This can't be happening! I can't break this innocent boy's heart. He's too pure, too kind to be hurt like this. How could I possibly have feelings for Mitch's friend anyway? Am I crazy? I needed to apologize!!! fast! Michael was the only person I couldn't lose. No matter how lonely I got, no matter how many people hated me, as long as he didn't, that's what truly mattered.
Michael suddenly grew quiet, his warm presence beside me suddenly heavier in the stillness. I tightened my embrace around him and whispered, "I'm really sorry, Maykii… Honestly, I've started developing a crush on him… Mitch's friend. I'm such an idiot for having a heart that strays like this. How could I feel this way about someone who lives thousands of miles away when the kindest, most handsome man is right here, beside me? I'm a mess. If you want to punish me for that, I'll take it. With all my heart."
I looked up into his eyes, searching for anger or hurt, but instead I saw him smiling...like I had just told the world's funniest joke. Confused, I jabbed his chest lightly. "Did I say something funny?"
He laughed softly and pulled me closer in a tight hug. "You didn't say anything funny. It's just that… you're too cute when you're like this. How could I punish you? And hey, you called me handsome." His voice lowered, his cheeks tinged pink.
I bit my lip, trying to hide the racing flutter in my chest. "That's more than enough," he said quietly.
I buried my face in his chest, heart pounding hard against my ribs. How could this adorable boy be in love with someone like me? My heartbeat thundered in my ears. Oh no. This is bad.... I think I am already in love with him.
I rubbed my head against him playfully. "No! Punish me!"
He pulled back just enough to look at me, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "You're such a masochist, aren't you? If you want me to punish you that badly, then treat me to a meal, and always keep me updated with pictures."
I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging my lips. "That's it? You're way too soft. I must protect you at all costs." I looked him dead in the eyes. "But, about the pictures… I'm not sure I can keep up, starting next week, it's going to be busy. Graduation, research, immersion… there's so much to do. Still, I'll do my best to send you updates. And the meal? How about we buy ingredients and I cook for you… at your place?"
He stood up and reached out his hand with a hopeful smile. "Um… that sounds perfect. You'll cook for me, and don't worry about the updates. I won't get in your way if it's about your studies. I trust you...I believe you won't text anyone behind my back again."
His trust hit me like a warm wave, and I felt my heart swell. How could someone be so pure and adorable? I just wanted to hold onto him forever. I took his hand, and together we walked to the nearby supermarket.
As we wandered the aisles, I picked up chicken, deciding to make my favorite dish, adobo. Michael grabbed some ice cream, knowing it was my weakness. The simplicity of the moment soothed some of the worries swirling in my mind.
But when we got back to his house, I froze.
Michael's parents were home.
They stood near the doorway, poised and dressed impeccably, their expressions calm but unreadable. They looked the part of wealthy, powerful people, like they could pounce on me with a simple nod and decide to ban me from seeing their son ever again.
My heart lurched into my throat, palms suddenly sweaty. I forced a tight smile, but my mind screamed panic. What if they don't like me??
Michael noticed the sudden tension in my shoulders and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. His calm presence was the anchor I desperately needed.
"Hey," he whispered softly, "don't worry so much. They already like you, Angelica. You don't have to be nervous."
I glanced up at him, searching his eyes for confidence I didn't quite feel. He smiled gently, his warmth melting away some of my anxiety.
"Trust me," he said with quiet conviction. "They've been hearing good things about you for a while now. You're not alone in this."
To my surprise, Michael's parents greeted me with warm smiles the moment I stepped inside. His mother's eyes sparkled with genuine joy as she said, "So you must be Angelica. Michael talks about you all the time. We're so happy to finally meet you."
Her words felt like a soft balm against the nervous knot tightening in my chest. I forced myself to return her smile, though my fingers twitched slightly, half from nerves, half from relief. His father stepped forward, offering a firm but gentle handshake. "We've heard how much you mean to him. It's clear he cares for you deeply."
The warmth radiating from them melted the tension I'd built up in minutes. I had imagined them to be cold, even intimidating distant, wealthy strangers watching me with wary eyes. But this was nothing like that. Their kindness was real, inviting.
Michael's mother gave a soft laugh and insisted, "Please, sit. Have some tea while Michael puts away the groceries." Her hand brushed mine briefly as I settled into the plush chair, the contact both grounding and comforting.
"I can see the love in your eyes," she whispered with a knowing smile, leaning slightly closer. "My son's lucky to have you."
I felt my cheeks heat as a shy smile crept across my face. For the first time that evening, I allowed myself to relax, to believe I belonged here. Across the room, Michael caught my gaze, his shy grin lighting up his face in that way only he did. In that moment, the whole world felt perfectly right.
Surrounded by their warmth, a deep sense of home settled inside me....a sharp contrast to the coldness I'd carried with me for so long. With my family, love had always felt conditional, scarce. But here, laughter came easy, smiles were genuine, and acceptance wrapped around me like a soft shawl.
