Let's Get To Know

The gentle wind breezed through the garden as we sat there in the Gazebo of my garden. As I seem to remember our childhood, Coen seemed amused for he kept smirking at me cringing over our childish promise. Slightly embarrassed, I asked him,

"Surely you are not hoping to stick to that old childish promise?" I asked teasingly.

"Hahaha, of course not. But who knew, we eventually got together anyway. Or do you hate the idea of marrying me?" he asked me in return. Although he is smiling, I can sense that was a serious question.

"Honestly, I never had marriage in mind at all until Grandpa brought it up. Since, you know, I am very career-focused and now that it has come to this, I really don't know what to think. Besides, we barely knew each other." I answered frankly. I don't think it's good to beat around the bush anyways.

"I understand. You don't need to force yourself actually. I've already told my folks that even though I have agreed to marry someone, I don't want to rush it. So what do you say we take our time to slowly get to know each other?" I like how he is composed and objective in this. Not complicated and understanding too. Get to know each other huh?

"That, if you are fine with it, then it's fine for me too, I suppose."

"I'm glad." he replied with a smile. There's something about him that made me feel comfortable with him. Just then, Val came to get us as Coen's family are ready to leave. The three of us made our way to the living room and all of them looked at Coen and me expectedly, hoping that we came bearing good news. As I was wondering what to say to them, Coen stepped in front of me and told them.

"We decided to start dating first and get to know each other more before deciding on our marriage."

His voice was loud, clear and confident. Something I cannot muster up to say in this situation because I was worried that I might hurt Grandpa's feelings. As I looked up to see their reaction, I see many pairs of understanding eyes looking at us. His mother was especially pleased.

"That's a good idea too. I was only worried that you guys might reject each other. But this is good." His mother said. His father nodded in approval too. I looked at Grandpa as he sat there in silence. He was quiet for a bit then he smiled, no, he was beaming.

"Ah, youngsters these days are different. It's okay, you young ones can take your time in this case. Do come to a mutual understanding and I hope you can give us all a joyous news." I felt a slight pressure at his words but I was also wondering. Why do they all sound confident that we would eventually get married to each other in the end?

We talked a bit more and then Coen and his parents went back home. Grandpa, my cousins and I went back to the living room and the servants were already clearing up the coffee table. Since I was so itching to know what Grandpa knew that I don't, I asked him directly.

"Grandpa, why do you have the confidence that I will end up marrying Coen?"

He said nothing and patted my head and said, "You will know once you get to know the lad. Now, I have to go somewhere, why don't you stay here and spend time with your cousins?"

"I can't stay actually, Grandpa. The nanny is still there taking care of the baby. So I got to go." I said.

"I see. Since the in-laws are gone, you can bring the baby over too. It's not always your cousins can come over to spend time like this. Take a day off from work tomorrow too. Go do shopping with them or something. You need to give yourself some rest, or else you will fall sick, little wolf."

In-laws? Nothing is set yet and he's already calling them in-laws? Hah, the expectation is too high. Well, I'll say nothing. He seems like he is in a good mood. I don't want to ruin that.

"Sure, Grandpa. I'll head back and return here real quick with Hani then."

"Good. Now I will go as well to attend to some business. The rest of you, behave alright." he said while looking at the rest.

"Ahahaha... Gramps, we're not kids anymore, don't worry, we'll behave well." Val told him and still giggling at his remarks.

"I believe we no longer into childish endeavors." Zeki said while adjusting his glasses. Rehan just stood there laughing with Val.

"Ah, that's right. It's a habit." he said, gave Val and I a kiss on the forehead and left.

"So... what is this baby business about?" Val asked.

"Oh, that. Remember Mia, she had a daughter and asked for my help to take care of her."

"What? Really? When did this happen? Why didn't she invite us to her wedding?" Val fired several question that I didn't know what to answer. Since I had to rush back home, I just gave a really short answer and rushed to my car to drive back home to get the baby.

"She didn't get married. Long story. I'll tell you everything once I'm back." I said and closed the door of the car. She bent down to look at me through the window.

"Okay. Drive safe." she said and ruffled my hair and I drove.