Another afternoon spent stuck to the couch watching either badminton, golf or sailing on the telly with the curtains drawn. Much uneasiness as the long hot days repeat themselves, keep feeling like I need to do something more productive with the time Jon and I have instead of us always bonding over sports competitions which is... almost no bonding at all. Gutted.
Was washing the dishes and clearing dining table after lunch when loud ringtone resounded in the hall.
"Hello darling!" My Mother, "I've got a little treat for you. Meet me for afternoon tea later at Pacamara Coffee Roasters. 4pm. Sounds good?"
"Arghhh..." I grumbled, "do I have to?"
"Not taking 'no' for an answer," and she hung up.
4pm: Turns out Mum has got me a role to be featured on one of television network programmes about how different adults cope between family life and working life. Odd because I haven't established a family of my own yet, let alone debate how I'm coping between that and work. I was due to show up for filming on the 24th of February, declined it instantly. Jon and I are going to celebrate our first month together as a couple, at least, I presume we will be celebrating. But if he keeps up this couch potato lifestyle, I see no possibility of a celebration at all. In the midst of conversation with Mum, it dawned on me I hadn't told her about Jon and I. Oh god.
Irrationally decided to decline her offer, coughed up some random excuse which I now forget what it was, and abruptly bid her adieu.
9pm: Found myself sprawled on the bed, staring into blank space wondering whether it was still too premature to tell parents about Jon and I. We've just started out, but I'm feeling confident that we'll be able to last, for a while at least, not one of those 'touch n go' sort of things. Even though we are moving at snail's pace presently, I believe things will pick up fast soon. Bothered too about how to break it to parents, can't just randomly drop a text and declare myself paired up, what more with a guy. I'm heavily anticipating their reaction.
Jon stumbled into the room and stood in front of me, arms crossed.
"What's the matter?" Usual nonchalant expression distorted into a frown.
"Thinking about whether I should break it to my parents."
"About?"
"Us." Jon can be so dense sometimes. "Do you think I should tell them?"
"Up to you," He was oddly comfortable with this issue. "What are you afraid of?"
"Of them, they may not be supportive. Of us, whether we will make this relationship last." I was pithy and tense, expecting Jon to get absolutely livid with me lacking confidence in him. But for that moment, no filter for my sentences, I spoke my mind.
"You're such a drag Matt" Calm and intermittent, "Kind of cliche but it takes you and me to make Us. I'm as new to this as you are, but at least we've got each other to see our way through this together, and I love you for crying out loud, isn't that the bottom line already? Only you know how to deal with this, and you'll have my full support." OK, not so calm and intermittent anymore. But he did serve up a good point. Jon does have his way with making everything appear so simple and well-thought out. He offers another perspective altogether. Have to give him credit for being the only one who is able to exert that kind of magic on me.
He gave me a peck on the cheek before whispering into my ear: "You know what to do," and he disappeared back into the living room. Felt grateful for him nonetheless, he is right.
For the heck of it, decided to drop Mum the text.
'Hi Mum, I lied earlier. Reason for being unable to comply with offer to feature thyself on programme is I'm celebrating one month with new Partner, Jonathan Chin. Yes, I have just started out in a relationship, with a male. Love him v. much. May or may not have heard of him before, but hoping for your sincerest support in this. Love you x and ps. please don't scream.'
Flung my phone to the side. Barely managed to lift myself off the bed when it pinged. Heart began to race once again. My Mum replied.
'Whattt...'
Oh dear.
