(Love Tales No. 2) Outcast

Exclaimer: I had found another writer who has an interesting story to tell. His story touches my soul and at the same time made inspired a few of my issues. I am proud to introduce the kind and simple Desmond. Thanks for allowing me to re-post this article in my blog.

Part 2 of 5Written and Publish on Sep 9 2005, 12:08 PM

Breakfast was a decidedly hurried affair. I tuned my mobile phone alarm to six in the morning to wash up and run down to the market to get fish porridge, soya bean drink and fried dough for Wayne's parents. It was the least I could do to show my hospitality to the elders. Both of us are so busy with work this week that we were bound to neglect them. I try to do whatever I can.

When I got back, it was already near seven. Wayne was still sleeping like a dead log. I sat close to him and whispered into his ears, "Hey, dear. It's past seven. Time to go for work."

He turned and smiled at me wistfully, "Why did you wake up so early?"

"To get breakfast."

Wayne nudged my nose gently. "Trying to score points with my parents?"

I slapped his buttocks. "I don't work with ground zero. I work with negative points. There's no burying the hatchet. It's game when their knife ends up in my back. Now, wake up."

Wayne snorted and laughed. "You make my parents sound like Monster-in-laws."

I kissed him on his cheeks. "They make Jane Fonda look like a cuddly bear."

He jumped out of bed and wrapped me in his arms. "It's scary, huh?"

I shook my head. "They still love you a lot and that's the reason why I show them the due respects. Without them, there wouldn't be you."

"I love you, Alvin. I meant every word I said."

I squeezed his arms affectionately. "Go wash up and have breakfast. Your parents are already up."

*

When Wayne's mom announced that they will be extending their stay for another week before heading back to Indonesia, Wayne almost spurted out his porridge.

I squeezed his arms to assure him. "We are more than glad to have you."

Wayne's mom eyed me with disdain. "Of course. We have to watch over our son. The apartment is his, anyway. We are always welcomed to stay here."

I plastered a smile and said, "Sure, I am going to leave for work now. Enjoy your breakfast." Wayne directed an angry glance at his mom and followed me to the door.

"Hey, don't take it to heart what my mom just said."

I hugged him and appeased his doubts. "I understand how they are feeling. They only get to see you once every year when you visit them at Indonesia. They are naturally possessive."

"I shouldn't have told them about us. The minute they know it, they decided to fly here."

"Well, at least, we have nothing to hide now. Don't worry, things will get solved."

Wayne smiled feebly and wished, "I really hope so but I must warn you my parents can be quite persistent."

"Are you sticking together with me?" I asked.

Wayne nodded.

"Good. That's all I need to know. Take care of yourself, dear. See you after work."

*

A rude shock awaited me when I returned from work. The lock and key to Wayne's apartment was changed and nobody answered the door when I rang the bell. I figured out his parents must have changed them.

I called Wayne up and told him that I will not head home and instead stay over at my place. Wayne suspected something was wrong and I pacified him with a reason that Mom missed me and asked me to head home for dinner. I didn't want an ugly confrontation between Wayne and his parents and cause additional stress to the both of them.

I walked towards the lift and gave Mum a call. "Mum, I am coming home tonight. Is it okay?"

The enthusiastic tone of my dear mother brightened my day like a lilting bird's chirp, "Alvin? Silly boy, this is your home. I will cook your favourite sesame paste. Your brother is not coming home for dinner today, though. Is Wayne coming? I will cook an extra portion for him."

"No, he is busy with work today."

"Is something wrong? You sound tired." I can never seem to hide anything from Mum.

"Nothing serious. I just missed you, that's all."

Mum cracked a laugh. "Something is definitely wrong here. You don't say things like that." I couldn't resist a giggle and said, "I will tell you when I head back. Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

Exclaimer: I had found another writer who has an interesting story to tell. His story touches my soul and at the same time made inspired a few of my issues. I am proud to introduce the kind and simple Desmond. Thanks for allowing me to re-post this article in my blog.