'What's wrong, dad?' Hannah asked Mr. Lee when she saw him flustered. She came back from the inside, while I was left staring at the man whom I was talking to earlier.
'Nothing,' he replied, while taking the soda that she gave him. Drinking it all in one go, I couldn't help but feel a bit curious about what could be running through his mind now. I wanted to know all about it, but I figured maybe I could do so the next time.
We talked about some other things, like how I met his daughter, what my plans for college are. For a moment I felt like I had a father in him, and I felt happy about it. I have not felt that kind of feeling, but then Mr. Lee was such a wonderful guy.
Maybe the reason why I wasn't intimidated by him the first time I met him.
'Why don't you stay with us for dinner?' Mr. Lee invited me. I smiled at him.
'I'd love to sir, but I always have dinner with my mom. I'm sorry,' I replied. Contrary to what I was thinking, he smiled at me and nodded. A few minutes later, I asked permission to leave so I could go home. After giving my respects to him, Hannah went with me to the door, smiling while we were traversing that short distance between their patio to the gate.
'Thank you, and I'm sorry I can't join you for dinner,' I said as I turned around to look at her.
'You're welcome. I'm sure Dad was happy to finally meet you. And it's okay, don't worry about it,' she replied. I smiled and bid her goodbye.
'I'll see you tomorrow?' I asked, although I know what answer I would get from her.
'Of course,' she replied. 'Will you come over so we can go together?'
To my surprise, I stood still and was actually smiling from ear to ear.
'Yes!' I exclaimed, which had the both of us shocked. Then we laughed it off before I went home. Even when the walk home was about twenty minutes away, and I had to make it fast, I felt like walking on air.
'Mom, I'm home,' I called as I entered the house. It was quite dark, but the dimmer was on. As I searched the house for a glimpse of my mother, my eyes were trained on the sofa where she was sleeping. I looked at my mother, she looked so tired. The lines clearly showed on her face, and I began to wonder. How hard is it to be working in a place where integrity is such a big thing? I was passed on as her nephew, but although I was alright with it there was that something deep inside of me that wanted to show who I really am in her life.
I felt it was unfair for me to be treated that way, now that I have become a lot older. Or maybe it was because there was that fire of longing that was enkindled in me the moment I met Mr. Lee.
The longing to have a real father.
'Mom, mom,' I softly called her. She opened her eyes slowly and when she saw me, she closed them again. I had to purse my lips, as I placed my bag down on the floor and went to the kitchen. I quickly made dinner for the both of us and when I was done, I called her once more. She sat down on a chair across from where I was on the dining table and began to eat in silence. As we had always been.
'Turn off the lights when you go to your room,' she reminded me before she stood up and retired for the night. I nodded, and continued my meal.
It has always been that way, ever since I lived with her. There were times when I wanted to talk to her, but she had always withdrawn from me. I wanted to think she never wanted me, but I always remember Uncle Matthew telling me that I shouldn't be thinking that way. Maybe she was just getting used to having me with her, considering that she had been living alone for the longest time. Sometimes I think I was just a boarder in the house, and she was my landlady.
But no matter what, she is my mother. She gave birth to me and I am truly grateful for that. I always make a point to have dinner with her every single time, as I thought that maybe one day, she will open up to me and consider me as her son. In the true sense of the word.
The sun was still starting to rise as I left my room, bringing my school bag with me. There was no practice that week so I could afford to spend a few more minutes before I went. I left a note on the fridge, telling mom that she needed to come later to school. I went out of the house and as the first rays of the sun just started to show, I felt blessed to inhale the sweet, crisp scent of the spring air. Then I smiled, as I slowly traversed the way leading to Hannah's house. I might be a bit early, but I didn't mind. It always pays to be one.
She emerged from their house, wearing her smile and those crescent eyes that will always make my day. My mind went forward to thinking about the future. Would she be the one I will end up with? It wouldn't hurt thinking about it, but I guess it was too soon. We're just two teenagers in love, but as young as I am, I know that what I felt is true.
'Hi. Shall we go now?' she asked. I smiled at her, took her bag and went our way, while slipping my hand in hers.