Episode 48: Tindahan ni Aling Nena

                 •|• TUTTI •|•

QUEEN WAS FROWNING while watching me danced Binibining Marikit as we made our way to the kitchen. I'm practicing 'cause I will be doing another TikTok video later.

Kagigising lang naming tatlo ni Snow kaya nakapantulog pa kami. Queen's still on her white floral maxi dress with ruffles at the hem topped with a white lace peignoir. Si Snow naka-puti saka fuschia printed flower long sleeves lapel pajamas parin. Ako naman ay nakasuot din ng lapel pjs na plain peach with black hem outlines na shorts sleeves at shorts style.

"Ikaw ang binibini na ninanais ko
Binibining marikit na dalangin ko..." I sang along.

"Matakaw na binibining kumakain kahit panis. Binibining maliit ika'y hanggang siko..." kanta ni Dean na wala sa tono basta maipasok lang ang lintek niyang joke.

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad at tiningnan ang nakangisi niyang mukhang sumulpot na lang sa harapan ko.

"Love, nagsisimula ka na naman," saway ni Snow sa kanya.

Napakamot si Dean sa batok niya saka ako binalingan.

"Oo na. Sayaw ka na ulit, nuno."

Tiningnan ko lang siya. Poker face.

Wala na. Nawalan na ako ng gana.

"Hmp..." suplada kong sabi pagkatapos ay tumalon-talon ako habang naglalakad papasok ng kitchen.

Napangiti naman ako nang makita si Rum na nagluluto ng almusal. Tamang-tama at may sasabihin ako.

"Mommy Ruum!" I greeted and scooted over to the kitchen counter.

"No."

Luh, advance mag-isip.

"But you haven't heard what I am about to say."

Pasimple kong kinuha ang hotdog na kaaahon lang sa frying pan. Mainit pa pero sabi nga nila ay walang mainit na pagkain sa taong laging gutom. Naupo na rin ako sa may high stool.

"You call me Mommy Rum so you probably want something extravagant or ask for something that I don't actually agree with."

"Can you buy me cream sticks and stick-o, please? Ubos na kasi 'yong supply ko."

He sighed and asked, "Ilan ba ang gusto mo?"

"Gawin mo nang pang-one year supply. Thank you!"

"Gosh, Rum, don't believe her. She's been keeping a lot of it under our bed and I really really hate it when she ruined our bedsheets just to get those,"  pagsusumbong ni Queen na dala na ang walang laman niyang mug.

"Tutti..." may bantang tawag ni Rum sa akin.

"Ayaw niyang ilagay ko sa mini fridge niya, e."

"Idiota, I told you it's for my skincare!"

I puffed my cheeks then sighed.

"Oo na. Sorry na. Itatago ko na lang maigi sa cabinet mo sa susunod."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Queen sa saad ko.

"Rum!" pagsusumbong niya sa inahin namin.

"Tutti," banta ni Rum sa akin.

"Sowi na nga di ba," sagot ko, nag-fefeeling batang ma-attitude.

"Doll, ilagay mo na lang dito sa fridge o sa pantry."

I shook my head.

"Ayoko. Baka maubos."

"Bakit mauubos? Wala namang kumakain n'on. Ikaw lang."

"Weh, di nga? Bakit si Hades may kagat-kagat na stick-o palagi kapag nakakasalubong ko siya galing sa kwarto niyo?"

Kumunot ang noo ni Rum sa tanong ko at binalingan si Dean na sumisipol-sipol pa habang naglalabas ng glass na pitcher sa double doors na fridge.

"Dean, may alam ka ba rito?"

"Tol, labas ako d'yan, ah," he laughed nervously.

Tumayo ako mula sa high stool at dinuro siya.

"Aha! Ikaw palang dimunyu ka ang magnanakaw ng pagkain ko!"

"Tangina, huwag ka ngang magbintang. Luging-lugi nga ako sa kakaonting laman n'on."

