Barbecue at Santibañez
AN HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATER
The class runs two hours and a half. We have a remaining hour left to finish our first plate which is "To make the first recipe we've learned when we decided to commit to Culinary"
Mine was very basic but homey, my father's rice porridge with boiled egg sliced in half, steamed chicken and cilantro leaves chopped in tidbits and paired with a side plate of fried tofu.
What surprises me is that Noah's recipe looks almost the same as mine, but with bean sprouts, carrots and bacon.
Bacon?
It's odd but the touch of it was nice. It blends with his recipe.
I add a few more ginger strips,only because I like the aroma.
Lara would love the food he cooks. She can even learn a thing or two from him.
Erika
Hey, you remember Lara?
Erika
The one I asked Einstein to introduce to you.
What's this? Why does he look so uninterested?
This behavior is new to me. Most guys would already ask me for her number and so much more.
Noah
Why are you staring at me like that?
Erika
Just because you don't seem affected by Lara.
Erika
Does she not look pretty to you?
Erika
Hey, how did you know I was Erika Mansser from Planet Distillery?
Erika
You should turn the heat down, the steam will burn your face.
I point to his cooking bowl that was slightly boiling.
Erika
What? Hey answer the question.
Noah
When you ran off, I looked for you in the grand hall. I knew the name 'Mansser' and so I asked some friends to point me to you. I looked for almost an hour but when I found you, you were already in your car.
Erika
You're easy to manipulate.
Erika
Will you trust anyone who would give you any answer without proof? What if I wasn't that person you talked with?
My voice, didn't it sound different from before?
Noah
Well, yeah, I admit, your voice sounds different. Maybe a little deeper now. But we're still developing, our bodies or features, I mean.
I snort and look away to laugh.
Erika
Then are you really sure I was the one you met back then?
Erika
What if I wasn't? What if it was a misunderstanding and I'm not actually that person?
Noah
Is there another Erika Mansser?
Erika
Not what I meant, but someone who pretended to be me?
Noah
Why would they do that?
Erika
Because...they'll get into trouble if they hadn't?
Noah
I guess I'd be disappointed.
Ah, crap. I should have used a different approach.
Erika
But wouldn't you want to meet that real person?
Erika
You know, if somehow I was fake, just for argument's sake.
Noah
I hope that's not the case. I'd be really lost if you turned out to be just as you say.
Noah
Because I've been watching you, ever since then.
My lips agape and I let out a sigh and then a chuckle and then a low laugh altogether.
I stop as soon as I realize he's serious.
"Spatulas and Stirrers down!" Professor Jilly sings.
Noah
Meet me after your last class at the entrance, I have to tell you something.
Noah
This isn't the right place.
"What do we have here?" Professor Jilly calls.
"Oh! Rice porridge. Oh, this takes me back," she says and scoops a respectful amount from my bowl.
She nips it and then moans, "Oh wow," She says. "You definitely have your fathers' touch, but I must say, you're almost better," he grins.
She turns to Noah and takes a sip. "Ooh bacon, yum and the spice, that's very nice," she says.
"What's this? Matching recipes, do we have an official couple here?" she teases.
Seriously, is she a teacher or a match-maker?
Erika
It's nothing like that. It's just coincidence.
Professor Jilly moves on to the next, commenting, praising and even mocking the rest.
I need to get out of here, I have to talk to Lara and Free.
I rush out the room and accidentally bump into a wall. Or so I thought.
I look up to see him glowering at me.
I freeze up.
I don't meant to say it out loud, but it slips.
I smile and shake my head.
Be nice Erika, remember you still have a mother to take care of.
Let's live long.
I turn and find Noah hot on my heels.
Erika
Do I look like a hamster pet to you?
I ask the one Noah calls Levi and he grins.
I roll my eyes and walk past him.
I'm grateful he doesn't stop me.
I hurry to find my friends.
TWO HOURS LATER, AFTER CLASS.
5:45 PM
We are waking back to Free's house.
I tell them the conversation between Noah and I and fill them in on the details.
