Chapter 11: Chapter 11

CHAPTER SIX

“YOU CAN go back now, Gretel. Hansel and I will take care of this.”

“I’ll entertain our customers while you eat your breakfast,” Gretel said. “I’ll go when you’re done.”

She went to their market stall that morning to bring their food. There were only three of them to take care of their vegetable garden, and multitasking had always been difficult. Gretel always made sure that Hansel and their mother don’t skip their meals.

“Hansel, I’m glad to see that you’re already released,” Mr. Rodman greeted. He was holding a bunch of bananas.

Hansel nodded shyly as he slowed down eating.

“Good morning, Mr. Rodman,” Gretel greeted politely.

“Good morning, Gretel. You’re as lovely as the morning. I really saved this for your family to share.”

Gretel beamed as Mr. Rodman handed over the ripe bananas. She already thought of saving some for Alexander.

“Thank you, Mr. Rodman!”

“You’re welcome, dear,” he replied with a smile.

“We are very thankful to Mr. del Mundo for being kind and understanding to us,” Glenda said. “Hansel already learned his lesson.”

Fortunately, only a few people around the village knew what happened. They were lucky their neighbors were always busy minding their own business, and they were not very quick to judge.

“I hope they’d catch Dario and Jones sooner. Their crimes must stop.”

“I’ve been praying for that,” Glenda said.

“Well, I just came by to greet you, guys. See you around.”

“Thank you again, Mr. Rodman,” they said.

Mr. Rodman tipped his straw hat and left.

“Gretel, you can go now,” Glenda said.

“I’m going to fry some bananas, Mother,” Gretel said, beaming like a kid.

“Good morning, Gretel. It’s been a while.”

Gretel stared at the tall, thin guy who appeared in front of their stall. It was Carlitos. He was holding a bunch of chrysanthemums in his hand. He was one of her suitors, whom she never entertained.

Carlitos used to be a good friend of hers, though. He was studying in town to be an architect, and they own one of the biggest stalls in the market.

“C-Carlitos,” she uttered.

She did not want to give him false hopes. That was why she had been avoiding him if she could.

“Good morning, Mrs. Glenda, Hansel. I could not help myself when I saw Gretel,” he said. “Flowers for you.”

Gretel held the bunch of bananas in her arms tighter.

“I don’t think I can accept that. I have to go. I’m sorry, Carlitos.”

“Then, let me just take you home,” he insisted.

“She’s coming with me.”

Gretel’s heart throbbed as Javier appeared beside Carlitos. Carlitos glanced at him in surprise, Javier’s presence intimidating him in an instant. Carlito was nothing compared to him.

“Mr. del Mundo!” Glenda stood up from her spot and rushed to Javier’s side. “What a nice surprise from you. We haven’t thanked you yet personally for your kindness.”

“There’s no need, Mrs. Hermosa,” Javier said calmly. “Would you mind if I borrow your daughter? There’s something we need to talk about.”

Gretel blinked as she stared at Javier. It seemed like she hadn’t gotten used to his presence even though they already kissed. She wondered how her mother would think if she found out, and that she even initiated it because she was desperate.

“About what?” Glenda asked as she stared at Gretel.

“About us,” Javier replied.

Gretel’s face flushed, while Carlitos could only stare in confusion.

“A-are you dating him, Gretel?” he asked.

“Is this young man pursuing you, woman?” Javier asked, slightly arching an eyebrow.

“Carlitos is just a friend,” Gretel said.

Carlitos glanced away, looking like a loser.

“I’ll take good care of Gretel while we’re together, Mrs. Hermosa,” Javier reassured. He looked so confident, not cocky as he usually was. “Give me your permission to take her with me.”

“W-well, yes, of course.” Glenda cleared her throat. She was seemed to be mesmerized by Javier’s charm, too.

“W-we’ll go ahead, Mother.”

“O-okay,” Glenda said. “Take care, you two.”

GRETEL took a deep breath as they sauntered toward the exit of the market. The people could not help but crane their necks toward their direction. She could not blame them, though. Javier was such a head-turner without doing anything.

She was too scared to walk beside him. She felt like she was unworthy.

Gretel walked slower and decided to walk behind him, but Javier caught her back, stopping her.

Gretel flinched as Javier’s warm hand touched her skin.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She brought the bananas to her chest.

“N-nothing.”

When she saw Javier’s carriage, she mustered up her steps and climbed inside. Gretel drew a breath when she realized her chest was pounding hard.

Javier joined her. He sat beside her instead of sitting across.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine. How did you find me?” she asked.

The carriage began moving.

“I went to your place, and you weren’t there. I assumed you were here, instead.”

“Okay.” Gretel put the banana on the corner of the seat. “Where are we going, by the way?”

“To my place, of course. To talk.”

Gretel drew a breath once again.

“You’re nervous,” he remarked.

“I said I’m fine,” she said, avoiding his gaze.

But she sucked her breath as Javier suddenly took her hand.

“Your hand is cold.”

“That does not mean anything.” And Gretel only stared at their hands instead of pulling away.

“Will this make you feel warm?” Javier laced his fingers with hers. Gretel’s heart throbbed as a tickling sensation seized her.

“Y-yes,” she said shyly.