Since I had slept late, I also woke up late, probably around 11 in the morning. I had a slight headache, thanks to my brother who woke me up. And guess what was the first thing he said to me? He asked when Logan would be arriving.
I tried to divert his attention because his constant pestering was stressing me out. But he wouldn't stop, so I had no choice but to call Logan.
I actually wanted him to rest first. Logan had just returned from a long business trip, and I hoped he could get some much-needed rest before facing my brother. However, my ears had been hurting since earlier.
"Brother, it's Christmas. Maybe you can meet him some other time..." I stopped myself, realizing I was about to mention Logan's name.
"Who?" he inquired, as curious as ever.
"Just wait, brother. You'll eventually get to know him," I said, trying to put an end to the topic.
"Fine, I'll meet that person before the day ends," my brother declared, finality in his tone.
My brother left, leaving only my mom and me in the living room. My mom gave me a reassuring smile. "There's nothing wrong with what your brother is doing. He just wants to meet that person and make sure he won't hurt you."
Logan wouldn't hurt me. I could feel it, and I knew he would take care of me. I just didn't want my brother to threaten Logan the way he had warned my previous boyfriends.
I went to my room to call Logan, hoping he was awake at this hour.
After a few minutes of ringing, he answered. "Hello?" he greeted from the other end of the line.
"Did I wake you up?" I asked, trying to conceal my nervousness.
He hummed. "Not at all. I've been up for a while. I was waiting for your call, to know when I can come over."
I breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that he appeared ready and prepared to meet my brother. I just hoped my brother wouldn't cause any trouble later.
"Come over, let's have lunch together," I invited him, biting my lower lip nervously.
"Yeah, I'm on my way... you know how much I miss you."
Logan didn't have to put in so much effort because every word he said, every hint of excitement, filled me with butterflies in my stomach. He truly was a gift to me.
This felt like a beautiful dream. Everything was almost perfect and aligned with my desires. What I longed for most was peace of mind, especially regarding my dad. And of course, I hoped Logan wasn't just a dream. I hoped he would become someone precious to me, someone who cherished me.
I anxiously awaited Logan's arrival. I was on the terrace, holding a glass of juice and a sandwich that I couldn't bring myself to eat due to worry and paranoia.
It was all because of my brother. I knew him well. He wasn't the type to show mercy, especially when it came to a man entering my life. That was sometimes non-negotiable for him.
I also noticed that Alice was always with my brother, engaging in conversation. I loved my friend's confidence, and I was confident that they would like each other.
Alice had become a cupid and a bridge, allowing me to get to know Logan more deeply. If it weren't for Alice inadvertently pushing me toward Logan, starting from the time we trespassed in that waterfall, and due to many other things, she would have never been the reason why I finally found one of the greatest sources of happiness in my life from that day onward. That's why I wanted to find a way to repay her for all the help she had given me.
My nervousness grew as Logan arrived, and I silently prayed as I watched my brother greet him. I was genuinely nervous.
"Logan Lopez, right? I am Claude, Krystal's brother."
I was anxious about the tension between them. I was thankful that my mom was there to break the not-so-good atmosphere between the two men.
I stayed by Logan's side the entire time while my brother questioned him. At times, my brother went beyond limits, and I had to defy him.
But my brother insisted, "Let me talk to this man, man to man."
I let them be and accompanied Mom in preparing our meal in the dining area.
"Mom, do you think Kuya will do something bad?" I asked her, seeking reassurance.
"Trust your brother. He knows when to let go and when to protect you. He loves protecting and cherishing you, but believe me when I say that your brother also has great trust in you. You won't do anything to break his trust in the people around you."
I instinctively held my chest. Did my brother love me that much?
"Yes, Mom, I will trust Kuya no matter what."
"You should."
It seemed their conversation was over now. Logan was smiling from ear to ear, while my brother appeared to be in a better mood. I hoped he was genuinely in a good mood.
But little did I know, that wasn't the end of it. My brother said he would talk to me later, after our lovely dinner. My nervousness returned, but seeing Logan more at ease, maybe my brother just wanted to give me advice.
