Chapter I: Bryan

"Bonjour! C'est une belle journée. Bien dormi? Tu as rêvé de quoi?" I say with blazing confidence in my eyes, white teeth in a perfect smile and a tune that fits my long sleeved, dark sky, chef suit. "Today is a very perfect moment to cook a delightful, fresh, mouth-watering le petit-déjeuner from" I spin the globe and pointed, "la France. For few days back, we have cooked various delish dishes with Western influence."

"But before anything else, how rude of me not to introduce myself."

I exhaled softly, my Adam's apple bubbled up and I intensify my old glowing smile.

"Je suis Bryan. Je veins de---" My lips froze, my eyes stared up and flickered to nowhere.

What was it again?

The lines I practiced so hard last night, it just suddenly vanished into thin air.

I simply looked down, grabbed and opened my French book for beginners that I just have read last night, turned the page one after another without losing my awkward smile…

"De…de…" I trace every French word with my fingertips on a book with full of illustrations, English has become more foreign.

Peaches.

The figure I was looking for appeared in my very own eyes.

I like peaches.

"Et J'ai la pêche!" I finished.

In English translation,

I am Bryan.

And I love peaches.

Because everything concerning food is my nirvana.

I clapped my hands. "Here and now, we will orient ourselves and discover the art of French dish originated from its beautiful home country."

I showcased the fresh and raw ingredients, dough, and gleaming upper-crust quality of kitchen utensils which were tidily spread out on the kitchen table and organized to its own class and the soft rays of sunshine filtering through the glass windows ameliorate the atmosphere to its utmost glory.

"French people don't consider breakfast as a real meal because their point of breakfast isn't about eating but rather spending a moment with someone before jumpstarting the day which is a lot more idealistic after sleeping off yesterday. That's why we'll be making fresh salad for hors d'oeuvre; French toast and le croissant for the main course and un verre de jus d'orange as our refresher to boost buoyancy."

Finally, I'm able to say my lines right.

"But why aren't we making omelet, muffins or sandwich with cheese, just like an everyday breakfast on a casual day? Well, you can have it your way but it will not be regarded as breakfast but rather a brunch. Intriguing, is it? Now, shall we begin?"

The magical making of the croissant and French toast has begun.

"Croissants aren't easy because it requires time along with patience and a lot of folding or as what the French pâtissier calls 'a turn'. But if you want to achieve your objective, then patience is the key." I explain as I demonstrate the procedure.

Since this early morning, I already worked on the dough for croissant combined with salt, sugar, flour, whole milk, and fresh yeast, as it will take time to double the size or what we call proofing, cooled it, and performed the folding or what we call the layering procedure, after proofing, I have shaped the croissants and coat with egg wash using a spray bottle and proofed it for an hour, coat it with egg again and proof for an hour.

"And say the magic word. Abracadabra!" I presented the tray with the shaped croissants on it.

"In French, they say l'a pprêt which translates to 'close to being ready' So, are you ready for the final step?" I wiggled my eyebrows with a smile on my lips.

Bake time.

"For French toast, fresh bread is a big no-no because it will just soak with liquid rapidly leaving the bread, tsk… very sloppy. That's why I prepared and baked a cinnamon babka as best bread last night because it has to be stale or day-old bread." I say as I showcase the baked babka and smelt it.

"Le parfait."

"Now, we'll move on to the egg mixture. I'll show you how to make the custard and proper soaking to achieve the gloriously browned and crispy on the outside but fluffy from the inside."

I sliced first the bread into 1-inch size, then mixed the flour, vanilla, cinnamon, a good ratio of non-dairy milk, and eggs, and relish some fresh orange using a whisk in a bowl. "Make sure that everything is well incorporated."

I warmed the non-stick pan into right temperature.

I dipped only the babka on the egg mixture and placed it on a heated pan with butter, and then flipped it, I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, orange zest, and Madagascar vanilla to the toasted side that is facing up.

"Why Madagascar vanilla? Because it is rich and creamy." I explained.

The sweet and spicy aroma starts to conquer the entire room and nothing is more satisfying seeing the French toast breads and croissants ready to take over the whole world.

