Chapter 17
“DO YOU want to meet my mom?”
Kyrie paused from fixing the bed and straightened his back.
“Do you want me to?” he asked in amusement.
Chaya shrugged as she sat from her gaming chair.
“You’re leaving tomorrow, and I’m sure she’s got many questions. I just want to show her I’m on the right track.”
Kyrie rolled from the other side of the bed. He pulled the armchair toward him as he sat on the mattress. “Sure, I want to meet her.”
Chaya smiled and pinched his cheek. “Thank you.”
He pulled her from the chair and made her sit on the bed. “It’s kind of late. You should go to sleep.”
Chaya pursed her lips. “I've got work to do.”
“Work can wait.”
She yawned. She must admit, she was a little exhausted from their unplanned dinner tonight. But she was not complaining.
“If you sing me to sleep,” she teased.
Kyrie chuckled as he pulled her to his chest.
***
Cecily's Laundry. A few years ago, Chaya had bought a space from this commercial building for her mother’s business. It was doing well. Her mother had been busy since, but she still got time to ask about her love life and when she would get back with Tyler.
Chaya held Kyrie’s hand as they entered the shop. Ruby, her mother’s assistant, was busy folding the clothes while the machines were busy rolling.
“Chaya, you’re here,” she greeted.
“What’s up, Ruby? Where’s Mama?”
“She’s inside her office, watching her favorite drama.” Ruby gazed at Kyrie with wide eyes. “Is this your new boyfriend?”
“Yeah.” She glanced at Kyrie with a smile. “Kyrie, this is Ruby, a family friend. Ruby, Kyrie, my boyfriend.”
“How are you, Ruby?” Kyrie offered his hand.
Ruby smiled shyly as she gazed at his hand.
“Oh, my hands are dry.”
“You should be proud of your hand,” he said with a smile.
Ruby eventually shook his hand. She could not help a giggle.
“You’re a nice man. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here.”
“See you later,” Chaya said and tugged his hand.
“MA, it’s me,” Chaya called as she knocked on the door.
“Chaya? Come in!” Cecily responded.
She pushed the door open. Cecily was wiping her tears. The television screen was paused.
“I didn’t know you’d drop by.” She stood up at once. Then, she stopped when she spotted Kyrie beside her. “Oh, wow. What’s going on?”
“Have you had lunch yet?” she asked. “Kyrie, this is my mother, Cecily Rosales. Ma, this is Kyrie, my boyfriend.”
Cecily coughed. “Your boyfriend? You’re not… you’re not getting back with Tyler anymore? Is that for real?”
Chaya widened her eyes. “Ma.”
“I’m sorry.”
“How are you, ma’am? I’m Kyrie.” He let go of Chaya’s hand and sauntered toward Cecily, offering his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Cecily blinked. “Oh, you’re so tall. Do you play basketball? It’s nice to meet you, too.” She took his hand. “I’m Cecily. How long have you been dating my daughter?”
“A few weeks.”
“Really?” Cecily glanced at Chaya when she pulled her hand. “He’s a handsome young man. I didn’t know you would date sooner, though.”
“That’s what I thought, too.” Chaya shrugged. “But it just happened.” She smiled. “So, are you free today? Let’s have lunch outside.”
“You should have told me you’re coming with your boyfriend. I would have prepared a decent lunch for us.”
“It’s all right, Ma. Kyrie is flying back home tonight. We didn’t have that much time, either.”
“Don’t worry. I know a good place.” Cecily smiled. “I hope you like grilled chicken and unlimited rice, Kyrie dear.”
“Wow, that’s my weakness,” Kyrie said.
***
“You're a nice and intelligent young man. I’m glad my daughter brought you today,” Cecily said.
They were having desserts already. Chaya’s mother loved ‘halo-halo.’ It was made up of crushed ice, milk, sugar, ice cream, banana, corn, jelly, and colorful tiny tapioca pearls.
“I wish I could spend more time with you, ma’am. I can’t believe I have to go back home already,” Kyrie said. “I already met Chaya’s friends, and you are all lovely.”
Cecily smiled at Chaya. “I’m glad my daughter knows how to choose a man. That is something I just couldn’t do.” Cecily laughed heartily.
Chaya shrugged as Kyrie gazed at her. He chuckled afterward.
“I’ll do my best to prove to her that she made the right choice,” he said sincerely.
Chaya blushed.
“But you don’t have to worry, kids. Take your time. You might hear people telling you that you should think of settling down because you’re not getting any younger. Don’t listen to them,” Cecily said. “I mean, I used to tell Chaya that, but that’s your life to live. Those people won’t be there for you if things fall apart.”
“That’s some of the best advice I have ever heard. Thank you, ma’am,” Kyrie said earnestly. “I know Chaya still has a lot of things she wants to achieve. I’ll be just here for her.”
He gazed at her lovingly. Chaya jokingly crinkled her nose.
***
“You got everything in there?” Chaya was referring to Kyrie’s luggage.
He had just finished packing when she came to check him in her room.
That was not a pleasant sight, to be honest. The days just went by quickly, and now he had to go back. Why did they have to be islands apart?
“Yup. All good.”
Chaya took a deep breath. She was missing him already.
“Are you all right?” he asked. He looked anxious.
She nodded and forced a smile. But a tear sprang from her eye.
“Who am I kidding? Of course, I’m not. This scene is really familiar.” She hastily wiped the tear with the back of her hand.
“Chaya.” Kyrie was quick to pull her into his arms. “You know I hate to go.”
“I-I’m not stopping you, all right? I mean, this is just temporary. I’ll be okay. Don’t mind me.”
Kyrie cupped her cheeks and pressed his forehead into hers. “I’ll be missing you once I’m back home.”
“I’ll miss you, too.”