Chapter 01
Classes started again—it’s going to be a big year, with some important exams coming up. At first, it felt strange for Kento to be alone during the day, but after a few days, he got used to it. We tried to run home during breaks and, if nothing else, take him out for a quick half-hour walk. He’s also learned that he’s not allowed into the bedroom.
“How was your summer?” I asked my former roommates over lunch.
“I stayed at the dorm,” Dave said briefly. “Maybe next year we’ll move in together.” Yvette nodded quietly.
“I finally found a veterinary clinic where I could do my summer internship,” Tom said. “It was full of attractive girls. I’m still seeing one of them.”
“I did my internship at the zoo,” Phil nodded. “And Mona worked—and will keep working alongside school.”
“Where?” Dave asked.
“I tailor wedding dresses,” said Mona. “My time’s flexible, and I get paid per dress. I didn’t expect it, but rental has become really popular.”
“Where?” The service sounded familiar.
“At Mandy’s shop,” Mona smiled. “I started there after our finals, though her partner was the one who checked my work and hired me without seeing me. I’ve been sewing my own clothes for years, so I’ve had plenty of practice.”
“And you, Jay?” Tom asked.
“I spent time with my girlfriend, helped my mentor, went on vacation... the usual, nothing exciting,” I said.
“Did you run into Mandy?” Mona asked.
“Yeah,” I nodded. “We bumped into each other a couple of times.”
“Does she know your girlfriend?” Mona went on.
“Yes,” I said. “They actually get along pretty well.”
“You should finally introduce your girlfriend to us,” Phil said reproachfully. “Even we’ve met Tom’s dates.”
“Maybe next year,” I said.
Uncle Steve’s classes were again on the same day as before, and the bonus sheet deviated about as much as usual. This year I could already take some hands-on subjects, which seemed exciting. I crammed my schedule full, knowing Jenny would likely do the same.
—
For our anniversary weekend, I organized a lunch with friends at Aaron’s restaurant. Naturally, Dave and Yvette were invited—Susy already knew how to host them like a pro.
By the time Kento and we got home the evening before lunch, my entire family, baby included, and Iris were at Jenny’s place.
“Why are you here, Dad?” I asked after greeting everyone.
“Adam invited us over,” he said cheerfully.
The family was getting ready for dinner, but I noticed Mickey had been circling me ever since I arrived.
“Mickey, want a hand with something?” I asked with a smile. He nodded silently and headed upstairs. I followed him to his room and waited until he shut the door.
“Mom’s having a baby,” he blurted out.
“What?” I asked, surprised. “Where did you get that from?”
“I heard Dany talking to Dad today—he said he was going to announce the new family member,” Mickey said.
“I’m sure you heard correctly,” I replied doubtfully. “But let’s wait until they announce it—don’t tell anyone else.”
“No,” he shook his head. “It was hard to keep it in, but I only wanted to tell you.”
“Thanks for telling me,” I said with a smile and shook his hand. He accepted proudly and went back to the living room.
By the time we got downstairs, most of the family was already seated for dinner. Jenny glanced at Mickey and me and tapped her nose playfully with a smile.
Before eating, Dr. Cox stood up and asked to speak.
“Now that we’re all together,” he began, “on behalf of the parents, I’d like to ask the soon-to-be-married young people to start addressing the parents informally.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Simmons—it’s an honor. Of course,” Jenny smiled at my parents, and Dad smiled back.
“Thank you, it means a lot to me too,” I said, though my brain hadn’t quite caught up yet.
The family was just about to start eating, but Dr. Cox remained standing and cleared his throat softly.
“There’s one more thing,” he said calmly, drawing everyone’s attention again. Jenny leaned back curiously, and so did I.
“As you know, Julie and the kids traveled a lot and got to know many cultures,” he began, though I still wasn’t sure how this connected to a baby. “In some countries, it’s considered an honor for the head of the family to be the first to welcome a new family member.” He paused for a few seconds; nobody moved. Mickey looked around inquisitively.
“I would like to be that family head today,” he continued. “Of course, only if you agree, Iris.” He turned toward her, and Daniel passed a ring box across the table.
