Kryptonite

Chaos

12 years ago

"James, tulongan mo ako," His mom called out.

"I'm still finishing my race and I'm so close to being first," he replied, his attention still on his video game.

James' mom rolled her eyes. "Hoy, James, kanina ko pa sinabi sayo na kailangan mo ako tulongan," she reminded.

"One more lap left," James informed as his grasp on his video game controller tightened as he navigated through the road in his game.

His mom couldn't help but let out a smile at seeing how invested he was in the game.

"Fine, but you'll be cleaning all the dishes tonight," she said, letting out a breath in defeat.

"That's fine with me," James replied.

A smile formed on his face as he passed one of the characters and ended first in the race. He then shut off his video game and run to the kitchen to help his mom.

--

"Mom, why do people say that it's a girl's job to cook and clean?" James asked.

"Huh? Who said that?!" His mom asked, his eyebrows crossing.

"My classmates, when I told them that you me clean and help with cooking," James revealed.

He then handed his mother the grounded beef for the meal they were trying to prepare.

"They're...that's how it has been," His mom began. "It's something many believe, but it doesn't have to be like that all the time. Just because you're a boy doesn't mean you shouldn't learn. And just because they're girls doesn't mean it's always their responsibility. It should be equal," she answered. "And I want you to be able to know everything so you grow up to be a good person and are ready for the world. That includes knowing how to cook, how to clean, how to be responsible, and how to study hard so you can go to college and get a job. And then get married and start your own family."

"But I already have a family," James replied. "Why do I need to get my own?"

His mom could only let out a small chuckle. "It doesn't mean we won't be family anymore. But one day--one day you'll be the parent and you'll have your own children and someone to spend the rest of your life with. You'll have to focus on them, but we'll always still be here," she replied as she pressed a hand on his forehead. "But that's far away, don't worry about it. You got a long way to go before thinking of all these things. Enjoy yourself while you're young."

James nodded as he began to cut some of the vegetables. "I guess that's okay, as long as we're all still together," he remarked. "I just hope in the future my new family will be just as happy as we are."

His mom couldn't help but grin. "Alam mo, magaling ka magsalita. Hopefully this doesn't become an issue in the future because lagot ka sakin If ever kang magloko ng babae."

"Does that mean I don't have to do all the dishes?" he asked, a hopeful spreading across his face.

"No, you still need to," His mom said, ruffling her fingers through his hair. "And don't worry too much about what we just discussed, ang layo pa yan. I don't want to think of you growing up and getting married just yet," she remarked.  "Enjoy mo lang muna yung childhood mo. Though don't worry, when the time comes and you're ready to look for someone, I won't stop you. Basta pakilala mo lang samin, as long as she's a good person hindi naman kami picky."

--

Present

"Tama ba ang ginagawa ko?" Nadine asked as she eyed the pan. "Okay lang na medyo...or well mostly nawala ang water, right?"