iv. The Greco Empire

(Author's Note: Long chapter but bare with it. I think you will love this!)

I heard a few knocks on a wooden surface that makes me stand up on my bed. I'm sensitive in sounds kahit na tunog lang ito ng hininga kaya hindi ko kaya matulog ng mahimbing na mahimbing.

Without opening my eyes I walk to the doorway of the unfamiliar room and open it.

I was pushed by a tall racks na dala ng mga naka-maroon na uniforms. Inihelera nila ito sa palibot ng kwarto. A dozen of racks are full of clothes na may transparent cover each.

They we're organized based on it's colors, type and length. Sunod ay pagdating ng ilang carts na may patong patong na boxes of shoes. Kanino naman kaya ang mga ito?

I tried to ask the men in uniforms what is happening but they didn't even bother to reply.

When I thought na tapos na ang pagdadala ng mga gamit sa kwarto ko I'm about to close the door but Mr.Nalt suddenly appear.

May nakasunod na mga tatlong lalaki na may dalang black squared boxes sa magkabilaang kamay.

'I apologize Madaam Phoenixyr for the sudden disturbance on your sleep. But may I present to you my daughter Ezra Nicole Nalt. She is the assign personnel who will help you here in the Lighthouse. You can ask her anything that you needed when I'm out of reach.'

I look at the girl who is standing beside Mr. Nalt.

Her long brown hair were neatly tie on a bun and she is wearing a neutral makeup on her small smooth face.

She is wearing a bodycon maroon dress that reveals her perfect curves and long legs. By her looks she look so young but look matured too.

Napatingin ako sa aking sarili. Ganyan ba ang style ng mga babae sa labas ng Academy?

Compare to her dress my casual clothes could be an extra-large V-neck shirt and pair it with a jogging pants.

'Greetings Madaam Phoenixyr. I wish we can work together.'

Mr. Nalt cleared his throat that makes the girl nervous, then he hit Ezra's back that makes her to do a bow.

I tried to stop myself on laughing on how this two act. They are too formal and they are so tense whenever they are talking to me.

Ezra offers me a shake hands but instead I put her hand above her head at inapiran siya.

'Call me Phoenix, Ezra.'

Itinaas ni Mr.Nalt ang kanyang mga kamay at sabay nito ay ang pagiling ng kanyang ulo. Pero bago pa siya tuluyang maka angal ay itinulak ko na siya palabas ng pinto.

I jump back to my bed then cover myself with the thick soft comforter. Last night is my first time sleeping on a queen size bed at sa spring bed na katulad ng hinihigaan kong ito.

If I have to live on this house till the end of contract natatakot ako kasi baka masanay ako mabuhay ng ganto. Lalo na't kakalabas ko lang Academy after five straight years.

I was about to fall asleep again when Ezra remove the comforter.

'Madaam Phoenixyr. You have an appointment at 12:30 , please get up on your bed. Madaam? Madaam.'

Here she goes again calling me Madaam. By any chance I want to be friend with her specially she'll be the first person na lagi kong makakasama.

But this is not going to happen if patuloy niya akong itinatratong amo.

I'll be also comfortable if she call me by name kasi Im not their boss true fiance, all of this is just an act

For the contract only. Para lang ito sa mission namin ni Maam Scarlet at Sir Rile.

'I told you to call me Nix. Kaya kung hindi mo ko tatawaging Nix hindi ako gagalaw dito.'

I hear her deep sigh and loud stamp of her foot on the floor.

'Well then, I take it as a yes.'

Kinuha ko na ang inaabot na basket ni Ezra ng mga gagamitin ko daw na mga products na panligo at pumasok na ako sa Comfort Room.

When I examine the basket there are alot of bottles with different colors and labels na ngayon ko pa lang nakita.

'Alin dito ang shampoo?'

XxX

I can't stop my self on sneezing because of the makeup that Ezra keep on putting on my face.

I ask her about the appointment pero wala siyang sinasabi. I really dont understand why would I need to wear this kind of stuffs.

Ano pa bang mga bagay na hindi ko pa nararanasan ang magagawa ko under this contract? This really makes me feel nervous but also makes me feel excited, because I love to try new things. I don't close myself for new experiences.

Pero wake up Phoenix hindi ka naglalaro dito you're doing your mission. Kaya FOCUS!

