4~ Mama
I woke up from a peck on my lips. It startled me to alertness which turned to confusion when I saw Amon sitting on the side of my bed, staring at me with amusement. What the heck is he doing inside my hotel room?
“How did you get in here?” I sat up immediately and scooted to the headboard. His gaze drifted lower as I follow where he was looking. My cheeks burned as I drew the blanket to my shoulders. Damn! In all fairness to Amon, he turned away at once when he realized what he was doing. But since he was fairer than I, his blush was very apparent to me. He cleared his throat and as casually as he could said, “You let me in.”
“I did not!”
I thought he recovered fast from the awkwardness I woke up to and the amusement was back in his eyes.
“You did. But apparently you weren’t awake enough to remember it. You just opened the door, dragged me in and went back to bed. You were instantly asleep again.”
I tried hard to remember if I actually did that. I could vaguely dredge up receiving an annoying call very early in the morning. I couldn’t make out what the call was about but I just grunted to get it over and go back to sleep. Minutes later, somebody was knocking on the door. I stood up and saw Amon on the doorway. I pulled him in and that was all I could recall.
“I thought I was dreaming,” I murmured.
He smirked. “You dreamt of pulling me into your room?”
I was not quite recovered from waking up with a kiss and seeing him in my room, on my bed; substantial details of the dream I was having. The blush that was sluggishly subsiding went shooting back to my face.
“Of course not!” I would rather die first than admit that I actually was. “It wasn't then a dream since you’re here.”
“And that is truly much better.” He dodged the pillow that I threw at him and grinned.
“What are you doing here so early?” I was still in bed since I couldn’t just stand up and walk to the bathroom. I was wearing something that wasn’t so decent for company, especially if that company was your boyfriend. And I didn’t know how to casually ask him to turn around or disappear while I change. We weren’t passed that awkward stage and rightfully so since we haven’t been together long enough. My flirting capabilities didn’t include that area. Not that we were fast heading there. It was my second day in India, for Pete’s sake!
“My naïve sleepy head, it’s not so early anymore.” He had my eyes turn round when he came to me and held my head to press his lips on my messy morning hair. Oh my gosh, my hair! I was exactly what I wished him not to see! His face was coming down to mine and it didn’t take a genius to know what he wanted to do. So, I clamped my hand on my mouth and shook my head.
He laughed and sat in front of me while I was feeling as miserable as a 12 year old in front of his senior crush. How oblivious could he actually get?
“Could you…? You know…” I pointed to the door. Thankfully he understood. But when he reached the door, he paused and looked back teasingly as I was coming out of the blanket heap. I ran to the bathroom while shouting, “Out!!!”
Dressed decently enough, I opened the door and glared at him. He just beamed at me but bit back the naughty remark he had on his mind and said instead, “Since you’ve already greeted your toiletries, can I kiss you now?”
He was such in a good mood. I could imagine what a great morning he was having.
I continued glowering at him. “You said it’s not early anymore.”
“It isn’t,” he enthusiastically said.
“It’s 7 o’ clock,” I disdainfully answered.
“Is it?” He looked at his watch. “I must have checked the wrong time.”
“Amon Kahn, I’m so gonna kill you!” I marched out of my room ahead of him, fuming in anger.
“Okay, I’m sorry…” Clearly, he wasn’t a tad apologetic. He kept up with my quick steps so easily and roguishly slung his arm around my neck. “But it’s a beautiful morning to waste, Babe.”
“And I should be having a wonderful dream right now.”
“What’s more wonderful than being with me?” He was starting to talk me out of my irritation.
“Awfully full of yourself, aren’t you?” And it really was the most effective. I was dreadfully ill-tempered during the morning. I was used to sleeping about 12 hours of the day to function well for the other 12 hours.
“About some things…about this...” He pulled me closer to make his point. “Seriously though, you should learn not to sleep away your mornings.”
“It’s the same as asking me not to sleep.”
“You’ll adjust. Besides, it’s not healthy to skip breakfast.” We reached the banquet hall where breakfast would be served for the hotel residents. Amon got the privilege to join in any meal since they owned a suite. He pulled a seat for me and pushed me on it. “From now on, you’ll wake up in the morning to eat breakfast or I’ll annoy you to death.”
