Wave to the Sky (Omegaverse)

Chapter Five: Family

"Loony! It's so good to see you!" Emery's voice rang out as he approached, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"Emery, please, take your seat," Jessica instructed him, and he obediently complied, releasing me from his embrace. "What have you two been up to?" she inquired, directing her attention to us.

"We just gave Loony his birthday gift," Louis replied.

"Oh, how thoughtful! Have you opened it yet?" Jessica asked, turning her gaze to me.

"Not yet," I admitted, displaying the small box Louis had handed me earlier.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Jessica encouraged me with a smile. "Open it."

I focused on the wrapped box in my hands, carefully peeling away the red gift paper to reveal a sleek black object inside. It was adorned with intricate floral patterns, catching the light.

"Thank you," I said sincerely, examining the decoration. "I'll find a special spot for it in my room."

"That's just the packaging, Loony," Louis chuckled.

"Oh," I murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed. I lifted the lid of the box, revealing a unique brush inside. It wasn't like any paintbrush I was familiar with.

"Is this a paintbrush?" I asked, puzzled by its appearance.

"Yes, it's a Chinese brush," Louis explained. "You can use it for calligraphy and traditional painting, but not with acrylic or oil paints."

"What kind of paint should I use, then?" I inquired, intrigued by the idea.

"Water-based paints work best, traditionally ink," Louis replied. "Jessica is quite skilled with them; she can teach you some techniques."

"That would be wonderful, thank you," I said gratefully, placing the brush back in its box and tucking it into my bag.

"Let's not let the food get cold," Jessica interjected, steering the conversation towards the meal they had prepared. We enjoyed a satisfying dinner together.

"What time should I come by tomorrow?" I asked, taking a bite of food.

"Could you make it around eight in the morning?" Jessica suggested.

"Absolutely, I'll be here at eight," I confirmed with a smile.

"How are you finding the food?" Jessica inquired.

"It's delicious. I particularly love the dumplings," I responded with genuine appreciation.

"Mom makes the best dumplings in the world!" Emery chimed in proudly, eliciting a laugh from Jessica, who seemed a bit bashful.

"I agree," I nodded in affirmation.

"Then, have some more," Louis insisted, adding three extra dumplings to my plate.

"This is too generous," I hesitated, though I couldn't refuse the offer. It was a rare treat to enjoy a home-cooked meal like this. Memories of my mom flooded back to me. She had always loved cooking for me, and it had been a year since I'd experienced a meal like this. A pang of sadness washed over me, unnoticed by Louis and Jessica, who looked at me with concern.

"Is everything alright?" Louis asked, his tone filled with genuine worry. "You seem troubled. Is something on your mind?"

"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly, not wanting to dampen the mood. "I was just thinking about my mom. She used to cook for me too, especially a dish called sinigang."

"What's that?" Emery asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's a Filipino dish," I explained. "Sour soup."

"Would you like me to try making it for you?" Jessica offered. "I've never tasted it, but I'm willing to give it a shot. You can be the judge."

"That would be amazing, Jessica!" I exclaimed, feeling touched by her gesture.

"Don't get too excited yet. It might not turn out as you hope," she cautioned with a smile.

"I'm sure it'll be fantastic. But really, you don't have to go to such lengths. These dumplings are already incredible," I reassured her, sensing her modesty beneath her words.

"Stop flattering me," she teased, but I could sense a hint of pride in her tone. "By the way, where is your mom from?"

"She's from the Philippines," I replied. "Do you know the place?"

"Of course," Louis replied. "It's south of our home country."

"Have you ever been there?" I inquired.

"I actually have," he answered.

"How was your experience there?" I asked, intrigued by Louis's trip to the Philippines.

"Well, for starters, the weather was hot and humid when I visited," Louis began. "But the people were incredibly friendly."

"I've heard there are beautiful beaches there," I remarked.

"Yes, that's what I've heard too. It's a shame I never got the chance to visit any of them," Louis lamented.

"Why not?" I inquired, curious about his missed opportunity.

"I was in a city up in the mountains, studying English," he explained. "I can't recall the exact name of the place, but it was often referred to as the Summer Capital."

"Summer Capital," I repeated, picturing the scenic locale in my mind.

"Yes, exactly. My teachers told me that most of the beaches are located more towards the center of the country."

"I wish I could visit my hometown," I sighed wistfully.

"Why don't you?" Jessica interjected. "Your father may not want anything to do with you, but I'm sure your mother's family would welcome you with open arms. In Asia, family bonds are strong. I'm confident someone would help you reconnect with your roots."

"I'll consider it," I replied with a smile, finishing the last dumpling on my plate. "Thank you for the wonderful meal, but I should head home now."

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Louis said as I bid them farewell.

Exiting their home, I made my way down the hallway to my own mini flat. Unlocking the door, I entered and placed my bag near the bed. Exhausted, I emptied my bag, revealing the paintings I had attempted to sell earlier, along with the paper-wrapped sandwich Sister Mary had given me at the church, and the gift from Louis and Jessica.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I removed my shoes and sighed. Contemplating Louis' suggestion, I realized the enormity of the decision to search for my mother's family in the Philippines. It would be daunting, unfamiliar, and expensive. But if I truly wanted to explore this option, I needed to work harder and save more money. Selling paintings alone wouldn't suffice; I'd have to seek additional part-time employment.

Feeling the humidity in the room, I rose and opened the window, welcoming the refreshing breeze. Observing the scene outside, I noted the familiar sights and sounds of my neighborhood. However, my moment of reflection was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a heated argument next door. Tom and Dave, my neighbors, were at it again.

The sudden escalation in my neighbors' argument caught me off guard. Tom's furious accusations were met with Dave's desperate attempts to calm him down.

"He was just a friend!" Dave's voice rang out, strained with emotion. "Aren't you tired of always being jealous?"

"Aren't you tired of giving me reasons to be jealous?" Tom shot back.

As the argument continued, I could sense panic creeping into Dave's voice. "Tom, are you okay? Are you sick?"

The mention of sickness shifted the tone of the conversation, leading to an unexpected revelation. "How could you do this to me, and to our baby?" Tom's voice cracked with emotion.

"Baby?!" both Dave and I exclaimed simultaneously, stunned by the sudden bombshell.

"Yes! I'm three weeks pregnant," Tom confessed.

"Oh, darling, why didn't you tell me?" Dave's voice softened, filled with concern. Despite feeling like an unintended eavesdropper, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness for the couple.