Into the Night - a Macolet au

Chapter 2

Maloi

Today is the longest day of my life. At least its finally getting better, right when the night's about to end. Great.

I'm an intern at a local newspaper. I would usually wait for hours to pass by while doing menial tasks. From photocopying, printing, editing and organizing research articles; to buying food and bringing coffees to our head writers and editors.

Masaya naman, I'm enjoying it and marami akong natutunan. Except for today though, when I was finally asked to cover a story.

I've never really liked going out. Interacting with people would most likely lead me to accidentally touching them. As a writer though, I do need to go out and experience the world. Its something I'm trying to improve on.

So here I am, papuntang God-knows-where, middle of nowhere. Buti na lang, someone was kind enough to help me get to my airbnb.

It was a quiet night. Hawak ko yung payong, careful not to touch her, while she's holding her phone out as our makeshift flashlight.

To be honest, I've always wondered if what I have is a gift or a curse. Pero if ako yung tatanungin, I'd like everyone to keep their happy moment private. Unless sila yung willingly nag share, then I wouldn't want to take that choice away from anyone.

So here I am, trying to keep my distance from this nice stranger, Colet.

We were silently walking for the past 30 mins when she suddenly looked around, bit her lip and stopped. "I think we're lost?" she said, unsure. "Dapat nadaanan na natin yung papuntang San Roque, may karinderia na dapat dito somewhere—," she added clearly confused.

"There!" she pointed at a small hut at the edge of the forest, relief flooded her voice. You can see smoke coming out of its chimney, enticing you with a promise of a homecooked meal you can smell even from a mile away. On the opposite side of the clearing was a paved road with a signage pointing to San Roque.

As if on cue, right at that moment, my stomach rumbled loudly. We looked at each other, clearly taken aback, then bursted into laughter.

"Sorry," tawang tawa pa din ako as I explained "Hindi pa kasi ako kumakain since breakfast." Still laughing, Colet replied, "Actually, ako din. Do you wanna eat first? Or are you rushing to go home?"

Staring at her, I realized that she has a soft smile, yung parang kahit anong gusto niya ibibigay mo makita mo lang siyang naka ngiti sayo.

"I don't mind, tara kain muna tayo" I told her. Besides, I think gusto ko pang pahabain ang gabi. I wanted to add but decided against it.

I'm guessing I'll only have tonight, especially since she lives on a different town and I'm just here for my research. So I reminded myself, Maloi, no need to be weird about it.

We made our way towards the towards the hut, careful not to step on the muddy puddles caused by the rain. Seeing the hut up close was a bit intimidating. I felt like something was looming over me, I'm just not sure which and its making me feel uneasy.

Beside me, Colet was hanging the umbrella by the window sill outside. Totally unaware of my nervousness around this place.

As we entered, Colet called out "Nanay Pacing?" Surprised, I looked at her and she quietly explained, "Matagal na kami kumakain dito. I haven't been here for the past few years, pero sana ganun pa din kasarap." She smiled and nodded reassuringly.

Suddenly, a willowy figure emerged from what seemed to be the kitchen. She walked over, wiping her hands on her apron, while an aroma of mixed herbs and spices trailed in her wake.

She looked at us as slow recognition etched her face. "Nicolette? Ikaw ba yan?" the person asked, heading towards Colet.

Colet then nodded and said "Nanay Pacing, kumusta na po kayo? Long time no see." As to which Nanay Pacing responded excitedly, "Aba'y bang laki mo na ah! Upo muna kayo dito mga Hija, ano ba gusto niyo?" Nanay Pacing then handed us menus from the counter, reached over to the side to get glasses and quickly give us water from the pitcher.

We noticed her hands were shaking and Colet quickly took the pitcher from her. "Salamat Hija, may katandaan na kasi," Nanay Pacing fondly smiled and thanked Colet.

I zoned out as they were chatting amicably and only caught snippets of their conversation: Colet was returning from college and hadn't been home since while Nanay Pacing had been trying to keep her small restaurant afloat as the pandemic did took a big toll on her livelihood.

Colet introduced me as her friend as I tried to take in the place. The hut was worn down but it definitely adds character and gives a unique charm to the place. Its decorated with little trinkets, like a Ginger Bread house, and was dimly lit—perfect vibe for this rainy evening.

This night was definitely looking up. I tried to focus on other things but my attention was eventually drawn to Colet's lips as she animated talked to Nanay Pacing, giving the latter a quick rundown of Colet's city life. I sorta felt like Colet and I were on a date—a wishful thinking on my part cause she's probably straight.

Nanay Pacing left after a few minutes to check on the boiling pot. It was a secret recipe to her tenderized meats, she said.

"Nicolette?" I teased her.

"Stop," she replied as she playfully rolled her eyes. "I haven't been Nicolette since I was kid. Please." She laughed softly and shook her head.

As the food finally arrived, Colet quickly stood to get the utensils at the small table at the corner of the hut.

"Yes," I said in a singsong voice. I directed my attention to Nanay Pacing and told her, "Smells good, nakakagutom po lalo."

"Kain marami Hija," Nanay Pacing said and left Colet and I to enjoy our food.

I opted for a light burger with a side of fries so I could easily digest it before going to bed while Colet got one of the hearty soups with bread.

After a long day, I finally get to have first big meal. I excitedly waited for Colet to sit back down before I took my first big bite.

As I bit into the burger though, I felt a zap of euphoria overlapped by a slideshow of happy memories of someone I don't recognize. The color started to drain from my face as I slowly realized what was happening. This experience isn't something I should have had as my lips made contact with what I was eating.

This gift is now slowly turning into a curse, this daydream is now turning into a nightmare, as I stared at Colet.

Dumbfounded, I uttered the most coherent word I could think of, "Fuck."