“Jeez, I didn’t sign in for a health club.” I wasn’t used to eating in the morning because I didn’t have anyone to eat with. I was used to get up for lunch out and dinner somewhere. My mum and dad were very busy that we could only gather in the dining table together during weekends or holidays. I understood that and I just got used to eating alone. But eating with someone surely feeds ones appetite.
After terrorizing me into breakfast, we went out to explore the hotel facilities. True to his words, nobody stared at us for too long or whispered to their companions as we strolled hand in hand. It was pretty much the exact opposite of what I had experienced with him before on the rare occasions that we went to very public areas. He looked relax as well when I peered at him, his other hand in his pocket and his playful mood on pause.
As he was very talkative and animated on our breakfast, he was as silent now while we walk along the garden path, reverting to his old self. It was actually the first time I saw him that way. I didn’t quite know he had that side of him. It wasn’t just obvious especially if he wouldn’t speak. And like I said before, if he refused to talk then I wouldn’t feel like talking too because I would feel like breaking the peace that was enveloping us. That was the closest word I could find to describe how I felt. My comfort with him was something I couldn’t remember feeling with anyone else.
We stopped in a gazebo in the middle of the huge garden and found myself staring once again for too many times that day I lost count. It was a bit late to contemplate on my feelings for him since we were already in a relationship status. But admittedly, our courtship was really short I couldn’t even call it courtship. I called it harried, whirlwind at best and the best decision I had made by far.
Normally, I’d feel awkward with silence, even with my closest friends. Well, I’d always like to talk with them anyway. But silence with him was warm and comforting. I felt alone with him when we do not talk: alone but not lonely. And when he occasionally rubbed the pad of his thumb on the side of our linked hands, I felt even more reassured of his presence.
“Babe...?” I must have drifted again as he was waving his hand in front of me. I perked up and gave him a smile.
“Oh. I thought I lost you there. Anyway as I was saying, Mama wants to see you tonight at dinner.”
He said what? “Can you say that again?”
“I said Mama wants to see you tonight. We’re having dinner with her.”
I felt my jaw drop after I heard that. Tonight? Dinner? His Mama? Wow. Talk about surprise. Big time.
“Is that what you woke me up for?” I honestly felt betrayed. I know that was irrational but, the heck, I was gonna meet his mum in less than 24 hours and I thought he was just being sweet and wanted to be with me the earliest possible time.
“Well, actually, yeah.” His smile was awkward and I know he knew I was not taking it well, another credit to his sensitivity towards my ever changing mood. Technically, he was being really sweet. He could have told me that over the phone or at lunch during which I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare myself for the dinner. But he chose to tell me in the morning when he could have slept in as well. I shouldn’t be a brat about it.
I took a deep sigh. “Okay. Where should we meet?”
“You’re okay with it?”
Actually, I was not. But how could I say, “No. Please tell your mum to reschedule our dinner because I don’t feel like meeting her yet.”
“Yeah! I’m fine with it.” Amon gave me a skeptical look so I smiled at him brightly. Too brightly. I felt guilty of course but the day that I would meet his mum was one of the days I didn’t actually look forward to. I have nothing against his mum. It was just the prospect of getting a bad impression from her. I know that she was the greatest person for Amon and wanting to get her approval was like wanting to get my college diploma; my most wanted, most coveted and highly anticipated achievement.
“Really, Babe, I’m fine with it. But I won’t lie and say I’m not scared. Right now I feel like I’m going to defend my graduation thesis.”
He broke into a grin. “You passed your thesis defense. I’m sure you’ll do again with flying colors.”
“I certainly hope so. Tell me how she is like,” I coaxed him.
“How do you think she is like?”
I wished he didn’t ask me that. I winced and whispered, “She looks scary…”
I expected him to laugh and assure me she wasn’t. Instead, he nodded and seemed to agree with me!
“She is???” Oh God, kill me!
“At times…Somebody needs to be and since dad isn’t she took the task. But don’t worry, she’s nice.”
