Reaching You

catorce

KINABUKASAN

"Bub, punta tayo sa bahay later," Ali said, her voice a mix of excitement and nerves as she leaned against the locker. "My parents want to meet you again."

Maven, with her dark red hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, took a moment to process the invitation. The cafeteria's din of clanging trays and chattering students faded into the background as she searched Ali's eyes for any hint of what the evening might hold. Last night had been... intense. 

"Are you sure?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow.

Ali nodded, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "They want to get to know you better." She offered a hopeful smile, the kind that made Maven's heart skip a beat. 

Maven swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the unspoken words between them. She knew Ali was hoping this dinner would go well, that her parents would accept her as she was. But Maven couldn't help the swirl of doubt in her stomach. What would they think of her? 

"Sure, bub." Maven finally said, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts. "I'll come with you."

Ali's eyes lit up, and she gave Maven's hand a gentle squeeze. "I love you," she whispered. "I know it's not easy, but I believe in us."

Maven forced a smile, trying to mirror Ali's optimism. 

Throughout the school day, she couldn't focus on her classes, her mind racing with potential conversations and scenarios that could unfold at dinner. 

.

.

. 

When the final bell rang, the two of them climbed into Maven's car, the leather seats warm from the afternoon sun. Ali's hand rested on Maven's thigh as she navigated the familiar streets to her parents' house. The gentle touch was a silent reassurance that made Maven's grip on the steering wheel loosen a bit.

As they pulled into the driveway, the butterflies in Maven's stomach grew into a tornado. The house looked the same as it had the night before, but the light streaming through the windows now felt like a spotlight. Ali's parents were standing in the doorway, waving as they approached. Mrs. Arceta's smile was wide and welcoming, Mr. Arceta's more reserved but not unkind.

They exchanged pleasantries as they entered the house, the scent of simmering spices and garlic filling the air. Maven felt a warmth that was a mix of the delicious aroma and the radiant love that seemed to emanate from Ali's mother. 

"Oh siya maupo muna kayo habang nagluluto pa ako." saad ng ina ni Ali.

"May aasikasuhin muna ako sa office, bababa rin ako pagkatapos. Feel at home, Maven." paalam naman ng tatay ni Ali at umakyat.

They sat down on the couch, the air between them charged with the electricity of their unresolved passion. The TV played in the background, a mundane sitcom that did nothing to dispel the tension. Ali couldn't help but stare at Maven, taking in every detail of her posture, the way her shirt hugged her chest, the curve of her neck. She felt the ache of want begin to stir again, a need that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Maven must have noticed, because she leaned in closer, her breath hot against Ali's ear. "Okay ka lang, bub?" she whispered, her hand brushing against Ali's thigh. Ali shivered, trying to keep her voice steady as she nodded. 

"You seems tense more than me huh." Maven murmured, her hand sliding higher.

The smell of garlic and tomato sauce began to waft from the kitchen, and Ali realized with a start that she was supposed to be setting the table. She jumped up, the heat of Maven's touch lingering on her skin.