Jenny’s face darkened for a moment, but her smile quickly masked all emotion. Amber and Mom held their breath. A few subtle tears appeared in Iris’s and Mrs. Julie’s eyes.
“Will you accept my family as your own—will you be my wife?” Daniel asked.
“I will,” Iris replied. “I love you, Dany.”
Daniel got up from the table, walked to his girlfriend, and gently kissed her. The family applauded, and Dr. Cox sat down, beaming. Daniel helped Iris put on the ring and sat back down.
It was a rose-gold ring with a white stone in the center.
“Looks like we’re preparing for two weddings,” Uncle Steve laughed.
“I thought I was getting a little sibling,” Mickey whispered. Several people laughed.
“Don’t worry, Mickey—so did I,” Amber laughed.
“No,” Mrs. Julie said. “Now it’s only grandchildren we’re talking about.”
“You can call me informally too, dear,” Dr. Cox told Iris.
“The same goes for us,” my dad added. “Thank you for letting us be part of this moment.”
“I thank you—for this special family and for the honor of being part of it,” Iris replied with a smile.
We slowly started eating, though some still admired Iris’s ring.
“Do you have ideas for the wedding?” Mom asked me almost immediately during dinner.
“Mom,” Amber said in a warning tone.
“Definitely not next year,” said Iris. “That will be Jane’s year. I don’t want a big wedding, but I’d love for Adam’s family to be there too, besides everyone here.”
“They’re spending the holidays here again—like always lately,” Jenny said calmly, though her eyes sparkled as she glanced at me.
“Iris,” Daniel jumped in, “does this work for you? That way we wouldn’t have to wait for years. Will you marry me between the two holidays?”
“Yes,” Iris smiled. “That would be perfect. We just don’t have a venue.”
“My dear,” the lawyer turned to Jenny, “would you be okay with the ceremony being on your beach?”
“Of course,” Jenny smiled. “But it’s not our beach. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful even in winter.”
“Then it’s settled,” said Mrs. Julie cheerfully.
After dinner, Daniel and Iris received congratulations. The dads shook hands and moved aside—I joined them rather than staying with the wedding crowd.
“Adam,” my dad shook his hand, “that was a smooth recovery.”
“I hoped it would be more surprising that way,” Dr. Cox smiled.
“Jenny looked surprised too,” I said.
“She doesn’t need to be ready for everything,” the lawyer smiled. “But do make sure she gets a chance to show how happy she is,” Dad added. I nodded.
“It went well, didn’t it?” Daniel joined us cheerfully.
“It did,” I nodded. “It was a good move.”
“Mom’s happy too,” he went on. “And Blondie said it’s good I’m marrying first, since I’m the oldest,” he laughed.
“I hope you two won’t wait as long for the grandchild as Jane and her husband,” Uncle Steve said.
Later that night, my girlfriend and I took Kento for a walk, and she cried on my shoulder out of joy.
“Looks like someone’s happy,” I teased when she stopped sniffling.
“I am,” she smiled, wiping her eyes. “Iris never had a big family, and she’s been alone ever since I’ve known her. She’s always wanted big family pictures at Christmas.”
“She’s joining the perfect family, then,” I laughed. “She fits in better than you.” I teased.
“Yeah,” she nodded. “She won’t mind if the grandparents hover over her baby all day.”
“So, I guess they won’t wait long either,” I noted.
“You guessed right,” she smiled. “They both work, have savings, and they can live upstairs or anywhere else. If I were them, I wouldn’t wait either.”
“Wait a sec,” I turned to her. “Are you only waiting because of school?”
“Messy,” Smartypants smirked. “They’re older than us, we don’t even have our own place, and you don’t exactly have an income yet.”
“I know, but in a few years, I’ll be Uncle Steve’s full-time partner.”
“Then we’ll talk in a few years,” she smiled. “Until then, take care of Ruby.”
Later that evening, my family said their goodbyes. My parents rode with me, and I headed toward our house on the hilltop.
“Where are you taking us, son?” Dad asked.
“I want to check on the house,” I said. “I haven’t heard anything since that meeting with Mrs. Tashiro.”
In a few minutes, I parked in front of the house and we got out. The roof was already on. Brian’s house already had its windows installed.
“Brad is making great progress,” I said.
