Chapter 18: Chapter 18

“Just sling it over here and rest it against a tree,” I told and informed them I would only put it in if someone else was available, and I bowed in appreciation to the man who delivered the chalkboard I would use in class. My heart was pumping as I was thinking about what I was about to teach. I only hope my memory isn’t rusty enough to provide them with precise details. Teaching kids the things I wish to teach them does not necessitate the use of a professional. I’ll merely teach them to read and then educate them about the opportunities available to them if they graduate.

I shake off my filthy clothing after assisting the man in lowering the chalkboard earlier. Because Adonis only ordered it in the other town, it was extremely heavy, and only one person brought it. It will take longer to arrive if he continues to place orders in the city. I took out the eraser and plastic chalk. Every time I see it, it makes me smile.

I’m not sure where Adonis has gone; all I know is that Sandro is with him. I’m curious where they are getting the food because there isn’t a market here where they can buy it, another. Fresh vegetables and fish are preferable to the pure meat found in the metropolis. It’s not good for health.

We never brought up the topic again after what happened to Adonis and me. I’m also embarrassed to show it to him since I can tell he doesn’t acknowledge and mind it anymore. I’m not sure if I should be disappointed or relieved that he didn’t make me feel weird, or relieved that nothing seems to have happened to us. I went inside to get dressed since we were about to leave and go to my parents’ gravesite. Because of the time, I was worried and afraid; now all I have to do is face them again. Am I prepared?

I’m not sure why we’re just going now, because Adonis told me not to do anything until I’ve gathered the youngsters and adults I want to teach. As time passed, I became increasingly unable to comprehend my feelings for Adonis. When he’s around, I feel comfortable and joyful. When I consider that, even when he is upset, he supports me in what I want; I get butterflies in my stomach. Even though I expect to pay for the things he helped me with, I frequently disobey his rules, but the days will come when he will just let me do whatever I want. I am also embarrassed because I don’t follow him whenever he requested something. I was scared to get to the point where he got bored with helping me.

I opened the cabinet and picked up the clothes I was going to wear. On the way, I turned over what was posted on the pole.

“In” and “Out”

That’s what the opposite sign says. “In” means there is someone while “Out” does not.

That’s the only way we won’t be able to just walk in. There is also a little bathroom near to the hut, similar to what we had at the hotel. Even the bathroom has been spruced up. This is how I would design a hotel if I could take people and create it. People will move to it because it is unique and uncommon. The river falls serve as our bath.

I just finished fast since I could hear Adonis’ car coming. I quickly flipped the sign over when I walked out since I knew he was going to take a bath. Our stove and cooking utensils are both manuals. You’ll still need to light a fire using dry wood. We also have no problems with laundry now that the river falls are available. Because the water moves, the dirt does not become caught in one spot. I did not make a mistake when I entered the hut. He was chopping onions, garlic, and a lot of chilies, which I saw. Fire is also burning on a handcrafted stove. The cooking equipment here is not the same as those in the city; instead, you’ll find clay pots and a wooden spoon.

If you are looking for a vacation spot, the provinces are the primary place that should come into the minds of vacationers. I sat down in front of him, sad and embarrassed that I didn’t even know how to cook like him. I’m making him a slave too much, even though I should be the one doing them for him.

“Do you want me to just cut that?” I wanted to bang my head because he was about to finish. That’s when I thought of taking what he was cutting. I don’t know who made my brain, and it seems like I’m always floating. But instead of insulting myself, my eyes quickly lit up as he handed me the knife and the chopping board.

It was my finger that I sliced since I was so thrilled to cut. Why am I so clueless when it comes to housework? I wouldn’t be as dumb as I am today if I had just paid attention to what our maids were doing. Because Adonis was already adding grease to the pot, he didn’t see my hand. I’m not sure what he’ll prepare. My clothing, fortunately, is black. I cleaned a lot of blood off my dress, but it didn’t seem to go away. I’ve already begun chopping the chile and garlic cloves. Because of the excruciating agony of striking the chile and garlic there, I wanted to weep. It’s like one of my nails has been removed. I want to complain, but there is no one to assist Adonis; also I want to help him in any way.

