Turn The Page

Chapter 9

Page roamed around the store shopping for her things just as June had wanted. All the products and brands overwhelmed her. She didn't know what to pick. Then June decided to tag along when they saw each other at one of the aisles. Page had politely asked her which brands June could recommend for certain hygiene products which June gladly helped her with. After shopping, the two of them were exhausted. June's stomach growled. "Kain tayo?" June suggested. Page nodded. "Are you hungry?" June asked. "Medyo po," Page answered quietly. "Well, okay. Where do you want to eat?" June asked again then she looked at Page. "Kayo na lang pumili," Page answered. "Naka-kain ka na ba sa mga restaurant?" June asked curiously. Page shook her head. "Okay, Page. Ummm, what are you in the mood for? Burger, pizza, fried chicken? Ano gusto mo?" June laid out the options for her. Page shook her head. She wasn't sure what she wanted. "Sige, how about I pick for now, and then isa isahin natin mga restaurants next time para you know which one you like best. Sounds good?" June asked and Page nodded. "Okay, halika na. Gutom na gutom nako eh. I'm craving for something on the healthy side. Well sort of," June said. She put her arms around Page as they walked. Page looked around the mall and was amazed at how huge the place really was. Then June took her to a Japanese restaurant. Page sat down quietly. A waitress approached  and greeted them. Then she asked what they wanted to drink. "Anong gusto mo, nak? Just make sure you always leave room for water, okay?" June said then she smiled. "I'd like to have water, please, for the two of us. And also hot tea for me," she said to the waitress. "Okay po, and for you ma'am?" The waitress asked as she turned her attention towards Page. She smiled at her as she waited for her order. Page's heart started beating fast. She didn't like talking to other people. It made her feel even more nervous since she's never ordered a meal before. "Well, anong mga options nyo?" June asked for Page. "We have po yung soft drinks, like coke, sprite, root beer, orange soda. May juice din po kami like mango, orange, apple, calamansi. May coconut water din po and hot and iced tea," the waitress listed. Page took a deep breath. June could see that she was uncomfortable. "Nak, ano gusto mo dun?" She asked. Page looked at the waitress. "Mango," she finally said. "Okay po. Mango juice po. Balik na lang po ako with your drinks para po may time kayo mag-order," the waitress said. June looked at Page. Then she motioned towards the waitress. Page's eyebrows met, then she finally realized what June had wanted her to do. "Thank you po," Page finally said. The waitress smiled. "You're welcome. Alam mo, mana ka sa mama mo. Magkamukhang magkamukha kayo. Lalo na sa mata. Ang ganda nyo pareho," the waitress claimed. June and Page looked at each other then at the waitress. "Really? You think she has my eyes?" June asked curiously. "Opo, napaka-expressive po ng mga mata nyo pareho," the waitress replied before she excused herself. "Pasensya ka na sa kanya ha, Page. She doesn't know," June said. "Alam ko po. At okay lang," Page said as she looked at the menu. June smiled a little. "Totoo siguro yung sabi nila na kapag laging mag-kasama nagiging mag-kamukha na," June said, then Page nodded. Then the two of them continued looking at the menu. When the waitress came back with their drinks, she asked whether or not the two of them were ready to give her their order. "Nak, meron ka ng napili?" June asked. "Kung ano na lang sayo," Page said as she pushed the menu away from her. "Oh, can you give us a few more minutes? Thank you," June requested. "Ay sige po," the waitress replied then she excused herself again. "Page, I want you to order what YOU want. Not what I want," June said. Page took a deep breath. "Wala naman akong alam sa mga ganyan eh," she confessed. "I know, sweetheart. But you'll never learn what you like unless you try it. Here, urong. I'll sit next to you, and I'll explain to you what those are. Some have pictures. Look at them and see which one looks good to you," June instructed as she opened up the menu. Then Page made room for June as she sat next to her. June patiently and carefully explained everything to Page. She made sure she understood them all. Then she asked her what sounded good to her. Page pointed at the huge bowl of noodles. "Yung noodles? That's called ramen noodles, yung nasa taas nya may chicken katsu, it's basically chicken meat na nilagyan ng coating for crispiness tapos finry, then may slices ng pork and two boiled eggs and some veggies. That sounds good to you?" June asked. Page nodded. "Good choice, sweetheart. It's perfect for the weather. You want a side of rice?" June asked again. Page nodded. "How many?" June added. "Two," Page answered. "Okay, tell the waitress. I'll let you practice para matuto ka, okay? Basahin mo lang yang nakalagay dyan na napili mo," June instructed. "Kayo na lang," Page said. "Page, try," June insisted, but Page shook her head. June sighed. "Okay, I'll do it this time. Next time ikaw na ha," she said but Page didn't respond. When the waitress came back, June gave her their order.