SELENE [BOOK 2]

CHAPTER 19

Maaga akong nagising para magluto ng umagahan. My mom and dad didn't go home last night. Late na nakauwi ang tatlo kong kapatid.

That's why I'm sure they'll be awake late. Mamayang hapon pa siguro magigising iyong tatlo.

I already talked to my secretary about my leave and told her to refer my patients to other doctors who are available, or if those who have appointments for me this month will move next month or may be extended depending on when I'll be back to work.

Naabutan ko sa kusina si Manang. My hair is in a messy bun while I am still wearing my nightgown. Pinatungan ko lang ito ng roba. I just washed my face and brushed my teeth.

“What are you cooking, po, Manang?" I looked at Manang, who was busy slicing meat.

Napatingin si Manang sa akin. "Adobo hija, request ni Lucas ito kahapon. Garlic shrimp naman kay Solene. Ikaw? May request ka ba?" banayad na tanong ni Manang.

I immediately shook my head. "Ah no, wala po," tanggi ko at tiningnan ang ginagawa niya. I bit my lower lip before speaking. "Ahmm... Manang can I cook for them instead?" I said.

She looked at me and smiled. She stopped what she was doing after hearing what I said. She put the knife down. "Aba oo naman! Oh halika!" natutuwang aniya.

I smiled. "Thanks, Manang," I uttered while she's giving me the knife and she's removing the apron she's wearing. I didn't bother wearing an apron while cooking. I'll just go shower after this.

"Ayos ka lang ba rito mag-isang magluto? Kaya ko naman, namin, hija." Manang asked me.

"Yes, I want to cook for my children; that's why I'll be fine. Thank you," I replied and smiled.

She nodded and shook her head. Pinunasan niya ang kamay matapos itong hugasan. "O siya sige, maiwan na muna kita rito at may gagawin pa ako sa labas."

"Opo, ako na po ang bahala rito sa kusina,” magalang na sagot ko.

"Sige, basta nasa labas lang ako kung may kailangan ka. Iyong ibang mga kasambahay naman ay nandyan lang sa tabi-tabi."

I nodded. I focused myself on cooking the dishes that the kids requested.

Unang niluto ko ang adobo at hinuli ko ang garlic shrimp. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang panglalagkit sa katawan at mga butil ng pawis sa noo at leeg ko ng matapos maluto ang mga ito.

I smiled when I smelled the food I had prepared. It spread throughout the kitchen. After I cooked, I served them in a container.

Naglagay na rin ako sa isang bowl ng bagong lutong kanin.

Right after I arranged the kitchen and dining table and put the plates and spoons, my two children entered the dining area.

Solene sniffed and smiled. Her eyes twinkled in excitement as she came near the dining area.

"Shrimp!" She excitedly exclaimed.

Napatingin ito sa lamesa. "Yes, sit and eat, I cooked it for you, Solene," I said while smiling.

Agad naman itong umupo sa upuan na malapad ang ngiti. "Thanks for cooking my request, Mom!" she enthusiastically said.

She seemed energetic this morning, even when she kissed for a good morning kiss.

“Tulog pa ang kapatid mo?" I asked her.

She nodded while putting rice on her plate. She glanced at me. "Opo, My. Tulog pa,” she replied.

"Ganun ba? Dito ka muna at gisingin ko muna ang kapatid mo," sabi ko at tiningnan siyang maganang kumakain.

She smiled and give me a thumbs up.