Fight or Flight? [Book 2] ON GOING

28

(Monteverde Ancestral House)

"Paula, the first one was already okay." My mom stressed out at my aunt. They are both setting the dinner table for my Family's get together.

"What do you think, Yassy? Our family are rarely seeing each other and we rarely see you too. Don't you agree that this dinner should be over the top?" Nakapamaypay pa si Tita habang nagsasalita.

Mom gives me a look, "Family dinners are special. I do not mind seeing our long, formal table with fancy plates." sagot ko.

"Great!" Pumalakpak si Tita at inutusan ang mga katulong na ilabas ang mga kagamitan sa loob ng mga Hermès boxes na dala niya, "You should be collecting dinner sets and not some souvenir mugs, Connie."

Mom does not look impressed, "I certainly do not buy cheap mugs, Paula. I will leave you alone now. Yassy, come help me in the kitchen." Sumunod ako kay Mommy.

"What made you join us for dinner." Simula ni Mommy pagkapasok namin sa loob. The maids are all busy on their own.

"Because I do not have plans for tonight. Why? Does it bother you that I am here, Mom."

Mom took a deep breath, "You know I don't mind but in fact, I am happy that you are here. It's just that it has been so long since you showed up to the rest of the family." Pinanood ko lang si Mommy na haluin iyong niluluto niya na kung ano man iyong nasa loob ng kaldero.

"Yep, that's why I am here. I wanted to see everyone." I smiled at Mom, "Ano pa maitutulong ko?" I look around but everyone already got everything covered.

"Have a taste." Hinipan ni Mommy iyong kutsara saka isinubo sa akin, "How is it?"

Kaldereta o Puchero ba 'to? "Yum." Sagot ko na ikinagalak nito, "Mom, I hope you don't mind me having a plus one tonight."

"As long as this woman is well mannered, educated and can handle a few identity curious maybe slightly ignorant comments from the family, then I do not see why not." Napalunok ako. I never got the chance to introduce anyone to the family and I got pressured when I hear that, "Saglit, lalaki ba o babae ang ipapakilala mo?" tanong ni Mommy. Hindi ko napigilan ang matawa sa kanya.

"Hey, hey, hey. Look what I brought!" Masiglang bungad ng asawa ni Tito Richard na si Tita Luz, "My special recipe, Kare Kare!" Binuksan nito ang takip ng kaldero na hawak ng kasambahay nito para langhapin namin ang amoy ng niluto niya. Natakam ako sa sarap ng amoy nito, "Oh, Yassy! I am glad you are joining tonight! Akala ko sa telebisyon na lang kita makikita ihá." Niyakap ako ni Tita Luz ng mahigpit.