'Ezra can we please skip that?'

Sinibukan kong ilayo ang aking mukha sa kanyang kamay at hinarangan ito ng aking braso.

She's going to put another layer of eyeliner sa mata ko. Medyo masakit kasi.

Kahit ano pang gawin ko ay nanalo parin si Ezra. Lalo na ako nag behave when I realize that she is just doing her job na inutusan lang rin siya.

Kung kaya hinayaan ko na lang siya, I need to be cooperative para walang tao ang maaagrabyado.

She also fix my short hair that hanging above my shoulders by ironing the top and putting few waves on the tip of it.

Pinasuot niya rin sakin ang plain white na fitted dress and it's a one sided sleeve.

She makes me wear a pair of white heels at a complete set of jewellery.

I know I needed to be comfortable sa ganitong mga bagay para sa contract pero hindi ba pwede na maging totoo nalang ako kahit sa pagpili man lang ng damit ko.

I can lie about the marriage but I want to truly show my personality, the real me.

Pinatayo niya ako at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. But looking at Ezra face on how satisfied she is on styling me I can't turn back know.

'Perfect. Oh wait I almost forgot.'

Kumuha siya ng maliit na black tube na parang kasing laki lang ng daliri at isang maliit na brush. When she open it and twisted it ay lumabas ang creamy strobe of lipstick.

Its a orangey na parang peachy color. If I am nit mistaken it's color apricot. She smoothly applied the suede lipstick on my lips by using the small brush.

By that time I have a chance to clearly see her face.

I've thought na parang kilala ko siya or maybe I see her before but I just can't remember it.

Hmm. Think harder Phoenix.

Familiar face and name.

Ez-ra-Ni-cole-Nalt.

Hmm. Nalt?NALT?!

Captain Acier Frost Nalt. YES!Yes she look exactly like him.

'By any chance do you personally know Acier? Acier Frost?'

Tumigil siya sa pag aapply ng lipstick at ibinalik ito sa lamesa.

'He is my older brother. Why?'

That's the reason why she and Mr. Nalt look so familiar. Medyo bilog na singkit nilang mata, the shape of their face, their lips.

But if you compare it to Acier , Mr.Nalt and her look more warm hearted and friendly.

Kasi si Captain medyo cold type ang porma maging ang expression ng face niya. Pero personally knowing him, he is a good person pero tinatago lang niya ata. He's always shy and tahimik. Kumusta kaya sina Captain.

Binigyan niya ako ng round shape handbag na katulad ng color ng lipstick ko and spray alot of perfume on my whole body.

After that, pumunta muna kami ni Ezra sa main sala ng lighthouse to wait for maam Scarlet.

When I look at the interior of the house its perfectly extravagant. I was like a lost princess, but I'm not fit to live here because I'm no ones princess.

The temperature is pretty cool dahil nakabukas ang naglalakihang mga bintana at dahil narin sa high ceiling ito. May nakahang na nagsisilaking chandelier ang lahat na nadaanan kong hallways at floors.

The first floor would be the lobby area kung saan parang papasok ka ng hotel. Then in the second floor is where I'm sitting right now ay makikita mo ang dark brown wooden grand stairs na parang katulad ng mga nasa castle at nakalatag dito ang napakahabang white carpet.

The wall are all white kahit saan ka man tumingin pero ang nagpakulay dito ay ang mga naglalakihang paintings , vases, flowers at mga sculptures.

I will never lay a finger on that things.

When you have to go to the other part of the house kailangan mo ng sumakay ng elevator or gamitin ang simpleng staircase.

It will take a lot of time para makapunta ka sa ibang lugar dito. I'm still not familiar in the place kaya possible na maligaw ako, its either maaga kang maglalakad para hindi ka mahuli sa pupuntahan mo or have Ezra as your guide.

But I think I dont have the rights na magreklamo kasi makikita mo dito na lahat ng mga babaeng tauhan dito ay naka stilettos. They are doing this everyday running around whenever their bosses call.

At iniisip ko kung anong oras kaya gumigising ang mga staff nila para mag prepare ng sarili kasi nakafull make-up at aayusin pa nila ang mga buhok nila.

I also think na lahat sila ay on call pero siguro may certain time naman sila sa pagpasok sa trabaho. Dahil based naman sa mga commercial books or magazines ay may maganda silang background for treating their employees.

