Over the Hurdle and Into the Breach

While she wasn't able to make it to his nephew's birthday party at his house (had to mind the store from morning til lunchtime), he did manage to deliver her birthday present. Afterward he picked her up at the train station, one stop further than he expected. They went back to his place to hang out and w/ no concrete plans. Exercise? Watch a movie (Death Defying Acts) in 720p format via her laptop attached to the Bravia? Have some leftover party food? Whatever goes.

Well it ended up being the second and third one. While they stayed in later than expected, his Dad comes home and finally meets her. On the other hand he was in another room at the time, and as such was unable to make the formal introduction. Good thing Mom was in there to rectify the situation, and thus began the "formal" interview. She injected the few words of Fukien she remembered how to use (if not pronounce) while Dad struggled w/ his own Tagalog deficiency.

He finally managed to join them in the living room and sat on the adjoining sofa by her side. Every once in a while Dad would wave his hand dismissively at him when he tried to assist in answering his questions to her. Sometimes the questions got repetitive (boy, Dad really wants to know how many siblings her father has) and business advisor-ish ("Do you think your textile shop will do well in the long run?"). At one point she whispered to him, "Can we leave early?" He said, "Looks like you're staying for dinner." And she did.

Finally the baptism of fire was over. He could never be as in love w/ someone as he was w/ her at that moment. That post-Meet the Parents moment. She was so good to put up with this and come out unscathed. They stayed for dinner and had a nightcap at Starbucks.

At Starbucks in between laughs they talked about a sort of disciplinary test. They agreed to go cold turkey in terms of meeting up for the next 5 days this week until the big event they had planned for the weekend (aside from the Madagascar 2 IMAX screening). Texting's still allowed, otherwise no physical contact whatsoever. Also, usually she initiates phone-chat invites and goings out, but now it'll be his turn to ask. All in all she said it won't be easy for her. Meanwhile he has not been in a serious relationship since Ramos was president, so 5 days of absence makes the heart grow fonder come Day 6 for him.

Let the stakeout begin...