Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:31:36 -0700 (PDT) From: John Michaels Subject: FILIPINO LOVE - Chapter 28 FILIPINO LOVE BY JM This and all subsequent chapters are dedicated to my own Filipino Love. He knows who he is. Email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com Disclaimers and other info: see chapter one CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT As we made our way to the kitchen, it occurred to me that along with the beer I was going to offer Marcus, there were also several bottles of hard liquor in the cupboard under the sink. Directing Ronni to get the roast out of ref, I opened the cabinet and found quite a stash. There were brand-name bottles of just about every liquor one could imagine, but sitting right in front, in an apparent place of honor, was the national drink of the Philippines: Tanduay Dark Rum. This was what we had been drinking at Marcus' house that fateful evening. Turning to him, I offered him a choice of beer or a mixed drink using one of the offerings before me. As I suspected, he opted for rum and coke, which I began to mix for him. Ronni had, in the meantime, gotten the meat from the ref and had even scrounged a proper sized roasting pan, and was removing the packaging to place the roast in the pan. Going to the ref, I grabbed the coke and some ice for Marcus' drink and took a look in the vegetable drawer. Sure enough, there was a small bag of potatoes, so as I passed Ronni on the way back to fix his dad's drink, I asked him to get the spuds from the ref and to also get out a clove of garlic from the spice cupboard. He gave me one of his dazzling smiles and a quick kiss on the lips and went to get the items. I took Marcus his drink and told him that we'd be busy for few minutes, and he could turn on the TV if he wanted. Accepting his drink, he said he'd be fine, and as I turned to go back to the kitchen, he got up and sat at the counter facing the activity in the kitchen. I asked Ronni if he'd mind peeling the potatoes while I got the roast ready. I got another of his sweet smiles as he rummaged through the utensil drawer, looking for something to peel with. He was obviously very happy to be taking an active role in preparing a meal for our first guests, his own family. I could hear him softly humming a tune as he wielded the paring knife with ease as I turned back to my own task. Realizing I also need a knife, I went behind him to the same drawer, pausing to kiss the top of his head and give his left butt cheek a caress. I had totally forgotten that his father was sitting just across the counter and could see everything that went on in the kitchen area. It wasn't until I heard him chuckle that I came to my senses, blushing furiously. All Ronni did was giggle, not even pausing in his task. I quickly got the knife, and with a sheepish grin and shrug of the shoulders to Marcus, got back to my own prep work. Taking the knife, I made several shallow slits across the top of the roast and grabbed the garlic Ronni had gotten for me. Removing the same number of cloves as there were slits on the roast, I peeled and inserted them. I got the salt, pepper and rosemary and lightly dusted the roast with each before returning them to the cupboard. I'm one of those types that likes to clean as I go to cut down on cleaning time at the end. By this time, Ronni had about a dozen small to medium-sized potatoes peeled and rinsed, and I figured that would be enough, so I told him so, praising him for doing such a good and fast job. This garnered me another smile and kiss, which I happily received and returned. I took the peeled spuds and arranged them in the bottom of the roasting pan around the lamb. Everything would cook together, the potatoes eventually sitting and cooking in the juices from the lamb, which I would baste over them toward the end of the cooking time to brown them. I popped the pan into the preheated oven, setting the timer for an hour. Lamb, like beef, can be cooked to any degree of doneness, and I was aiming for medium. When the timer went off would be time to periodically baste the potatoes over the course of the final half hour of cooking. I went back to the ref and examined the freezer for any kind of frozen vegetable that would compliment the meal. I found a bag of frozen peas, which I took out and placed on the counter while I went to get a pot to boil them in. I was very grateful for the time Josie had spent in the US, since she knew what my tastes would most likely be and had shopped accordingly. I had told her some specific things to get but had left it basically up to her to stock the house, and she had done an excellent job. I would definitely see that she gets a darn good tip before I have to leave. I got some bottled water, covered the peas in the pot and set it on the stove to turn on at the last minute. Ronni, meanwhile, had cleaned up all the peelings, placed them in a small plastic bag to put into the trash and had his area completely cleaned up just as I finished. Since we now had about an hour before having to tend dinner, I asked Ronni what he'd like to drink, grabbing his requested juice and a can of coke