20 Summer of Rescue

The earth moved violently for just 10 seconds. But it felt like eternity. Justine covered me while we stayed down on the ground. When the shaking subsided, we ran to check on our friends. Everyone rushed out of the house, stunned.

"Whoa, that was one strong aftershock," Victor said.

"I want to go home. Let's go home, please…" cried Marion. Via hugged her for comfort.

"What are you doing LEADER Karlo???" I stared at him in disbelief saying the word leader oozing in sarcasm. Everyone burst out in a laugh.

"Whut, whut???" Karlo asked.

Everyone stared at him. I can't believe he put on a facial mask. The ones that the Koreans popularized. 'Who would put a cosmetic facial mask at a time like this?' He hastily removed the facial mask but proceeded to massage his face. Melody rolled her eyes.

"He thinks he lives in a kdrama!" Melody said, aghast.

"Ui, Miss Melody Jimeno you helped me put on this mask so you are my accomplice. And may I remind you who got me hooked on those silly dramas in the first place?" Karlo teased.

"They're not silly! And you coerced me to help you with the facial mask!" Melody protested. Karlo shrugged and raised his hands to signify a surrender. He then put his hand around Mel's neck and pretended to strangle her. They playfully wrestled.

"Where's Alex?" asked Justine, alarmed.

The coven got alarmed too. They thought he came with them. Justine ran inside the house but stopped when a figure came running out. Relief flooded everyone's faces. Amusement filled the air. The gang stared at Alexis. He was wearing only a towel around his waist! He must have come from the shower.

Woot! Woot! The gang whistled. Alexis, not the least embarrassed, made a little twirl, threatening to let go of the towel. The gang laughed. Even Justine smiled a little.

"Show-off! Put on some clothes, please. You're making me a sinner." Via said.

"Ah, what have we here. A pervert!" Alexis went near Via and did a slow macho dance around her. Shrieks of laughter filled the air. Victor led Alexis away from Via. Alexis put his outstretched hand on Victor's shoulder and did the El Bimbo dance. Victor gamely danced with him. The gang erupted to shouts of laughter again.

Auntie Aida came rushing from the backyard with a stern look. We all stopped laughing.

"Have you no shame? All of you? How can you create a ruckus on a time like this!?!? What will the people here say about us? They'll think we have no manners and insen…" Auntie Aida's mouth dropped when he saw Alexis. "Put some clothes on, child! You'll be the death of your grandfather! You're putting Sir Anton to shame!!!" Auntie Aida shouted on top of her lungs.

"Shhhhhh…. Mother, what will the others think of us?" Marion said to her mother, mimicking her words earlier. We suppressed our giggles but we couldn't hold them. Auntie Aida couldn't help but give out a giggle too.

"WHO'S PUTTING ME IN SHAME???"

"Grandpa!!!" Alexis cried and ran to his grandfather like a little boy.

Alexis forgot the towel he was holding and let go of it when he hugged Grandpa Anton. We all did a collective gasp and covered our eyes. He was wearing boxer shorts underneath! 'Sorry. I peaked. Judge me!' Uncle Danny was quick to cover Alexis with his jacket. Justine also picked up the towel from the ground and tied it around Alexis' waist. Grandpa Anton motioned Justine to join the hug. The three of them stayed in a group hug for a minute. The rest of the gang looked at one another. We were thinking the same thing. At least Justine and Alexis seemed to have reconciled. The gang soon joined them. We could heave an air of total relief at last. Our families were here!

Our friends ran to meet his/her parents. The front yard of the Huang's compound was filled with happy family reunion. I waited for Father to emerge among the group that came inside the compound. I saw Auntie Anita walking slowly towards us. I looked at her and Grandpa Anton with a silent question. Grandpa Anton understood.

"Hey, come here." Grandpa Anton summoned me and put his arm around me. "Amor decided to lead a relief and rescue team that will go to the south to help. He told me you're a big girl and would understand."

Auntie Anita approached me with Via in her embrace and pat my back lovingly. I became quiet. Sometimes I wish my father was not this capable and practical. Sometimes I wish he'd fuss over me too like other parents. Although I completely understood, It still hurt to be the only one without a parent. I brushed away the tears that were about to fall.

Justine entwined his fingers with mine. "Hey, we're your family too, you know." He said softly. He ruffled my hair.

"And what were all you doing all this time?" Auntie Anita boomed. "Why are you not in the kitchen helping out? I heard a mini evacuation site is set up here. Is this how I raised you?" she nagged.

We all trooped to the backyard kitchen. Mrs. Huang was already there instructing the staff to prepare breakfast for Grandpa Anton's group. Auntie Anita seemed to be acquainted with Mrs. Huang because soon she was assisting her in managing the staff. Auntie Aida helped too.

Everyone sat down for breakfast. Before we dig in, Grandpa Anton led a prayer. I had never prayed so solemnly until this time. I silently thanked the Creator for the safety of my family and friends, most specially, Alexis' return. I prayed for those who didn't survive. I prayed for their souls to rest in peace and their families find the strength to go on. I also prayed for those who were still lost, to be found. I prayed for the families who were not as lucky as us and that may the universe send them some comfort. I prayed...

"Uhmnnn… Nina. Can you hurry with your prayer? We are all hungry." Alexis said.

I opened my eyes with everyone looking at me. The gang looked at me with smirk while the adults looked at me with understanding eyes.

"Sorry...Amen." I concluded my prayer.

"AMEN!!!!" My family and friends answered loudly. There were guffaws and laughter. Justine squeezed my hand under the table. Platters of food were passed around. Coffee and juices too. I noticed some familiar dishes. I looked at Auntie Anita and she nodded, confirming my guess that she brought them from the farm. It was our first real meal after the powerful earthquake we survived. The gang who could barely eat the night before was now eating with gusto. My appetite was aroused too. I felt so hungry. It was the best breakfast I had in this very memorable summer.