November was fast approaching, and on this particular day, November 1, I found myself reflecting on how differently people in the countryside observed this day compared to when I lived in the city. Back then, it was just like any other day for me, nothing special. But here, in the countryside, it was a day of gathering, picnics, and reunions at the cemetery—a time for people to connect with their relatives in a unique way. It made me realize that there was still so much for me to learn.
As for me, it was our vacation and semester break, giving me the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed rest. Just one more month, and I would finally be free from Logan's company. If you were to ask me about how things were between us now, I would say that Logan had transformed in my eyes. The guy I once thought would be a constant headache had become someone I could rely on.
Of course, there was always the lingering fear of being accused of ulterior motives or facing baseless criticism. But gradually, I was growing accustomed to it. I learned to turn a deaf ear to their unfounded judgments because I knew the truth and that was all that mattered.
Meanwhile, Andrew had been absent from Clayland for almost two months. Logan had indeed followed through on his threat to send his brother away. At times, I felt a tinge of guilt, but I constantly reminded myself that Andrew needed to face the consequences of his actions to truly change. If going far away was the key to him learning his lesson, then I would be content if it led to his personal growth. There were no hard feelings on my part.
Today, I found myself at Logan's mansion as usual. The atmosphere was quieter than usual since most of the staff had the day off for the holiday. Only a few remained, and Alice was also absent as she had been assigned to clean her late aunt's grave.
My task for the day was watering the roses in the backyard, a newfound hobby of mine. I had discovered my love for flowers, with roses being my personal favorite. The variety of colors planted in the garden always captivated me with their beauty.
As I finished watering the roses, Logan suddenly approached me. He was dressed in his usual attire, a checkered polo shirt and jeans, giving him the appearance of a character straight out of a novel entering my world. For some reason, as he walked towards me, time seemed to slow down.
"Hey," he greeted, slightly out of breath. His smile seemed more frequent now, and it struck me in a different way each time. It was just so different.
"Oh, you're here? I thought you had plans today," I said, genuinely curious. Earlier, he had mentioned picking up his grandma from the airport.
"My siblings already took care of picking up Granny. They're here to pay respects to our ancestors," he explained. I nodded, realizing that it was moments like these that created a sense of family reunion during holidays.
"Is that so? Dion and Jude are here?" I asked, attempting to make conversation. I couldn't help but feel a bit shy under his intense gaze.
I noticed a furrow in his brow and a sparkle in his eyes. "Yeah, so what?" he responded, his tone coming off a bit tough.
"Why do you look so mad?" I asked, a playful laugh escaping me as I observed his annoyed expression while turning off the hose I had been using.
He pouted at me. "I am not mad," he denied, though his wrinkled face told a different story.
"Okay..." I replied, not pressing the matter further. I started to walk away, knowing that I would be leaving soon to accompany Alice. We were planning to visit the cemetery to pay respects to her relatives' graves.
Suddenly, Logan ran towards me, catching me by surprise. I had already made my way to the swimming pool, preparing to clean it.
"Oh? You should get ready, or your parents and siblings might catch you like that," I teased, reminding him of the possibility.
"Why? Don't I look presentable now?" he retorted, his irritation apparent.
"I didn't say that, did I?" I replied with a hint of amusement.
He nodded, then grabbed the pool cleaner. "Hey, that's my job," I scolded him playfully.
"But no one said I can't help you," he countered. I remained silent, allowing him to assist me in cleaning the pool.
In a comfortable silence, we carried out the task together. Suddenly, he playfully pushed me into the pool, causing both of us to get drenched. Laughter filled the air as we splashed and played like children. It was a moment of carefree enjoyment, and I couldn't help but feel a growing closeness between us. Five months had been enough for me to truly get to know him, and it was evident in that scene.
Unbeknownst to us, we were caught in the act by Logan's grandmother and his siblings. Even his parents were present. I felt a deep sense of embarrassment wash over me, wishing that the water would just swallow me up in the swimming pool.
We quickly made our way out of the water, and I awkwardly bowed to Logan's guests before hastily departing. It was all Logan's fault! The situation had become so embarrassing.
Once I reached the bathroom, I changed into dry clothes and prepared to leave. I couldn't bear the weight of embarrassment that hung over me in that moment.