"Now the bread is done." I placed it all on a wooden tray. "So, we'll move on to toppings. You can garnish whatever you want to your French toast but I still live up with my view, healthy eating is a wealthy lifestyle."

I placed and arrange fancily the toasted chopped walnuts, sliced banana, and pure maple syrup as the final dress.

"Ladies and gentlemen, come have a bite! The feast is now ready to be enjoyed and savored." I smile wholeheartedly as I present the fresh salad on a large glass bowl, French toasts on a wide tray, glorious croissants on the wooden board, and a pitcher of fresh orange juice all in the kitchen table.

A sweet chuckle resounded like a lovely melody in the revitalizing warmth of the sunshine, travelling from a small and unnoticed spot.

A gentle and soft clap that my eyes instantly wandered to small and fragile hands.

And as the eyes sparkled, my lips twitch and form a smile.

"You like it, Althea?" I asked to the little child, wearing a soft cotton frock, white tiered dress with long sleeves, sitting on the most classy and homey infant baby rocker.

I walk a few steps before bowing down to my very own little audience.

She kicks her legs and pumps her small and plump hands in utter delight.

It made me chuckle how energetic she is, such gesture brings warmth into my heart.

"You can portray your expressions and emotions very well, huh?" I grabbed a high ball glass and poured a fresh orange juice.

"You woke up early than me, today. Are you trying to be the daddy now?" Paglalambing ko sa kanya habang umiinom ng fresh orange juice.

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

I directed my eyes in a flash to the clapping hands of a weighty figure standing at the doorway of the room.

"Bravo. Bravo. I wonder why you were so eager to let our chefs have their vacation in Hawaii?" And it almost made me choke.

I tried to clear my throat and open my mouth. "Vacation is a good rest for every soul." But my voice came out differently.

The old man wearing a formal black suit with a tie, laughed. "It is never right to drink an acidic liquid in an empty stomach." He advises and I simply wipe the stain on my mouth, he's not alone at all and behind him stood our uniformed housemaids of this house, struggling to peek on the free space covered by his body.

Because I, myself, can't deny that Sir Arnold is a huge and muscular man though he's already on his forty's, he still looks strong.

I walked gracefully to Althea, "My stomach is not empty when Althea is pouring me with her sweetest smiles." I smiled at him and knelt in front of Althea.

He snickered. "So, the king says."

I ignored him and focused my visions to Althea as I kissed her on the forehead. "A lovely morning, my sweet, sunny, pumpkin. Your cheeks is good enough to fill my empty belly."

I bite her plump cheek and Kuya Arnold chuckled.

"Kuya Arnold, tama na nga yan, umagang-umaga eh. Parang mas ikaw pa ang nagiging bata kaysa kay Sir." Suway ng isang babae na medyo may katabaan sa likod nya.

"Yeah, it is morning pero mas naunahan pa nya kayo sa kusina. I thought we were hired to do the job for them, not the other way around?" Kuya Arnold thoughts as he tips his chin, posing like Ninoy Aquino on old 500 pesos money.

"Kuya Arnold, mawalang-gana na po pero bago ka pa man nakabangon ay nalinis ko na po yung patio sa inyong kwarto at pati na rin po yung----" Bago pa man nya maituloy ang kanyang mga sasabihin ay dumampi na sa kanyang mga labi ang hintuturo ni Kuya Arnold na halatang may nais ilihim.

"Hindi maganda sa kalusugan ang sobrang daldal." Pasimpleng pagpapatahimik ni Kuya Arnold.

Have I ever shared to you na tuwing umaga ay laging daily routine nila ito?

"Parehas single, parehas doble ang size pero di nagmamatch. Magbati na lang po kaya kayo? Kuya Arnold? Ate Maria?" Ani ng isa sa pinakabata sa kanila.

"Naku ineng, mas masahol pa sa babaeng nireregla yan si Arnold kung suyuin mo. Akala mo anak ni Padre Damaso at pamangkin ni Lola Basyang." Supla ni Maria sabay kendeng kay Kuya Arnold, patungo sa lamesa. "Pwe~" Hirit pa nya.