“The rainy season is coming,” Dad said. “The windows will be in soon too.”
We went inside. Upstairs, the internal walls were already done. One room stood apart, joined to an adjacent space at the far end of the house, facing the back garden. The four rooms I had requested were near the staircase, arranged in pairs facing each other, with a shared bathroom between each pair—two bathrooms in total.
“Mrs. Tashiro didn’t even ask about the layout,” I remarked.
“Should she have?” Mom asked gently.
“Not me necessarily, but it would’ve helped if Jenny saw the plans. Maybe I should talk to her,” I said, slightly irritated.
“Talk to who?” Mom asked.
“To Jenny,” I said. “She could still make changes if she doesn’t like something.”
“She likes it,” Mom said cheerfully. “The upstairs was her idea.”
“She saw the blueprints at Amber’s and after a few tweaks, really liked one version. So Brad built the upstairs based on Annabelle’s plans,” Dad added.
“Good,” I grinned. “If Brian asked about every detail, that might look suspicious.”
“Exactly,” Dad laughed and patted my back.
“There’s no rush with the interior work,” I said. “We’ll only move in after the wedding.”
“Alright,” Mom said with a nod. “But from what I hear, downstairs is almost ready.”
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“Dad,” I asked cautiously, “will the house really be half mine?”
“It’ll be in both your names, and that’s what matters,” Dad smiled. “But Adam’s right—you’re getting better and better.”
—
The next day we were invited to a late lunch at my friend’s restaurant, so Aaron wouldn’t be too busy and could sit with us.
Aaron’s two-story restaurant had a great location, not far from the city center, perched on a hill. The ground floor was more casual, while the upper level served specialty dishes. Each floor had its own kitchen—one run by Aaron’s mom, the other by his dad—but Aaron would eventually take over both. There was a reception desk by the entrance where we could check in, then either head up the stairs or continue into the lower level.
As planned, our table was downstairs—we’d definitely be louder than the quiet upstairs crowd. The ground floor had pale lilac stone tiles and cream-colored walls with lilac decorative accents. The kitchen was on the left, the restrooms on the right. The rectangular tables were surrounded by cream chairs with lilac trim, matching the lilac-edged tablecloths and purple table accessories. Each table had its own elegant chandelier. The waiter guided us to a long table near the kitchen. From the windows, you could see the city center below.
Jenny and I arrived first, so we waited.
“We should eat upstairs sometime,” I said.
“Yeah, sure,” she replied shortly—easy enough to read her by now.
“You’ve eaten up there, haven’t you?” I teased. “Was one of your dates here?”
“N-no, of course not,” she stammered, shaking her head as I leaned back grinning. “I had a work dinner once up there. Aaron got us a table last-minute—it was urgent. The food’s good,” she smiled, “but it’s really expensive.”
“The food’s good down here too,” Aaron said, walking up. I shook his hand quickly.
Susy arrived next. Aaron greeted her and waited for the others as well. Once everyone had arrived, Aaron gave us a little tour—his parents came out from the kitchens, and he even let us peek upstairs. Upstairs, the chairs looked more like armchairs, still in cream with lilac trim. There were fewer tables—round ones for two, spaced apart with plants between them. The chandeliers were much more elegant, made of crystal.
We returned to our table, ordered, and Aaron joined us for lunch.
“Everyone participating in this year’s University City Days?” Susy asked the group.
“Yes,” my girlfriend nodded. “Mayoko and I will be cooking.”
“What are University City Days?” I asked. I had no idea what they were talking about.
“They’re held every three years,” Brian said. “At the last one, you were still suffering over the best decision of your life,” he teased.
“Glad you noticed I’m actually here now,” I replied, but he just grinned.
“Messy is entering too,” Jenny said, smiling. “He’s doing swimming and tennis. I already signed him up.”
“Tennis?” I was surprised. “Babe, I don’t play tennis.”
“Just like I’d never done archery before summer,” she said, touching her nose as the others watched curiously. “Your mom and my mom will be happy to train with you.”
“Babe,” I smiled, “this is a pretty strong revenge for that last competition—but alright.”
“There’s archery too?” I asked Brian.
“There is,” he said. “Paul won the traditional category three years ago.”