When I get tired examining the place isinalampak ko ang likod ko sa malambot na sofa.

Nakita ko ang maraming remote control na nasa ilalalim ng transparent na lamesa. Suddenly I crave to watch a movie. I pick some of the remote and read the labels.

'For AC, for light, AC again and again.'

A pair of red heels stop at my side, I move my gaze from her toes to her white slacks to white tuxedo and to her red lips. Its Ate Scarlet.

Tumayo ako ng napakabilis at inayos ang dress ko na tumaas hanggang sa upper legs ko.

Sa pagkataranta ko ay I get out of balance I try to stand up straight but my feet keep on wiggling.

I'm about to fall when someone manage to hold my back that stop me from falling on the ground.

I immediately stand up straight at kumawala sa kamay ng umalalay sa akin, when I turn to see the person who save me from falling..

'Nik-nik meet your future husband , Primo Ysmael Vlain.'

So he is Primo Ysmael Vlain? She should have atleast give me his profile in order to know something about him before seeing this man personally. Right?

Ate hold my hand and the strange guy hand. Ipinagkabit niya ang kamay namin at inalalayan to make a couple of shake hands.

'ATE! What is this all about? Are you kidding me?'

Malakas na singhal ng lalaki na magiging future husband ko daw.

He forcefully let go of my hands that makes me step backward.

' Ngayon na kilala niyo na ang isa't isa . Ysmael and Phoenix we gotta go, mom and dad will be mad if we are late for lunch!'

How many times do I need to be dragged by this woman. Nagpadala nalang ako sa kanya kahit ayoko talaga.

I need to do a good job today. I promise it to her.

She stop at the front of the grand stairs and leave me with this guy without saying anything.

I never knew it will be him. He look mean and pasaway na lalaki but sabi nga nila dont judge the book by it's cover.

Dahil kahit na masama ang ugali niya is I have to deal with him because he is my mission. He is the number one person that I needed to priority and my feelings could be at the last part of the list.

Kaya kalma Phoenix,breathe in breathe out.

'So where is the dining area?'

Without answering my question he rudely ignore me and walk to the stairs. He can't leave me behind.

I can see on his back that he is frowning. What is wrong with this man.Is he expecting someone else? Well, I don't care I just need to do my assignment. Nothing more, nothing less.

But he can't be picky right now. Kung alam lang niya na nasa panganib ang buhay niya he will thank God na he have me on his side.

Mabilis akong nakasunod sa malalaking hakbang niya, I manage to keep my pace pero mas pinabilis niya pa ang kanyang hakbang.

I thought we are going to ride the elevator but he continue to walk. Is he going to use the stairs just to ignore me?

No!No! He cant win,over me.

Also hindi ko alam kung saan ang dining area kaya its better to follow him.

Napansin niya na lang ako when I hold the back of his coat.

'Seriously?'

He roughly remove my hand on his coat and continue to walk. Pero bago pa siya makalayo ay hinarang ko siya sa hagdan.

'What is wrong with you? You supposed to know that I'm going to be your fiance because you're the one who pursuade me during the meeting with the directors.'

I see him grit his teeth and clench his jaw. Kitang kita na pinipigilan niya ang pagkainis sa mukha niya.

He suddenly close the distance between us. Is this how he going to scare me? I don't feel anything at all.

If he thinks he can intimidate me by doing this , nagkakamali siya.

I'll do the first move.

His face is shock when I walk toward him. Umatras ng umatras ng umatras and then I cornerd him on the wall.

'Wha...what..are..you doing?'

He try to push me away but I lock his hand over his head and lean my face toward him.

I stop moving myself to him when I feel his warm breath and stare to his eye.

'I'm checking my property.'

I saw his face blush on my words. What did I told you I'm not going to lose to someone like him.

I'm the one who is going to rule the fake relationship with him.

'Wha..what..is ro..wrong with you?! ME?!PRIMO YSMAEL VLAIN IS YO..YOUR..PROPERTY?! AND HO..HOW DARE YOU TO TOUCH..'

He can't even say his word right, yet he was threatening me now. He really have the guts hah?

Mas nilapit ko pa ang mukha ko sa kanya to the point that both of our nose touch each other. Hindi na niya natapos ang sinasabi niya sa paglapit ko.