To other people maybe, but to her son’s girlfriend? I don’t think so…
“That reassured me, Babe. Really…”
He slung his arm on my shoulder and gave me a squeeze. “Come on, it will be fine. I’ll be there. I won’t leave you.”
“You better not. And after this, I really want you to meet my dad.”
With that, he laughed heartily and gave out his hand. “Deal.”
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Silence...
And more silence....
Not a word was spoken between us. Not when we got in the car nor when we were driving back to the hotel, not even when we reached my room and I changed from my dinner dress. He was becoming more and more anxious and his sighs were growing deeper and deeper. But I just couldn't make myself pretend that nothing was wrong and I couldn't think of anything else to say that wasn't about the dinner date.
He finally grew tired of my silence or he recognized the sign that I was upset when I went to look out the wide balcony. I had been doing exactly the same thing whenever I was feeling down or something was troubling me.
I felt his arms reaching from behind and pulled me to him.
"Please tell me what's bothering you." He planted a kiss at the back of my head and intertwined our fingers when I put my hands on top of his.
"I'm just thinking that we don't know much about each other." I finally said.
"Don't think too much of what my mum said."
"I can't help it. It's true."
“You know me enough. And I’d like to think I know you too.”
“We barely know each other for a month, not counting the months we’ve been away from each other.”
He released me and turned me around to face him.
“Why not count them? We never lost touch during those 3 torturous months.”
I couldn’t help smiling a little for his choice of word which I totally agree. “Skyping doesn’t count for me.”
“It does for me. I’m always true to you. Aren’t you to me?” He was blocking the light coming from the room so I couldn’t clearly see his face but I know that tone. He felt bad.
“Of course I am always true to you.” I reached up to caress his cheek. He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek on my palm.
Then, he grabbed my waist and hoisted me easily to sit on the balcony behind me. I could look at him levelly.
“Sit here and talk to me.” He clasped his hands together on my back to keep me safe.
“Your mum doesn’t like me,” I told him.
He looked shock. His mum was gracious during the dinner albeit very intimidating. He got his height from his mum so I felt like I was in between two towering columns in Greece. And she kept asking me about Indian culture I have no idea existed. I felt horrible the whole evening.
“What made you said that? She never said something like that, did she?”
“No, she didn’t. But I can feel it. She made me feel like a tourist in India.” I pouted at him.
He grinned at me and touched my nose. “You are a tourist.”
“I know! I mean like an outsider. I have no freaking idea Indian women are not really allowed to show their legs whenever they go out but it was okay to show their belly button. I was wearing a short dress tonight and she made it an example.”
It was not a very big deal but I aimed to have a first good impression from her with my taste in clothes. Not only did I offend her with my choice but she wasn’t interested enough to get to know me. She never asked anything personal and whenever I try to tell her something about myself she would just grunt and never ask. I didn’t know if Amon noticed his mum’s disinterest or she was always like that he didn’t think it was something bad. I’d feel really relieved if it was the latter.
“Well, traditionally, yes. But we’re in the modern age. People can wear whatever they want. I think you looked nice on that piece. I just didn’t like how those guys on the next table stared at you.” He scowled at me.
I rolled my eyes on him. “You should have told me your mum’s a traditionalist. I would never want to offend her again. And doesn’t she really ask people about themselves? I thought she wanted to know me.”
He shifted uncomfortably and tightened his hold on me. Alright. I knew the answer to my question.
“I figured she wasn’t just at eased with asking you questions. Not to offend you, you know,” he said.
“Or she just wasn’t interested.”
He pressed closer and he was hugging me already. I rested my arms on his shoulders as it was more natural to place it there. He pressed his lips on my forehead and then on my cheek.
“Give her another chance, please? She never had to meet any girlfriend before and she is adjusting too. I didn’t realize she was a traditionalist but now I know so I’ll give you a heads up next time. I know I told you it’d be fine but it wasn’t and I’m so sorry.”
My favorite pair of eyes bored into mine. Despite the disastrous dinner, he was there and listened to my sentiments. I was judging his mum to him and still he heard me out. The fact that he never introduced any girl to his mum before which probably why she was so uptight considerably perked me up.
