from the gentleman who had offered him solace moments ago.

"She has the best room in the house, son. You can sleep here."

Ari nodded obediently. He wanted to refute many things, but out of fear, he remained silent. If anything, Rey's father's little chatter in a bid to comfort him about his military days crippled Ari's speech, for he believed the man that squeezed his wrist shut was a confirmation of his veteran ship, which verified one thing. He was as stubborn and headstrong as his son.

But... Why Esy's room? If anything, shouldn't he be the one sleeping in Rey's room?

"Here, darling." Rey's mother appeared and handed the futon to her husband. They both began preparing a place for Ari to rest. Once done, each turned to their daughter and pointed to where she would spend the night.

"W-What...? Why don't I get the bed?"

"Is that how you should behave in front of a guest?" The switch surprised Ari the most. This time, it was Rey's mother bellowing.

But Ari's sister had quickly caught on to what was happening from the start. Her parents may have had good intentions. However, they didn't precisely understand how things went between gay couples. Their perception was still misdirected, their ignorance innocent. "Mom, Dad, I do not wish to get into an uncomfortable discussion with you, but... Well... 'How do I say this without offending anyone, especially him?' Looking at Ari, she thought, 'He must have at least bawled his eyes out... Or maybe that is what got Dad and Mom so overprotective and domineering... But what happened out there?'

"Manager Ari is... Emm... I-I think he will be uncomfortable having me in the same room as him."

"Then go and sleep in your brother's room. Rey, take the couch."