Chapter 38: Chapter 38
Ismael was overwhelmed with Nick's every word. He spoke like he was Kelly's flesh and blood for a son. The respect, honor, and love were beyond an ordinary mother and son. The emotions of happiness of her being happy with a man as well as the fear of her being hurt by a man were evident and too potent to be ignored. It made Ismael think, "What kind of a woman could Kelly be to be loved not only as a wife but also as a stepmother, not to mention as a mother to her daughter? Could she be the one he had been waiting for all his life? Would he ever get the chance to feel and treasure her love somewhere in their future?"
"I hope I could be a part of such an extraordinary family," Ismael also felt emotional. He had been so lonely all his life, devoting his time and abilities to helping others. "I have my shortcomings, but I am willing to give my best shot to deserve Kelly. And with your help, I am sure I can win her heart. Please guide me what she likes and dislikes, or at least let me know when I am doing things wrong so I can make them right," Ismael chuckled. "I might have saved a lot of lives with the use of my scalpel, but I suck in relationships maybe because I was still young and more focused on my career when I had them. This time, I feel mature enough, but I am afraid that won't be enough," he added.
Nick pressed his right thumb and forefinger near his eyes' tear ducts to discretely wipe his tears as he snortled with Ismael.
"Let's find out. Our dates are waiting inside," Nick signaled to Ismael to follow the ladies into the house with a bright smile. Nick was happy to open his heart to Ismael. He used to do such things with his dad, but it's been more than two years since Elijah passed away. And he has had no one to release his emotions to before this man today.
Ismael took a few deep breaths, summoned his courage, and walked behind Nick. He was still nervous like crazy, and he felt like he was back to being a new adult. Scared to face a girl he had a crush on. But the words he had heard from Nick also inspired him. If Nick approves of him being his stepmom's date, that must have meant something. And he should be confident to be a man and prove his worth to Kelly.
The mother and daughter did not notice the two were taking longer to get in. They were also busy preparing something for a snack in the kitchen while Kate assured her mom that it's just normal to feel conscious and nervous.
"But if you don't want to be alone with him, just let me know, okay?" Kate was like the mom, and Kelly was the daughter. They both realized their silly situation, and Kelly scratched her head with a scowl on her face.
"Why do I feel like you are the mom and I am the teenage daughter about to go on a prom date?" Kelly asked.
The two giggled like silly girls as they carried trays of drinks and snacks—one for each. The two gentlemen could hear the merry giggles of the two ladies even from the door that Nick had to clear his throat to remind them they were already inside the house.
"Mom! Kate! We're here!" Nick called out.
"Come in. We're in the living room," Kate replied when she noticed her mom panicked. She patted her mom's back gently. "It's okay, mom, don't worry," Kate whispered.
"I don't know why I feel so nervous," Kelly patted her cheeks. They felt warm, so she fanned them with her open palms. But like she would always do, she warmly invited the guest to sit down after Nick introduced the man to her.
"Mom, this is Doctor Ismael Gremitt. He is also a Neuro Surgeon like Doctor Alfred Dion. But he prefers to be called Ismael," Nick introduced the two adults formally. "Ismael, this is our mom, Kelly Eudovic. And this is my girlfriend, Kate Taylor," Nick did not neglect to introduce Kate formally.
"Nice to meet you, Doctor... ahhh, Ismael," Kate shook hands with their guest with a welcoming smile.
"Nice to meet you, Kate. You are just as lovely as your mom here," Ismael could not keep commenting.
In his eyes, the two ladies were like a beauty of the same kind with their respective ages. Kate was the younger version of Kelly, and Kelly was the future beauty Kate would hold when she turned of such age. Even with Kelly's condition still being under recovery, her beauty did not seem to wither. Maybe because she was surrounded by two loving children who always made her smile, no matter what life's surprises may come along. And perhaps because she did not have any recollections of her past terrible experiences, she was not distressed about anything. Not even the car accident could she recall, nor how she had Kate. It was her daughter who told her how she had a daughter, and so she had no doubt Kate would ever lie to her. She even believed her own made-up story about having Kate having a loving father who untimely died before Kate was even borne.
Kelly shook hands with Ismael after Kate with a shy smile at what he just said.
"Nice to meet you, Kelly!"
"Nice knowing you, too! Please have a seat," Kelly smiled nervously. Then she turned to look at Kate and Nick. "Now, guys, tell us how are we going to do this double date thing?"
Kate, who was seated across from Nick, signaled him to speak. Nick sat next to Ismael. A center table with snacks was between the two ladies and the two gents.
"Well, I was thinking about carpooling, but if you prefer to have a car for each couple, that would also be fine. What do you think?" Nick asked the two elders.
"I will have to attend a volunteer mission after our weekend getaway, so I might need to bring my car. I also have my medical kit there if we need it, hopefully, none. But just in case anyone needs medical assistance, I can help right away," Ismael replied cautiously.
"Wow! We won't have to worry about anything involving a doctor," Kate chimed in humorously.
"Mom, is it okay if you ride with Ismael. Kate and I will be right behind you," Nick asked hesitatingly.
"Of course, if he is okay with that," Kelly replied, turning her requesting look at Ismael.
"I would love to!" the man answered with glee.
A burst of joyous laughter filled the living room.
"I guess we should start our journey. We will have our dinner along the way, and I have reserved our tables in a decent restaurant with a nice night view," Nick announced with enthusiasm.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go, my doctor date! I feel like I am more confident to travel with you by my side," Kelly exclaimed as she clasped then clapped her hands in excitement.
"Now I am feeling more confident. My best skills might save me from ruining my first attempt to blind dates," Ismael laughed in a breathy as he replied with verve. He was feeling vigorous and enthusiastic.
Nick and Kate looked at each other with contented smiles.
Their eyes sent forth messages that said, "Happy Get Weekend!"
The four of them left the Eudovic Mansions with gleeful and cheerful hearts. Everyone was looking forward to a chance to create new and worth remembering memories. Kate and Nick drove after the elder couple. Kelly and Ismael disagreed at first, but Kate and Nick argued.
"We are worried you might take an unexpected turn and take our mom away," Kate feigned, pouting as she stated her reasons why she and Nick should be behind the two.
"Kate?!" Kelly was so mortified at what her daughter just said in front of her date that she wanted to hide or vanish into thin air. Her flushed face turned awfully red when the two men chuckled.
"Sorry, mom, but we are driving behind you," Kate peeked on the man behind the wheels and playfully ordered. "Off you go, mister."
"Okay, okay, get into your ride, so we can start this crazy weekend already," Kelly shooed her daughter away. Then turned to Ismael. "I'm sorry about my kids. I didn't know they could be this naughty."
"They love you so much. I envy you. I wish I have kids as loving as you do," Ismael replied with honesty.
"You wanna be their dad?" Kelly asked jokingly.
"Will you let me be?" Ismael knew she was joking, but he was hoping someday that joke would turn into reality.
"Let's find out. I guess we are both mature enough to do this wisely," Kelly gave her hints away. She wanted to indulge and feel how it is to love and be loved.