for me to add to some rum for my own drink. Finally, with drinks in hand, we went back to sit down in the salla, Marcus having already returned to his seat there. Throughout our time in the kitchen, Marcus had simply watched as Ronni and I prepared dinner, most of the time with a soft smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I think it became very clear to him that what Ronni and I had between us wasn't just a sexual thing. We were a family unit of our own, in OUR kitchen, preparing dinner for OUR guests, even if it was for family. I think what he saw was very similar to his own life with Venus. Of course there will be sex, but it's the small things done as a couple, day in and day out, that give true meaning to a loving and committed relationship. Marcus got a good view of that as he watched Ronni and me, and I'm positive, that before he turned away to retake his seat in the salla, that there was not only a smile, but tears as well, probably remembering all that had happened the other night. He knew that he could give the total love and support of a parent, but that the true comfort and love that Ronni deeply needed, wanted, even craved, would now come from me. This was another defining moment in the on-going growth and development of not just the relationship between Ronni and me, but also between us as a committed couple and his parents. Taking my seat on the sofa, Ronni immediately parked his tight young butt on my lap, wiggling a bit, until his back was firmly against my chest, his coltish legs draped over the outside of my thighs. With a sigh of deep contentment, he took a sip of his juice and rested his head on my shoulder, softly rubbing my cheek with his. I got such an enormous surge of emotions, I almost lost it. My eyes did fill up, but I managed to restrain the sob that threatened to erupt from the depths of my soul. Dear God, I am so blessed!! I love him so much, my whole being swells with the enormity of my love for this beautiful, loving young man, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life loving him and showing him my love in everything I do in life. Marcus was not doing any better than me as he witnessed that simple gesture Ronni gave me, his cheeks wet with tears. Reaching for his handkerchief, he wiped his eyes, blew his nose, and with a smile, raised his glass in a silent toast. Raising mine as well, Ronni noticed and did the same. At that point, we were all ginning like fools at one another. I was just about to say something, when there was a knock at the door. Looks like the rest of our dinner guests have arrived. Ronni carefully set down his drink and went to the door to let the rest of his family enter our home. I also put my drink down and went to greet Venus and the twins. Ronni was in the middle of a twin sandwich, getting the stuffing hugged out of him and Venus turned to me, enveloping me in her arms and giving me a kiss on the cheek, all of which I happily returned. I then knelt down, as Ronni and the twins had ended their hug-fest and with my arms open, waited to see what would happen. With a happy giggle, I soon had an arm wrapped around each twin as they attempted to get their small arms around me as best they could. I was surprised when I felt a sloppy kiss on each cheek as they again broke out in giggles. Giving them each a kiss on the cheek, I gave an extra little squeeze and eased up. They both pulled back at the same time, looking at me with those big, beautiful eyes with a grin that reached for their ears. Standing up I offered a hand to each, which was quickly taken, and turning to Ronni, I asked him if he would see what they'd like to drink. "Love," I said to him, "would you ask the kids if they'd like to stay with the adults or go watch TV in the bedroom?" Ronni and I had never watched the TV in there. Once we were in bed, we had much better ways of entertaining ourselves! "They say they would like TV," he replied, after speaking with the little ones. "They say they miss part of their favorite show when they come here and would like to see the rest." Looking at the kids with a smile, I said, "That's fine. They'll be more entertained in there. Tell me what they'd like to drink, and I'll get that while you get them settled in there." After another brief exchange, he said, "Juice would be good." With that, he said something else to them and held out his hands. The twins looked up at me with big smiles and let go of my hands to grab hold of Ronni's. As he led them toward the bedroom, Venus followed them with her eyes for a moment, and then turned back to me. "Thank you, Phil" she said slowly with a smile. "You so good to my family." "That's very easy to do. You have a wonderful family," I said as I put my arm around her shoulder. This quickly turned into a full-blown hug as Venus turned and wrapped her arms around me again. When we broke the hug, I stepped back and told her what Marcus was drinking, asking if she'd like the same. She shook her head, saying water would be fine. She'd had a busy day, and she didn't think rum would be a good thing. I looked over and noticed that Marcus had finished his drink and asked if he'd like