Touch of Time

Chapter 10: Family

In just a few days of stay with Bandres family, Ersha already learned quite a few things about their background.  By the kind of dwelling they have, it is clear that they don't belong to the low class status.  By her guess, they fit for an ilustrado.  As what she learns about her history class, they are the educated middle class or coined as the "enlightened ones".  Bandres's owns a good piece of land, earns on a land leasing business and all their children goes to school.

Looking at the family pictures hanged on the wall, Ersha becomes fascinated at them and at the back of her mind, she says, "these photos are a treasure and truly you can sense the genuity of their smiles and faces.  What would I be like if a have a picture of myself  today and then look at it back in the future?  I would then have a doppelganger"

You're quite engrossed in that wall huh.. said Andro behind Ersha.

Oh, you frighten me. Yeah, I always love old and antic things. Ersha answered.

From Ersha's reply, Andro got surprised and said, "do you really consider that antique?We're not that old"

Ersha trying to get away with her statement immediately explained, no what I mean is when you grow up and sees your old pictures, then it becomes antique.

"Ahh, that will do." saying it with a smile.  "How about sharing something about your family.  I think you are well raised."

Then Ersha became uneasy about the thought of it, but keeping something from Andro and the entire family for a long time isn't a good idea especially that she's not giving them a single clue about her origin.

Andro, what do I look like when you found me on the bushes? asking him anxiously.

You're totally unconscious and your clothes are completely soaked.  Can you remember now on how you came there?

To tell you the truth, I clearly remember who I am but I just can't explain how I got here.

You got here because I carried you.  It's very unmanly for me to leave a passed out woman alone, said Andro with utmost sincerity.

I really appreciate for what you did, I couldn't imagine myself if it would be others who would find me. Thank you so much.  told Ersha looking into Andro's eyes.

Hmmmm...... I think you two should take a break first.  Mrs. Dulce interrupted the conversation.  She arrives without notice for she passed on the back door of the house then straight to the kitchen.

Ersha will you help me prepare the veges please for we will be cooking a native chicken soup for dinner, said Mrs. Dulce.  Then you Andro, don't walk too much for your ankle isn't totally healed.

"Don't worry mama, it's recovering fast already.  I think Ersha has that healing touch." quoted Andro with a sheepish smile.

Ersha got blushed from hearing Andro's statement and then went straight towards the kitchen to help.

The dinner was delicious and everyone is full in their stomachs.  To relieve the fullness, everyone went to the balcony to relax.  It's already dark outside and the only thing that illumines the surroundings are the stars from the sky.  The crickets are now chirping everywhere. Mr. and Mrs. Andres are talking about the day's activities whereas the two girls and Andel are singing a folk song that is unfamiliar to Ersha.  But listening to the rhythm made her look up to the sky and wonder, how was my family and friends now. Were they fine? When can I go home? She couldn't fathom the emotions that she's feeling at that moment. Unnoticeably, tears came rolling down her cheeks. Ersha has never felt so far from her family before and  then in a few seconds, someone patted her on the back and said, it's okey...  As she looked up, it is Andro who's well aware of her feelings at that very moment.  Then, he gave her a nod as a sign of confirmation that he understands how she felt.