SEVEN AND ARROW (Montana Series 2 | BXB)

42: Cynefin

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I went to the supermarket to buy things for Arrow's birthday. Audrey and Maze eagerly offered to join me on a quick shopping. They had a great eye for parties so they were the ones who did the planning to transform our backyard into a celebration zone. Isa sa mga nakasulat sa bucket list ni Arrow ay ang mag-camping sa likod ng kanilang bahay, that's why Tita Meryl suggested me a camping slash birthday party.

"Kamusta na ang lagay ni Arrow?" tanong ni Audrey habang naglalakad kami sa loob ng supermarket.

"Maayos naman sa ngayon," sagot ko.

"How about you?" asked Maze, pulling our shopping cart.

I was about to get a pack of tomato sauce, but I paused and looked at him. "You know my answer to that, Maze."

He loosened a breath. "I admire you so much, Seven. Hindi ko alam kung anong nararamdaman mo ngayon, pero nakakabilib dahil kinakaya mo ang lahat para kay Arrow."

"Wala naman akong ibang pagpipilian," sambit ko. "I have to deal with my anxiety and put a mask in front of him."

I felt Audrey's touch to my back. "Just remember, don't ever think you're alone in this battle. Pwede mo kaming takbuhan kahit anong oras."

Pinilit kong ngumiti sabay sabing, "Salamat."

The burden I was carrying felt lighter knowing it was shared. I knew no matter what problems might lay ahead of me, I could face it along with my friends. Alam kong magiging mahirap, ngunit ayaw kong magpadala muna sa emosyon ko. My top priority was to focus my time and energy for Arrow.

After spending time and buying our needs at the supermarket, we went straight home. Wala pa si Tita Meryl dahil nasa opisina pa siya, at si Arrow naman ay nasa practice ng archery team kasama si Colton.  Though the doctor suggested him not to stress himself, but we wanted Arrow to still freely do what he wanted despite of his condition.

Audrey walked into our backyard and clapped her hands together. Her eyes were lighting up as she scanned the place. "This space is going to be a fabulous party zone!" she said.

"Over here, we can set up the tent," Maze suggested in a certain area.

I nodded in agreement and said, "Sounds good to me."

"And here, we should put the bonfire. It's nice and shady," said Audrey excitedly.

"We should start, then," I said. "Kailangan pa nating magluto."

"I'll do the setting up of tents, then," volunteered Maze. "Susunod na lang ako sa kusina mamaya para tumulong magluto."

"No need, Maze." Audrey raised an eyebrow. "Remember what you did last Christmas? Sumabog 'yong niluluto mong nilagang baboy at nasunog mo ang niluluto mong kaldereta."

"You could just say no, Audrey. Kailangan pa talagang ipaalala 'yon?" inis na sabi ni Maze.

"I'm just reminding you, baka kasi nakalimutan mo na."

Matapos magtawanan ay nagtungo na kami ni Audrey sa kusina para magluto.  We put our aprons, rolled up our sleeves, and embarked on a culinary adventure in the kitchen. We gracefully danced between pots and pans, preparing Arrow's favorite food like adobo, carbonara, pininyahang manok, and pork and beans.

"Nasaan pala si Dandrix?" tanong ni Audrey habang hinahalo ang kanyang niluluto. "Akala ko ba ay siya ang in-charge sa barbecue at drinks?"

"May pinuntahan daw siya," sagot ko. "He didn't tell me where, but he told me he'll be here with the drinks before dark. Pwede rin naman niyang ihawin na lang 'yong barbecue mamayang gabi."