another. He got up from his seat and placed his glass on the counter with a wink. I got Venus her water, quickly made another rum and coke for Marcus, and we all went to sit down. Ronni had just finished getting the twins settled and was just coming back into the salla as we reached our seats. Needless to say, as soon as I was settled, I again had my lap full of happy, squirming teen hotness. We all got settled in, and before anyone else had a chance to speak, Marcus looked at his wife and began speaking quietly to her. I had a feeling I knew what this was all about, and Ronni confirmed it when he translated for me. Marcus was confessing his English-speaking skills, and as he talked, I could see a grin spreading across Venus' face until she started chuckling. Marcus had a very bemused look on his face as he witnessed his wife's reaction to what he thought was a terrible omission in his honesty with his family. Taking her husband's hand, she said, "I know all about your "terrible" secret. I often see people from your office when I shop. They have nothing but praise for you and say you always help them with their English. Notice I speak too, but not as good as you. I learn, so you do not get too far ahead from me. We both have a secret." Both Marcus and Ronni were doing very credible "Gasping Fish" imitations as they listened to Venus. "But Mama," Ronni finally managed to squeak out, "why you not speak at home? You know I try to learn English, but I am not even as good as you. Why you did not help me?" He was clearly upset by all this. First, his father. Now, his mother. "Your father is a proud Filipino. He wants his family to also be proud. He thought that you would learn good English at school, and we are both proud of you for how well you do. But outside school, you are Filipino, and English is not our language. It was out of respect for your father that I never said anything about how I speak English. If he was ever ready to let the family know how well he speaks, then I would too. Until then, I am just a Filipina mother and wife," she concluded with a smile at her husband and son. Marcus let out a long sigh. Taking his wife's hand, he said, "You are a constant source of wonder and delight to me. I think we will be making some changes at home. Christian and Sara will benefit as will Ronni." Looking at his son, he continued, "When he's home, that is." Both he and Venus laughed at that comment, so I knew there were no hard feelings about Ronni living with me. He nestled back into me, grabbing the drink-free arm and pulled it around him with a contented sigh. We could hear the twins giggling and laughing over the antics taking place on the TV as the rest of us got Venus caught up on the day's activities. Ronni even spoke up from time to time with his thoughts, opinions and observations. All too soon, it seemed, I heard the timer go off on the oven and asked Ronni to join me in the kitchen to put the final touches on dinner. I offered refills to Venus and Marcus, but both said they were fine. Venus got up from her seat and walked to the kitchen with us, saying that she WAS going to help out whether I liked it or not. I joked with her, asking her whether she trusted a man to put a dinner together, which got me a gentle swat on the arm and a laugh. Hmmm. She didn't really say what she thought, though. Guess I'll have to prove myself. Arriving in the kitchen, I directed Ronni and Venus to set the table while I took care of the roast. By this time, the house was filled with the mouthwatering smells issuing from the oven. Grabbing a large, solid spoon and an oven mitt, I opened the door to the oven and began spooning the pan juices over the potatoes. When that was done, I closed the door and set the timer for 10 minutes and turned to help Ronni and Venus set the table. It was then that I noticed we had a seat shortage. There were only four chairs around the table and there were six of us. Venus noticed the same thing at about the same time and said it wasn't a problem; that the twins could sit at the counter. But I wasn't going to agree. This was our first family dinner in Ronni's and my home, and by God, EVERYONE was going to sit down together. Racking my brains for a solution, I suddenly remembered the chairs that were outside for when we would have a gathering on the patio. Telling Venus we'd be right back, I took a quizzical Ronni by the elbow and headed outside. I looked in the storage shed, and sure enough. There were four folding chairs that would work for us. I could probably sit comfortably at the table in one, although it would be a bit low, and by putting a pillow or cushion on the other, Ronni would be set also. Handing him one of the chairs while I grabbed the other, I told him my plan, and he seemed pleased that we had a solution to having all the family at the table. We brought the chairs inside, and I moved the ones Ronni and I had been sitting in earlier in the day, placing one on the opposite side and one on the end nearest the sofa, which hadn't had a chair because of the placement of the table and the traffic flow into the salla. For dinner, it would be just fine. Venus obviously didn't