Cursed Kiss (Curse #1)

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Clarify

One thing I seriously thank the heavens for is that the atmosphere at home is not as awkward as I expect it to be.

I became assigned as a night shifter ever since I came back. Si Deo naman umuuwi tuwing gabi sa hotel at bumabalik sa umaga, and the usual scene I would witness when I arrived from work is two fully grown men, playing recreational sports in the morning. Hindi na ako nagpapasundo at nagca-cab na lang pauwi o kahit papunta ng ospital.

Kahapon naabutan ko silang naglalaro ng billiards sa entertainment room. The other day they played archery at the backyard, and then chess in the afternoon.

Nagkakasundo naman sila. Ang hindi lang ata nila mapagkasunduan ay ang lulutuin. Iyon lang.

"That is not how you should do it," Sergio pointed out, crossed arms and leaning on the kitchen counter. "That's not how she likes it."

Deo's eyes turned into slits. "Tell me more."

I sighed and wore an apron. Truth to be told ay medyo inaantok na ako at gusto ko nang matulog pero gusto rin ng matiwasay na agahan bago gawin iyon.

I ran my fingers through my hair and approached the sink to wash my hands deliberately. Mabilis kong kinuha ang pan at nilagay sa stove para painitin. Deo  and Sergio moved back a bit when they noticed my mood. I immediately chopped the onions and garlic in a rush, put oil into the pan, and released the spices from my hands.

I seasoned the meat and fried it in the pan. Nilagyan ko ng toyo, suka at tubig. Laurel leaves and pepper. While I was waiting for my dish to simmer, I already set the table in a way like I was serving royalties. Magsasandok ng kanin na lang ang dalawa. Ganoon ang tinuro sa akin noong bata pa lang ako. It is easy for me to do. 

"Kain," maiksing yaya ko.

The two immediately sat opposite to each other without a word but with complete obedience. Ako naman ay umupo sa kabisera. I lead a small prayer na sinabayan ni Deo  at nagsimula na rin kaming kumain pagkatapos.

"At lunch, Chinese food tayo," I announced. Nami-miss ko ang mga kaibigan ko. Eating Filipino cuisine reminds me of Claire, eating sweets reminds me of Satari, and eating Chinese foods reminds me of Lau. 

"Ako na mag-g-grocery, magpahinga ka na lang," Deo  said.

"What particular Chinese food, miss?" Sergio asked.

"Ako na magluluto," I said as Iifted my plate up para sana hugasan na sa lababo. "I'll hand the list of ingredients needed later, as well as my credit card."

"Use mine," he offered. "Tutal kakain rin naman ako."

Saglit kaming nagtitigan ni Deo , para bang sinasabi na... The first one to break the eye contact, ay siyang masusunod. Kaso ay bigla niya akong kinindatan, I automatically avoided the gaze and I felt my cheeks burning ang flustered.

"Miss, I have something to say..." Sergio halted me.

Napaupo ako ulit. "Ano 'yon?"

"Aalis na ako bukas..." he said.

"Akala ko ba aalis ka lang pag may kapalit ka nang magmanage dito sa malakaing bahay na to?"

I have no problems about driving anymore. Bahala nang malata yung kotse sa garahe, ayokong maaksidente. I'd rather burn money on cab than drive alone. Ang tanging problema lang ay itong malaking bahay na to, the garden needs to be tended too. It needs a good handler preserve it's vintage and fascinating look.