“You’re utterly good at making me speechless, aren’t you?” I smiled at him.
He grinned back at me and asked, “How could I make it up to you, milady?”
“Help me forget about tonight.”
As soon as I said it, I realized what it sounded, and his grin dropped. His eyes rounded behind his eyeglasses and blood rushed to his face.
“I know what you’re thinking and that’s not what I mean,” I hurriedly told him, blushing myself. I gingerly withdraw my hands on his shoulders and he stepped back from me.
He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head.
“Well, we could play poker,” he said.
“Poker? Why?”
“It makes you think. It’ll take your mind off other things.”
I jumped off the balcony and crossed my arms on my chest.
“I don’t know how to play poker. You know I hate games.”
Both effectively evading the awkward moment, we grinned again, remembering our board games.
“Well…” he took my hand and gently tugged me in. “I promise you you’ll enjoy this one.”
Letting myself be dragged, I followed him in. “Alright. Let’s play poker, then.”
“I’ll help you forget about tonight.”
I gave him a not so gentle shove.
__________________________________
We played poker the whole night and for the first time, I enjoyed a game. I won twice too. And we somehow ended up nodding off on our 6th game. Or at least I did.
When I woke up, I was tucked inside the blanket in my bed so I guess Amon put me in it before going home. I wish he didn’t. I lost track of time last night but it was about after 3 in the morning when we had the last game. He’d be very sleepy and he was driving.
I got out of bed on that thought and grabbed my phone. I was about to call him when I saw the clock. 6 o’ clock. He was still asleep, I was sure. I wouldn’t want to wake him up. But I was also worried he didn’t get home safe. I was debating with myself on what to do when I was startled by a weird sound behind me.
Well, I didn’t have to worry if he got home safe or if I’d call him or not. He was just sleeping on the sofa in my room. He dangled his long legs beyond the armrest as he was far too tall for the length of the sofa. He looked so awkward and pitiful, trying to squeeze himself in there when he could just have lain in bed beside me.
I knelt on the floor beside him and smoothed his hair. He’s got stubbles on his cheeks that made him look sexier. What a thoughtful and beautiful man…MY thoughtful and beautiful man.
Honey irises peeked at me.
“Hey…Sorry I woke you up,” I whispered. My voice sounded so loud, interrupting the peace that surrounded us.
Rubbing his eyes, he pulled to sit up. “That’s fine. Sorry too I crashed in.”
His gruff voice, 5 o’clock shadow and his rumpled hair was too much for me in an early morning.
“That’s fine. I was very worried you didn’t get home safe.”
“I was too sleepy too drive and I don’t have the keys to the suite.” He stared at me and focused his gaze on my lips. I self-consciously bit them and looked away. I heard him chuckle.
“You look good in the morning, babe.”
I turned to him and rolled my eyes. I smiled at him. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He never reacted to any compliments. He’ll just shake his head as if to say no he doesn’t think so.
“Why are you up so early?” he asked me.
“I don’t know. I just woke up.” Something woke me up. Maybe it was his presence in my room.
“You should go back to sleep. I’ll head back home too.”
“Are you going home to you mum’s house?” He said he’ll be going but he was still sitting there.
“No. I go home to my own flat. I’ve been staying there for a month.”
Oh. So, no mommy’s gonna know. “You should probably just stay. Get some more sleep.”
“I’d love to, babe, but this chair’s not built for my height. I’d like to stretch out my legs.” He flexed his legs and massaged his calf muscles.
“Who said you’ll sleep here? The bed’s wide. It was built for two,” I said but I wasn’t looking at him. I was mortality afraid I’d blush beet red.
“Are you sure?” His voice was quiet. I slowly turned my head to him. He was looking at me softly under his lashes.
I stood up and pulled him with me. I held his face in my hands and to hell with morning etiquette, I kissed him.
“You put me to bed after you let me win in our games and then you slept on this awful sofa when you could just have lain in bed beside me. You’re a very thoughtful man and I love you.”
