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Chapter 02
I admit. It is quite challenging to live with guys. 'Di ko maintindihan kung bakit kung saan-saan na lang nila nilalapag ang gamit nila at sa'kin hahanapin at nagkakataon namang alam ko kung nasaan.
Ultimong phone chargers nila ay nalilimutan pa nila kung saan nilapag. Pero ang mas malala ay 'yung pahahanapin sa'kin ang IDs nila.
'Pag pareho silang late umuwi ay tinatawagan ako ni Kuya Rael para bumili ng pagkain namin o kaya naman pupuntahan ko sila sa University nila para maghintay para sabay kaming tatlong kumain.
'Di ko iniiwasan si Kuya Suriel at 'di ko rin naman pinipilit sarili ko na kausapin siya. We seldom talk. Magsasalita lang siguro siya 'pag inutusan siya ni Kuya Rael na tawagin ako para kumain o kung may sasabihin man.
"Rinoa," tawag sa'kin ni Kuya Rael.
I am currently folding my clothes. Naglaba ako ng mga damit ko. Tinuruan ako ni Kuya Suriel kung paano gamitin ang washing machine kahapon. Noong una ay akala aasarin niya pa 'ko dahil 'di ako marunong gumamit.
But he was patient and kind. Tinulungan niya rin akong magsampay ng mga damit ko, and he actually taught me how to properly fold my clothes.
"Yes?"
"Pwede bang ikaw na muna ang mag-grocery para sa'tin? We're already running out of food and other supplies. I can't come with you since I have lots to do in the finals... for this term."
And that's another challenge.
I blinked in surprise. I clearly didn't understand why I immediately searched for Kuya Suriel. He was seriously looking at his laptop. Tuwid na tuwid ang likod at halos kumunot ang noo dahil sa binabasa. Mas lalo siyang nagmumukhang propesyonal dahil sa suot niyang salamin.
I bet they are only reading glasses because I rarely see him wear glasses.
Maybe I looked at him because he may not be as busy as my brother. Pwede kong siyang tanungin kung kaya niya 'kong samahan.
Yes, right.
"Hindi ako marunong, Kuya," I retreated, 'di ko pala kayang magtanong. I realized that they're both busy with school. "Wala bang online grocery store? Panigurado may ganoong ino-offer ang mga supermarkets ngayon."
"Iba pa rin 'pag ikaw mismo ang bibili, Rinoa. This is another experience for you. Magandang ma-expose ka na sa ganto bago ka pumasok."
May punto rin naman si Kuya. Finals week na nila ngayon at next week naman ay may orientation na 'ko sa University. Based on the gossip I have read and heard, the roarientation is fun. Pero pagkatapos noon ay tatadtarin na ng coursework. May group chat na rin kami para sa section namin.
We already exchanged our names and social media accounts. I am so glad that my blockmates are friendly and kind. Mukhang hindi ako mahihirapan mag-adjust.
"I don't know how to get there," I mumbled without taking my eyes off my folded clothes. "But, okay. I'll try to be independent this time. Bigyan mo na lang akong listahan. Aalis ako pagkatapos kong magtupi ng mga damit ko."
My brother sheepishly grinned. "That's noted. Thank you, Rin."
Minadali ko na ang pagtutupi ko at nagpalit na ng komportableng damit. I chose casual clothes and opted to use a small pouch for the debit card which my brother gave to me. Kinuha ko ang mga reusable bags na nasa cupboard at hiningi ko na rin ang grocery list.
My eyes almost went out of its sockets. The grocery list is awfully long. Napangiwi ako sa dami ng gustong ipabili ni Kuya Rael.
"Lahat na 'to?" medyo natutulala kong tanong. Marami palang kailangan bilhin. Literal na kailangan ng general restocking. Kanina, kinabisado ko na 'yung route papunta sa supermarket.