As I readied myself to go, Logan approached me, waiting for me with a concerned expression.
"It's your fault! I told you to get ready because they might arrive, and then they caught us in that state. What will they think of me?" I scowled at him, unable to hide my frustration.
He shrugged his shoulders. "It's not important what they think. They're open-minded, and that's what truly matters."
"Whatever, I'm leaving for now. I'm already done," I declared, eager to distance myself from the embarrassment I was feeling.
"Hey, are you mad at me?" Logan asked, his tone tinged with worry.
"Why would I be mad? Is there a reason for me to be mad at you?" I inquired, genuinely puzzled.
"Yeah, because of what happened earlier," he admitted, his concern evident.
I sighed, feeling a mixture of emotions. "Well, at least you're aware. I should leave now. I don't want to be seen here while your relatives are around. It's embarrassing."
"Then, let me introduce you to them," he suggested, surprising me. Despite my initial resistance, it felt as though I was being swept along by his pull.
"Mom, Dad, everyone, this is Krystal Miranda. She's my special friend," Logan announced, leaving me dumbfounded by his choice of words.
Mrs. Lopez warmly embraced me, and we exchanged cheek kisses. "Welcome to the family," she greeted with genuine joy. Oh my, things had escalated quickly.
They all welcomed me with open arms, and even Logan's grandmother expressed her delight as she hugged me. I couldn't help but correct them, emphasizing that they had welcomed me into their family. It seemed that Logan's words had caused a slight misunderstanding.
I found myself unable to decline their invitation to join them for lunch. Both Logan's parents and his grandmother extended their hospitality, and I lacked the courage to refuse.
As we made our way to the dining area, I glanced at Logan. He seemed to be engaged in conversation with his brothers.
Sitting alone in the living room, I was approached by a young boy, Logan's nephew, the son of the second eldest among the Lopez siblings. He greeted me shyly, and I couldn't help but smile at his adorable presence. Though still young, his innate handsomeness was already evident.
"Hi..." he said softly, his shyness endearing.
"Hello, come here, sit next to me," I invited him, and he complied, leaning against me. It warmed my heart as he displayed such sweet affection.
"You're pretty," he complimented me, catching me off guard.
"Thank you... You're handsome too," I responded, returning the compliment and causing a blush to color his cheeks.
"Really? More handsome than my Uncle Logan?" he questioned, surprising me with his innocent curiosity.
I laughed and nodded. "Yeah, no doubt about that," I replied.
He hugged me tightly and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Can I court you? I really want to be your boyfriend! You're so beautiful, just like my mom."
Oh, who had taught this child such things?
My surprise was interrupted when Logan suddenly pulled Blaze away, carrying him in his arms. "What did you say? You little monster?" Logan scolded him, his protective instincts kicking in.
"Get down! Put me down! I want my girlfriend, not you, Uncle!" the child protested, throwing a small tantrum.
"Your girlfriend? You don't have a girlfriend here, you little monster," Logan retorted, keeping his stern tone.
"I do! I have her! That beautiful lady, she's mine." I watched the playful uncle-nephew interaction unfold before me, feeling both amused and bewildered.
"Nope, she's not available. She's exclusive now. So back off, you little monster," Logan declared, his protective side fully on display.
Blaze burst into tears, causing panic to rise within me. I swiftly took the child from Logan, distancing him from the situation.
"Are you really going to argue with a child?" I scolded Logan, unable to comprehend his reaction.
He furrowed his brow and responded, "Are you really taking his side?"
"Why not?" I questioned him. Eventually, the commotion settled, and we were called to join the others for lunch. We made our way to the dining area, with Alessa taking Blaze from my arms. "Please excuse my son, he takes after his father—often temperamental," she explained with a laugh. I joined in, realizing how similar Logan and his nephew were.
"I'm already used to those kinds of things," I assured her, finding humor in the resemblance.
Truly, I had become immune to Logan's occasional outbursts.
And so, the day continued with warm conversations and shared laughter. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turn of events. Despite the initial embarrassment, being welcomed into Logan's family with open arms filled me with a sense of belonging.
As the day progressed, I realized that there was much more to discover in this journey I was on with Logan. I didn't know what the future held, but for now, I would cherish these moments and embrace the unexpected twists and turns of life.