A Mafia's Obsession

CHAPTER 17

We were home, and I was sitting in the living room, waiting for Mom to come downstairs. She was just changing. I was craving kikiam. When I saw her on the stairs, I jumped up and ran towards her.

She noticed me running towards her and, in her panic, rushed down the stairs, her eyes wide. She even dropped the clothes she was holding.

"Jusmiyo, anak, don't run! You're going to give me a heart attack!" she scolded me as she finally reached the bottom of the stairs. I giggled and pouted at her.

Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya, "I want kikiam, Ma," I said. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Kikiam? Oh, but we're not in the Philippines anymore. Walang kikiam dito, anak," she said. My heart sank, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Suminghot ako, "But I want it, Ma," I cried, tears finally spilling down my face. Just the thought of not being able to have it was too much. Mom panicked and rushed to me, stroking my back soothingly.

"Anak, tomorrow, tomorrow I'll look for it anywhere. But anak, we're not in the Philippines— What's happening here? Why are you crying, Ija?" Mom stopped mid-sentence as a voice interrupted her. We turned, and it was Tita Mica.

"Kasi naman, sister, Luliana is craving kikiam, but there's none here," Mom explained, her voice laced with concern. Tita Mica furrowed her brow.

"A what? Come again?" she asked, clearly surprised by Mom's statement.

Nag punas ako ng luha at suminghot-singhot na parang bata.

"I want kikiam," I said, my voice choked with tears.

"Ija, we don't have kikiam here," Tita Mica said. My tears started flowing again, causing Mom and Tita to panic. I was like a baby whining in front of them.

Maslalo akong naluha dahil sa walang kikiam dito. Parang gusto ko na lang bumalik sa Pilipinas at bumili ng sandamakmak na kikiam.

"But that's what I want," I sobbed, my voice cracking like a child who had been deprived of candy.

Huminga siya nang malalim, "Alright, Ija. Tomorrow, I'll have some delivered. Besides kikiam, is there anything else you want?" Mom said, trying to soothe me. I sniffled, nodded, and wiped my tears.

"What is it, Ija? Tell me what you want, for you and our little one," Tita Mica asked kindly. I wiped my tears before speaking.

"Chocolate at alimango po," I said, watching their faces contort slightly. But they nodded after a moment.

"Okay, anak. I'll prepare the crab for you. Anong gusto mo sa chocolate mo, lusaw bba o hindi?" Mom asked. I shook my head.

"No, lusaw po ang gusto ko Ma. Gusto ko ipalaman sa alimango ko," I said, smiling. Mom grimaced and nodded, looking bewildered. I caught Tita Mica's shocked expression as she stared at me. I just smiled at her and walked towards the kitchen.

"Damn, her cravings are making me crazy. It sounds disgusting," I heard Tita mutter.

"Ako rin, sister. It sounds so gross," I heard Mom whisper to Tita. But I ignored them and continued walking to the kitchen, where I sat down.

I waited for the crab while eating my chocolate na galing kay Tita.

"Matagal pa ba yan, ma?"  I asked, my face scrunching up in impatience.

Five more minutes, anak. It's almost ready. Just wait a little longer," she said. I nodded and continued eating.

Para akong batang gutom na gutom na at hindi makapag hintay sa pagkain na inihahain.