Chapter Nine

As we arrived home, I motioned for Tyrone to keep quiet. Opening the door, I was greeted by the sight of my mother, struggling, and reaching out for her medication.

"Ma!" I called out, my voice filled with concern. She was battling a persistent bout of asthma and still dealing with the effects of breast cancer. Despite her health challenges, she remained strong, and I was grateful for the support of my kind-hearted aunt and uncle, who helped sustain us during these difficult times.

Hastily, I retrieved her inhaler and the prescribed medication, aware of the true reason behind our financial struggles. Ever since my father's passing, her asthma had resurfaced, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mother's siblings generously supported us, but it was tough to see her health deteriorate. My eyes welled up with tears; witnessing my mother's weakened state always tugged at my heartstrings. The doctor had emphasized that my mother must avoid crying to prevent the accelerated spread of cancer cells.

"Diane, you're back," she smiled weakly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

"I've told you to get someone to help you here," I said, trying to hold back my tears.

"It's just an additional expense, dear. I can manage for now," she replied, her strength evident even in her frailty. "Oh, do you have a visitor?"

I almost facepalmed myself. Oh right, Tyrone was here.

"Yes, Mom. I wanted to ask if Tyrone could stay with us tonight. He left his home," I explained. My mother looked at Tyrone, her smile warm and welcoming.

"Of course, where will he sleep? In your room, perhaps?" she said playfully, winking at me.

"Mama!" I protested, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Tyrone chuckled at my reaction. My mother always seemed to be eager for me to have a boyfriend or get married, and her teasing was both endearing and exasperating at times. "He'll sleep in the living room, Mom."

My mother's brow furrowed, and she scrutinized Tyrone for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Hija, do you really think he'll fit on that sofa with his height? Why not in your room?" she suggested, and I sighed in defeat.

"You're really pushing it, Ma!"

"He's handsome, dear," my mother winked, and Tyrone couldn't help but smile broadly. My goodness, this woman was inflating his ego! "Will you join us for dinner?"

I resisted the urge to facepalm again. "Mom, stop trying to play matchmaker!"

"Oh, come on. He's handsome!" she insisted, leaving me blushing. I glanced at Tyrone, who was thoroughly enjoying the teasing banter. My mother's playful remarks seemed to have sparked something between us, a connection that felt more profound than mere friendship.

With my mother retiring to her room, Tyrone and I ended up in the kitchen. She had prepared a delicious pochero for us. Pochero is a hearty and flavorful Filipino-Spanish stew that features a delightful combination of tender meat, various vegetables, and flavorful broth. This dish has Spanish origins but has been adapted and embraced in the Philippines, becoming a beloved comfort food. The centerpiece of pochero is typically beef, pork, or a mix of both, which is simmered until tender and infused with rich flavors. The meat is usually complemented by an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, plantains, cabbage, green beans, and corn on the cob. What sets pochero apart is the use of a tomato-based broth, which is generously seasoned with herbs and spices, giving the stew its distinctive taste. The blend of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and bay leaves creates a robust and aromatic broth that envelops the ingredients with deliciousness.

"You have a very nice mother," Tyrone commented as I set the table.

"She's nice, alright. Just for your information, she called you handsome," I teased, my cheeks still tinted pink.

"Exactly, and you're the only one not noticing how handsome I am," he joked, playfully stroking his chin. If only you knew, Ty, I thought to myself.

"Such an ego," I retorted, trying to hide my own fluttering feelings. He laughed heartily, and his joyous laughter filled the room.

As we sat down to eat, I noticed that Tyrone kept stealing glances at me. "Don't tell me you find me beautiful," I teased.

"You know, I feel like we should get married," he said with a smile, taking a bite of the food. My mouth opened in surprise, almost choking on my own bite. "You'd make such a wonderful wife, Diane."

My heart went into overdrive. Why don't we make that a reality, Ty? My mind contemplated silently.

Rather than answer him directly, I continued eating, not wanting to give away the emotions swirling inside me. Tyrone's presence felt comforting and exciting at the same time. For now, I savored the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with him, his laughter filling the room like a sweet melody amid life's challenges.

After we finished our meal, we headed to my bedroom. I initially planned to have Tyrone sleep on the sofa outside, but my mom kept a close watch on us until we entered the room. The atmosphere felt awkward, and I could feel the tension rising. I nervously fanned myself with my hand, wondering why it suddenly felt so warm in there.

"Uhm... Uhm... I'll take a quick shower first," I stammered, addressing Tyrone. I don't know why I bothered asking for permission; the tension in the room was palpable. I slapped my forehead, realizing that I had forgotten to get fresh clothes. Part of me wanted to go back outside to get some, but I was already undressed and wet. I was used to dressing up in the privacy of my room since I lived alone.

After a while, I emerged from the bathroom, wrapping a towel securely around my body. Tyrone was busy arranging his makeshift bed on the floor.

"Diane, where's the extra com-" he paused upon seeing me. Why did he stop? Was something wrong with me? He gulped and looked at my body. Oh no!

"I'll just get it," I said, trying to reach for the comforter high up in the cabinet. I tiptoed, trying to reach it.

"D-Diane!!?" he stuttered.

"Hmm? Hold on, I almost got it," I replied, stretching my arm.

"N-no! D-Diane!!" Why was he reacting like that?

"Wait, here it is!" I managed to grab the comforter, but something unexpected happened as I was heading back to Tyrone.

The towel loosened around my body, and it... it... fell to the floor, leaving me completely naked. I didn't know what to cover first, my chest or my blurred landscape. I saw him gulp again and avert his eyes. What was he doing? Gaining a better view!?

"I'll go to the restroom!!" he stammered and practically ran into the bathroom.

I couldn't believe what just happened. Embarrassment washed over me, and I felt my face turn beet red. I quickly wrapped the towel around my body again, mortified by the unexpected turn of events. Why on earth did that have to happen at that moment? I sank down to the floor, trying to comprehend how this situation had escalated so quickly. This was turning into one of the most awkward nights of my life.

I lay on my bed, feeling the weight of time passing as Tyrone remained inside the bathroom for what seemed like an eternity. The sound of running water filled the air, adding to the awkwardness that hung over me like a heavy cloud. My cheeks burned with embarrassment from our earlier encounter, and I couldn't bring myself to look at Tyrone.

The bathroom door creaked open, and a wave of emotions swept over me. I couldn't quite understand what I was feeling, but when I caught a whiff of Tyrone's scent, my heart raced, and I involuntarily shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep, just to avoid the intensity of the situation.

I sensed Tyrone moving around, likely retrieving something from his bag. He muttered something under his breath, but I couldn't comprehend the words initially. The tension in the room was palpable, and I dared not peek or open my eyes.

"Fuck! Why don't you fuckin' behave?!" His frustrated voice rang out, and it seemed like he was talking to someone on the phone. I wondered who this "Jun-Jun" was, piquing my curiosity enough to steal a glance.

I swallowed hard when I saw Tyrone emerge from the bathroom, his hair damp and clinging to his forehead. He was only wearing a towel around his hips, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest. The sight was both captivating and utterly distracting.

"Oh God, you are giving me a hard time," Tyrone said, his voice filled with exasperation and frustration. But the mention of Jun-Jun drew my attention again, and my eyes couldn't help but wander down to where the towel emphasized an... impressive presence.

My mind raced, and I tried to dismiss the thoughts, but they lingered, leaving me flustered and unable to focus on anything else. It was as if I was caught amid a chaotic emotional whirlwind, and I had no idea how to calm the storm that had taken over my senses.