'Shh! After this you're mine anyway. So stop whining like a girl and lead the way.'

I let him go and step backward. He must be super shock of what I did to him dahil hindi parin siya gumagalaw sa pwesto niya. Tss. Wala pala ito, konting lapit lang pala talo na.

My mission with him would be easy. Hay. Now he realize what happen he start to point his fingers to me and collect his words.

'I SHOULD HAVE READ THE CONTRACT BEFORE. WHY DID I EVEN PERSUADE A CRAZY PERSON LIKE YOU.'

Now he really losing his self, it's his fault anyway she started the war between us.

Pero hindi ako tatanggap ng pagkatalo.

' That is not my problem anymore, I dont even have a choice.'

Then bang! Tiningnan ko siya mula ulo hanggang paa.

I thought he is surrendering na so I step backward and reach for the stairs but ..

'Stop saying like its your loss because you need me more than I need you.'

Halata sa mukha niya the thought that he got me on his words pero sa halip na mainis ako sa sinabi niya ay napangiti pa ako. Really? Alam ba niya talaga ang sinasabi niya.

Gusto ko sana sabihin ang kalagayan niya ngayon but I promise to Maam Scarlet and Sir Rile that I keep the mission secret.

'Yeah, you're right. I couldn't agree more. But let me tell you this, the real thing here is WE! NEED! EACH! OTHER! so don't let your head up high.'

I left him there without waiting for his reply.

He bite the bait that me and ate set. Based on kuya Rile and ate Scarlet brief stories about him we think the best way to control him is hamunin siya and tama nga ang plano namin.

Wala naman sigurong lalaki ang hahayaan na yurakan ang pagkakalalaki niya lalo na ang taong katulad niya na hindi tatanggap ng pagkatalo.

Because if he is out of my hand I can't stick on him, on this way I can really stay beside him in the whole day.

I've never done this before pero para mag succeed lang ang mission na ito,I will do everything.

Buti nalang may nakalagay na map sa wall ng every floor. Nakasigurado pa ako na tama ang napuntahan ko when Ezra run to me.

'Madaam, bakit po ba nag hagdan pa kayo? Si Sir Vlain po? Kayo nalang po ang hinihintay.'

So Vlain ang tawag sa kanya dito ng ibang tao sa bahay? While Ysmael naman ang tawag sa kanya ng ate niya. Ano ba gagamitin ko sa tatlo niyang pangalan?

A lady wearing her uniform with a huge hand bag approaches us. Ezra stop me from entering the room she started to fixes my hair, clothes and also do some retouch to my makeup.

When I'm about to sneeze tinakpan ko ito gamit ang likod ng aking siko. Ezra do another full body spray of perfume to me kahit na alam niya na my nose get itchy on it.

Nilampasan lang ako ni Vlain, but before he can even enter the room ay mahigpit na akong kumapit sa braso niya.

He look at me with a deathly glare but I just give him my killer smile.

Sabay kaming pumasok sa dining area. My eyes try to adjust at the bright light that is coming from the center of the room.

I feel that he frost on his feet, sinundan ko ang tingin niya at maging ako ay hindi makapaniwala sa aking nakita.

It's not about seeing a extra-extra large hanging chandelier or how extravagant the table setting is design or how many foods are serve at the table, but its how many people are sitting around the table.

Akala ko ba Mom and Dad lang ni ate Scarlet.

'What is this?'

I hear him whisper. Why would they?

When I scanned the table I saw different faces of young men and women. Also some middle age men and women.

Lumapit sa aming dalawa si Mr.Nalt at pinaupo kami sa dalawang bakanteng upuan na nasa dulo ng lamesa.

'You two look good together, right Papa?'

When I look for the lady who just spoke, she was sitting at the other end of the table.(opposite side of our seat)

She smiled at pinalo ang braso ng matandang lalaki na seryosong nakatitig sa amin ni Vlain.

Kamukhang kamukha niya ang lalaki na busangot na katabi ko ngayon. Then that makes me build a hypothesis that she and the man beside her is Ms. & Mr. Greco ang patuloy na nagdadala ng makapangyarihan na pangalan.

When no one laugh with her a tense and awkward silence walk around the room. All of them turn their gaze to us tila naghihintay ng igagalaw ko.

By using my some of my sense I know that all of them are powerful and influential people.