“I signed him up for swimming, too. He’s just deferred studies, so he still counts as a student at our uni,” said Jenny. “You’ve got a chance this year again, Brian.”
“He won that too,” Brian noted to me. “I didn’t train enough, came in second.”
“So everyone’s doing swimming?” I asked.
“Not me,” Daryl shook his head. “I go to school in a different city.”
“Almost all the girls will be cooking, same as Aaron,” Susy said, smiling at Aaron.
“Dave, Yvette, what about you two?” Diane asked.
“Yvette will bake and play tennis,” said Dave. “I’ll do chess and drawing.”
“It’s not just sports and cooking/drawing?” I asked.
“There’s also baking,” Brian said. “They added these years ago so non-athletes wouldn’t feel left out.”
“How does the competition work?” I asked curiously.
“Depends on how many people enter,” Aaron said. “In the spring, only the top ten get to compete in the official event week—eight for swimming.”
“That week, classes are half-hearted,” Dave added. “Last time, a lot of teachers didn’t even hold theirs. It’s not an official break, but no one’s allowed to give exams or assignments that week or the one before or after. All the universities follow that.”
“Since Paul won last time, he’s already secured a top ten and top eight spot,” Brian said. “So it’s fine that he’s not around—he just needs to be present in spring.”
“Who judges?” I asked.
“Each school sends one judge for the sports,” Aaron said. “For the other categories, external professionals are invited. At our school, they say there was once a girl studying culinary arts who got hired by a well-known restaurant thanks to this,” he added. “It’d be great PR for me, but three years ago, I didn’t know enough to stand a chance.”
“You still made it to the top ten,” Susy said softly.
“Yeah, that’s true,” Aaron smiled.
“So did my wife,” Brian said and gave Mayoko a quick kiss. I slid over my newly bought trash-can-shaped piggy bank.
“Babe,” I turned to my girlfriend, “what was your best placing three years ago?”
“I didn’t enter anything,” she said quietly.
“Well,” I smiled, “this year will be different. I’ll swim, you’ll do archery, and whoever places higher wins veto rights.”
“You get to pick one stroke that counts against the archery result,” my girlfriend smiled.
“Brian,” I turned to my friend, “what happened in butterfly three years ago?”
“I didn’t compete in it, neither did Paul,” he said. “Too many strokes to manage. Aaron, you did it, right?”
“Yeah,” Aaron said. “But cooking was more important, so I slacked and only came third—behind some med student and a painter guy.”
“Then I’m choosing butterfly,” I said.
“Alright,” said Jenny. “So if I beat you, do I get a veto power, or just get to keep the one I have?”
“You get to keep it,” I said. “I’m not letting you rack up more than ten.”
“Alright, Messy, but even if we tie, I’m keeping it,” she nodded. “So that means tennis goes up against cooking. If you want to cut back the number of vetoes I have, you’ll need to step it up there too.” She laughed.
“Jay,” Brian said suspiciously, “should we know the details?”
“Yeah,” I nodded, and explained what Jenny had received in exchange for archery—which caused quite the ruckus. The girls were thrilled and congratulated my girlfriend on the smart deal; the guys were the opposite.
“Dude,” Brian said, “you can’t just give points to your girlfriend without clearing it with us.”
I was about to reply, but the girls beat me to it.
“We’ll give up our three points,” said Mayoko after Jenny nodded, “in exchange for one veto power. It’s a fair offer—take it.”
“We wouldn’t have to accept it if Jay didn’t just hand out points to you,” Daryl said.
“Whatever,” Brian sighed, waving it off. “In the end, we authorized him to negotiate on our behalf.” He turned to his wife and shook her hand. “We accept.”
“Jay,” said Aaron, “next time, maybe don’t make bets for us.”
“I have a feeling that’ll be about as effective as yelling at a wall,” Brian teased. I just shrugged.
—
After lunch at my friend’s family restaurant, I took Jenny home, we walked Kento, and I got home just in time for dinner. Amber was playing in the living room with the little one, Brad and Dad were looking at something on the computer, and Mom was cooking dinner.
“Mom,” I said as I sat down at the dining table, “how long would it take you to turn me into a decent tennis player?”
