Chapter 52

The next day, I woke up earlier to catch up with Leandro for his morning run. I know it’s about damn time that I do that. I only slept for a few hours but I really wanted to do this so I could have a chance to talk to him.

I was the first one to come down so I waited for him in the kitchen while grabbing a bottle of water. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I walked out of the kitchen and met him down the stairs.

His eyebrows raised in surprise as soon as he saw me. “Morning, Dylan. You’re up early.” His statement was more of a question as he looked at me inquisitively.

I shrugged. “Yeah, I figured I’d join you today.”

Leandro didn’t hide his joy and showed me a huge grin. “I’m glad. Come on.” He said, nodding towards the front door.

We talked every now and then as we ran. He didn’t feel shy about admitting how happy he was that I finally accepted his offer to run with him. He appreciated that I gave him time despite how busy I am with my IT work. He said he understands how hard it is since he has a friend who does the same work as me. Just watching him work makes his head ache.

We stopped by at the park where we usually bring Ollie and Damian to play openly. We sat at the bench to rest a bit before going home. We were silent as we relaxed; the comfortable kind of silence. I figured it’s the right time for me to tell him. It’s the reason why I ran with him today anyway.

“I heard you and mom talking last night.” I said candidly. He turns his head and looks at me in mild surprise. “I apologize if I’m giving you a bad impression. It’s not really my intention to, uh, come out like I dislike you. I assure you it’s really not like what it looks like.”

Leandro smiles. For looking so rough, he sure has a warm smile. “I see. Thank you for clearing that up, Dylan. I was worried that you didn’t like me. I don’t think I would continue pursuing your mom if one of her family members dislikes me. I really don’t want to come in between.”

I suppressed a smile. “I can see you love mom so I like you for that.”

His smile widens. “I actually had a crush on her the first time I saw her.” There was a faint blush in his cheeks as he confessed. He was scratching his head in a shy manner. “I’m sure you also heard my desire to marry Violet.”

I nodded. “I’m actually happy that I’m not the only man in the family anymore. I had to leave them for my job in the city. Even back then when I was here I was juggling work and school. I saw my mom how much she was struggling. I didn’t want to leave them but I had to. I’m happy that there’s someone who’ll take care of her this time and watch over the family.”

He nods. “Thank you for trusting me, Dylan. I hope you don’t feel like I’m replacing your dad. Your dad is... your dad. No one can ever replace him." He said slowly without an ounce of negativity. "I guess I’m just, you know, an addition to the family.”

“I’m sure Ollie loves to have an addition to the family. More walks and attention for him.” We both laughed. Our dog was so playful and friendly that there were times that I couldn’t catch up with him. Only Damian has the same level of energy.

“I’m glad we have this talk. Violet will be happy we finally bonded.”

I smirk. “Yeah, she’s been wanting us to do that. I’m sorry again. There’s just been a lot in my mind.”

Leandro pats my shoulders. “It’s alright. I’m sure you’ll pull through. You are a great son and great things happen to people like you.”

—

When mom found out about our little bonding, she literally set up a feast that night. Even grandma had a cheat day. She was just so happy for us and I’m so happy for them as well. Leandro kept looking at my mom as if anytime he’s going to propose.

Later that night, Leandro invited me to drink with him in our backyard. He really came prepared when I saw him bring several bottles of beer for us. After our talk this morning, he seems more open to me now. He doesn’t hesitate to invite me and initiate conversation. His effort towards me was obviously doubled.

Our talk started out with his questions about my childhood and my dad, too. He wanted to know the man who raised me and mom’s first love. He joked about wanting him as an example when he becomes a dad. I smiled as I watched him express her eagerness to be with mom and our family.

I think we have been talking for so long. I didn’t know the time and I was already on the verge of getting wasted. I didn’t want to cut our time. He seemed so excited to hang out with me.

“What about you, Dylan? Any girl that had you dreaming of settling down with?” He said with a teasing smirk before gulping down his beer. The bottles had lined up on our table. I realized the amount of beer I have consumed was far too much. I guess I just needed to loosen up and it was working, considering I was willing to open up.

“I… It’s complicated.” I was playing with my thumb as memories of her flooded my mind. Leandro raised his brow with a questioning look.

“Is that why you’re here?” He asked carefully.

I chuckled. “Maybe. I… I love her so much. I really… love her.” My head was fuzzy and I was dozing off while trying hard to stay awake. I unconsciously let my head drop down on the table, forehead first but I still managed to continue talking despite my state.

“I thought I would be fine without her. I’m not.” I slurred. “I want her. I never wanted anyone as much as I wanted her.” I lift my head slightly to look at him while still leaning on the table. I couldn’t see his expression clearly, there was a hindrance in my eyes. My smile was that in pain. “Can I have her? Can someone like me have her?” I groaned, slurring. “Cara… please tell her I love her.” I chuckle. “Tell her I want her back. I’ll leave everything… everything… for her.”

“What did you do to my son?” My angel had arrived.

I laugh. “Hi, mom. You’re going to be such a beautiful bride. I love you. And grandma. And Damian… and Ollie.”

“Leandro, why did you make him drunk?” Mom chided.

“Because he needed it. It’s the only way he could talk.”