Yes. I remember I've already seen them, sila yung mga nasa file na kabibigay lang sakin kagabi ni Ate Scarlet.

So its confirm that these 14 person sitting inside the room are all family members of Greco including Ezra who is watching my every move. Now I remember, siguro kailangan kong i-review lahat ng yun kasi medyo mahina ako sa pangalan.

This is the day where I really need to do my job. This would be really a great test for me.

I sweetly smile at them and secretly signal Vlain to put the table napkin on me. Hinampas niya ang kamay ko na nasa ilalim ng lamesa bilang paglabag sa utos ko but I strongly pinch his leg.

He don't have a choice dahil nasa harapan kami ng pamilya niya at ng sister niya.

Ate Scarlet told me about sa pinagkasunduan nila ni Vlain na kalamangan ko sa kanya.

Nagharap ang magkapatid sa lamesa na punong puno ng alak. Palihim na pinindot ni Scarlet ang recorder ng phone niya at ipinatong ito sa lamesa.

'Pag natalo mo ako dito I'm going to grant every wish that you want. But, if I win you will do everything I say kahit na you have to marry a girl that I've chosen.'

Bakas sa mukha ni Vlain ang labis na pananabik sa pusta ng ate niya. He is so desperate na matalo ang ate niya. Sa buong buhay niya never niya nanalo sa kahit ano na laban nila ni Scarlet.

But because he is a heavy drinker naisip niya na hamunin ito. Lagi lang naman niya nakikita ang ate niya na wine lang ang iniinom kaya hindi na siya nagdalawang isip pa na makipaglaban dito ng inuman.

'Game! Uubusin natin ito lahat. Ang pinaka-marami ang maiinom ay ang mananalo.'

Scarlet act so helpless when their personal bartender at home serve them a lot alcoholic drinks.

'We are not drunk right?We are perfectly fine,right Ysmael?'

She want to sure that she have a perfect evidence pag nanduga ang kapatid niya sa pustahan.

'Yes!Yes! Bottoms up start now!'

After three dozen of shots Primo Ysmael Vlain get really tipsy but when he see Scarlet sitting perfectly fine while drinking another dozen of alcohol. He try to cope with her pero bumagsak na siya sa bar stool.

Scarlet finish her drink at hinikit ang dalawang bartender na nag seserve sa kanila she told him to testify her winning.

'I MARCO MENDOZA A WITNESS OF THE CONTEST WHERE MS.SCARLET PRIME YZERINE D. GRECO WINS OVER MR. PRIMO YSMAEL VLAIN D. GRECO.'

Scarlet also recorded the other bartender who is willing to testify. Secure the file.

'Primo, what did you say?'

Without looking at them I heard their loud gasped. Bakit? Wala bang tumatawag sa kanya ng Primo? Then that would be perfect.

Kung nakakamatay lang tingin ng lalaking katabi ko kanina pa ako patay.

But, I have an idea.

I squeeze his leg really hard that made him to stand up on his chair.

'Son, are you alright?'

The lady from the other end of the table ask him. So that's her mom and guy sitting beside her is his father.

The other member look at him, maybe they are thinking that he is acting strangely.

He manage to make a small smile at bumalik sa kinauupuan niya. Magalang niya na inilagay sa binti ko ang maroon na tela.

But I need to shock them more so when a maid is about to put some food in my plate ay pinisil ko ang braso ni Primo. Inagaw niya ang sandok at siya na ang nagsandok ng pagkain ko.

Thank the heaven above he get my message right because I really dont want to hold his leg again pero hindi niya ako masisi he leave me no choice.

Narinig ko ang sabay sabay na pagkahulog ng kubyertos ng mga tao na nakaupo palibot ng lamesa.

'I've never seen Ysmael serving food for her mom.'

A petite lady on her forties or fifties, wearing a bright purple tube na bagay na bagay on her pale skin. She look like a lady who she to show how rich she is by wearing large stones of jewellery. She have a small eyes and lips and small pointy nose, while her hair is dyed on light brown color to conceal her true age it is hanging straight above her jaw.

'Aunty Celestine sabi nga ng iba a man treated his special girl differently.'

Ate Scarlet answered. The young men and women nod their head. Pansin ko na every family are divided by the color of their clothes.

The vargas family Ms.Celestine,her husband Mr. Enrique and her older son are wearing purple outfits.

