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[COOK SERIES TRES: Final]
written by: eirwhis
This is a work of fiction. All rights reserved.
— SPILL THE BEANS —
To reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly.
•••
Vaea Majesty Z. Villavicencio
"Majesty, baby, ready na ba ang mga gamit mo?" my mom asked while I was packing my things.
"Yes, mommy. I'm almost done," sabi ko sa kaniya.
Nang maisara ko na ang maleta, ibinaba ko na 'yon sa kama at hinila palabas ng kwarto. Nando'n si Vermont at kausap si Verdell.
Parehas ko silang nilapitan at hinampas sa mga balikat. Hilig ko kasing asarin ang dalawang 'yan. They're my brothers—actually, we're triplets in the family.
"Aray! Umiiral na naman 'yang pagiging baliw mo," naiinis na sabi ni Verdell at kunwaring pinagpag ang kaniyang braso.
Nginisian ko lang siya. Kahit siya ang pinakatahimik sa amin, siya naman ang pinakamabilis magreklamo. Habang si Vermont naman ay sakto lang—minsan nakikisabay, minsan naman ay umaayon siya sa topak ni Verdell.
I'm in my late 20s, pero ewan ko, I feel that I want to live my life more first. No more lovelife, just single life. Hindi naman sigurong masama na hintayin ko na lang ang susunod na lovelife ko.
"Daddy!" tawag ko nang makita ko siyang galing sa kusina nang makababa ako.
Kaagad ko siyang niyakap. Naramdaman ko kaagad ang yakap niya pabalik. "You're with Vermont, right?" tanong niya.
"Yes, dad. I chose the room in front of his," sabi ko.
Our daddy is already a Dean, College of Education, and he's still teaching.
"Alright. Just take care then. How long does it take to get to Australia?"
"More than 7 hours."
"Majesty, anak. Hinahanap ka na ni Vermont sa labas. Baka ma-late kayo sa flight," sabi ni mommy na nasa pintuan.
Kaagad akong lumapit sa kaniya at humawak sa braso niya. Sila naman ang maghahatid sa amin sa airport. Saglit lang din ang naging biyahe at umabot pa naman kami sa oras. More than 7 hours ang naging flight namin papunta sa Australia.
Nando'n kasi ang cruise ship kung saan kami magtatrabaho. Si Vermont ang Chief Chef samantalang ako ay isa sa mga second chef, tutulong sa kaniya sa paghahanda ng mga pagkain.
It was a long journey. Agad akong napahiga sa kama rito sa loob ng kwarto, sa may crew space. Dito nag-stay ang part ng crew. Ilang araw rin kaming mineeting bago tuluyang umalis ang cruise.
Nasa kusina na ako ngayon at abala sa paghuhugas ng mga gulay.
"Ladies and gentlemen..." Natigilan ako nang mabosesan ko kung sino ang nagsasalita. "Good evening and welcome aboard! This is your Captain Vilmeridi speaking."
Tuluyan na akong napahinto sa aking ginagawa dahil sa pamilyar na apelyido na aking narinig. It couldn't be. Hindi ito nangyayari. Hindi. I don't want to meet him again. Not even in this place.
"Our crew is here to assist you with anything you need. We have a range of amenities and activities for your enjoyment, including dining, entertainment, and shore excursions. Detailed information about excursions will be provided by our Shore Excursions Manager."
I realized that the person speaking is the one who often brings tears to my eyes, not because of bad things, but because of good things. He's too good, but I think destiny may not be in our favor anymore.
"Please keep your belongings secure and be mindful of the ship's schedule. We are committed to making your voyage enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for choosing to cruise with us. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Welcome aboard! Captain Andronicus Edrei Vilmeridi speaking."
Napailing ako lalo nang banggitin niya ang buong pangalan niya. Bakit hindi sinabi sa akin ni Vermont na siya ang captain ng cruise ship? Ang alam ko ay nagkakaroon sila ng meeting bago ang pagsampa sa barko.
"Chef Majesty, can you bring some coffee to the bridge?" Chef Lali ordered me.
The bridge area is typically located in the bow, where the captain and crew control and manage the vessel.
I blinked in surprise. "What? Why me?"
"Why not you? Besides, you're the one just standing here, not doing anything. Do your job," she snapped back.
Inabot niya sa akin ang tray kung saan naroon ang glass kettle, ilang tasa, kape, at creamer. Nagpatulong na lang din ako sa steward para samahan ako dahil maraming officers ang nasa bridge—lalo na't nando'n siya.
Medyo binabagalan ko pa ang aking paglalakad dahil alam kong makikita ko siya roon. Mukhang napapansin na nga iyon ng steward na kasama ko at nakakunot na ang noo.
"Why are you walking so slowly?" she asked.
"What? Is there a problem with that?" I replied.
Wala siyang nagawa pero nauna siyang maglakad at umakyat sa may upper deck dahil doon located ang bridge. Sumunod naman ako kaagad at bumungad sa akin ang mga officers. Mostly mga lalaki sila at dalawa lang yata ang babae.
"Call the Captain first, he's been looking for coffee since earlier," one person said, whom I presumed was the first officer.
Then, a man peeked into the bridge area and called for the captain. Kahit na kinakabahan, I didn't step back. I'm here now!
Nang lumabas ang Captain, hindi ko mapigilang hindi salubungin ang tingin niya.
This man had a friendly but now serious look. His eyebrows curve softly over his monolid eyes, giving him a gentle but mischievous appearance. He has a pointed nose and thin lips; when he smiled, a dimple appeared on his right cheek.
His hair is short back and sides, adding to his relaxed vibe. He's wearing his uniform, which looks good against his medium tan skin. I also noticed the four stripes on his uniform's epaulets or sleeves to signify his rank—Captain.
"I don't feel like coffee today; I want some milk," he said coldly.
"Huh? But you were looking for coffee earlier, right?" the woman officer replied.
"Do you have one?" tanong nito sa akin at hindi pinansin ang tanong ng babae.
"I didn't bring any milk. But I can get you one."
"Great, then let's go together. I'll join you..." Everyone looked at him. Napatikhim siya. "I also want to pick some bread."
I slightly nodded. "Follow me, Captain."
"Until when?"
•••
