Comforting Chaos

4 - Double Edged sword

I woke up with a headache and I immediately dreaded for a cold glass of water. My throat felt dry and it feels like I caught a cold. Oh no, I sure hope this won't turn to something serious. I forced myself to stand up while massaging my temples. 

I can't get sick. My father and mother won't allow it. I still have to do my duties. 

My bedroom door flew open with aunt Renee squinting her eyes on me. I immediately hid my hands that are massaging my temples like I did something horrible. She closed the door and shortened the distance between us.

"What were you thinking, Mia. Drinking at a time like this." she whispered but in an angry tone. She then handed me a ginger tea. "Drink up or I'll tell your Mom." She threatened. 

I complied and drank the tea almost immediately. Gulping the warm tea almost took effect instantly as my nausea felt relieved. 

"It's Matthew's fault though." I said in defense. Putting the now empty cup on my bedside table. 

She hushed me and said I should take responsibly for my actions. I pouted my lips in response. She's getting used to blackmailing her favorite niece. 

"I'm sorry, Tita. I promise I'll be alright. I'm tougher than a mamoth, see?" I flexed my imaginary muscles in front of her.

She clicked her tongue in response and gave me a good beating.

"Mamoths are long extinct! Of course you're in a much better state than their fossils!" She pulled my ear while preaching to me things that I neglected like drinking too much and over-eating which can make me sick.

"And stop cracking your knuckles! How unladylike!" She noticed my mannerism. I only do this when I am in distress and she's the one causing it! I only pouted in response.

"I'll teach you basic house chores today. Now giddy up, young lady." She finalizes before making her way out of my room and closing my door.

I let out a deep breath, head still aches and it got worse with all the commotion. My aunt really has a small stature with a big mouth. But I still love her.

I took some pain meds as I can't go on with the day feeling like my skull has been cracked open. But the pain was worth it. At least I got to experience happiness before this disaster.

I tidied up my bed and hurriedly went out of my room. I can't stand my aunt's nagging anymore. The thought of it while my head's aching makes me feel more nauseous. I grunted in defeat.

"I came to realize you are quite a bad case in house chores. You've never even lifted a finger in doing basic chores, haven't you?" I pouted and nodded in response. It's not like I have a choice. All my life I was so focused on training and doing missions. The only time I don't do physical training is when I was at school studying how to train more and do arithmetic.

"You'll basically be a lady of the house sooner or later. It's better to start now than never." She signed in resignation. She snapped her hands to initiate the start of whatever she'll be teaching me.

She first taught me basic table etiquettes like how to arrange utensils and fold table napkins which is my favorite part. I got to make cute stuff out of a cloth. After all that we began our run around the kitchen.

Aunt Renee is a great cook herself. I'm glad I got to learn from an expert.

"It's good you're making use of a knife aside from slitting your opponents' throats." She smiled sarcastically. I even let out a violent gasp at her words.

We are in the midst of cutting vegetables in different methods. She also gave me tips on how to work on it efficiently. I'm enjoying myself but I also came to realize how hard it would be to serve food while I always just toss my uneaten food away when I don't feel like eating.

"Leafy vegetables should only be blanched for 2 seconds, maximum of five. You can leave them on top, turn off the heat, then cover it with the lid." I made sure to take note of everything in mind. Gee, this ain't easy. I'm starting to get sweaty.

"If you're frying fish, make sure the pan is well heated as well as the oil before you dump it in. Saka mo lang babaliktarin kapag hindi na matilamsik ang mantika. Kung hindi magmumukhang binugbog yung isdang niluluto mo at madudurog." she continued. Pasimple kong hinaharang ang takip ng kaldero sa kawaling pinagpi-prituhan. Natatakot ako sa tilamsik ng mantika! Habang ang tiyahin ko ay halos kamay na ang gamitin sa pagprito ng isda.

"Tikman mo yung soup kung ano ang lasa." she handed me a laddle and I followed her order. I scooped a bit of the soup and taste it.

"Kulang pa po ng kaunting asin." I told her. 

"Why don't you do it yourself" she responded as if stating the obvious.

"How much salt should I put? Like a teaspoon?" I questioned as I have no clue how she does it.

"No special measurements needed. Just measure it with your heart." and she formed a heart with her index finger and thumb. I giggled in response.


I grabbed a pinch of salt and poured it in the soup then tasted it again. "This should be alright." I looked at her and handed her a spoon with a little soup on it.

"Wrong. In cooking, you should never settle for just 'enough'. You should always put your heart and love on it. It's for your loved ones after all. You want to give them the best." pangaral niya sa akin. Tumango ako at ngumiti.


Natapos ang pagluluto namin at tinulungan ko siyang ipaghanda ang mga pagkain. Mula sa pag ayos ng mesa hanggang sa plating ng mga pagkain. We are in Matthew's house and he's not here anymore. Maaga siyang umalis kanina kaya hindi ko na siya naabutan dito sa bahay nila.


I heaved a deep sigh and wiped the sweat on my forehead. It is exhausting to prepare food. I am never wasting food ever again.

I washed up and sat on my chair. We are with Uncle Austin and some people that he's currently training. They took a break and decided to join us for our lunch. And it seems that they are about to judge my cooking. I was filled with anxiety while I glanced each one of them as they began chewing the food I prepared.

"How was it?" I attempted to break the silence as they kept quiet after their first bite. I bit my lower lip. I don't think they like the food I cooked.

"Not bad for a first timer. It's amazing, Mia! Mas bagay mo maging housewife." puri ni Uncle Austin habang tumatawa ng malakas. He's obviously messing with me. Sumimangot ako at isa isang tiningnan ang mga kasama namin sa hapag kainan.

"Masarap nga. Ikaw ba talaga nagluto nito o si Madam Renee" komento ni Lance. Isa sa mga junior namin sa grupo.

"Oo nga. Parang pwede ka na mag-asawa." natatawang sabi naman ni Curtis.


Sumimangot ako sa kanila pero deep inside I felt so relieved... and happy. I can cook?! Not just for a survival meal but for a warm family meal? My heart is screaming with joy! If only Matthew were here with us to enjoy this. Guess I'll have to prepare one for him when he comes back.


I went home after the meal and prepared myself for some physical workout. I plan on making things perfect. I won't be complacent as we have to put me and the Chief's youngest son's life on the line. We will be right in front of the enemy's fangs and we have to be very ready. We should be one  step ahead. 

My plans would be to practice using the kerambit knife Matthew gifted me. It is for a short range combat and I have to practice not to be poisoned by it. Otherwise Matthew will make fun of me until he dies. That scumbag gifting me with a double edged sword!


I am well versed on hand to hand combat to mid range attacks. Which explains the amount of  scars painted on my skin from head to toe. I specialized using daggers, combat knives, I tried using bolo knives but my stature isn't compatible with it. I also use guns and hunting guns are my favorite. 


I have my precious collections of guns to which some are retrieved from enemies I slayed. It might be gruesome for some but I consider them trophies to the fights I won. Like a crow attracted to shiny things, I polish them and keep it for myself.


A smirk flashed on myself as I see my reflection on a knife that I am holding. I thought of how different would it be to just stay at home a cook a warm meal for a family I cherish. It's just moments ago that I carefully cut the ingredients I cooked. I felt my heart sank. Knives can be used for violence and at the same time, a tool to provide nutrition to ones body. 

I gripped the knife's handled so hard that my knuckles turned white.


This should be my last mission. I wouldn't die in vain. I will live the normal life I am dreaming of.


Or so I thought.


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