Bitter Holidays in Jeju

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Joheun achim, Jelay!" pagbati sa akin ni Chini nang makapasok ako sa kitchen area. (Good morning, Jelay!)

I sat on the stool just across the marble countertop. Every stuff in this place is white or spattered with creams paint that looks absolutely endearing. We don't even inside lights as of this moment as the sunlight from the outside coming thru the window is enough. This place is remarkably stunning and I'm thankful that I've got to live in this place for three years—well, that's the year said in my contract and it will only be extended if needed. And if not, luhaang uuwi ulit sa Pinas.

"What's for breakfast?" tanong ko naman. Pagbaba ko pa lamang kasi ng hagdan ay agad na dinala ako ng pang-amoy ko rito sa kusina.

"The usual. Ito naman parang first-time!" Ngisi pa nito. Inilatag naman niya sa harapan ko iyong mga niluto niya. Vegetable omelet, rice with red and black beans, radish kimchi, and tofu dipped in soy sauce. "Pinaghandaan ko na talaga 'to for you. Though mas napadadalas ako sa egg toast sandwich lately dahil nga naging busy ako, but when I've got time, nagluluto ako. It's comforting and I love the smell of my house when it's filled with so many condiments."

"I really miss this, Chini! Halos dalawang taon din 'yon ano. Ang tagal din natin hindi nagkausap at nagkita."

"Yeah, but it's part of the tradition na, e. We just can't be against it and now everything is going back to normal, let's also just be normal and love the way how this world works for us, alright?" She advises and winked at me.

I smiled and nodded with her. Chini's very kind and comfortable to be around. She doesn't make me feel like a stranger kahit na ang tagal naming hindi nagkasama. Or maybe that's just because she's half, she's very hospitable and knows how to treat and convey with people so well. I admire that to Chini.

"Jal meokkesseumnida," she excitedly said.

We brought the plates to the dining table and we sat across to each other and started eating. I appreciate every piece of the meal she cooked for me. I must admit na hindi ako gano'n kasarap magluto, but sometimes I can carry along with no difficulty ang pagluto ng adobong baboy—the sweet one. Iyon lang ang kaya kong ipamaglaki at siyempre ang pagpiprito. Maybe, someday, I can cook for BHJ because I never had the chance before.

In the middle of our breakfast, BHJ called Chini so she puts him on loudspeaker.

"Cini," bungad ni BHJ. (Chini)

Hindi ko alam pero kinilabutan ako ng marinig ang boses. It's not rough, isn't husky as well, but there's something in it that makes him more attractive even it's just only his voice. Nakatitindig balahibo. Hindi rin malumanay, sakto tindig ang tono ng boses niya, something that will make you listen to him because his voice is phenomenally excellent. Kaya siguro superstar 'to.

"Ne, bos?" sagot ni Chini. (Yes, boss?)

"Yunge yeogi onengoha?" muling tanong ni BHJ. (When are you coming here?)

"Urinen yeojenhi siksarlhago issspnida. Ggerteun yeojenhi 8 igo urinen 9 jubioneisseul gutipnida. Jigeum mwhago issni?" Dire-diretsyong tanong ni Chini na pinakinggan ko na lang siya dahil ang bagal mag-translate ng utak ko. Gets ko naman 'yong ilan. Para lang akong nanonood ng kdrama in real life. (We're still having our breakfast. It's still eight and we'll be there around nine. What are you doing now?)

BHJ slightly chuckled over the phone. We both giggled when we heard it. I know I blushed a little when that happens. "Kul! Nanen bangm ilonassda. Na moning coffirl gaziossa coffida griwyo," he answered. I only understand coffee and that the word miss. Maybe I should've been learning the language back when I'm still in the Philippines. (Cool! I just woke up. Having my morning coffee. I miss my coffee, you know?)