Touch of Time

Chapter 11: Something is Brewing

Ersha is going to the vegetable garden.  She brings with her a small basket to fill up with things needed.  Lunch time is getting near and Andro asks her to prepare a huge meal for he has some visitors coming.  Fish sinigang is the only main dish she can think of at that moment, so she decided to check what's available in the yard. The garden is just a few walks from Bandres' house so the veges are a hundred percent fresh.  As she reaches the area, the variety of vegetables overwhelmed her.  For sinigang, she picks some string beans, eggplants, tomatoes and a few tamarinds.  She also took an ample of okras for side dish which is very delicious when dipped in a hot fish paste.  After she finished gathering, she moved back home instantly to prepare the meal. As she entered the back door and straight towards the kitchen, upstairs has turned noisy.  The visitors of Andro had arrived already and the way they talk sound like they were having a contention on something very serious.

"The revolutionaries in the north were having a faction already." 

"So, the gossip was really true?"

"Yeah, and we should be very careful now on which sides we're going to take or we'll just do something on our own."

"Are we still going to continue the plot? We only have a week left to discuss it."

We should be very careful this time or else we'll blow our own covers.  

The exchange of conversation was very clear to Ersha without them knowing that she's down in the kitchen already.  Suddenly, she hears someone who says "Shhh." and then the noise subsided.  In a few seconds, someone entered into the kitchen and Ersha didn't mind who came in.

Were you here already for a long time? a voice ask her from behind while she is busy slicing the vegetables. Then, she turns to face the person and it was Mario.

Before Ersha could reply, Mario couldn't keep his mouth shut and continues on telling her anything he likes.  So, you were eavesdropping on us huh!  Who the hell are you bitch?  Are you one of those paid spies of hypocritical friars?"  Then he grabbed Ersha's hand for an answer.

Ersha who is trying to maintain her composure couldn't take it anymore and pushed Mario back.  The act she showed made him a bit shock,so she took that chances and went directly towards him and snap the buttons of his shirt.

Mario was exposed and Ersha told him straight into the face, I have always known you that you are a hell of a woman.  Do you want me to blow your cover? threatened Ersha.

Mario became speechless and fixed the buttons of his shirt before someone else could find out.  Then went back upstairs without a word.

Cooking is almost done and Ersha is setting the table for everyone.  After a minute, Mrs. Dulce arrived with the two little girls who went immediately into the kitchen to help.  When everything is ready, Mrs. Dulce called everyone including Andro's visitors to eat.  Everyone seems to be enjoying their meal except for Mario who is eating silently in the corner.  Mrs. Dulce noticed the behavior of Mario and started teasing him.  "Oh Mario, you were very quiet today.  Is it because of Ersha's cooking?"

Mario responded only with a forced smile and when Ersha tries to look at him in the eye he couldn't dare to look back.

The day ended with so many things inside the mind of Ersha. She keeps on thinking on the plot discussed by Andro's companions and at the same time Mario's real identity. Ersha knew that she can contribute to Andro's plans for revolution since she already knew it it from the future.  However, if she does something that could prevent the death of one of the official heads of revolutionaries, what would then be its effects in the latter part and on to the future.  With all those thoughts, it made Ersha sleep early in the evening.