Laughter erupted from the living room, and my family came over. Brad brought over Ruby, swaying in her bouncy chair.
“What do you need, son?” Mom asked while stirring something.
“There’s this university tournament, and Jenny signed me up for tennis,” I said briefly.
“I heard about that,” Amber smiled. “Jane said that’s the least she could do in exchange for archery.”
“What are the events you’re comparing scores on?” Dad asked, curious.
“I’m doing swimming, she’s doing archery. I do tennis, she cooks,” I said. “Whoever places higher in those events wins.”
“She might not be a pro chef,” Mom smiled, “but you’re worse at tennis than she is at cooking. How much time do you have to train?”
“A few weeks,” I said. “I’d need an intense crash course.”
“I could say don’t even bother,” Dad teased, “but you wouldn’t listen anyway.”
“If you come home every weekend, train both mornings with me, Amber, and Julie, you might improve a bit.”
“Then that’s the plan,” I said. “I’ll come home. I have to win back one veto power—even a tie isn’t good enough.”
“You’re not winning swimming,” my dad laughed.
“I think I’m a decent swimmer,” I said with dry sarcasm.
“You are, son,” he smiled. “But there are at least four strong swimmers racing for first place. Archery, though—not many people sign up for that. Your girl’s going to win, she won’t take any risks.”
“Then I’ll win too,” I said defiantly.
“That won’t reduce her veto power,” Amber added. I tossed a napkin at her in response.
“Just do your best, son,” Dad laughed and clapped me on the back.
Mom finished cooking, reheated the meat, and served dinner.
“I made the sauce tonight,” Mom said proudly. “I think it turned out well.”
“I’m sure it did, sweetheart,” Dad said calmly.
Just to be safe, I put the sauce on the side of the meat and side dish—if it was good, I’d pour more on later. Amber did the same, but Brad and Dad showed trust and poured it all over their meat.
“Good call, bro,” Amber said after a few bites. I nodded.
The sauce wasn’t inedible, but it came out too spicy and a bit salty—though the taste was familiar.
“So? What do you think?” Mom asked eagerly. “It’s Julie’s recipe.”
“My fiancée makes it better,” I said. “But it’s not bad, Mom. You’re definitely improving.”
“I agree,” Amber encouraged her. “Not bad at all.”
“Good,” Mom said with a smile. “Though my future daughter-in-law is still way too polite,” she added, looking at me. “She doesn’t speak up when she doesn’t like the food. Son, have you told her I don’t get offended?”
“A few times,” I said. “But I also found out from Paul that she thinks my scrambled eggs are bland. She always just says they’re alright because ‘they’re not too salty.’”
“What do you even put in them?” Dad asked.
“Nothing—ever since I oversalted them once,” I replied. My family burst out laughing.
“Then yeah, they’re bland,” Dad said. “And the girl doesn’t criticize because she appreciates the effort. She knows it’s hard to please her in the kitchen. Ever since her relationship with Adam really improved, she’s been questioning his every move when they cook together. Not to test him,” Dad smiled, “just because she’s curious.”
“And what does Adam think?” Amber asked.
“He loves it,” Dad said. “He said Julie was just like that when he moved in. It shows him that Janie really loves him—because she’s willing to be critical when needed, even if Adam doesn’t let her.”
“So she doesn’t love me,” I said. Mom nodded.
“She does, son. It’s just that you guys aren’t quite at Adam’s level in the kitchen yet.” Then Dad turned to Mom. “Sweetheart—does Julie give you feedback?”
“More like suggestions,” Mom said. “About this sauce, she’d probably say I should cut back on the salt and spices next time.”
“So Julie does exactly what her daughter does—but you never noticed until now,” Dad said matter-of-factly. Mom smiled and nodded.
“If Jane becomes your daughter-in-law, she won’t tell you when the food’s bad, because she’ll see you’re trying,” Dad said with a smile. “But if you ever want to cook for her kids, sweetheart, she’ll definitely speak up—so be prepared.” Dad said with a grin.
“Dad,” I said once I’d finished eating, “show me how to make scrambled eggs she’ll actually like.”
“Alright, son,” he smiled. “We’ll start after tennis practice.”
