Love Encounter

Chapter VIII

A week prior to the day of the cocktail party has passed. Ethan was able to get his student driver's license. He still attends the tutoring lessons from Ms. Cruz. He is an excellent learner. He was able to pick up lessons fast. Ms. Cruz was fascinated as well. Accordin to her, aside from me, Ethan was the only student she taught that can cope up fast.

Tonight is Christmas eve. I have to pack up my things to visit my hometown to celebrate with my family. Currently, Ethan and I are placing our clothes in bags. I told him to go with me and he agreed.

"Are these everything we need?" Ethan asked.

"Yes." I answered.

"Please go inside the car already. I will lock the house."

I went inside the passenger seat. Ethan will drive while I guide him. Although, I am quite confident he will barely need my help. His driving instructor told me he was an excellent student. He can follow all his instructions without fail. Thus, he was able to get his license easily.

Ethan walked towards the car and entered. He started the car.

"Are you nervous?" I asked.

"Not really." He said. "You're here to guide me anyway."

I smiled and faced the front. He started to back up. I opened the gate remotely and we passed through. I closed the gate then we are off. Following the map on the screen privided by the gps, Ethan drove. The traffic was a bit heavy but we manage to laugh it off by chatting.

I don't understand. Since I met him, I felt different. Life turned to become more interesting and less boring. He was able to make me realize that I was not really happy being alone.

My phone rang as we are in the middle of the traffic. I picked up my phone. It was my mother.

She asked me about our whereabouts and how long it will take us to arrive. My hometown, Teressa, is usually one hour away from where I am in Ortigas. But depending on the weight of the traffic, the travel time may take a little longer. Looking at the traffic, it will take us a bit longer to arrive.

"Ethan, are you hungry?" I asked.

"Um, a little bit."

"I'm hungry. Stop by a nearest restaurant."

He drove and passed by a restaurant. It's 11 am already and we haven't taken our lunch yet. And the travel time is still long. Estimating the time of our arrival, we will arrive at approximately 12:30. He parked the car in front of the restaurant and we came in. It's a bit crowded but we still are able to find a table. We ordered sizzling chicken and two iced tea for drinks. While waiting for the dish, Ethan and I managed to spark a conversation. Our attention got caught by a couple. They are both men. They entered the restaurant holding hands.

"What is your opinion about them?" Ethan asked.

"Who?"

He moved his eyes to the left pertaining to the gay couple who are scanning the area for empty seats.

"Oh, them?" I asked for confirmation. He nodded. "I don't mind about their relationship. The goal of love is to love. I don't believe gender is a barrier. Plus, I'm kind of amazed by them. I think they are brave - brave enough to show to others their relationship despite the discrimination."

The couple walked past us and sat on a vacant seat.

"How about you?" I asked. "What is your opinion about them?"

"For me? Um, same as yours." He said. "I don't really mind what gender they are. As long as they love each other, they could be together."

Could he possibly love another man?

The waiter butt in in the middle of our conversation. He served the dishes we ordered and we dug in. After eating our meal, we paid the bill and went back to the car. Ethan started to drive.

The traffic went a bit smoother compared to earlier. And like what I have estimated, we have arrived at 12:30 at the house. My brother went out and opened the garage door. We parked the car inside beside another car which is also owned by me. I went out of the car and my mother greeted me.

"Merry Christmas. How are you doing, Drew?" My mother, Anne, asked.

"Merry Christmas! I'm fine, mother." I replied while breaking up the hug.

Ethan went out of the car and approached us.

"Oh, here is the helper I was talking about. His name is Ethan." I introduced. "This is my mother." I pointed towards my mother.

"Nice to meet you ma'am." Ethan humbly greeted.

"Nice to meet you too, Ethan." My mother replied.

"Um, Drew, where will I put the bags?" Ethan asked.

"Denis, help your brother move their things upstairs."

Denis, my brother, went in and joined us. He is the eldest among the four of us siblings. He is twenty eight years old. He works as a MedTech. He is married and has a son and a daughter.

"Where are the bags?" He asked.

"In the trunk." I answered.

Ethan opened the trunk and, with my brother, carried the bags. I was about to help when Ethan and Denis declined. We went in and saw my older brother, Donny; my older sister, Dianne; my brother's wife, Maine; and our helper in this house, Mrs. Fe and Ms. Teressa working inside the kitchen. They are all preparing the feast for Christmas eve. All of them greeted me and asked me how I have been. I greeted them as well. I offered them my help but declined also. They told me to go and just change clothes upstairs. I did so and found my father on the way upstairs. I greeted my father before going into my room. Inside my room, Ethan and Denis are laying down the last batches of bags. We will be staying here until January 2. So we will be staying here for a week.

"Are these everything?" Denis asked.

"Yes. Thank you." Ethan said.

As Denis turned around, he saw me.

"Mrs. Fe and Ms. Teressa are staying at the guest room." He said. "I hope it'll be okay if you let Ethan stay with you here in your room."