He held my chin and pecked at my lips one more time. “And I love you too. But I don’t want to assume.”
“No, you’re not.”
“How did you get in here?” I sat up immediately and scooted to the headboard. His gaze drifted lower as I follow where he was looking. My cheeks burned as I drew the blanket to my shoulders. Damn! In all fairness to Amon, he turned away at once when he realized what he was doing. But since he was fairer than I, his blush was very apparent to me. He cleared his throat and as casually as he could said, “You let me in.”
“I did not!”
I thought he recovered fast from the awkwardness I woke up to and the amusement was back in his eyes.
“You did. But apparently you weren’t awake enough to remember it. You just opened the door, dragged me in and went back to bed. You were instantly asleep again.”
I tried hard to remember if I actually did that. I could vaguely dredge up receiving an annoying call very early in the morning. I couldn’t make out what the call was about but I just grunted to get it over and go back to sleep. Minutes later, somebody was knocking on the door. I stood up and saw Amon on the doorway. I pulled him in and that was all I could recall.
“I thought I was dreaming,” I murmured.
He smirked. “You dreamt of pulling me into your room?”
I was not quite recovered from waking up with a kiss and seeing him in my room, on my bed; substantial details of the dream I was having. The blush that was sluggishly subsiding went shooting back to my face.
“Of course not!” I would rather die first than admit that I actually was. “It wasn't then a dream since you’re here.”
“And that is truly much better.” He dodged the pillow that I threw at him and grinned.
“What are you doing here so early?” I was still in bed since I couldn’t just stand up and walk to the bathroom. I was wearing something that wasn’t so decent for company, especially if that company was your boyfriend. And I didn’t know how to casually ask him to turn around or disappear while I change. We weren’t passed that awkward stage and rightfully so since we haven’t been together long enough. My flirting capabilities didn’t include that area. Not that we were fast heading there. It was my second day in India, for Pete’s sake!
“My naïve sleepy head, it’s not so early anymore.” He had my eyes turn round when he came to me and held my head to press his lips on my messy morning hair. Oh my gosh, my hair! I was exactly what I wished him not to see! His face was coming down to mine and it didn’t take a genius to know what he wanted to do. So, I clamped my hand on my mouth and shook my head.
He laughed and sat in front of me while I was feeling as miserable as a 12 year old in front of his senior crush. How oblivious could he actually get?
“Could you…? You know…” I pointed to the door. Thankfully he understood. But when he reached the door, he paused and looked back teasingly as I was coming out of the blanket heap. I ran to the bathroom while shouting, “Out!!!”
Dressed decently enough, I opened the door and glared at him. He just beamed at me but bit back the naughty remark he had on his mind and said instead, “Since you’ve already greeted your toiletries, can I kiss you now?”
He was such in a good mood. I could imagine what a great morning he was having.
I continued glowering at him. “You said it’s not early anymore.”
“It isn’t,” he enthusiastically said.
“It’s 7 o’ clock,” I disdainfully answered.
“Is it?” He looked at his watch. “I must have checked the wrong time.”
“Amon Kahn, I’m so gonna kill you!” I marched out of my room ahead of him, fuming in anger.
“Okay, I’m sorry…” Clearly, he wasn’t a tad apologetic. He kept up with my quick steps so easily and roguishly slung his arm around my neck. “But it’s a beautiful morning to waste, Babe.”
“And I should be having a wonderful dream right now.”
“What’s more wonderful than being with me?” He was starting to talk me out of my irritation.
“Awfully full of yourself, aren’t you?” And it really was the most effective. I was dreadfully ill-tempered during the morning. I was used to sleeping about 12 hours of the day to function well for the other 12 hours.
“About some things…about this...” He pulled me closer to make his point. “Seriously though, you should learn not to sleep away your mornings.”
“It’s the same as asking me not to sleep.”
“You’ll adjust. Besides, it’s not healthy to skip breakfast.” We reached the banquet hall where breakfast would be served for the hotel residents. Amon got the privilege to join in any meal since they owned a suite. He pulled a seat for me and pushed me on it. “From now on, you’ll wake up in the morning to eat breakfast or I’ll annoy you to death.”
