I blinked my eyes a few times, stopping the tears that wanted to fall. I raised my head to look at Red, who is now smiling at his parents. I looked at his Mom and Dad again.
"W-What..." the doubt and shock in his Mom's face faded and was replaced with different emotions now. Ilang hikbi ang lumabas sa kanyang mga labi habang naglalakad papalapit kay Red. She caressed her son's face. "W-Why didn't you tell me?" I felt Red squeezing my hand.
I got confused with his mom's reaction now. Earlier, she looked like she didn't like what she saw, which is me being next to Red. Now, she looks glad despite the doubts and questions that needed to be answered.
"Surprise, Mom?" Red chuckled. Her mother sobbed more as she hugged her son tightly. His Dad, on the other hand, looked at me, which made me bow my head, afraid to attract attention.
I raised my head when I saw two pairs of shoes in front of mine. I squeezed Red's hand when I saw his mom smiling sadly in front of me.
That's when I realized that maybe... maybe this isn't another rejection. That maybe... his parents are one of those people who will accept me wholeheartedly.
"What's your name?" my lips trembled when she opened her arms. I felt Red tugged my hand when I didn't say anything, not because I don't want to answer his mother, but because I am too overwhelmed with the fact that this person in front of me is treating me kindly and smiling at me.
"I-I'm Rain po..." my voice shook and averted her gaze. I unconsciously rubbed my forefinger with my thumb in my left hand.
"Can I have a hug?" nag-iingat niyang tanong. Siya na mismo ang lumapit at yumakap sa akin nang tumango ako. Tears stung my eyes when I felt her shoulder shaking. "I'm sorry about earlier if I made you uncomfortable with my reaction. I was just shocked and confused because Levi never talked about this with us." I nodded my head, silently telling her that I understand. We stayed that way for a few seconds unti she pulled away and caressed my cheeks.
"You're so pretty." she chuckled with tears on her cheek. I felt relieved because of what she said, so I smiled. "You can call me Tita Ramona or Mommy. Welcome to the family, anak!" I closed my eyes tightly when she hugged me again. I heard Red and his Dad laughing, which made us turn to them.
"I'm Leonardo. You can call me Tito Leo or Dad. Whichever you're comfortable calling me." he also gave me a hug. The kind of hug that I am always longing for.
"Let's go inside! I prepared foods for you and Levi. Do you eat chicken teriyaki? That's his favorite!" she pulled me excitedly inside their house. Ngayon ko lamang napansin kung gaano kalaki ang bahay nila. It's a two-storey house with an intricate design. I also saw their cars in their garage. I was too agitated earlier to notice these things.
I looked back at Red, who is now walking with his dad. He nodded his head and looked at me proudly with an assuring smile, so I smiled back.
We went to their dining area, which is also big. Red pulled a chair for me. I looked at the food on the table and I could almost hear my stomach growling. We didn't eat breakfast so...
"I also cooked your favorite! Levi told me you like tinola?" I smiled and nodded. "Yes, po."
"So... how did you two know each other?" his mom asked the moment we all sat down. "We are schoolmates, Mom." Red said as he put foods on my plate. "That's enough." I said in a small tone because he was already putting too much.
"Paano naging kayo? I mean how did you like each other? How did you confess?" I slightly chuckled while looking at his mom, getting so excited as time passes by. "I was papansin sa kanya, Mom." natawa ako dahil sa sinabi niya at sa tono ng kanyang boses. Mukhang nahihiya siya ngunit kailangan niyang sabihin ang totoo.