Lara
I should've just told him my real name.
Lara
Anyway I see it, it's bound to get worse
Lara
I'm not sure. I mean, maybe.
Free
So he really did get cheated on?
Lara
Yes, he told me that after I had told him about mine
Free
Whoever she is, she's got some audacity.
Erika
I think he was going to confess when he asked to meet after school. I shouldn't assume right?
Erika
We should clear this up tomorrow, pronto!
Erika
Yeah. But it's better to hurt him now with little damage than later.
Lara worries and fidgets with her fingers.
Free
Unless you want Erika to have him?
She looks up at us, anxious.
Free and I snort and laugh hysterically.
Free
See! You do like him!
Erika
That was jealousy just now, wasn't it?
Erika
We'll be there for you. I'll help even.
I'll give you guys a heads-up.
Lara
Okay, thanks Iki, Free.
She smiles and we pull closer to each other.
We arrive at Free's place and find Trex sitting on the deck in the garden waiting for Free.
"Fridaaaa! Iki! Lala!" He squeals and hops down to meet us halfway to the gate.
We greet him enthusiastically and shower him with kisses.
The Santibañez Residence is an apartment property, but it's unlike any other apartments. The difference is that it's actually a big mansion with partitions, but each room has its own amenities. There is also a front garden and a back garden spacious enough to have atleast twenty people.
The tenants are mostly old people, close friends of Papa Yulé and Nana Mócha.
"Iki! Lala! You're here!" Nana Mócha greets and kisses both our cheeks.
Free
Hey, biological granddaughter over here
We laugh and Papa Yu and Nana Mó lead us to the backyard.
Picnic tables are set and the grill table is already sizzling with food.
We greet the elders and the other residents.
Free
This is a big turn out Nana.
"Well we got two new tenants today," she says.
Free
I thought we could accommodate only one?
"They said they were fine sharing. I suggested they buy a double decked bed. They should arrive later," Papa Yulé says. "Now go and have a seat, I'll serve your food later."
Lara
Oh it's alright! We can manage Papa Yu.
Erika
Then will you get my food for me?
Lara
Move your butt, we aren't in Thelda.
Papa Yulé laughs and pats our heads. "There's no trouble. I haven't seen you kids since the start of summer. Momo and I missed you alot!"
Erika
We missed you too Papa Yu! And hey, I heard about the mustang!
"Oh! Yeah, also, thanks for recommending that Briar Shop downtown, he was a big help."
Erika
No problem! Anything for you Papa Yulé.
"Hey hey! Enough chatting, it's dinner time, let them eat, dear," Nana Mocha says hastily.
We laugh lowly and they serve us food.
She moans and munches on a chunk of meat.
Erika
So Monday is your new cheat day?
Free
We'll work out later.
Erika
What?
You didn't inform me.
I didn't bring any spare clothes.
Erika
You want to join us?
Lara
No, I have to help out at the resto after this.
Free
Why? Don't you have part-timers for that?
Lara
Our part timer quit last week and moved in the province. We're a man short.
Erika
Should I apply then?
Free
Why would you work when you're filthy rich?
I push her lightly and take the meat she was about to it and shove it in my mouth.
Erika
Not for the money, but for the experience, I can learn from Daniel.
It's high time for me to get some exposure.
I see Lara and Free eye each other.
Lara
I don't think that's a good idea
Erika
Why? I need the experience and possible, the preference.
Daniel's a great chef.
Lara
Your mom won't allow it
Erika
She doesn't need to know.
Erika
I can work after school hours.
Erika
I'm honing my cooking.
Free
She'd ask you why you couldn't just do that in your house.
Erika
Because Tili's Kitchen is Tili's kitchen.
Erika
She won't let me ruin her cabinets and ingredients.
I like the sweet and caring Tili.
You don't know how she is when she's in dragon mode.
Lara
I still think it's a bad idea. Your mom's intuition is mind blowing.
Erika
Let's go together tomorrow
Lara seems to worry about my sudden offer but I see it as killing two birds with one stone.