think I'd find a solution and had put two place settings at the counter. When she saw the extra chairs, she smiled and got the two sets, adding them to what was already on the table. Just then, the timer went off again, so I went and basted the potatoes one more time, noticing that they were getting a nice golden brown. I reset the timer for the last time for another 10 minutes and started to see what kinds of wine Josie had bought. I saw a nice white zinfandel, which I thought would go very well with the lamb. With a mild flavor and sweetness it wouldn't overpower the meal. I got four wine glasses, not knowing if Ronni would drink any or not, but as the co-host, I felt that he was entitled to at least try it. I poured two glasses of milk for the twins and placed them where they would be sitting. I also got out 6 water glasses and filled them with ice and bottled water. With Ronni's help, we got these placed around the table just as the timer went off for the last time. I turned on the burner under the peas and grabbed the oven mitt, turned of the oven and removed the roasting pan with the lamb and potatoes. Damn!!! Everything looked perfect. I got down a serving platter and placed the roast on it, surrounded by the deeply browned potatoes. Going back to the spice cabinet, I grabbed salt, pepper and the canister of flour that was on the counter beneath. With these ingredients and some bottled water, I made gravy from the lamb juices. I let that simmer while I took the now-boiling peas off the stove and over to the sink, where I drained them and placed them in a bowl I had previously set out. I put a small amount of butter on top to melt and turned back to the gravy, which was bubbling and thickening nicely. Giving it a final stir from the bottom to get all the flavorful goodies there, I turned off the heat, and went in search of something to put it in. Everything was finally ready, as I pre-sliced the roast before taking it and the gravy to the table. Ronni had come over to see if he could help and grabbed the peas. We were now all set to eat, as the others had taken their places at the table. As I looked around at the family, I got a lump in my throat as I realized that I was looking at my new family. I was so very thankful for being able to become a member of this wonderful group and was especially thankful for the handsome young man at my side. Looking over to Marcus, I asked him if he would honor us by giving the blessing. When everyone had joined hands, he began. "Blessed Father, we thank you for the great and many blessings you have brought into the lives of those seated here. We thank you most especially for the newest member of our family, Phillip. In the short time he has been with us, he has helped open our eyes and our hearts to the true and full meaning of family and love. Our lives have been richly blessed by his presence. We thank you also for the bounty of your grace spread before us. May it nourish our bodies and minds to do your will here on earth. May we always be ever mindful that it is by you and through you that all that is good shall be ours. In the name of the Risen Christ, Amen." We all raised our heads and looked around at one another, tears evident in all eyes except the twins. Their eyes were focused on the food, and they were quite eager to dig in. Ronni got out of his seat and went to his father, putting his arms around him and kissing his cheek before returning and giving me then his mother the same treatment. As he sat down, I began passing the food around. Venus and Marcus prepared a plate for the twin nearest them as Ronni and I dished out our own food. Once everyone had what they wanted on their plates, we all started to eat with little conversation for a few moments. Finally, Marcus started telling Venus about my offer of employment for them, and I was afraid she was going to choke on her food. She quickly recovered and began asking me questions. The rest of the meal continued like that, with back and forth dialogue from all of us, except the twins. Even Ronni contributed equally in the talk. Nothing was decided, with Venus saying pretty much what her husband had said that morning. They needed to have time to discuss my plans and all the possible ramifications it may have for their family. But I could tell by the look in her eyes that she seemed more receptive than Marcus had. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal, especially Ronni and the twins, who all had second helpings. I was frankly amazed at what the little ones packed away. Ronni didn't surprise me, because I knew teens had very healthy appetites. When it came time for dessert, the adults begged off. I was certain the kids were stuffed, but when I mentioned there was ice cream for dessert, their eyes lit up along with big grins. Ronni and I got up to start clearing away the leftovers, and Venus tried to step in. I insisted that she was our guest, and that the two of us could handle it easily. She finally relented, but she wasn't happy about it. Ronni and I quickly had the table cleared and while he handed me the different storage containers, I placed all the leftovers in them and put