"Alamak, ikaw nga! Ang dami-dami mo nang nakupit sa akin, ah! Mag-ambag ka naman!"

"Binibining maliit ang kuripot mo..." kanta niya ulit na wala sa tono.

Napapikit ako sa inis saka hinga nang malalim.

Kalma, self. Alalahanin mong minsan na rin siyang pumiyok.

"May knock knock ako," saad ko pagdilat.

"Walang nagtatanong."

"Who's there?" nakangiting sagot ni Snow.

"Love, naman," maktol ni Dean.

"Sige na, sabihin mo na who's there," Snow encouraged him.

"Who's fucking there?"

"Dimunyu."

Umirap si Dean na kala mo naman kinagwapo niya.

"Dimunyu who?"

"Ikaw parin ang bebe ko. Ang bebe ko..." I sang.

"Ang bobo talaga nito. Nas'an na 'yong dimunyu d'on?"

"Duh, nasa harap ko."

Umungot siya pero kumalma rin dahil binalingan siya ni Snow.

"Knock knock," ganti niya.

"Walang tao," sagot ko naman saka itinutok ang index at middle finger ko sa sentido na parang baril habang umaawra.

"Rum, tulungan na kita," ani Snow at umalis sa pwesto namin para tulungan ang inahin.

Mabilis kumilos si Dean para hablutin ako kaya umatras ako at kumaripas ng takbo habang tumatawa at hinahabol niya.

"Rum, the two idiotas are fighting again," pagsusumbong ni Queen.

"Silang dalawa ang maghuhugas ng pinggan buong linggo," tugon ni Rum kaya napatigil kaming dalawa sa paghahabulan.

"That's so unfair, mum! May thesis proposal pa akong gagawin. Si Dean na lang, hindi naman siya masyadong busy." Tinuro ko si Dean.

"Tangina mo, tangina mo, tangina mo talaga..." mahina niyang baling sa akin para hindi marinig ni Rum.

"Tol, double major na rin ako kaya halos ubos na ang time ko kakaaral."

Queen snorted with laughter before saying, "So l-i-a-r."

While analysing what he said, my brain suddenly stopped working. His reason is more valid. Maiisahan pa ata ako. I need to think fast! So, I removed my brain and put some soil inside, connect the wires, and light it up. Problem solved! I'm an alpha kid.

"Ang galing-" mong umarteng dimunyu ka.

"Yan, d'yan kayo magaling. Magbabangayan tapos kapag pinarusahan, magtutulakan," putol ni Rum sa sasabihin ko sana at pangaral sa amin.

Binalingan niya ako. Hindi natutuwang inahin face mood on.

"May sasabihin ka? Kung mang-aasar ka ulit mabuti pang manahimik ka na lang."

"Oh, ang galing, galing kong sumayaw. Galing kong gumalaw..." kanta ko sabay sayaw na lang.

                 •|• QUEEN •|•

ARAT NA AT kumain sa Tindahan ni Aling Nena sa may Kalayaan. Mura na at sari-sari pa ang itinitinda.

Those were exactly the words the Chinese nuno had written on her illustration board.

She was holding that up in the air for a couple or more goddamn minutes now while we're strolling around UP. Suot niya pa ang cat eye sunglasses ko.

Aling Nena bribed my patay-gutom friend free snacks if she will promote and encourage more students to eat inside her shop.

Kaya si gagang uto-uto ay ginawa ang kalokohang 'to.

"Tindahan ni Aling Nena
Parang isang kwentong pampelikula
Mura na at sari-sari pa ang itinitinda
Pero ang tanging nais ko ay isang libreng merienda..." she sang her own version of the Eheads song, the last three words were improvised.

I keep on rolling my eyes at everyone who laughed at her. Minsan naman I covered my face slightly to save myself from the embarrassment the idiota was getting herself into.

"Hoy, Tutti, sponsored ka siguro ni Aling Nena no?" tanong ng isang ka-blockmate niya.

Binaba ng nuno ang hawak niya then she smiled at them.

