A Moment With You

CHAPTER 6 | Admire and Envy

Perhaps the reason why we continue
to hold on to people, things, and opportunities
is because we admire the courage, perseverance, and wisdom in it.
Yet we also envy those who seem to enjoy
such moments more than we did
Not realizing we too had what it takes to feel the same
We too are both admired and envied by others in the process....

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All it took was lunch to make them talk more. The simple exchanges of how the meat was cooked, the dishes they've tasted, Irene's story of her dire attempt to fix the hinges of their inn's room doors and shower plumbing, and Ray's tips on how to do it properly, went smoothly as they enjoyed their meal, paused to savor it, and shared it. Of course, it wasn't yet at a comfortable level they'd call themselves "friends" but it was -- at least for Ray -- better than the awkward silence they had during the morning.

Yes, it was better.

Ray had volunteered to do the dishes while Irene went back to the bookstore to tidy a few items. As he cleaned even the pots and pans, Ray started humming a rather offbeat tune. When he heard himself, he couldn't help but let out a small laugh. He had always sang his heart out on karaoke with friends despite being off beat and out of tune but catching himself hum a tune just now left him embarrassed -- what if she heard him? The thought made him smirked at his own foolish thought. Since when did he care...?

The sun was brighter by the time they went out to meet with Aunt Emma. Irene started leading the way to the inn her family managed. The street was uphill and Ray realized the whole neighborhood must've had a good view of it. By the time they reached the driveway, Aunt Emma came out of the house and waved at them as she started walking towards her pickup truck.

"Hop in!"

As Ray and Irene greeted Aunt Emma, another lady wearing a pair of sweatpants, a knitted sweater and what seemed like a small blanket over her shoulders, stepped out of the door and started walking towards them. She walked with a strong presence and strict look.

"Oh, Autie..." Irene called as she walked towards the woman.

"Ey, don't forget to drop by the pharmacy for my painkillers--"

"Auntie, the doctor said--"

"I know...and for my vitamins too..."

"Well, we better get going..." Aunt Emma interrupted. Irene turned away and went in the pickup while Ray approached the two older ladies.

"Oh, this is Ray." Aunt Emma introduced. Ray nodded in respect to Irene's aunt. She stared at him as if examining him with her strict gaze from head to foot.

"Ah, Eddie's fan."

Ray smiled in acknowledgement.

"You look like a fine young man." Irene's Aunt nodded in approval. "I hope my niece fed you well for lunch." she followed with the same undisturbed and strict tone she had when she spoke to her niece.

"Lunch was good ma'am. Thank you for preparing some ingredients too." Ray replied.

"It's Irene's mom who prepared it." She immediately answered as Ray suddenly remembered what Irene had told her earlier. Right, it was her mom, but now that he remembered it, he also realized how this strict and seemingly stubborn woman in front him made him a bit nervous. Ray just nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, thank you for helping my friend here." Irene's aunt said while Aunt Emma smiled widely. "And don't call me ma'am. You can call me Grace."

"Ah...hmmm." Ray nodded.