JOURNEY OF LOVE: A MEMORABLE VACATION - PART 4 (Patreon)

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Note: This story is intended for mature audiences (18+) and all characters depicted are 18 years of age or older.

Part 4: Family

“Finally, I'm home!” In front of me is my beautiful hometown. No matter where I go, this place will always be my home. Saying that, but it's been more than a year since I've come back here, the familiar sea! It's not that I don't miss home, it's just that the distance is too far that interferes with my travel. But this time, I definitely have to go back. The first reason is to prepare for the trip with the Foreign Language Club. On the other hand, I want to make one thing clear.

My parents and lovely neighbors welcomed me enthusiastically. The first thing my father said to me after more than a year of seeing me again was not a greeting but rather: “You are more and more like your mother!” I know, my father is talking about my appearance. Away from the sea of hot sun all year round, my skin is more and more smooth. My face is also much brighter. At first glance, I am like a distant traveler visiting this sea, not a distant son who has just returned to his homeland.

From the days I lived in my hometown, my appearance was very different from the residents here. That day, I was very self-deprecating because of this. But now, everything is different! When I heard my father's words, I felt really happy! More than a year living in the city is enough for me to know one thing, my mother's beauty is worthy of the top beauties in the city. Saying that I am like my mother also means that I inherit all that beauty.

In fact, I never thought I was beautiful nor was I proud of it. But now, I crave it! I want to be seen as a beautiful girl. Yes! A beautiful girl, not a handsome guy. I didn't pay attention to any “handsome” compliments from the girls. I just want one person to see me as a girl. Just that person!

That afternoon, my father and I were eating watermelon on the porch, while my mother was busy preparing a hearty dinner to treat her only son. Curious, I asked my father: “Dad, do you think mom is beautiful?” He raised his large hand to rub my head, but realizing that it were still covered with watermelons, he laughed. My father said: “Great question! For me… well, it's not just me… your mother is the embodiment of an angel.”

He took a bite of watermelon and nodded: “That's right! Fortunately, the young men in this village do not know the current standards of beauty. Otherwise, I'm afraid even I won't be able to keep your mother!” From inside the house, my mother walked straight up to where we were sitting, her hands on her hips and said sulkily: “You talk like I'm the type to change my mind easily!” My father was confused: “No, no! I'm sorry! I was just joking with our son! Let's not be angry!”

I silently looked at the two of them. I gave a satisfied smile. So I was clear about what I was wondering. I learned that both my parents were aware of her beauty and that my father's words about me looking like her were not a reproach but a compliment.

After a moment of romantic play, my father looked over at me and said in a warm voice: “You should be too!” I was losing focus, startled and quickly replied: “What?!” My father smiled: “You are like your mother in appearance, but up to now, you have never been like me in any way. But I hope that you will love someone as deeply as I do. Once in love, love with all your heart! You don't have to care what other people say!”

I pondered what my father said. Maybe he was referring to a sincere love. But… that's when he didn't know the person I loved was… a guy. When he knows that… will he still advise me to “don't care what other people say”? This is clearly… a forbidden love!

The people of my hometown had dinner and slept very early, because before the sun had risen, they had to be floating on the vast ocean. For off-shore fishermen, sometimes at dusk, they went out to sea. I used to think, when I grew up, I would be one of them. But for now, I think… my dream is to become a language specialist.

After helping my mother wash the dishes, I was about to go up to my room to prepare some luggage for the next trip when my mother called me back. My mother told me to go to her room and forbade my father to follow. Could it be… she misses city life and wants me to tell her about what I've been going through for over a year? If that's the case, I'm sure she will be disappointed! All this time, because of my shy nature, I rarely went out to explore, only confined myself in a small castle... with my prince! No… this is just a one-sided love of a white horse… with a dream of becoming a princess!

My mother helped me sit down on my parents' bed. My mother began to ask me: “Are you used to city life?” I scratched my head: “I'm not used to it yet! But with my shy personality, I think it's the same wherever I live!” My mother rubbed my head: “Being shy is also a lovely personality type! If it doesn't get in your way too much, you don't need to change. Accept your personality and live it to the fullest!”

I shook my head: “But I think shy is only cute for a girl. With a guy, I should be stronger than that!” My mother looked surprised: “You… still want to be a guy?” I was even more surprised than my mother: “What do you mean by that? I don't understand!”

My mother put her hand over her mouth and smiled softly: “So you don't understand your father's words in the afternoon? Do you know, after more than a year, what has changed the most that we have noticed?”

“My appearance?”

“Incorrect! Your appearance is also a change, but not too obvious, because you and I, when I was young, were like two drops of water. The current result is only your maturation process. What you change the most… is your spirit… yes, we could say that!”

“I still don't understand!”

“You are exactly like me… when I fell in love with your father! I'm sure your father saw that in you. Don't underestimate your father. Your father looks a bit silly, but he is very delicate! Are you… having a crush on a certain guy?”

I froze, not knowing how to respond. Is it possible that my love for Tristan is shown openly like that? I faltered: “I… actually…”

My mother gently stroked my head again: “I know you have experienced difficulties in thinking. But no matter what… you still have me and your father always supported you. Your father's words in the afternoon are the surest affirmation. You have to be honest with us and yourself! Do you really like a guy and want to be a girl who walks by his side?”

I lowered my face: “Yes! I used to think that romance novels and Manga affected my thinking. But I know it's just an excuse. In my heart, I've always wanted to be a girl… ever since… I just didn't realize it.”

“We will always support you! Your only difficulty is getting him to accept your femininity. You know… it's hard for a normal guy to accept another guy's love. But you know what? I always think that true love always exists…even in real life, not just in novels. If you are sincere enough… maybe something magical will happen. Love between a beautiful urban girl and a rustic fishing village guy. The love between a handsome guy and a guy who wants to be a girl. Everything is possible!”

“I… don't expect to be accepted by him! I just wanted him to realize there was a… girl who was always quietly watching him! This trip of the Foreign Language Club is the only opportunity for me to do that. Then… maybe I'll tactfully stay away from him.”

My mother clenched her hands, cheering: “Try your best! I believe you will succeed! Anyway... I used to be a girl who knew so many guys confessed their love! And you… will find the true love of your life, just like how your father and I came together!”

A tear rolled across the corner of my eye. You know! For a weak teenager like me, there is nothing more valuable than the support from my family… and I hope, in the near future, there will be another person who supports me like my parents did. Anyway, I am very happy that I was born in this world and want to become a girl.

PART 5 >>