"Oo, may libreng merienda ako mamaya," she giggled. Kahit si Snow sa tabi ko ay napapahagikhik din.

I rolled my eyes. Gosh, these people.

She thought that was just for fun but little did she know that she was just actually humiliating herself, her kind, her clan, and her whole being for the sake of a free merienda, Santo cielo!

Pagkatapos niyang ipahiya ang sarili niya sa campus ay pumunta na kami sa Nena's. The old woman hugged and congratulated the nuno because there are a lot of customers for today. She then asked her fellows to give the three of us girls a plate of leche flan and soft drinks each.

Nagrequest pa ng additional na fruit salad cup ang nuno in exchange for her service which Aling Nena granted right away.

"Yum! Yum! Yum! Delicioso!" she exclaimed after shoving a piece of flan inside her mouth.

After eating, I was shocked to see Tutti took out a book from her backpack.

"What are you doing?" I asked her.

"Mag-aaral ako. May long test kami mamaya. I need to get 102 over 100 just like the son of Aunt Jody's cousin, Big Aunty."

I rolled my eyes at her ridiculous Chinese school philosophy.

I drifted my attention to Snow when she started picking up her things.

"Where are you going?"

"Nakalimutan kong gagawin nga pala namin ni Russell ang thesis namin ngayon. Kalmado lang siya pero pansin kong kakarampot lang ang pasensya niya," she explained as she slung her tote bag on her shoulder.

"You know what, I don't like that guy. He's lowkey mayabang and bossy," I confessed. Snow smiled thoughtfully at me.

"Hayaan mo na, Queen. Siguro sinusubukan niya pang makibagay o makipagkaibigan dahil galing siyang Australia."

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

"Alis na ako," she bid goodbye as she pecked on our cheeks.

"Hala, sama ako, beh. Nadi-distract ako sa mga foods dito. I need to focus," ani Tutti sabay ligpit din ng mga gamit niya.

"Great, so you're leaving me here?"

"Beh, malaki ka na. Kaya mo na ang sarili mo," the nuno replied.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes heavenwards, they both giggled.

Tutti also pecked on my cheek and leave Nena's with Snow.

I sighed.

Maybe I should start studying also. I pulled The Worldwide History of Dress by Patricia Rieff Anawalt book near me so that I can start reading about the evolution and history of clothes.

I brought with me my velvet fuchsia coffer bag with quilted sling from Zalora. It was the shape of rectangle and the size of a standard novel book. This is why I have to carry my book and sketchpad.

My phone rang. I opened my coffer bag and pulled it out of there. I then answered the call without even looking at the caller.

"Hello," I began.

"Babe..."

"Bye." I immediately clicked the end button and continued reading.

I'm busy studying and distraction is the least thing I want right now.

I heard the windchime tinkled, hinting of a new customer entering.

I lifted my eyes when someone pulled out the chair in front of me. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt under his denim jacket and ripped jeans. He smells so good too. A familiar perfume from Armani, I guess.

"Hi, babe."

"Stronzo."

He just smirked and sat. I caught Aling Nena playfully slapping the shoulder of her female worker while looking at us, looking like kinikilig at the scene.

"Have you eaten?"

"Why are you here? And how on earth you knew I was here?"

"I have my ways and it's my day off," he shrugged his shoulders.

I silently hissed under my breath. This man.

"You still have class?"

I didn't answer and just rolled my eyes. I don't have actually. I'm already done for school today.

"Silence means yes but I've learned my lesson. A woman's common vocabulary means the exact opposite to you."

He leaned his elbows on the table and intertwined his fingers. I caught a glimpse of his rings on his both middle fingers.

"Let's go out."

I wanted so bad to refuse and tell him to back off but I just found myself riding his Ducati with the pink helmet on me.

Gosh, this is so not me.

I even hate motorbikes.

And now, I let him take me on another extreme motocross race, never minding that I'm still on my Type B uniform.