them in the ref. Ronni then began filling the sink in preparation for washing the dishes, and I told him to just put the dishes and stuff in the water and let them soak for a while. We could do them a little later. I got three bowls of ice cream for the younger set, and it was such a delight seeing their eyes light up when I placed their bowls in front of them. I offered coffee to the adults, and Venus said that would be good. Marcus was looking at his wife with a sheepish grin on his face, and Venus relented with a chuckle. Marcus rubbed his hands together with glee, and with a big grin, said he'd like a cup also. I had to shoo Ronni out of the kitchen so he could eat his ice cream before it melted while I prepared the coffees. By the time they were all ready, the twins had finished their dessert, and it looked like they really got into it, literally! Both their faces were covered with ice cream with a huge grin in the middle. With a chuckle, I made a detour to the cr, returning with two wet washcloths. Handing one to Venus, I took the other and started to clean Sara's face. I was curious to see how she'd react to me doing this. I needn't have worried, as she sat perfectly still, with the grin still present. When I finished, I gave her a kiss on the cheek and was about to stand up straight, when she put her little arms around my neck and gave a sloppy kiss on MY cheek. My eyes got a bit moist at the gentle show of affection, and I noticed Venus also had a sweet smile and moist eyes as she cleaned off Christian's face. Not to be outdone by his sister, as soon as his mother had cleaned him off, he put his arms up for a hug from me, and he gave just as good as his sister. I could hear Marcus chuckling indulgently. "You have had it now, my friend," he said. "Once they accept you, they think they own you." "That's fine by me," I replied, standing up. "I think they're a couple of very sweet and loving kids. I feel honored that they've accepted me this quickly." "They know you are a good and kind man," said Ronni. "They know I love you and you love me, so you are part of our family now." Wiping the ice cream from his lips, he stood up and came around, wrapping his arms around me. "But the only one in my family that owns you is me." I put my arms around him and kissed the top of his head. "Yes, my Ronni," I said softly. "I am yours." He hugged me even tighter, then, kissing my lips, stepped away and took the now-empty bowls to the kitchen and began washing. What a remarkable young man!! He constantly blows me away with the level of maturity he shows. I started to head over to help, but this time, Venus really got in my face and told me in no uncertain terms that Marcus and I were to go to the salla to finish our coffee, and she and Ronni would take care of the dishes. I somehow got the impression that I'd better give in this time, so giving her a kiss on the check, I grabbed my coffee, and Marcus and I went to do as we were told by The Boss Lady. The twins hopped down from their chairs and headed back to watch TV in the bedroom. Marcus and I talked about my business plans while Ronni and his mom were having a quiet conversation while doing the dishes. I was glad they were having this mother/son moment together. I'm sure a lot of their talk was about what happened the other night, and I think this will be an important discussion, especially for Ronni. I just hope we can all finally get closure on that very ugly chapter in his life. I also now realized why she was so insistent to help Ronni. What a remarkable woman! They made a good team and had the dishes done and put away within 15 minutes and came to join us "men folk". Ronni immediately took up his spot on my lap, pulling my arms around his chest as Venus sat down beside her husband. We talked a bit more about my plans, getting Venus caught up on what Marcus and I had said while she was in the kitchen with Ronni. It wasn't long before the twins came out, Sara trying to stifle a big yawn unsuccessfully. She climbed into her father's lap while Christian took his mother's. I realized that they would most likely have to carry the kids home and offered to get them a taxi. Venus vigorously shook her head, saying that they were actually looking forward to walking along the beach to get home. She said they hadn't done that as a family in a while, and the exercise would do them good after the big meal they just had. We all stood up and proceeded to hug as best we could with a child in each of their arms. I got a little kiss on the cheek from each of the kids and one from Venus. As they went out the door, I saw both of them readjust the child they were carrying and take each other's hand as they headed toward the beach and home. Ronni put his arm around my waist and I pulled him close as we watched his family fade into the night. Thanks for reading. Not much excitement in this chapter other than building the bonds between Phil and the family, which, in turn, will strengthen Phil and Ronni's relationship. More action to follow. And please thank the folks at Nifty for providing this free entertainment. A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Thanks!