I, Ache Vol. III

A Christmas Story | Athena

Written by pautamik

Bittersweet memories flashed through Athena's mind as she drove along the picturesque driveway. For a moment, she had to remind herself to keep on driving and not turn around and go back home. As she entered the gates, she smiled as she saw her mother seated at the porch like she usually does. She parked her car by the front steps and forced a smile on her face before opening the door.

"Hi Ma!" she greeted as she stepped out the car.

"Ang aga mo yata."

She was indeed early. It had been a family tradition for the whole family to arrive for Christmas dinner which was not until tomorrow evening. She would usually arrive just in time for dinner because of her work. Then she would leave after exchanging presents.

"Naisip ko lang na isara ang restaurant for a few days and cook for the family instead."

After giving her mother a kiss and a hug, Athena sat with her for a while.

"Ano naman ang plano mong iluto?"

"I'll check first what's on the menu then decide from there."

They were quiet for a few minutes after that, simply savouring the warmth of the early morning sun.

"I miss Papa," Athena blurted out after a while, tears prickling her eyes.

"I know, sweetheart. You were his right hand in his restaurant business. The two of you were together almost every day," Divina said reaching out to dry her eldest daughter's tears. "Alam mo, sabi ng Papa mo, he likes working with you because you were similar in a lot of ways. Sabi ko nga gusto ka niya kasama kasi least likely na kontrahin mo siya."

Athena laughed. Give it to her mother to lighten up the moment even when she was hurting a lot.

"Miss mo na rin siya 'no?"

"Araw araw, anak. Ganun talaga when you've found the other half of your soul. Maiba tayo. Maganda ka naman. You look younger than your age and sexy to boot. Kelan kaya tayo magpapasko na hindi ka single?"

"With Papa as my standard, mukhang malabo."

"Malabo nga talaga. Nag-iisa lang ang Papa mo. May ipakikilala sana ako sa'yo. Chef din. Kaya lang naalala ko, magkakilala na nga pala kayo."

"Grabe ka sa akin, Ma! Hay naku, I'll check your pantry na lang muna para I can decide on what to cook."

She gave another peck on her mother's cheek before going back to her car. She was rummaging through her trunk when someone cleared their throat. Startled, she hit her head on the lid of the trunk with a loud thud.

"Teng!"

Big, calloused hands guided her to sit in her car. Still dizzy, she kept her eyes closed while rubbing her head.

"My God, Sal! Are you trying to crack my head open?" she said, eyes still closed.

Salvador was the adopted son of their previous chef. When Manang Saleng retired, Sal took over the kitchen. They practically grew up together and used to be close. They lost touch when he worked for a cruise ship and she became busy with life in general.

"Hindi naman. Natuyuan lang ako ng lalamunan dahil sa pagkakatuwad mo."

"Gago! Tulungan mo na lang ako magbuhat nitong pinamili ko."

He just smirked at her but lifted the wicker basket from the trunk while she locked up. She watched appreciatively as his back muscles flexed and his buns enticed her as he walked ahead of her.