She can focus more on her studies and us without the extra load and I get to earn more knowledge with Daniel as my Mentor.
Lara
Fine, but we have to ask mom first. It would be trouble if we keep it from her.
Free
Should I get a part time too?
Lara
Oh yeah, what happened to the modelling agency you auditioned for?
Free
Barely made the cut.
Keira Angeles showed up and I was thrown out of the scene much faster than I anticipated.
I grab a barbecue from my plate and place it over hers. Lara does the same.
Erika
Keira Angeles has become ostentaciously famous. Wasn't she only a minor figure a few months?
You had a much stronger following than hers. So how the heck?
Free
I think we all know the answer for that.
We shiver thinking about it.
We talk for more and time passes by.
Just then I recall Noah's family name and why he seems so familiar.
I don't mean to shout it but I am taken aback.
Free choked on her drink.
Erika
Noah, his name's Noah Berklev. His mother owns Berklev Country, that famous international wine distillery.
They produced 'Josefina', my mom's favorite wine.
Erika
Why didn't you say anything?
Free
Well I didn't know you were wondering.
I punch her lightly on the shoulder.
Erika
That's why he looked so familiar.
I think I've met him when we were kids.
Lara
How do you remember him?
Erika
From one of Josefina Berklev's parties.
I was bored and toured the house all on my own, then I heard crying from one of the rooms.
Free
Don't tell me you followed it?
I'd be scared out of my mind if I hear something like that. How were you so bold, I mean, you hate scary stuff like that!
Erika
Well I was a kid, I didn't think it mattered and besides it was a grim time for me.
Lara and I lock eyes She gives me a small smile.
Free
And then what happened?
Erika
I found the door where the kid was and talked to him. He was very unresponsive so I kept talking, eventually he stopped crying.
He told me a few things about him except for his name.
Erika
I tried the door and fortunately it was unlocked, so I opened it.
Free
Holy! Have you got no sense of security?
Why would you go in?
Lara
You're giving me goosebumps.
Erika
Can you both not over react?
Erika
Anyway, I went in the room and it was dimmed and I look for the boy but I was pushed out of the room quicker than I could flip patties. I was quick enough to turn however, and see his face, then he slams the door shut.
We jump in our seats and panic.
Free
Holy crap! Why do you do that?
We look up to see Noah and his group standing beside our table.
Lara looks down on her food and begins to fidget the fork.
Noah
That girl eight years ago, that was you?
"Oh my! You're here! And these were the friends you were talking about?" Nana Mocha materialises next to us and greets them with a smile.
The boys give her smiles and shakes her hand.
Einstein
This is Orlando and Noah.
He points, introducing them.
Orlando
Hello, nice to meet you ma'am.
Nana Mocha and Papa Yu blushes.
"You're good looking lads huh, here's my granddaughter Fridalene, she's good looking too!" Papa Yu beams and taps Free's shoulders.
I hide my laugh and amusement.
Free
Did you really have to give out my full name?
Orlando
Your name's alright.
"Oh, really? She was named after me," Nana Mocha says.
Einstein
Then we know who she got her looks from.
Lara
Are they your new tenants Nana Mo?
"Oh yes! Here this one, Levi and Einstein. But you guys seem to know each other?" She asks.
Free
We're schoolmates. We're in the same class as Noah and Orlando.
"Oh! What a small world! How nice!" Papa Yu claps.
They continue on with heir introductions while I keep my distance and head away from Noah and Levi who I feel is shooting daggers at me with his eyes.
Does he have a friend complex?
"Oh how rude of us! Here move this table and sit next to the girls and we'll serve you food," Papa Yu says.
Noah
We can get our own food, you don't have to-
"Oh it's alright, no need to worry about it, you're our guest!" Nana Mocha smiles and waves. The couple disappears back into the house.
Free
Hey Noah sit here, it's got the best view.
Free is sitting beside Lara and I sit across Lara.
She stands up, to Lara's confusion and panic she turns to me.
