Family Dinner | written by @joreneagustin

I was checking for the additional information about the product we’re selling when my little sister opened my study room.

“How do you know if that one guy is interested in you?”

I was stunned by her question, my mouth half-open, and I couldn't think of anything to say.

“Never mind! Just to let you know that I have some suitors,” she said with a crazy smile and a pout.

“You don't like me; you like Xemei. You're always protecting her rather than me,” I overheard her say as she walked out and shut the door.

But I smiled when I realized Xemei had the greatest influence on me. I adore her and want to protect her in the same way that I do to my younger sister. Of course, I want to do more to Xemei than I can to Yenna.

“Love, what do you have planned for our upcoming anniversary?”

After asking the question, Xemei smiled.

“Let's get to know each other's parents. I'd like you to meet my parents in person, so I'll arrange a family dinner with you. Will you accept?”

“What if they don't make it this time?”

“I'll do everything I can to keep this plan from being canceled,”

I assured her with a smile. I can tell she's nervous, but I hold her hand and tell her everything is fine.

“The last time you planned a family dinner, only your younger sister came,” she chuckled as she recalled something. “She got jealous because your attention was all on mine at the time, huh?” I laugh as I recall how clammy and bossy my sister was. She went to any length to get my attention.

“She got jealous again last night, thinking I was busy chatting with you when the truth was I was busy with the family business.”

“If only I had a brother, maybe I'd be better than her!”

“I'm glad you didn't! hahahaha!”

“Gosh! Will you be envious as well?”

“How could I? She's just your brother, HAHAHA. I'm just afraid he'll kill me before I marry you!”

“Wow, I think I'd like to have that. HAHAHA!”

If you're wondering why I like this woman, it's because she's soft and kind. She's sincere and truthful. I also like her eyes, which drew my attention before.

I recognized someone in her eyes.

After a few days, the family dinner was ready. My parents have already agreed to this, and they are very excited about it, but they have not given me any assurances because of our family business.

“Can you sing, Love?”

I asked her when I was going to get my guitar.

We sang our favorite song, and the rhythm of the song moved us to tears. I remember when we weren't together and I courted her several times, and she said yes after eight times of trying. I recall those challenges in our relationship that were almost break us.

“What exactly is your job?” My father inquired again after chewing his food.

Today is the planned family dinner. I'm glad my parents are here.

“I...I manage our family business.” she said, her voice slightly trembling. I was holding her hand under the table, and it was freezing. I can tell she's nervous.

“Wow, you're definitely a great businesswoman?”

My mother, Finna, intervened in the discussion.

“She is my mom, she's the best.” I declared proudly.

“Oh see.” my father says, sipping his cup while looking at her. “How did you meet?”

“We first met on Instagram, but we unexpectedly met at a government project. She was also present. We started getting to know each other back then.”
I explained.

“Hmmm.” he nodded, but his gaze is still drawn to Xemei, which made her uncomfortable.

“Dad,” I cautioned him.

“I like your eyes,” he said casually! When I looked at my mom, Finna, I noticed she smiled sarcastically.

“Does it remind you of anyone you know?” She sighed and continued to eat. I silently ask my mother for forgiveness, and she simply nods and smiles. But I know she's hurt.

“Anyway, if your parents are unable to attend, we apologize, but we have a meeting later.” Dad told Xemei. But I look at him, pleading with them to stay.

When the door opened, the entire room fell silent. A tall man dressed formally entered the room.

“We apologize for being late. We've just arrived in PH. Happy anniversary, kids.”

Xemei went to say hello to her father. She hugged her and then began to introduce him to us. I noticed my father's face reaction when Xemei was in the middle of introducing her dad.

We could all see how shocked the two men were when they met each other's eyes!

Xemei was unconcerned about the change in atmosphere. She's just glad to be introducing her father to my family. I'm not sure why I felt so uncomfortable when I was at ease in the first place.

When a woman in her 60s entered the room, the entire room fell silent and was shocked. Every eye was on her. I could see how surprised she is without saying anything.

I couldn't even move my feet to run away, tears slowly escape from my eyes as I'm getting the situation.

No other than, the two persons in this room is Xemei’s parent. But the last one to arrive was the woman who abandoned me when I was five years old. The woman who ruined the family first, the woman who only raised her own son in five years, after that she left.

It's amusing how our one-year anniversary has turned into a family dinner, a reunion.

I finally got to meet my long-lost half sister, Xemei.