Halata namang nabigla si Arnold kaya naman napa-atras sya ng kaunti sa lakas ng hip sway ni Maria.

"Alam mo, naniniwala talaga ako na ang tao ay nanggaling sa lahi ng hayop at kung napatunayan man yun, marahil ikaw ay si dakilang Snorlax. Alleluia~" Sambit ni Kuya Arnold habang tuwid ang expresyon sa mukha.

"Diba pokemon yun?" Bulong ng isa sa kanila at marahil ay nakarating rin sa tenga ni Maria na nag-aayos ng gamit sa prep area.

These two, they really like getting on each other's nerves. The moment they start teasing each other, it will be until they were snoring at night and who is the loudest.

Kung mapapansin mo, halos silang dalawa lang ang nag-iingay, dumagdag pa yung isa sa nagpapakulo ng ingay samantalang yung iba ay tahimik lang at… nakatitig sa direksyon namin ni Althea.

I smiled at them, they all looked young ranging from teens to twenties and as usual, their response is the red tints on their cheeks. I spared a glance at Althea, who can resist the beauty of this lovely sunny, pumpkin?

Nagpakawala ako ng isang palakpak sapat lang para makuha ang atensyon nila ngunit hindi kalakasan para makasakit ng tenga ni Althea at bago pa man makaisip rin si Maria ng ipang-hihiganti nya.

"Good morning, Kuya Arnold, Ate Maria, ate Rose, Jennifer, Beth, ate Claire, ate Jane at ang pinakabata, Cecilia." They're not complete though, Ate Clara seems to be missing, the acting Mayordoma of this house.

"Good morning Sir!!"

"Magwapong umaga sa inyo, Sir!"

The silent girls before have now awakened and squealed like cheerleaders in a basketball competition. They're trying to lunge towards my direction but Kuya Arnold, our strong head of the security held them off with his strong arms gripping the sidewalls for support.

The entire room is filled with their high-pitched and energetic voice and chaos that I instantly covered Althea's ears, it is not good for the babies and yet, Althea's eyes draw innocence and calmness.

"Bakit di nyo ginawa yan kanina nung kalmado pa yung aura? Bumati lang si Sir, ang bilis nyo agad nag-transform?�� Kuya Arnold scowled at them. "Fan girls, tch."

"Ehem!" A loud clearing of throat brought rainstorm into the kitchen containing the arising fire quickly into ashes but it didn't come from me.

They slowly looked back, shock on their faces, and eventually, made way for the dangerous source.

A middle-aged lady at the back showed up, few white hairs are visible on top of her black ones and eyeglasses shone when hit by the light, that gives away her identity, she's Ate Clara and her presence can intimidate even the metamorphic rocks that had solidified from raging lava.

My face lit up and brought me relief, our savior.

Just right in time.

"Sabi nila, hindi nakakabuti sa isang sanggol ang malakas at nakakabinging ingay lalo na sa maliliit na distansya dahil mas sensitibo ang kanilang pandinig at mas doble ang lakas ng tunog na kanilang naririnig." She says with sharp and keen eyes, throwing them knifelike side-looks and whoever is unlucky enough to receive her verbal jaw words will make them flinch, and they just did, except Kuya Arnold.

She walked towards the kitchen marble table, her aura is strongly mature, I have a feeling that it was related to Althea that affect her.

I'm glad Althea didn't cry, I brush her cheeks softly, it silently makes me proud.

She's a very strong angel and that's her major asset.

Sa lahat ng kasam-bahay dito, tanging si Ate Clara ang pinaka paborito ko dahil puno ng mga prutas at bulaklak ang lumalabas sa bibig nya, ibig sabihin, puno ng aral at maging si Kuya Arnold ay hindi nakakaimik sa kanya.

"Kung ang ibon ay nagagawang mag-ingay habang naghahanap ng makakakain, kayo pa kaya na mas mataas ang antas ng pag-iisip? O marahil ay ibinababa nyo ang mga sarili sa isang kuliglig na umaawit para makaakit?" Sermon nya sa mga nagsitahimik na lipon ng tao.