Pagdating namin sa sinabi niyang lugar ay nauna na akong bumaba. Geared racers are everywhere.

Alas took off my helmet and held it for me along with my books.

"Sunod ka sa 'kin, babe."

"Don't call me that nga!" I hissed but still followed him.

Pumasok kami sa isang building. It's like a café but then he turned to the left on the long empty corridor. May binuksan siyang pinto roon and bumungad sa amin ang isang locker room.

Nanatili ako sa threshold. I don't want to enter. It's like a private room for racers. He looked back when he noticed I wasn't following anymore.

"Come on, babe. I'm here. Nothing will harm you."

I frowned. He's stubborn, isn't he?

Kasasabi ko lang na huwag akong tawagin sa gan'on, ginawa na naman.

He gently held my wrist and pulled me inside. He let me sit on the bench while he stood in front of his locker and opened it. He placed my helmet and stuffs inside. He then pulled out his racing suit.

Hinuhubad niya ang denim jacket niya nang may pumasok na isang racer.

"Hey, bro," he called Alas but stopped when he noticed me.

Alas immediately covered me with his huge body frame, his back now facing me. He took off his shirt by the collar and I immediately looked away when I saw his muscular biceps.

Why am I even affected?

I'm not like this whenever Dean's topless.

Maybe because I always see him as a brother. Kaya kahit maghubad siya sa harap ko ay hindi ako apektado.

"Bro, ang ganda niyan. Saan mo nabingwit? Mahilig ka pala sa kolehiyala ha," the man laughed.

"She's my girl," he replied as he started wearing his suit.

"Excuse me?" I butted in. Alas chuckled.

"Nililigawan pa pala."

"Ang sasama ng timpla ng mga fans mo kanina sa field nang makita ka. 'Yon pala may kasama kang beauty queen," the man laughed again and tried peeking to see me but Alas moved again to block me from his sight as he began zipping his racing suit.

"Babe, pakisara nga ng locker ko please."

I inhaled sharply at his endearment but I still slammed his locker close. I heard him chuckled before he held my wrist and pulled me out of there.

I WAS HOLDING my breath while watching the whole show. Goddammit.

Sobrang steep, taas, at rocky ng lupa na susubukan nilang akyatin. The finish line was situated on the very top. May mga riders na sa simula pa lang nang mabatong steep ay namamatayan na ng mga makina at gumugulong pababa sa dulo. May mga racers na nadadaganan pa ng mga motor nila.

This is so dangerous.

I turned to Alas who was crossing his arms over his chest.

"You sure you can do this?"

He looked at me and smirked.

"Kapag ba nanalo ako, tayo na?"

"In your goddamn dreams, stronzo," I grimaced.

The facilitator called Alas' name.

"Wish me luck, babe," he winked at me before jogging his way to the starting line where the motorbike he will be using was already positioned.

Hindi 'yon ang itim na Ducati niya. I don't know what it was being called but its wheels are higher and full of spikes.

Alas rode it and put on his helmet. He already has his gloves on. He brought his engine to life and gripped the handle bars as he made his way up. It was smooth pero hindi ko maiwasang kabahan sa tuwing mataas at malaki ang mga batong nababangga niya habang paakyat.

Pigil hininga akong nakatingala nang malapit na siya sa tuktok. I noticed that his motorbike was starting to lift its head up dahil sa taas. Para na siyang matutumba. He leaned more and gripped the handlebars tighter then pinabulusok niya sabay angat sa ere ang motor niya patalon sa finish line.

The crowd cheered because he did it. I stopped clapping my hands and smiling when I realized what I was doing.

"Congrats, bro! Walang kupas ka talaga!"

His co-racers greeted him for his win. He smiled and shoulder bumped them. May ilang mga babae ang nagpapicture sa kanya bago siya lumapit sa akin. He was looking down at me with a faint of smile on his lips. I just stared at him, trying so hard to cover how in awe I was at his visage.

"Paano 'yan, nanalo ako," he smirked.

My brows furrowed.

