Not So Ordinary Love

Part 2. He's Grown

"You are an intern in the company?", Mew asked Gulf in surprise. They are at the dining table having breakfast when Gulf's mom told him in passing. He looks at Gulf who is sleepily chomping on his food. Gulf is still stuck in him as a young child that he just realizes that Gulf had grown older.

Gulf's Mom, "Oh, you didn't know. He just started. It's shocking isn't it? He is already graduating this year. But this one is still so childish. It's good that Jom and him didn't work out, your sister would be so frustrated"

Gulf, "Mom! How many times have I told you, Jom and I... we never see each other like that? She's like an older sister to me. It's just your wishful thinking"

"Tsk!", Gulf's Mom glared at Gulf.

Mew chuckled at the banter between the mother and son. He turns to Grace who is just smiling watching on the side.

"How is work, Grace?", He asked.

Grace had a new job of teaching kids, she worked previously in the office after graduation but a year and half, the routinely work bores her, "It's fun. Teaching the kids are really fulfilling"

Mrs. Traipipattanapong, "You like children so much, so go and make your own. Find someone to marry and give me a grandchild"

Grace, "Mom, I'm still young. I want to work first without having the responsibility for a family"

Mrs. Traipipattanapong, "Look at your friend, Jom, she's your age and she's getting married this year"

"I'm still adjusting to the school. It's been only half the school year. I'm still busy learning things", Grace gently argued. She knew and everyone in the dining knew what her mother is really trying to tell.

Gulf roll his eyes at his mother's suggestive comment while Mew just tried to ignore what the old woman is saying. It's been years, if the situation has been reversed and it is the Traipipattanapong siblings who are in Shanghai, it will be his own mother who will do this.

Mrs. Traipipattanapong sighs, "You could have a boyfriend. You are already at this age and you haven't had a boyfriend yet"

Grace blushed in embarrassment. Her mother continues, "Have you filed for a leave?"

"No, Mom. And a week is too long.", Grace answered in a low voice. She didn't know how to tell her mother that she can't. She didn't want to file a leave just to entertain Mew.

Gulf's mom gasps, "It's just a week. It's rare for Mew to come here". She worries that there will be no chance for Mew and Grace to bond just like what had happen last year when Mew immediately went back home.

Mew stealthy cut in sensing how uncomfortable Grace is, "No need to worry, Auntie. I'm actually going to report to the company this Monday. And I might stay longer this time, I'm working on some management concerns for the time being. There are plenty of days for us to spend time. I'm asking for your indulgence for a while, while I am looking for my own place"

"Why would you look for your own place? You should stay here for as long as you are here", Gulf's mom argued. Gulf wanted to protest since that means longer time for him to sleep in the couch, he couldn't let Mew not sleep on the bed.

"Since, it's a weekend, you guys should go out and have fun. Go watch a movie, go the park, you can also do a night out, go on and relax"

The three couldn't do anything but follow Mrs. Traipipattanong's wishes since she literally shoves them out of the house. They ended up going for a not so nearby beach since Mew loves beaches, he would usually visit whenever he is in the country.

Gulf just went to sleep when they arrived, he didn't like to go out due to the heat. While Grace and Mew decided to go to nearby café.

"You want to tell me something?", Mew asked sipping on his tea. Although they both knew that their parents would want them to be romantically involved, they never felt anything towards each other except fondness. They've been friends, what else could they be, they have spent time every year with each other, alone or with their siblings.

Grace lowers her head not knowing how to start.

"We agreed on this, Grace. No need to hide from me", Mew smiled urging the lady to speak.

Grace, "I got a boyfriend, Mew"

"That's great! Was he the one you told me the last time? He is also a teacher?", Mew smiled warmly. Him and Grace has called each other once in a while, forced by their mothers. His mom would usually nag him and would only stop once he called her.

Grace nodded, smiling shyly.

Mew, "I'm happy for you. Jom would be happy to hear the news. Have you told her?"

Grace, "I briefly mentioned it to her the last time we talk"

Mew, "Jom has been missing you but she's crazily in love, she won't leave her boyfriend even for a day. You two should meet, you haven't seen each other for a long time"

"I don't know how to tell them, Mew", Grace gripes. "I'm afraid of how my Mom will react"

Mew nodded remembering that his mother was hospitalized when Jom announces that she had a boyfriend. It was just an overreaction from his mother but it still gotten them worried. His mom's dream to be double in-laws was shattered. Not that Jom and Gulf have really dated each other but those two used to playfully tease each other when they were younger, dropping teasing remarks and calling each other using endearments, much to the elders' delight. He and Grace on the other hand remained passive all these years, they just grew closer as friends.

Grace sighs, "And mom was even talking about marriage and children already"

Mew chuckled remembering that his mom nagged him before he left Shanghai, asking him to get married next year. "Let's think of a way on how to tell them. Don't worry, I'll be with you"

Grace phone rings and by the looks of it, Mew instantly knew who it was. Grace excused herself, when she returns, she apologetically asked Mew if she can leave to meet her boyfriend.

Mew, "Go on. Date as much as you like. You can use me as an excuse in the coming days while I'm here. Don't worry"

When Grace left, Mew stayed in the café, enjoying some alone time. It's been a long time since he had a serious relationship. He was driven to work and to prove himself when he started working in the company. He did have flings once in a while and there are women who clings on to him for affection, for wealth or for his status.

His thoughts were disrupted when Gulf arrived after taking a nap.

Gulf, "Where's Grace?"

Mew, "She left"

Gulf shakes his head, "She's meeting her boyfriend, isn't she?"

Mew nodded, "You knew?"

Gulf, "I caught them once. Did she tell you?". Mew nodded and Gulf asked another question, "Are you okay?"

Mew laughs, "Why wouldn't I? The four of us knew a long time ago that it is not possible. I'm happy for Grace. Anyway, would you like to stay here? Let's go somewhere else?"

Gulf frown.

Mew, "You don't like the beach, don't you? Grace left the car"