I zipped up the suitcase after packing enough clothing for the both of us. I didn't have any trouble convincing the principle and Gretel, the substitute, she were more then happy to take over in my time of absence. I will miss the darlings terribly but even so I can't wait to reach our destination. The small vacation would do the both of us good.
After a moment Kyle loads the case in to the trunk as I locked up. "Are you ready?" He asked as soon as I climbed into the passenger seat. "Absolutely," I assured him as I fasten my seat belt. He placed a hand gently upon mine and gave it a firm little tug. A crooked smile graced his complexion, the same one that can make my heart swell. It's one of the features of Kyle Gonzalez that I've come to find affection for.
As we venture down the long road, I looked out my window at the flashing film that plays off around me in picturesque colors. The N2 quickly descends to the bottom of the Riversdal valley. At the foot of the peak lies the long mountain range, in this district it's better known as the 'Sleeping Beauty valley'. The town lies on the banks of the 'Vet River', a tributary of the river that flows into the mouth of Stilbaai.
I shift lightly in my seat, as I take in Kyle's sitting form. "You know how I never talk about my family?" I said on a calm note. He uhmed assuring me that I have his undivided attention. "I hope you know that it had never been my intention to hide anything from you but even so I've known from the very beginning that this conversation would eventually show its pitiful face. It seems that, that time is upon us." I inhaled deeply as I look at the passing scenery.
"I am the youngest of three children. Shaun Roberts is an Architect. He being my big brother, there's an eight-year age difference between us. And then there's Harrison who happens to be a Doctor at Carl Bremmer. He's only two years older then me." Kyle gives me a sideways glance. "Not trying to sound ungrateful but why are you deciding to tell me about this now all of a sudden?" He questioned thoughtfully. "Because it just so happens, that my family lives in the Strand," I informed him.
I can see how questions are picking at his flesh like a pack of vultures. There are clearly many queries that wants to be asked: Why? When? Where? How come? And even the more obvious one: Do they know about us?
Hurt settles in and I need not to ask why, as I acknowledged his silent mode. Kyle is most likely wondering if my parents knows about him. Wondering about the mere fact if my daddy would approve when he finds out that his baby girl is engage to be married. Unfortunately for me it's easily answerable: No, they have no idea! Not only do they not know about Kyle Gonzalez but neither had I sent any type of request, to any of my family, stating that they've been invited to our wedding ceremony. "I am deeply sorry for not telling you about it any sooner ," I apologized.
I feel bad that the regret took so long to escape. Kyle remained silent as he pulled in at a Caltex Garage. "I'll be right back," he informed me as he climbed out and asked the petrol boy to fill her up. He nodded with a broad smile before popping the tank and does as he is told.
After a moment he returned with a bag in one hand and a can of Coke in the other. Kyle shuffle in behind the wheel before handing me the bag of goods. Curiously I peeked inside to be greeted by an assorted of munchies. I leaned in closer and placed a kiss upon my fiancé's cheek on a thank you note, after he rewarded the petrol boy with a generous tip. "Does this mean that you're not mad with me for not telling you any sooner?" I asked gradually as I take a salty pretzel from its crinkling package. "I wouldn't go as far as to say that I'm mad, per say, its more disappointment that I'm feeling. You should have prepared me sooner," he said with a sigh.
Slightly past three in the afternoon, Kyle pulled off the side of the road just outside of Houwhoek. Kyle parked in front of some road kiosk or one could probably even call it a fresh fruit venture, even though it seems like they sell pretty much anything that you could possibly think of, from where I'm sitting. "Well, we wouldn't want to show up on your parent's porch empty handed," Kyle said with a broad smile.
I agreed with his kind gesture, together we got out and stepped closer. We decided on giving them a generously packed tomato-crate filled with freshly packed products, baked goods and fancy edible preserves. Anything that might cause a craving had been added to the crate. Picked out with utter love and affection. Carefully Kyle placed the crate in the trunk of the car.
After what seemed like an hour at most, we hit the highway so that we can reach our destination before dusk fall upon us. Even though Kyle assured me that he's fine, I know that he isn't. I've known him for long enough to know when he's wearing a mask, hiding behind his emotions and I'm sad to say that this is one of those times.