Silhouette of A Yakuza (On Hold)

Chapter 1 - Reminisce

Author/Eiichiko: Hi, Mom! Are you ready for an interview? Haha! Well, just let me ask you a few questions then please answer me with whole details, okay?

Mom/Ann: Alright. You may begin now.

Author/Eiichiko: Uhm, to be honest.. I don't know how to start a question but.. let me know first what you mean by Reminisce?

Mom/Ann: What question is that? Of course, when you reminisce.. it's like, you think of the past. Then all of a sudden, when you already reminded of your past, you may suddenly show yourself a glimpse of smile but sometimes, a glimpse of sadness on your face, too....

Chapter 1. Reminisce.

Walking along the sidewalk of the street, with the street lights and beeping of the vehicles, I guess I can say that I am just wandering around the city and trying to memorize the way where I am going to. It is just a shame that  I am here just to wander around. But the truth is, I am here for work. Yes, indeed - to work.

When I was at the age of 9, I used to fetch Papa Nonie in a small restaurant near our house where he was usually singing on a videoke with his friends after work. He was a jeepney driver. Papa is one of the son of the very popular and rich man, whom I called Grandpa Meno, in the city where we lived back then. There I knew what Mama Normie likes about him the most - not just a son of a rich man but also a very handsome guy. 

I remembered one night when it was quite dark along the street, no lights at all and I was just groping in the air with my arms outstretched just to know the way until I saw daunting lights coming from the restaurant and in that instant, I sighed for relief. Sometimes, I was with my brothers whenever I fetch him there and it's nice to see both of us together fetching our Papa. The funniest moment back then was when I saw the five of us falling in line going to the restaurant, the first one in line was our youngest because he was the smallest among us and the last one in line was our older brother for he was the tallest. I really couldn't help myself to laugh that time. I have four brothers, and I am the only girl but I am the middle child.

"I knew it, your Mama told you again to fetch me here. Am I right? Okay, then. By the way, I have fried chicken here kids! We're going to eat when we get home. Let's go." Papa said undoubtedly with his excitement face. He really knew what Mama told us everytime we get there and of course, he was always not capable to forget food for our dinner. Papa is really caring & loving though sometimes Mama caught him with his another woman. But above all, he's still such a great father!

"Oh, Meno! Nene is here. How are you our little princess?" Grandma informed grandpa when I arrived at their mansion, and greeted me with her cheerful face. She always calls me 'Nene' because that was her nickname for me and I really love it! Besides, they considered me as their little princess when I was little. 

"I am good, Grandma. Actually, I have a favor to request. This is about my project in school. Uhm, I need a piece of garment for our Sewing Class." I said shyly with my pouty lips. I know Grandma can't say No to me because I used to be her spoiled brat grand daughter and I knew she really loves me a lot and so do I.

"No problem, Nene. Wait me here, I'll go and get you a lot of garments." Grandma said while she stood up until I caught myself looking at her retreating figure going to her room. Then I saw Grandpa sitting on a rattan bench near the window where he was reading a newspaper. When Papa married Mama, Grandpa became mad and let Papa stood on his own that's why we're still barely studying now because of financial problems. I remembered whenever I had projects and assignments in school, I always go off here just to ask help from them since they were the rich people in the city, but only Grandma help us.