She glares and sneakily points her fork at me.
I slightly raise my hand in surrender.
Free takes the spot on Lara's other side so now we're facing each other. She nudges my foot slightly and I nudge back. We both snicker.
Noah takes the seat beside Lara and they share a smile.
Einstein takes the spot on my left, Orlando beside him and Levi next to Noah.
Einstein
Is the food any good?
Free
My Paps and Nana make the best food!
Einstein
Oh right! Noah mentioned you guys share the same elective.
Erika
And Free mentioned you guys are on the same one too.
Free
Orlando, what's your elective?
Orlando
Oh uh, Music Performance with Levi.
Free
Hoo! That sounds cool, what instrument do you play?
We all turn to Levi for his answer. He looks at us like we're a bunch of flies.
Lara
Do you guys plan on going professional?
Orlando
Levi does, I don't.
Einstein
My friend Orlando here will be the first to compete in Race1.
Erika
Ooh. That's big. Are you eighteen already?
Orlando
I turn eighteen next year so I have a lot of time to practice.
Erika
You have mock races?
Free
She isn't Erika Mansser if her hobbies aren't thrilling.
Erika
When's your next mock race?
Orlando
I have one at the end of the month, why?
Want to watch?
I turn to Free and we both wiggle our brows.
Einstein
You guys look weird.
Einstein
Is this like one of those telepathy things?
Einstein
Do you have it too Lara?
Lara
It's a gift I can't give away.
Einstein
What do you think they're talking about?
Lara
Trust me, it's better you don't know.
Free
Call! Sure, we'll watch your race.
Erika will treat us lunch.
Einstein
Woah really? Then I'm in too.
Noah
Me too. I never miss any of Ollie's races.
Einstein
Levi you're in too right? C'mon man, free food.
The table grows silent as we wait for Levi's reply.
Lara
If you're not comfortable with it it's alright.
He turns to us and locks eyes with me.
Free
Great it's settled then!
Their food comes and they happily eat it.
A few minutes later Free gasps and nudges my foot.
Free
We better change, it's already 8
I pull my phone out and text my mom.
She replies and asks me to come home by ten.
Erika
Home by ten, I'll take the bus.
Free
Lara will you wait for us? We'll drop you off the station okay?
Lara nods and we stand up.
Einstein
Eh? You guys going somewhere?
Free
Uh yeah, Erika and I go for runs after dinner.
Orlando
You're not going with them?
Lara
Oh no, I have to help out with my Father's resto.
Noah
Then can we talk for a while before you leave?
I look at Lara and find her awkwardly draw circles on her plate with a fork.
I sigh, I need to finish this misunderstanding now.
Erika
Sure, meet me at the gate in ten minutes.
Free and I run inside the house and quickly change into comfortable running attires which consisted of a training bra, lose shirt and running leggings. We have the same size of shoes so it isn't hard to borrow from her.
I pull my hair up in a high ponytail.
Free
Your hair's gotten long over the summer.
Free
It's almost reaching your waist.
Erika
I plan to keep it that way, you know how my mom loves it.
Free
What are you gonna do about Noah? Are you going to tell him the truth?
Erika
Nah, it's not for me to say. Lara will do it.
Erika
Make sure to lead her at the right moment.
We head down the stairs from Free's room.
I part from Free and head outside the entrance door. I exit the house and find Noah leaning on the gate outside.
I hurry and open the gate. He stands straight and clear his throat.
Erika
What did you mean when you said you were watching me?
Noah
It's as I said it. After the conference I searched you up.
I got to know you through your Myne profile, and please don't judge me, but I once visited your school and-
This is worse than I thought.
Erika
Why didn't you ever come up to me?
Noah
I was shy and you were always surrounded by your friends.
Erika
You knew my family name, our parents technically walk the same space. You should've called me out sooner.
Noah
S-so you didn't forget about me?
I don't answer for a while. From the corner of my eye, I see figures approaching.
That must be Lara and Free.
Erika
I didn't see your face so how could I remember you?