"Sorry po Ate Clara." Gumuhit sa mga mukha nila ang pag-aalala ngunit itinaas naman ni Ate Clara ang kanyang kamay.

"I'm not the master of this house. Tanging kina Sir lang kayo maaaring humingi ng tawad. O sya, hindi na maibabalik ang nasayang na oras ngunit may magagawa pa kayo para makabawi." Taboy nya.

Muli silang humingi ng paumanhin na agad ko namang tinanggap habang umiiling naman sa akin sina Kuya Arnold at Ate Clara.

Nang nakaalis na sila sa pwesto upang magtungo kung saan man nila aasikasuhin ang kanilang trabaho ay lumingon sakin si Ate Clara.

"Ayos ba Sir?" Usisa nya na may halong ngiti.

Natawa na lang ako at tumango, dalawa ang personalidad na pinapakita ni Ate Clara, ang totoong sya na parang isang butihing Ina sa kanyang supling at striktong guro sa mga pasaway na mag-aaral.

"Ganun dapat, Sir. Masyado kayong mabait kaya naman inaabuso kayo ng iba. Isinasalugar ang mga bagay-bagay." Pangaral nya at inaamin ko, hindi ko talaga ugaling sumita ngunit sa palagay ko ay hindi rin naman sila abusado.

"Too much kindness is somewhat a disaster." Banggit ni Kuya Arnold na hindi pa umaalis at umaaligid na sa mga nakahelerang pagkain.

'Then, Kuya Arnold. How do you view kindness?" I started shaking Althea's hands gently, warmly as she returned a warm smile again.

It made me smile too that I leaned on her and kissed her temple.

Hundreds of kisses for a trillion rays of morning light.

"Kindness," I hear him saying but it seems that he's walking around, slowly, and thinking thoroughly. "is a little gesture of positivity."

I stopped jiggling Althea's hands and made me stare at her.

She's busy gnawing her gloves, saliva dribbling out from her mouth.

I didn't ask for her smile but kept on giving me one.

I can hear them talking on the background but for some reason, their words don't get through my head.

I wiped Althea's mouth and gloves gently with a soft towel and pinched her plump cheeks and rubbed her nose against mine.

My lips turned up on its own.

I understand.

This feeling.

This kindness.

Your kindness.

I stood up, took her in my arms and whirled her.

They screamed in surprise, I laughed and Althea giggled freely.

I looked at them. "Kindness will never be a disaster. No one asked for it but it keeps on showering you with its grace naturally and never asks for a reward in return."

I can feel the energy traveling through my every vein, it wants to flourish and scatter into everywhere and all its source was the small and gentle creature in my arms.

"Kuya Arnold, I'll walk Althea to the central park." I say to them and they both look stunned.

"You won't eat yet?" He asked after recovering in seconds.

I turned towards the recording video cam and turned it off.

"Croissant tastes good when it's warm." I directed my eyes to them. "Might as well enjoy it on its harvest season."

"But can't you just walk her around in this wide vacant land?" He wondered and Ate Clara agreed. "Is the size still not sufficient?"

"We have a massive, empty green grounds that you can fully enjoy the sunlight in peace without pollution, noise and disruption from the outer world. You don't have to be out there, Sir Bryan." She looks unconvinced and determined to make me stay just like how it was before.

It is true, a land that doesn't exist like a simple dot on a map is excessive and overabundance, it is a place you will never ever imagine that actually owned by a person alone.

A person.

But.

I sighed.

I didn't grow up this way.

I'm still the ordinary Bryan who ascended from a plain surface of weeds to the garden of Eden.

I placed my hand on Ate Clara's shoulder and squeezed it as an assurance.

"I don't want to rob Althea from what my childhood looks like, feels like." I looked at her intently.

A once simple boy who likes to run across the fields, chasing the ends of the roaming kites.

She gasped and nodded with deep understanding in her eyes, I smiled warmly.

"Thank you." I say.

I looked at Arnold and he sighed in defeat. "If that's what you want, I understand. Please give me ten minutes, we'll scan the entire area and I'll set three guards to come with you."

I nodded and secured Althea in my arms. "You enjoy it too, right, baby?"