“Jeez, I didn’t sign in for a health club.” I wasn’t used to eating in the morning because I didn’t have anyone to eat with. I was used to get up for lunch out and dinner somewhere. My mum and dad were very busy that we could only gather in the dining table together during weekends or holidays. I understood that and I just got used to eating alone. But eating with someone surely feeds ones appetite.
After terrorizing me into breakfast, we went out to explore the hotel facilities. True to his words, nobody stared at us for too long or whispered to their companions as we strolled hand in hand. It was pretty much the exact opposite of what I had experienced with him before on the rare occasions that we went to very public areas. He looked relax as well when I peered at him, his other hand in his pocket and his playful mood on pause.
As he was very talkative and animated on our breakfast, he was as silent now while we walk along the garden path, reverting to his old self. It was actually the first time I saw him that way. I didn’t quite know he had that side of him. It wasn’t just obvious especially if he wouldn’t speak. And like I said before, if he refused to talk then I wouldn’t feel like talking too because I would feel like breaking the peace that was enveloping us. That was the closest word I could find to describe how I felt. My comfort with him was something I couldn’t remember feeling with anyone else.
We stopped in a gazebo in the middle of the huge garden and found myself staring once again for too many times that day I lost count. It was a bit late to contemplate on my feelings for him since we were already in a relationship status. But admittedly, our courtship was really short I couldn’t even call it courtship. I called it harried, whirlwind at best and the best decision I had made by far.
Normally, I’d feel awkward with silence, even with my closest friends. Well, I’d always like to talk with them anyway. But silence with him was warm and comforting. I felt alone with him when we do not talk: alone but not lonely. And when he occasionally rubbed the pad of his thumb on the side of our linked hands, I felt even more reassured of his presence.
“Babe...?” I must have drifted again as he was waving his hand in front of me. I perked up and gave him a smile.
“Oh. I thought I lost you there. Anyway as I was saying, Mama wants to see you tonight at dinner.”
He said what? “Can you say that again?”
“I said Mama wants to see you tonight. We’re having dinner with her.”
I felt my jaw drop after I heard that. Tonight? Dinner? His Mama? Wow. Talk about surprise. Big time.
“Is that what you woke me up for?” I honestly felt betrayed. I know that was irrational but, the heck, I was gonna meet his mum in less than 24 hours and I thought he was just being sweet and wanted to be with me the earliest possible time.
“Well, actually, yeah.” His smile was awkward and I know he knew I was not taking it well, another credit to his sensitivity towards my ever changing mood. Technically, he was being really sweet. He could have told me that over the phone or at lunch during which I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare myself for the dinner. But he chose to tell me in the morning when he could have slept in as well. I shouldn’t be a brat about it.
I took a deep sigh. “Okay. Where should we meet?”
“You’re okay with it?”
Actually, I was not. But how could I say, “No. Please tell your mum to reschedule our dinner because I don’t feel like meeting her yet.”
“Yeah! I’m fine with it.” Amon gave me a skeptical look so I smiled at him brightly. Too brightly. I felt guilty of course but the day that I would meet his mum was one of the days I didn’t actually look forward to. I have nothing against his mum. It was just the prospect of getting a bad impression from her. I know that she was the greatest person for Amon and wanting to get her approval was like wanting to get my college diploma; my most wanted, most coveted and highly anticipated achievement.
“Really, Babe, I’m fine with it. But I won’t lie and say I’m not scared. Right now I feel like I’m going to defend my graduation thesis.”
He broke into a grin. “You passed your thesis defense. I’m sure you’ll do again with flying colors.”
“I certainly hope so. Tell me how she is like,” I coaxed him.
“How do you think she is like?”
I wished he didn’t ask me that. I winced and whispered, “She looks scary…”
I expected him to laugh and assure me she wasn’t. Instead, he nodded and seemed to agree with me!
“She is???” Oh God, kill me!
“At times…Somebody needs to be and since dad isn’t she took the task. But don’t worry, she’s nice.”