"Eat to your heart's content, my son," Mom said to Logan as she served him a delicious dish.
Mom didn't cook like this every day. She was busy with her boutiques in Claybourne, so she didn't have time to prepare such a hearty meal for us.
I felt happy, satisfied even. I had learned things the hard way, but I was slowly getting there, especially now that I had learned to be content. Even though Logan often wanted to spoil me with everything he wanted to give me, I managed to refuse.
After a delightful lunch, Logan told me he would wait for me in the car. He wanted to take me to the mansion because Logan's grandmother wanted to meet me.
I went to my brother, and he already had Logan's gift in his hand. My brother seemed happy, to some extent at least. I knew Logan had a way of convincing people, so I didn't doubt his ability to show his good intentions to my brother.
"So, are you sure about Logan? Do you think he's not using you?" my brother asked, looking at me seriously.
"He's kind, brother. Not just kind, I can see how genuine he is. He wants to protect me. He saves me from trouble, he adds color to my life," I reasoned.
"Logan was sitting earlier. He's way older than you. What about that? And he comes from a well-known family? Are you ready to face criticism? Can you handle it when the day comes?" my brother assessed.
"Regarding his age, brother, there's no problem with that. Both Mom and Logan's family have no issue with it, as I've already met them. In life, I think I can find contentment. I can handle criticism now because I know he'll be by my side forever," I told him.
"Really? What about when I asked him if there's anything between you, and he said there isn't yet? He's still trying to get to know you and explore the possibilities. Are you now a risk-taker?" my brother inquired.
"I'm ready to wait, brother. I'm ready to take a risk now. Because I'm more scared of losing than not trying at all. At least I can say to myself that I tried somehow," I said.
"Okay, you should go now because your man is waiting for you. I hope he doesn't dare hurt you; he knows what's at stake." I knew my brother, and this time, he was dead serious.
I said my goodbyes and got into Logan's car. I felt a bit embarrassed as I handed him my gift. It wasn't expensive since I was on a tight budget. I hoped he would like it, at least.
"Um," I started. "Here's my gift. I hope you won't refuse it," I said a little shyly.
He smiled as he opened my gift. It was a cardigan; I knew he often traveled to winter countries, so I thought of giving him this gift.
"I hope that every time you wear it, you'll feel like I'm beside you, hugging you just like that warm cardigan."
"If I weren't driving right now, I would hug you tightly."
His eyes conveyed everything. I knew he was happy, just like me. And all I wished for was long-lasting happiness for both of us.
We arrived at the mansion, and I was greeted warmly by the Lopez family. What could I say? This household exuded warmth. The smiles and the exchange of happiness spoke volumes.
I hadn't expected them to have gifts for me. I felt embarrassed that I hadn't prepared anything, but it didn't matter to them. What mattered was that I was there to celebrate Christmas with them.
They also gave gifts to the farmers. How could this family be so blessed? It was because they had kind hearts.
Since we were still full from lunch, we didn't join them for dinner. Instead, Logan invited me to their backyard. I had been so busy these past few days that I hadn't had a chance to visit the rose garden. It felt nostalgic to be there now. I was so happy.
"I have a gift for you here," he said, surprising me.
"Don't tell me it's too expensive?" I asked, because I wouldn't accept it if it was.
"I know you'll refuse anything expensive coming from me, so here," he said and showed me his gift.
It had been a few months since he had taught me how to ride one, and I was overjoyed right now.
"Are you serious?" I asked, unable to believe it.
"Yeah, I want us to ride together on the road next time, side by side."
What he said felt like a dream. I would be ecstatic if that day ever came.
"Yes, let's travel together, okay?"
To be honest, he was the one who had taught me how to pedal on my own.
I used to complain about so many things, but he had taught me to be grateful, and I was so grateful to have him by my side. From moments of happiness to the storms I faced from time to time.
"Thank you, thank you, Logan."
Little did I know that this happiness wouldn't last long.