As his mother poured fragrant tea into a delicate cup, she reached out and gently squeezed my hand. "You're part of this family now, Angelica. We want nothing but happiness for Michael and for you."
A lump rose in my throat and tears threatened to spill over. I swallowed hard, then gathered my courage to speak softly, "I… I just want to say that I'm not… Michael's girlfriend yet. We're just friends for now. He's just a suitor, really."
Michael's mother smiled warmly, her eyes tender and understanding. "Whether you're his girlfriend or just a friend," she said gently, "you're family now, Angelica. You've always been taking care of Michael in so many ways, and that means more to us than titles. Family isn't only defined by labels....it's about the love and care we share."
Her words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, and for the first time, I truly felt at home. For once, I wasn't invisible. For once, I wasn't alone.
Michael's eyes met mine again, and his smile was tender, quiet, as if the acceptance his parents gave me was a gift they were sharing with both of us. The warmth in his gaze filled me with a fragile hope, lighting a path I hadn't dared to see before.
His father nodded approvingly, his voice steady and kind. "It's clear from the way Michael talks about you, Angelica, that you're very special to him. We've always hoped he would find someone who truly cares."
Looking around their cozy living room, softened by the golden glow of the evening lights, I felt a sense of belonging rise within me. This was different. This was real. Something genuine that I hadn't known before.
Michael reached out and intertwined his fingers with mine, his thumb brushing softly over my hand. "See? I told you they'd like you."
A soft smile spread across my lips as I squeezed his hand back. "They're wonderful. And so are you, Michael."
His cheeks flushed a gentle shade of pink, a quiet shyness that made my heart flutter. In that moment, every worry that had burdened me melted away. Maybe this is what a real family, love, and a future I dared to hope for.
Taking a steadying breath, I smiled at them all. "Since we bought the ingredients today, how about I cook the adobo for everyone? I'd love to share it with you."
Michael's parents exchanged delighted glances, their eyes bright with warmth. His mother nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds wonderful. We'd be honored to try it."
Michael's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "You're the best, Angel."
I laughed softly, feeling a growing confidence as I followed Michael into the kitchen. The comforting sizzle of the pan and the aroma of the cooking adobo slowly filled the house. From the corner of my eye, I caught Michael's parents chatting quietly, occasionally stealing smiles in my direction.
When the meal was finally ready, we all gathered around the table. The laughter came easily, the adobo met with enthusiastic approval. Their easy smiles and open hearts wrapped around me, soothing wounds I hadn't fully acknowledged before.
After the meal, the atmosphere settled into a comfortable calm. The dishes were cleared away, and Michael and I slipped quietly into a cozy corner of the living room, away from his parents' soft chatter and the warmth of family bonds.
I looked up at him, my heart feeling both heavy and light all at once. "Michael," I began softly, "being with your family tonight…it felt like what home should be."
His hand reached out, fingers gently brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear with tender care. "I'm so glad, Angelica."
I swallowed back the lump in my throat. "My own family… it's different. There's so little warmth. Sometimes, I feel invisible....like I'm just there, not really loved or wanted."
Michael's eyes softened, filled with sincere understanding. "I'm sorry you feel that way. You deserve so much better."
"Being here, with your parents' kindness…it's like I'm finally seeing what love can be." I took a deep breath, the words barely above a whisper. "It's given me hope that maybe, with you, I can have a family that truly cares."
He smiled gently, squeezing my hand in reassurance. "We'll make sure you have that, Angelica. A place where you belong. With meee...?"
Tears prickled my eyes, but I smiled through them, feeling a warmth I hadn't known was possible. For the first time in a long while, I truly believed that love and home could be more than just words.
I smiled softly and teased, "You know, we're both minors."
Michael chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "That's true. But that doesn't mean we can't have moments like these."
I returned his smile, feeling lighter and more hopeful than I had in a long time. After a few more warm exchanges with his parents, it was time to say goodbye.
Standing by the door, I turned to Tita and Tito, my voice filled with sincere gratitude and a touch of emotion. "Thank you both for welcoming me into your home tonight. It means more than I can say."
They smiled warmly, their eyes kind and reassuring. His mother gave a gentle nod, and his father's handshake was firm yet tender. "You're always welcome here, Angelica. Consider this your home as much as Michael's."
Michael took my hand as we stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against my skin. His fingers intertwined with mine, grounding me in a way I hadn't realized I needed.
"I'll see you soon, okay?" he said softly, his voice filled with promise.
"Definitely," I replied, my heart full yet tender as he walk me to the gate.
As I headed home, the streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement, I carried with me a newfound hope, one that maybe, just maybe, I was beginning to find my place. A place filled with love, trust, and a family that truly cared.
And for the first time in a long time, that thought made me smile.