To other people maybe, but to her son’s girlfriend? I don’t think so…
“That reassured me, Babe. Really…”
He slung his arm on my shoulder and gave me a squeeze. “Come on, it will be fine. I’ll be there. I won’t leave you.”
“You better not. And after this, I really want you to meet my dad.”
With that, he laughed heartily and gave out his hand. “Deal.”
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Silence...
And more silence....
Not a word was spoken between us. Not when we got in the car nor when we were driving back to the hotel, not even when we reached my room and I changed from my dinner dress. He was becoming more and more anxious and his sighs were growing deeper and deeper. But I just couldn't make myself pretend that nothing was wrong and I couldn't think of anything else to say that wasn't about the dinner date.
He finally grew tired of my silence or he recognized the sign that I was upset when I went to look out the wide balcony. I had been doing exactly the same thing whenever I was feeling down or something was troubling me.
I felt his arms reaching from behind and pulled me to him.
"Please tell me what's bothering you." He planted a kiss at the back of my head and intertwined our fingers when I put my hands on top of his.
"I'm just thinking that we don't know much about each other." I finally said.
"Don't think too much of what my mum said."
"I can't help it. It's true."
“You know me enough. And I’d like to think I know you too.”
“We barely know each other for a month, not counting the months we’ve been away from each other.”
He released me and turned me around to face him.
“Why not count them? We never lost touch during those 3 torturous months.”
I couldn’t help smiling a little for his choice of word which I totally agree. “Skyping doesn’t count for me.”
“It does for me. I’m always true to you. Aren’t you to me?” He was blocking the light coming from the room so I couldn’t clearly see his face but I know that tone. He felt bad.
“Of course I am always true to you.” I reached up to caress his cheek. He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek on my palm.
Then, he grabbed my waist and hoisted me easily to sit on the balcony behind me. I could look at him levelly.
“Sit here and talk to me.” He clasped his hands together on my back to keep me safe.
“Your mum doesn’t like me,” I told him.
He looked shock. His mum was gracious during the dinner albeit very intimidating. He got his height from his mum so I felt like I was in between two towering columns in Greece. And she kept asking me about Indian culture I have no idea existed. I felt horrible the whole evening.
“What made you said that? She never said something like that, did she?”
“No, she didn’t. But I can feel it. She made me feel like a tourist in India.” I pouted at him.
He grinned at me and touched my nose. “You are a tourist.”
“I know! I mean like an outsider. I have no freaking idea Indian women are not really allowed to show their legs whenever they go out but it was okay to show their belly button. I was wearing a short dress tonight and she made it an example.”
It was not a very big deal but I aimed to have a first good impression from her with my taste in clothes. Not only did I offend her with my choice but she wasn’t interested enough to get to know me. She never asked anything personal and whenever I try to tell her something about myself she would just grunt and never ask. I didn’t know if Amon noticed his mum’s disinterest or she was always like that he didn’t think it was something bad. I’d feel really relieved if it was the latter.
“Well, traditionally, yes. But we’re in the modern age. People can wear whatever they want. I think you looked nice on that piece. I just didn’t like how those guys on the next table stared at you.” He scowled at me.
I rolled my eyes on him. “You should have told me your mum’s a traditionalist. I would never want to offend her again. And doesn’t she really ask people about themselves? I thought she wanted to know me.”
He shifted uncomfortably and tightened his hold on me. Alright. I knew the answer to my question.
“I figured she wasn’t just at eased with asking you questions. Not to offend you, you know,” he said.
“Or she just wasn’t interested.”
He pressed closer and he was hugging me already. I rested my arms on his shoulders as it was more natural to place it there. He pressed his lips on my forehead and then on my cheek.
“Give her another chance, please? She never had to meet any girlfriend before and she is adjusting too. I didn’t realize she was a traditionalist but now I know so I’ll give you a heads up next time. I know I told you it’d be fine but it wasn’t and I’m so sorry.”
My favorite pair of eyes bored into mine. Despite the disastrous dinner, he was there and listened to my sentiments. I was judging his mum to him and still he heard me out. The fact that he never introduced any girl to his mum before which probably why she was so uptight considerably perked me up.