Then the Iñeiro's head mistress Ms. Presley, his husband Mr. Allan and their lovely daughter and son are blue in colors.

Then Mr.Nalt,his wife Zabreine and Ezra we're in their usual maroon clothes.

And the plain white family the Greco.



'Maybe he is not treated by Tito Enrique like what Ysmael do.'

A young lady left side of table spoke, based on the color of her clothes she is Ana the only daughter of Iñiero. She is known to be rude and a straightforward person. Wala nga siyang pinipili maging ang Tita niya na mas matanda sa kanya.

Pinalo siya sa braso ng Mama niya but she just cross her leg and laid her back on her chair.

'Ano kaba Presley totoo naman ang sinabi ni Ana. Kasi ito namang si Tin-Tin lagi lang akong sinusungitan pag nilalambing ko.'

Masiglang sabi ni Sir Enrique.

'Anong ako? Enrique huwag kang mangbaliktad.'

Uundayan sana ng suntok ang kanyang asawa ngunit ng marealize niya na mawawala siya sa poise niya ay hindi na niya itinuloy.

'Ikaw nga itong laging pagod pag..'

Bago pa matapos ni Mr.Enrique ang sinasabi niya ay sinalpakan na siya ng pagkain ni Ms.Celestine.

'Mom,dad nakakahiya po.'

Sabi ng kanilang anak na lalaki na nagkamot ng kanyang batok. I can't clearly see his face dahil nakataklob sa mukha nito ang kulot niyang buhok at makapal na salamin. What is his name again?

XxX

We are all walking on the hallway, I really don't have any idea where we are going.

I can't ask anyone because everyone have a company at as I expected iniiwasan ako ni Primo.

Nagulat nalang ako ng naramdaman ko ang hininga ng tao sa pisngi ko.

'Iinom lang sila ng tsaa, it's a tradition of the family at para narin daw mabilis silang matunawan.'

When I look to the man who is whispering at my back. I saw Ms.Celestine son, yung kaninang lalaki na hindi ko makita ang mukha dahil sa buhok.

I try to recall his name but I still can't remember it. He offer his arm to me at sino ba naman ako para hindi tanggapin ang gesture of a gentleman.

'Thanks for the tip, Mr. Vargas.'

I suddenly smell a man fragrance when he turn his body toward me.

Dahil nga sa biglaan niyang pagharap ay I don't get the chance to release my hold to his arm that result a small space between us.

I have a chance to see a great view of his face. Behind his thick eyeglasses and long bangs is a man. A man that has a face of an angel.

'Mr. Vargas is too formal for me, Clyde nalang.'

Then he smiled at me. I stupidly stand there and stare to this beatiful creature trying to memorize every part of his face.

I wish to stay for a few more minutes pero inayos niya ang kamay ko na nakahawak sa kanyang braso at nagsimula na ulit maglakad.

While on our way he give me a another tip. He said that those ladies love to intimidate people lalo na pag hindi nila ka-level.

He pulled a seat for me at inalalayan akong umupo. Iniwan niya ako sa table with the ladies and go to the man who is grilling some meat.

Hmm, I think he is definitely a great guy. I wish to know him more.

Me and the girls silently enjoy the view of the blue wide sky, the calm waves of the sea and the migrate birds who are flying freely.

I turn my gaze to Clyde and he is happily laughing with the old men.

I excuse myself at pumunta sa kubo ng mga lalaki. When I saw Primo's dad grilling ay lumapit ako.

'Hmm, Sir Greco my friends told me that I'm good in grilling steaks.'

Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa at ibinaling ang kanyang paningin sa iniihaw niyang karne.

Hmm so talking to him will not do.

I stretches my arm to folded my sleeve. Inagaw ko ang panyo ni Mr.Iñeiro at itinali ito sa aking buhok.

The last thing is hindi pwede mamantsahan ang puting dress ko so I look arounf at nakita ko ang square na checkered na tela na pinapatungan ng mga baso at itinali ito sa bewang ko.

Okay all set.

'No!No!No! Sir Greco!Huwag mo po baliktarin ng baliktarin. Sumunod po kayo sa timer niyo.'

Hindi niya parin ako pinansin at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa niya.

I tried to piss him off by arguing at pagpupuna sa bawat galaw niya. Pero wala parin.