"I didn't agree with your plan."

"A'right then. I can wait, babe."

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung gaano na katagal basta hindi ko maiwasan. It was like... his alluring grey eyes were hypnotizing me.

He suddenly looked away and clenched his jaw.

What was his problem?

"Let's go. I'll take you back to school while I can still control myself," he remarked before turning his back on me.

I didn't know men could be this bipolar. One minute he was being all cocky and flirty and then the next one he was already dead serious like as if I did something wrong.

Tahimik lang akong nakasunod sa kanya habang binabaybay namin ang corridor pabalik sa locker room. He stopped walking in front of me so I halted also.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

Hindi agad ako nakasagot. I don't know what to say.

I'm doubting my own words and self right now.

"Are you planning to hurt me? Just tell right away so that I can stop."

Siya naman ang hindi nakasagot ngayon. He continued walking instead.

Nanatili lamang ako sa labas ng locker room. He let me. He said he'll just be taking a quick shower.

I leaned on the wall behind me and thought of things.

I don't understand love not until I met Rum.

Rum love me, though. Just not in the same way I felt for him before.

I've moved on already and was willing to take another love but am I also ready to get hurt all over again?

♦♣♥♠

"Boss..."

"The fuck are you doing there, Joker?!" tanong ni Alas na nakatuko ang mga kamay sa pader ng shower.

He looked at his side where the figure of Joker emerged.

"Ops, sorry, boss," Joker giggled as he turned his back on me.

Alas rolled his eyes and went on with his shower. He looked up from where the water was coming from.

"Kasama niyo naman po si Queen. Kayo na po ba?" hagikhik ulit ni Joker.

Alas didn't answer. He was about to hypnotize Queen awhile ago but he stopped himself.

He clenched his jaw when he remembered how her beautiful brown eyes stared with outmost curiosity through his very soul.

"Si Spade po galit na galit na naman. Nangwasak ng mga gamit at gusto pa akong saktan nang malaman niyang pupuntahan mo naman siya," giggled Joker again.

"I don't fucking care about Spade."

"How about Madame? Alam niya po ba 'to?"

Alas grew silent. He doesn't know how to answer him. Queen was one of the Charmings she hated most.

♦♣♥♠

ALAS DROPPED ME by the UP gate. He hasn't said a word since then.

I hate it when he talks so much but I hate it even more when he's this silent. I'm not just used to it.

Bumaba na ako ng motorbike niya at tinanggal ang helmet sa ulo ko.

Ewan ko ba at naiinis ako sa idiotang 'to.

Siya ang gumagawa n'on because I had my books with me but he just stayed sitting on his vehicle this time.

"Here," I said and pushed the helmet towards his chest.

Nagulat pa siya sa lakas n'on at biglaan.

Paano ba naman kasi? Kanina pa lutang ang gago.

I took my stuffs on my other arm before I stood in akimbo.

"You know what, if you're having second thoughts about what I said awhile ago then let's just say goodbye to each other. It's fine because I perfectly understand the universal fact that people always leave," I told him. Mas lalo siyang nagulat doon.

I groaned, rolled my eyes, and spun around to leave but he spoke again.

"I can't promise that I can't hurt you but I don't want to stop whatever we have right now either. I just... I just grew very fond of you, babe."

•|• illinoisdewriter •|•

Hi, Charmings! I am inviting all of you to like and follow the page I just made which was the Illinoisdewriter's Republic on fb. If I am not here, I will be there spoiling you with some of these contents as such,

1.  Lookbook of the characters (especially the three female Charmings)
2. Their hairstyles
3. Trivias on my inspiration in coming up with this type of novel.
4. Supernatural creatures details
5. Their unforgettable lines/quotes
6. The playlist I used.
7. Raising awareness on different issues.

I will try to make your reading experience and cultivate your imaginative faculty visually understandable and appealing through the page. The link is embedded on my profile and please like and follow it for more contents.

Please do vote and don't forget to comment your thoughts. 💚💚💚