“You’re utterly good at making me speechless, aren’t you?” I smiled at him.
He grinned back at me and asked, “How could I make it up to you, milady?”
“Help me forget about tonight.”
As soon as I said it, I realized what it sounded, and his grin dropped. His eyes rounded behind his eyeglasses and blood rushed to his face.
“I know what you’re thinking and that’s not what I mean,” I hurriedly told him, blushing myself. I gingerly withdraw my hands on his shoulders and he stepped back from me.
He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head.
“Well, we could play poker,” he said.
“Poker? Why?”
“It makes you think. It’ll take your mind off other things.”
I jumped off the balcony and crossed my arms on my chest.
“I don’t know how to play poker. You know I hate games.”
Both effectively evading the awkward moment, we grinned again, remembering our board games.
“Well…” he took my hand and gently tugged me in. “I promise you you’ll enjoy this one.”
Letting myself be dragged, I followed him in. “Alright. Let’s play poker, then.”
“I’ll help you forget about tonight.”
I gave him a not so gentle shove.
__________________________________
We played poker the whole night and for the first time, I enjoyed a game. I won twice too. And we somehow ended up nodding off on our 6th game. Or at least I did.
When I woke up, I was tucked inside the blanket in my bed so I guess Amon put me in it before going home. I wish he didn’t. I lost track of time last night but it was about after 3 in the morning when we had the last game. He’d be very sleepy and he was driving.
I got out of bed on that thought and grabbed my phone. I was about to call him when I saw the clock. 6 o’ clock. He was still asleep, I was sure. I wouldn’t want to wake him up. But I was also worried he didn’t get home safe. I was debating with myself on what to do when I was startled by a weird sound behind me.
Well, I didn’t have to worry if he got home safe or if I’d call him or not. He was just sleeping on the sofa in my room. He dangled his long legs beyond the armrest as he was far too tall for the length of the sofa. He looked so awkward and pitiful, trying to squeeze himself in there when he could just have lain in bed beside me.
I knelt on the floor beside him and smoothed his hair. He’s got stubbles on his cheeks that made him look sexier. What a thoughtful and beautiful man…MY thoughtful and beautiful man.
Honey irises peeked at me.
“Hey…Sorry I woke you up,” I whispered. My voice sounded so loud, interrupting the peace that surrounded us.
Rubbing his eyes, he pulled to sit up. “That’s fine. Sorry too I crashed in.”
His gruff voice, 5 o’clock shadow and his rumpled hair was too much for me in an early morning.
“That’s fine. I was very worried you didn’t get home safe.”
“I was too sleepy too drive and I don’t have the keys to the suite.” He stared at me and focused his gaze on my lips. I self-consciously bit them and looked away. I heard him chuckle.
“You look good in the morning, babe.”
I turned to him and rolled my eyes. I smiled at him. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He never reacted to any compliments. He’ll just shake his head as if to say no he doesn’t think so.
“Why are you up so early?” he asked me.
“I don’t know. I just woke up.” Something woke me up. Maybe it was his presence in my room.
“You should go back to sleep. I’ll head back home too.”
“Are you going home to you mum’s house?” He said he’ll be going but he was still sitting there.
“No. I go home to my own flat. I’ve been staying there for a month.”
Oh. So, no mommy’s gonna know. “You should probably just stay. Get some more sleep.”
“I’d love to, babe, but this chair’s not built for my height. I’d like to stretch out my legs.” He flexed his legs and massaged his calf muscles.
“Who said you’ll sleep here? The bed’s wide. It was built for two,” I said but I wasn’t looking at him. I was mortality afraid I’d blush beet red.
“Are you sure?” His voice was quiet. I slowly turned my head to him. He was looking at me softly under his lashes.
I stood up and pulled him with me. I held his face in my hands and to hell with morning etiquette, I kissed him.
“You put me to bed after you let me win in our games and then you slept on this awful sofa when you could just have lain in bed beside me. You’re a very thoughtful man and I love you.”
He held my chin and pecked at my lips one more time. “And I love you too. But I don’t want to assume.”
“No, you’re not.”