However dreaded was I for the arrival of the day, it still crept up to me, my first meal with Faith’s family. Before that Sunday, Faith called her mother to inform her that I would be joining them for lunch. Auntie did not say much, in fact asked what I like to eat.
I could not possibly turn up with empty hands. So early that day, we went shopping to get something for auntie as a gift. After thinking through, we decided to get a Dom tonic wine and a basket of fruits. I know they were a bunch of corny gifts but I did not want to leave Faith’s mother a impression that I wanted to use lavish gifts to please her.
Faith and I were very nervous about the lunch, especially me. I was ready for all kinds of bombardments from her mother and sisters. Faith has 2 younger sisters.
Both married but only the second sister, Laurine, has kids, a boy and a girl.
The youngest, Agnes, just got married to a German who is station in Singapore.
That day, we were the first to arrive. Faith wanted auntie and I to get acquainted before meeting the sisters. “Hello auntie, 你好. 这是给你的.” – I greeted her and handed her the gifts.
“谢谢. 下次人来就好. 进来坐.”
“我不好意事. 来吃饭哪里可以两手空空. 谢谢你.”
“妈, 你煮好了吗? 要帮忙吗?” – Faith asked as we entered the house and they went into the kitchen, leaving me sitting in the living room.
I was looking around the house and helped myself with the television, surfing the channels. Minutes after minutes the time went by and at around 11:30am, the doorbell sounded. It was Laurine and her kids. I quickly stood up and greeted her. She returned my greetings with a cold smile, which was cast on her face while shifting her sight to somewhere else but my eyes. I knew at that moment, the day was not going to be an easy one. Laurine must have opposed my relationship with her sister. I felt really demoralised that moment. Felt like running out of the house. However, I did not. I stayed on. I guessed to be with Faith, I have to suck it all up like a man and take on whatever that was coming at me.
A few minutes after, someone knocked on the gate. I was looking into the kitchen, expecting someone to answer the door but no one came. I supposed they were too busy with the cooking. Being the only free hand in the house, I walked to the door and found James, Laurine’s husband, waiting outside.
“Hi, you must be Patrick.” He stretched out his hand and I shook on it as I opened the gate.
“Yes I am, then you must be James.”
“Haha ya. Been hearing a lot about you these few days.” He whispered to me and added, “Just to give you a head up. Laurine has a basket full of questions waiting to be thrown at you. You better take care.” and he patted my shoulder.
“Oh, ok. Thanks for the warning.” I said with a smile, adding it to my already troubled mind.
I let James in and he went straight into the kitchen to greet his mother-in-law. At that moment, my urge to smoke came knocking at my door. I looked around and went for it at the lift lobby. I was looking down over the parapet while inhaling the smoke and started to think of Kate.
If she’s with me, I would feel better.
But she was not, so I have to be brace myself for Faith. I knew my thoughts was not going to help me so I shook myself up and continued with my best friend, my cigarette.
While waiting, Andy and I went out for a smoke and also snapped a couple of dozens of photos, mostly on the landing of the seaplanes, making both of us very excited on our maiden flight in such aircraft.
Ding
The elevator sounded, and out came a Caucasian and Faith’s youngest sister, Agnes.
“Hi,” I greeted the husband with a nod and turned to the sister, “Hi Agnes.”
“Hi Patrick, not going in?” Agnes said to me with a warm smile.
Ok, at least this one friendlier. I thought and held up my cigarette in my hand, “Fresh air.”
“Hahaha, this is my hubby, Arno.” She said to me and turned to Arno, “Dar, this is Patrick.”
“Hello, nice to meet you finally.”
“Nice to meet you too,” and we shook our hands.
“I’ll join you later dar,” Arno said to Agnes while whipping out his pack of Marlboro and she went in.
Arno’s eyes were fixed at Agnes while she walked off and said, “I don’t know how you did it but I must say…well done! But let me warn you about Laurine. Agnes told me her sister isn’t supportive and she’s not going quiet on this.”
“Hahaha, ya. James had warned me earlier.”
“Oh, James’ here? Let me call him.” Arno said and called James on his mobile and shortly after he came out of the house and joined us.
“Hey guys.” James called out while yawning before adding, “Last night was a nightmare. The kids refused to sleep.”
“That’s why I always use condoms,” Arno replied with his German accent and turned to me, “Heard that you’re married with a kid too.”
“Yup, that’s right. He’s 19th month now.”
“Wow, very fun age,” James said.
“I really wondered how you do it,” Arno asked while lighting up again.
“Do what?”
“Convinced your wife about Faith.”
“I didn’t…she’s the one who convinced me,” I replied.
“What?” Arno exclaimed as he gasped at my reply.
“Haha, it’s a very long story. Maybe one of these days we’ll talk over beer.”
“Yes please, I would like to know.”
“Count me in man,” James added.
At the doorstep, I took a deep breath before stepping in, getting ready for the bombardment from Laurine. The sisters were laying the table, getting ready for lunch. Faith looked at me and gave me the familiar warm smile. Although she did not say it out loud but I knew, my presence meant a lot to her. With her smile shining at me, I knew whatever that was going to be thrown at me is all worth it.