Feeling at home (1)

After dinner, Nero and Daryle discussed their plans for tomorrow then bid goodnight as they needed to rest. This day has been long for them. A lot of memorable things happened. In fact, it can be said that it is the most memorable day for both of them.

Mrs. Duran asked Zen to sleep on the sofa so Nero could use the his bedroom for the night. While the two took turns in the shower room, Mrs. Duran fixed her youngest son's bedroom for her future son-in law.

"Daryle, Zen's bedroom is ready for Nero. Zen will sleep on the sofa for the meantime" Mrs. Duran told Daryle, sending her the message that they cannot be together in one bedroom.

"Okay mom, thank you." She said then pulled Nero and headed upstairs . "Mr. Carlson, let's go."

Nero followed her like an obedient child until Daryle led him to her youngest brother's room.

"This will be your room for tonight my love. Please bear with it. It's not huge but I assure you, you will have a sweet peaceful sleep." She said as she guided him to the side if the bed.

Nero sat on the edge of the bed and looked around. "I like it. Thanks to your mom." He said.

"Okay, shall we call it the day? Its been quite a beautiful day, Mr. Carlson." Daryle smiled and turned to leave to her bedroom.

"Daryle, wait!" He called her but did not stand to stop her.

"Yes, Mr. Carlson? Anything?" She asked as she stood where she was.

"Im going to sleep here just for tonight, right? " He clarified.

"Well, you heard my mom, didn't you?" She gave a mischievous smile.

"Yeah, and how about tomorrow night? Remember we will be legal couple starting tomorrow..." he grinned but he couldn't control himself. He stood up and grabbed Daryle by her waist then pulled her to the bedside again. She was now standing in between his legs.

"Daryle, we will be married tomorrow. I can't wait to hold you in my arms." He whispered in her ear.

"Mr. Carlson, that can wait. It's worth the wait. Okay? Be good and sleep." She said as she stroked the back of his head. His hair smooth and silky and his shoulders were broad and firm.

He looked up to her eyes and winked. "I can only sleep if you give me my goodnight kiss." He said like begging.

"Mr. Carlson, you are too much! You are not my baby! " She pinched his nose as she freed herself from his grasp.

"Goodnight babe. I'll let you off this time. You can not escape tomorrow, Ms. Daryle. I love you!" He said as he winked and watch her go out of the room.

Nero laid on the bed and covered himself with the blanket. The bed was just enough for him, no much allowance for him to extend his body leisurely. The blanket is just enough until his toes so he had to curl a little so that his whole body can keep warm. 'This is Asian size' he reminded himself. His mind wandered around the house he is in. It's too small but there are people living in it. It is warm and happy and they take time to sit down and talk about their plans in life. They ask each other's feelings and respect other's decisions. He didn't have this back in the US. His parents were always out on a business trip. Very seldom do they stay at home at the same time. Each of them have their own agenda for the day and they dont even talk about their plans.

Nero grew up with a part time nanny and at young age, he had to do things by himself. Fortunately, his nanny was a Filipina who taught him to be responsible and independent. By the time he was ten, his Nanny retired and that left him alone with his parents. They provided every material things he could ask but they were seldom there to attend his other needs.

Seeing the family bonding of this family a while ago, he felt touched and strange emotions came to him. He felt a sense of worth, he felt belong. Even though this bed is not as comfortable as what he always slept on, it was specially fixed for him by the mother of this house. If living a meaningful life meant he had to sleep like this, he will gladly do. All his money in his account cannot buy these warmth and satisfaction he is feeling right now.

Nero was in this state of mind as he slowly drifted to sleep. He slept like a child curled up under the thick blanket. He was still asleep when Daryle walked in to wake him up. It was already eight in the morning and breakfast was ready. They needed to the Mayor's office to get solemnized first then they would head to visit Charles' tomb together.