100: I love Giovanni.

KIKI.

I woke up to the steady patter of rain upon my window, droplets yet to scatter the rays of rising sun. The sound brings a calmness to mind, a soothing melody, a natural lullaby.

When I looked to my side and found Giovanni right there, right where I wanted him to be, I felt fulfilled and happy as the memory from the previous might came rushing back to me. How he had taken his time to make me feel very bit of him, every bit of our lovemaking.

He made me know the difference between simply fucking and actually making love so passionately.

I looked at his perfect face as the sunlight shone brightly on it, he was gorgeous. His eyelids slowly opened as our eyes met, “good morning, baby. How was your night?” He asked as he kissed my forehead.

I found myself giggling as I responded, “uh… a little bit sore yet amazing?”

He moved forward to kiss me but then the door to my room bursted open and in came Jojo. We immediately scrambled around ad we tried to cover our naked bodies up and leave nothing to ruin my brother’s pure innocence. He may be a teenager but he’s literally stuck in his childhood phase due to his autism.

“What are you doing, Kiki?” He asked as he walked into my room, “who is that strange man?”

“Uh… Jojo darling, how about you go wait for me outside. I’ll be there soon and we can just do more introductions.” I said to him hoping that this was not going to be one of those mornings where he throws tantrums.

Fortunately, he left without as much as a grumbling and I was grateful for that. Giovanni and I immediately got off the bed to freshen and dress up.

“Is that your brother?” He asked.

“Yes, one and only, you might want to know that he has autism which can be quite strange and not normal for you, some of his behaviors, I mean.”

“I know what autism means, baby. Don’t worry about it, I’m sure I’ll get along with him pretty well.” Giovanni assured while I simply nodded.

I freshened up first and left Giovanni to go make breakfast for us all. By the time he was out, I was already setting the table for our breakfast which was pancake with butter and maple syrup.

We all sat down to eat quietly just before Jojo broke the awkward silence, “Are you my sister’s boyfriend?” He suddenly asked, shocking even Mr.

I coughed awkwardly as I glanced at Giovanni and then at Jojo himself, but just before I could speak, Giovanni beat me to it, “Yes, Jojo. I’m your sister’s boyfriend.” He responded and I immediately felt giddy.

A knock sounded on our door and Jojo had gone to check who was at the door before I could, he came back to the table followed by Grace, our neighbor.

“Oh my God, I really came at the right time, I hope I’m not intruding on any private moment though?” She asked as she looked around the table.

“Absolutely not, Grace. You can sit even, we have enough to go round. And this is Giovanni, my boss and uh…” I introduced, not knowing whether to add something else to his title.

“Boyfriend, her boss and boyfriend ma’am.” Giovanni helped me complete it, calling himself my boyfriend for the second time in a row.

“Oh, nice to meet you, Giovanni. I’ve heard a lot about you, I’m Grace, her neighbor…” She started before I interrupted, “and amazing friend for years. She’s such a beautiful soul, Giovanni, always available to help me babysit and take care of Jojo whenever I ask.” I added.

“Oh, really. Thank you for such selfless act ma’am.” Giovanni said.

“Uh.. no problem at all right there. I love Jojo’s company, he’s such a darling.” She responded with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Soon, all the pleasantries were done with and we all finally sat round the table to continue eating. It was silent once again until Jojo spoke, “uh… what’s your plan for my sister, uncle Giovanni?”

To say I was shocked about his question would be an understatement. Jojo might be quiet a lot of time but he was very smart, one thing I never thought of was him been this smart.

“Uh…Jojo..” I was about to scold but Giovanni squeezed my lap underneath the table.

“It’s fine, Kiki. He has ever right to know, he’s technically your guardian. Uh… so Jojo, since you asked, I’d like like let you know that I plan to get married to your sister, I love her so much and I can’t wait to make it official with her." He said and I found myself smiling.

The morning went by with more questions and soon enough, Jojo had gotten so free with Giovanni so easily, they played soccer together and even other games that Jojo loved do much, some of which I was surprised to see Giovanni himself enjoying so much.

“He’s quite a catch.” I heard Grace say beside me as we both watched them play and laugh around the house.

I simply nodded in response to her, and she smiled.

When it was evening, Giovanni got a call asking him to come to the office and I had to walk him to his car as we both walked hand in hand feeling feeling happy about the whole day.

“We should have a proper date.” He said to me as soon as we were at his car.

“Yes…” I replied.

“I’ll text you the details of it when I get everything ready.” He said and I looked up at him leaving little to no space between us.

When he looked at me, it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from my lungs floating into the air like midnight smoke. Every time he kissed me it felt like the world stopped, leaving just the two of us to wander the earth together. Every time he held my face between his hands it felt like he was untying all of my knots. Holding me for eternity in the arms I’ve grown so accustomed to.

This was what falling in love was like, a story you never wanted to end. For so long I had longed for it, and now I can’t bare to lose it – lose this thing that makes me feel so complete.

I love Giovanni. I love him so much and I’m so happy that we have finally gotten to a similar ground.