Noah
I thought you'd recognize my voice.
Erika
Weren't you the one who told me that we're still developing? Our bodily features?
He laughs lowly and looks down shyly.
Noah
Well you called me earlier remember? I thought you knew who I was already.
Erika
Oh that. That was because of that time eight years ago when I first saw you at Berklev Country.
Noah
Oh, I'm happy though, we get to meet the second time.
He smiles and turns a shade of pink.
Noah
I have to tell you something-
I hold my palm up and stop him.
Erika
Forget everything you know about me.
Just in time.
Free and Lara walks out of from the house and meets us.
Erika
Can you do me a favor?
We've already lost time, could you walk Lara back to the station?
Lara
Hey, what are you doing?
Erika
Please, she can't go by herself and we're running the opposite direction.
Lara and Noah stare for a while and then break contact.
Noah smiles lightly and nods.
Orlando
No need, I'm running with them, I need to let off some steam.
Free
Stop appearing all of a sudden. You'll give me a heart attack next time.
Orlando
I told them for you.
We smile at Lara and give her a hug. We let them walk away first and they disappeared in a turn.
Free and I eye Orlando. We notice him in a completely different attire. He wears a white jogging pants, sport shoes and white hoodie.
From where he got it from we have no idea.
He gives us a nod and side-steps.
Free
You're actually coming with us?
Orlando
Yes, I have questions.
We sit on the bench under the tree. We are in an oval-like track course near Free's village called High Track. There's a park on the other side and this place is mostly for jogging. There are few people here with us.
Orlando comes back with three bottle waters in his hand. He hands it out to us.
Free and I finish in one drinking.
Free
Should we go for another lap?
Erika
Should we? I can still feel my legs.
Orlando
You guys should take it easy. You've been running for twenty minutes straight
Erika
Should we go for another ten?
Orlando
Hey hey, don't push it.
We both laugh at him and I slump on my seat. Free places a towel on my lap and lays on it while Orlando sits on the ground.
Erika
What questions do you want answers to?
Orlando
You're lying to him.
Orlando
I mean, you met him when you were kids, but the Planet Distillery, you never met him there, did you?
Free
Wow, you catch on fast.
Orlando
So I was right. Why lie to him?
Erika
There's someone I'm protecting.
He's smarter than I thought.
No, maybe intuitive?
Orlando
It's obvious though. She likes him. I've seen many girls like her around Noah.
Free
Our Lara isn't like those 'many girls'
Erika
Tell me what you think you know?
Orlando
Lara met him at the conference, not sure why she pretended to be you.
Free
Were you at the conference?
Orlando
Yes, infact I saw her, Lara. I came to get Noah from the Kids' Play Area and she almost rammed into me. I didn't get to see her face clearly but I recognized her bracelet. My little sister had the same design only a different color.
Free
The rose gold flower bracelet? There was only a limited number of it at the time. We got a matching set.
Orlando
I don't understand though, why didn't you just clear it up with Noah?
Erika
I feel like it's not my responsibility to say.
Orlando
But you could make it worse.
Free
Calm down, Noah and Lara are together as we speak.
She'll tell him.
Erika
Let's just trust her and hope for the best.
Free
Right, Lara's mature, despite lacking a few academic brain cells and she's an honest girl.
I sigh.
Free jumps up and stretches.
Orlando
Are you going again?
I stand up and brush my leggings. I do a few stretches and crack my neck and back.
Erika
You mean you're not?
Free
Huh, you're weaker than I thought.
He stands and stretches.
Free and I snicker.
Free
Right! Let's end it with four more laps.
Comments
patato joice
haluh. OMO! tama yung hinala ko?? wahaha
2021-05-04
2
elkie barbara
p.s. i like the Erika, Free, Orlando trio btw.
2021-03-25
4
elkie barbara
i think Noah already likes Erika, which makes it interesting because Lara likes Noah, their conflict is how Lara will make Noah fall for her
I hope my assumptions are right. the story is very interesting
2021-03-25
4