Napansin ng tito at mga pinsan na lalaki ni Primo ang ginagawa kong pambubully kay Mr. Greco pero ni isa ay walang pumigil sa akin.

Hinahamon niya ako ha? Then, I'm not going easy on him.

I started to season the beef meat, chicken meat and vegetables. My dad use his bare hands and massage it with the seasoning. He use to do this when he is grilling any meat lalong lalo na pag wala ng oras para ibabad yung iihawin.

Sabi niya kasi mas sinisipsip daw ng meat yung mga spices at mas natetenderize pag ganun.

Another thing is rather than using a gas stove in grilling my family use charcoal. Other find it really hard kasi hindi mo macocontrol ang heat but I can totally manage.

I hear the perfect chiseled of the meat ng nilapat ko ang mga meat sa mainit na grills.

May anino na tumakip sa ihawan ko at ng tingnan ko kung sino ito..

'Akala ko po ba ay confident ka sa cooking skills mo po?Mr.Greco.'

Mabilis niyang iniwas ang tingin sa niluluto ko at bumalik sa pwesto niya.

I'm sure na no one can beat my father's way of marinating or cooking. This is one of his specialty kaya buo ang loob ko na mananalo ako.

My family also has a tradition where we are going to eat grilled meat or seafoods together every sunday. Kahit na may work sina kuya hindi sila pwede absent pag naghanda ng pagkain sina Daddy at mama.

I lost my smile when I remember about the accident, till that day we never have a chance to do it again.

'Maam, ito na po yung ingredient na hinihingi niyo po para sa sauce.'

No!No! This is not the time Phoenix.

I need to win over him. The taste of the food will get bland pag napaapekto ako.

Tsaka malay mo totoo yung saying na the way to man's heart is through his stomach.

Baka magka chance ako to impress the greco men.

...

And now we are done!

Kahit na na-una siyang magluto ay sabay lang kami natapos.

Tumalikod ang mga kunyaring judges kaya hindi nila alam kung kaninong meat ang matitikman nila.

I competitively stared at him at pinatong na namin parehas ang aming mga niluto. Tumayo lang kami sa tapat ng lamesa nila.

Clyde call the girls to join the small meal and tell about the competition going on.

Nagtabi-tabi ang mag papamilya at seryosong tiningnan ang plating ng pagkain.

The maid serve two plates to each person one is meat without sauce and the other one is drizzled with sauce.

He confidently look at me and draw his hand over his neck. Saying I'm dead. I just as a reply and watch the judges.

When they take a bite and chew it,they did'nt even react. Para talaga silang mga professional judge.

They even let the meat stay on their mouth and slowly swallow it.

Sumenyas sila na tapos na sila kaya pinasok na ng mga maid ang pang-round 2.

Before tasting it is they drink their wine first.

Slowy slice,dip and eat it.

'This is my first time cooking a mass of meat.I should be the one who feel nervous. Hope the guys will like it.'

Sinabi ko sa lalaking hindi mapakali kaya tina-tap niya ang kanyang left feet sa lapag. He just frown his thick eyebrows to me and try to compose his self.

Tumingin nalang ako ulit sa kanila. Kitang-kita na seryoso sila sa ginagawa nila dahil nagbubulungan pa sila sa isat-isa.

'Okay we've already decided. Who ever have the highest vote will be announce as the winner. Itaas niyo ang right hand kung meat number one ang nagustuhan mo if meat number two naman is the left hand okay? In count of three. One!Two!Three!'

Okay.I....I...

I can't accept this. Why would this thing happen to me?

Walang ni isa ang nagtaas kanan nilang kamay. All of them are raising their left hand.

'The winner is meat number 2 and who is it?'

Mr. Greco. Si Mr.Greco. NATALO KO SI MR. GRECO.

I get Mr. Greco hand and happily shake my hands with him. Tumalon ako sa labis labis na saya.

What did I told you never matatalo ang way ko of cooking.

'What? Mali kayo. Yung una ang masarap. Ako ang nagluto nun, you always eat what I grilled everytime na pupunta tayo dito.'

Napatulala nalang silang lahat sa lalaking nagdadabog sa unahan. They didn't realize na iniwan nila sa ere ang pinaka-head ng pamilya nila.

' We will have a rematch so you better be ready.'