Alessa's POV
Today is the birthday of Ginger's mom. She invited me and I'm pretty nervous because it's the first time that I'm going to meet her mom and it's also the first time that I'm going to see their house. She talks about her mom a lot and how much she loves her.
"I told you already! Don't bother buying a gift for mom because your presence is enough" She rebuked me as soon as she saw me holding a gift.
"Nah, it's my first time to meet your mom and it's her birthday so let me spoil her a bit," I replied with a smile.
"But I'm sure this is expensive! I know you Lessa, you don't buy cheap things" She argued. She's pouting and it made me chuckle because she looked cute.
"That's not expensive, trust me" I assured her. I gave her a wink afterwards but she rolled her eyes at me in response.
I bought her mom a pink blood pressure apparatus set because she told me before that her mother have a hypertension. That way they can monitor her mom's blood pressure.
How brilliant of me to think of this I praised myself mentally while grinning like a fool.
"Just a heads up. Our house is small and we only have one bedroom" She explained.
I frowned at her because I don't feel the need for her to explain it to me. I reached for her left hand and then I pressed it gently.
"Geez! Don't worry, okay? I'm not expecting anything and I don't care what your house looks like as long as it has a roof" I joked to ease the embarrassment that she's feeling. I smiled when I saw the relief on her face.
We arrived at their house after twenty minutes of driving. Like I said a while ago, I'm not expecting much but I'm still shocked after seeing the surroundings. I didn't let her notice it though. The place is muddy and crowded with people who're either loitering or doing laundry on the street.
I parked my car in front of their house and the people started looking at us the moment we stepped out of my car. Their house's façade is kind of cute and the wall outside is painted in pink.
"Hey Ginger! Who's your pretty friend?" her guy neighbor asked. He is topless and his body is shining due to sweat. He also reeks of alcohol.
"It's none of your business kuya Edgar!" Ginger scowled at him.
"Don't mind him, Lessa," she added before gently pushing me inside their house.
Their living room is small but tidy. Their couch is shabby but cozy. We decided to sit down as we waited for her mom to come out of their room.
"Mom we're here! What are you doing in there?" Ginger said excitedly.
The door of their room opened afterwards and her mom appeared with a big smile on her face. Ginger was right, she's really pretty.
"I'm sorry for waiting. I took a bath," She explained apologetically. Ginger just hugged her in response.
"Mom, this is Alessa Mendez" Ginger introduced.
My nervousness grew when she averted her eyes on me. I offered my right hand to shake hands with her but she ignored it and she hugged me tight instead. It's very calming and it made me feel comfortable.
"It's good to finally meet you Alessa! I heard a lot of things about you" she said before glancing at Ginger. I smiled when she blushed, she's really cute.
"I hope she said all the good things. By the way, happy birthday" I said politely before giving my gift. She happily accepted it.
"Thank you dear, by the way you can call me mom too. Only if you're comfortable about it" She suggested. She then walked to the dining table to start preparing the food.
"I hope you eat these kind of foods, Alessa" Ginger's mom said after we followed her to the dining area.
"I'm not a picky eater, m...mom" I felt awkward after saying the word mom but somehow I feel like I'm part of the family.
The foods that are served looks good and I bet that it's delicious, especially the spaghetti. Ginger told me before that her mother is a good cook and is working at a local eatery.
"Very well, let's eat then" She smiled before putting a slice of cake and spaghetti on my plate.
We started eating afterwards. I'm too shy to speak but they make sure to talk to me once in a while to make me feel comfortable.
"Uh mom, do you mind if I ask where your husband is?" I suddenly regretted being nosy when I noticed her body tensed up. She managed to smile afterwards.
"He died after I gave birth to Ginger. He went overseas for work but didn't manage to come back" I feel like there's something off with what she said so I ignored it. I sensed that it's not a good topic, good thing Ginger interrupted by scooping a salad and brought it to my mouth.
"Try this, it's mom's specialty" I closed my eyes to savor the taste and she's right, it's really delicious. I've been to a lot of restaurants but their fruit salads are not as good as what I'm eating right now.
"It's delicious!" I exclaimed in delight. I gazed at her intently afterwards and it made her blush.
"What about your family? tell us something about them. We've been friends for months already but I don't know anything about them" She asked after a while.
"My parents are okay," I replied simply. I started playing with the food on my plate.
"Just okay? That's all?" I don't want to talk about them because I don't have much of a good memory with them.
"Well, my parents own a chain of restaurants. They're always busy and they don't have time for me. We haven't even seen each other for almost a week now because they're not around when I get home. They go home late and leave early for work" I paused to take a sip of water.
"I don't complain on financial aspects though," I added chuckling.
My parents give everything that I ask them, except the attention that most teenagers need at a young age. That's why I often go to parties and hang out with my friends all the time, and now with Ginger. Her mom reached for my hand and then she pressed it gently afterwards.
"Don't worry Alessa, you're a family to us now. You are welcome to come here anytime you want" I smiled in so much gratitude. She's so sweet. I now understand why Ginger loves her so much.
I'm having so much fun chatting with them that I didn't notice the time. Not until I heard my phone vibrated. It's a call from my mom.
"Hello, mom?"
"Darling where are you? We came home earlier, you should come home now because I have something to give you!" She said excitedly.
That's what I like about them, they always give me good things. That's what they do when they don't have time for me, it's a bribe for neglecting their only child for a week.
"Okay mom, I'll be home soon. Maybe after an hour" I paused to check the time on my watch.
"I'm still here at my friends house" I informed her before hanging up. I don't want to leave yet because I'm enjoying the company that I have right now but I don't have a choice.
"I guess you need to go home," Ginger said as soon as I finished the call.
She's smiling but I can see in her eyes that she's a bit upset. I want to pinch her cheeks because of so much cuteness that she's showing me right now.
"They came home early today," I replied with a bit of disappointment. Her mom stood up and she walked closer to me to give me a tight hug.
"Darling, feel free to come here anytime you want. You should go home now so you can have time to bond with your parents. Thanks again for the gift, whatever it is I'm sure I'll appreciate it" I smiled because I feel that she really appreciates my gift.
"Yes, mom. I'll do that" I replied politely after she released me from our hug.
She went to the kitchen to wash the dishes afterwards while Ginger walked me to the front door.
"Thank you for coming and for giving mom a gift. You made us happy," she said shyly. I smiled at her and then I patted her shoulder afterwards.
"No, I should be thanking you, you both made my day" I gave her a hug afterwards and kissed her quickly on her cheek but my lips landed on the edge of her lips instead.
Our bodies immediately tensed up so I moved away quickly. Good thing her mom is in the kitchen and didn't see what just happened.
"Uhm... I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow," IÂ said awkwardly while pointing to my car.
"Uh... Yeah, take care. See you tomorrow" She replied while averting her gaze to the floor.
I didn't move for a few seconds because I felt like I needed to do something but I don't know what it is.
"Alright, I'll go now" I repeated before walking briskly to my car.
you did that on purpose!!
"No, I didn't!" I denied before driving away fast with a meaningful grin on my face.
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