Family Matters

Meeting the family was going to be the next day after I landed in Manila. Too soon? Well... I guess so, but to be honest, I was looking forward to it. The first person I spoke to directly was Ben, her brother. But before I knew Ben, I sent a message to her mum saying hello and saying how great her daughter was.

Ashley had been completely open with me from the start. She shared her blog and her YouTube channel, where she uploaded her favorite songs—including Hall & Oates's "Wait for Me (Live + String Version)." Her openness made me feel like there was more to our connection. Early on in our conversations, she confided that she didn't want to live anymore, and the truth is, I understood that feeling all too well. I felt it, too. But at the same time, I could sense her hidden beauty. Maybe I was the key to unlocking it? 

When the time came where Ashley had to go meet the family for Ben's birthday, I encouraged her to go enjoy herself! Of course, I was going to miss talking to her. But at the same time, I wanted her to enjoy the moments with her family. That for me was important because from my understanding, she hardly sees and spends time with them. She took videos of her in the car with her family, with some of the songs reminding me of the music I used to listen to back in the day.

Ben is a joyful person who loves to enjoy himself and make everyone else happy. For me, this felt like it could help Ashley realize the good times ahead! Eventually, around the holiday seasons, Ben stayed over, and I was finally given the opportunity to speak with him one on one! He expressed his love and the times he came to London with Ashley and their other brother. Ben mentioned the horrible Christmas tree, and from there, I started to make it my job to show them around London. Sure, I could make a video, but... I wanted them to see it in real time so they could see around or ask me to go back so they didn't miss anything.

The horrible Christmas tree was there, and it was as disappointing as they said it was. London is meant to be a place where people look forward to things, but this... This... Was an absolute sad joke. Regardless, I took pictures and videos whenever I had a moment to share videos or pictures of various stores. Both Ashley and Ben were concerned that I might be too tired holding the phone while video calling them.

Various places were shown to them and even some of the stores had special Christmas displays. But one thing I always made sure to ask was, did Ben take his medication? Maybe I shouldn't have worried so much, but that was always my way of showing concern. In time, I felt that I made a good friendship with Ben and appreciated his support of me being with Ashley.

What I didn't know was something huge was going on. During this time before the family meeting, Ashley's family wasn't too sure about me, Ben was the one to defend my honor to everyone. In my mind, I feel like Ben was sitting there in the room, like a kettle that's about to start whistling and blow off some steam! 

For me, this meant a whole lot because I can never thank Ben enough for defending me. Knowing that I meant no harm to anyone, he really drove home that I was a good person. Without him, I don't know how much more grief Ashley would have had to handle. Like I said, I'm eternally grateful for him! In return for his kindness, I bought a fridge magnet of London to give him something to remind him, of his time here. 

Eddie

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