YOUR HEART KNOWS IT

PART 34

Flute leads the way to the back of their house. When he opened the door I saw a man on the grill and a woman putting plates on the table.

"Dad, Mom" he called

They both looked at our direction and I saw his mom's brightest smile. I don't know if I'm supposed to feel shy but I made the first move and went to where they were standing

"Hello ma'am, Good evening! I'm Rachel" I said.

"Hi Darling, it's nice to finally meet you" she initiated the beso beso so I did too in return.

"Come, let's take a seat," she said

"The barbecue will be ready in a minute" his dad shouted.

"So Flute has been talking a lot about you lately," she said while facing me and holding my hands. Is she really this friendly? We just met.

"He does?"

"Aha. Every time, and every time I call to invite him for dinner he always says he has plans for the evening"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know-- "

"Don't be" she interrupted "that's why I asked him to invite you for dinner tonight so at least we could meet the girl that's keeping him busy"

"Mom" Flute said

"What?" Her mom said then she looked at me "I hope it didn't trouble you?" I mean I could not really say yes it troubled me right? That would be rude. And it's not a big deal anymore since I'm already here.

"No, of course not," I said. She smiled at me and excused herself.

I, Clover, and Flute were left in the table. Clover is seating to my right busy texting on her phone and her mom to my left. I took out my phone and texted Flute who is currently sitting across from me.

[I hate you, go help your dad!]

He must have felt the vibration from his pocket and took out his phone. He was smiling from ear to ear when he looked at me and I gave him the death stare and motioned for him to go. He scratched the back of his head again not saying anything but stood up nonetheless and went straight to where his father is. At that time his mom came out holding one bottle of wine followed by two women carrying a serving dish each.

"Is there anything that I can help?" I asked

"Oh no sweetie, it's okay," his mom said. I'm not comfortable with not doing anything but okay. I think they were just really waiting for us because everything has been set up.

"Uhh. Okay," I said. This time the father and son duo came to our table holding a platter of pork barbeque ribs and the other one is a number of pork barbeque on a stick.

"Wow. Do you really eat like this?" I said in amazement not that it's my first time seeing a lot of food being served but for the five of us this is too much.

"No. We're usually on a diet" Clover said " only my dad eats a lot" she laughed.

"Guilty," his dad said.

"This is all for you sweetie and we have a company coming" what? Who?

"Oh, you didn't have to do that ma'am"

"Ahh you are too humble, call me 'Tita Drea' " she said.

"Clover honey, did Daphne tell you if they are on their way?" Dee is coming?  Thank goodness! But I still have not forgiven her for this.

"They are almost here mom"

"Oh, Clover told me you are a friend of Daphne's so don't be nervous I asked Flute to invite them over too so you wouldn't feel awkward," she said glancing my way, must be realizing that she forgot to tell me earlier which is fine by the way. I gave her a half-smile, and surely speaking of the devil I heard her voice as she comes out of the door.

"Hi everybody!" she said

"Hi darling, I'm glad you could make it"

"Oh, of course, tita, anytime," she said. Dee looked at me and winked, God I hate those eyes!  I roll my eyes hoping no one has seen it aside from Dee. She was just smiling and took a seat beside Flute.

"Where's Justin?" His dad asks

"Oh, I'm sorry Tito he had an urgent call earlier before Clover texted me to come over so I had to come alone but he sends his regards for the both of you " is she lying I asked myself?

"Oh okay, I haven't seen that guy in a while," Flute's dad said.

"I know, maybe next time," she said giving him her best fake smile.

"Anyways, I hope you like Paella?" His mom asked directly at me

"Yes, I do" she smiled at me, and it was such a sweet gesture. I can say that his parents are very kind even just by meeting them tonight.

The two women came in again. One holding the two handles of a 12-inch-heavy bottomed pan of Paella and the other one holding a bowl of vegetable salad.

A few steps away from me and I can already smell the ingredients used for the Paella. Oh my God! Why of all the recipes.

Dee and I looked at each other as Jana as they introduced her to me placed the pan on the table. 

"Can I excuse myself for a second?" I asked

"Oh sure honey, go-ahead" I went inside and look for my bag immediately, where did I place it again?

I found it on the sofa in the living room. Did I bring it? I ask myself as I try to look for something in my bag.

"Is everything alright?" Flute suddenly appeared from the kitchen.

"Yes"

"I thought you left," he said shyly

"Don't be ridiculous, " I said still trying to find it in my bag. Please let there be one.

"Okay, I worried for nothing then," he said doing his habit again.

"Yes, don't worry I won't do that" I wasn't gone that long? Was I?

"Okay"

"You can go back now, I'll be there in a second"

"No, I'll wait for you. Are you sure everything is alright?"

"Yes, Let's go," I said giving up. I guess I have not brought it with me and It's embarrassing to keep them waiting.

"Shall we eat now?" his mom asked as we take our seat.

"Yes, I'm sorry"

"That's okay sweetie, but honestly we actually thought you were going to leave" she laughed. So I guess Flute wasn't the only one to think that

"Haha! Of course not, I wouldn't do that ma'am besides I came here with Flute it's not like I can hijack his car or something"

"You are funny. I really like you now and please I told you to call me Tita" we both smiled and then we all stayed silent as she leads the prayer.

"Amen," we all said in unison.

"Let's eat," Tita Drea said.