When I finished cutting, I applauded. Even though the cut was not in good shape, I was pleased since I had assisted him in some way. He smiled at me at first, but it vanished as soon as he looked at my hand. He let go of the spoon in his hand and grasped my hand in his. I was taken aback by what he did. I closed my eyes because I was afraid he was going to hurt me due to my unsightly wound, but when I opened my eyes, he was staring me down. I just bowed in front of his sight. It can be difficult at times since he acts cruelly, and he doesn’t talk, therefore I’m not sure who has the problem. Is it me or him?

“This is why, because you are so clumsy, I won’t let you handle items that may harm you. You’re only holding a knife, yet you’re already injuring yourself; how about I take you to other locations? Maybe you were already abducted when I looked back at you.” I merely smiled at him since it was the first time he had talked so long while preaching to me. He’s so attractive!

He took my hand in his and walked over to the sink. I got up to stir the food he was preparing because I could smell it burning. When he returned, he gave me another hard stare. I’m trying not to laugh at what he’s doing since he appears to be a grandfather who is worried about his grandchild. Adonis’ remarks are a little harsh, yet they are heartwarming since the care is palpable. I didn’t speak because he seized the spoon from me. He brought a basin containing mere cloth and water, which he dipped my finger in.

“The wound isn’t deep. It doesn’t hurt either,” I said, raising my finger, which he quickly replaced. Maybe it’s because of my obstinacy that he’s so furious. I came to a halt and simply obeyed his orders since I didn’t want to bother him any longer. Because of me, he could even burn what he’s preparing.

“We won’t go to your parents’ cemetery if you keep being stubborn,” he said, taking the spoon from me. He placed the fish first, followed by the water. I simply observe what he does in the hopes of picking up some cooking tips.

When he finished cooking, no one spoke to us. He put the food on the table, but he still didn’t look at me. Is he angry? I didn’t want to be hurt. Who wants to be injured, right? I sipped the broth and spat even more than the sharpness engulfed my tongue. He just eats quietly while I am busy staring at him. Ever since we arrived here, I have noticed the butterflies in my stomach that has only become more naughty. I couldn’t help but say the words I knew could get him back in the mood. I don’t know if that word has power, but every time I say that he returns to his mood.

“Sorry.”

I waited for him to look at me, but he didn’t. I was sad because my apologies did not affect him. In the past, no matter how small or big a mistake I made, he would immediately look at me, sigh and then say “be careful.” He was fed up that maybe I would disobey him again, so he let me go. Well ... it won’t take long either and he’s the first to talk to me.

After we ate, he also cleaned up and washed. I went out to see who the noisy ones were when I saw Sandro with the other kids. When I looked at him, he was smiling at me and looking at the children who were now waiting for me. My smile widened, and I wanted to jump up and down. Are they the children I will teach? However, are they the only ones? Are there no teenagers? I want them to learn, too.

If I could just build my school here, I would. Or ask one of the branches of government to pay attention to the province here. I am very grateful because my parents can send me to a private school. After all, we have our car. It is easy for me to get back and forth from here and to the town where the school is. Unlike these children whose parents ’ only source of employment was farming. I looked closely at the children, who hugged Sandro tightly, then turned my eyes back to Sandro.

I squatted with the kids, then touched their heads. If I were the only one to teach so many children, it would not be enough. Not like teenagers. They are easy to teach because they are no longer naughty like them.

“Just a minute.” I didn’t just say that to Sandro, but all the kids waiting for me. I entered the door and as soon as I entered, Adonis was wiping his hand. He didn’t look at me even though he saw me at the door.

He entered our room — yes, OUR ROOM. He was sleeping on the floor because he was carrying a comforter, so the bed was not a big deal for us. He took clothes from the cabinet, so I followed him. How long will he be angry?

“Can we build a school here?” That’s what I immediately asked him, even though he didn’t turn to me. When he got the clothes, he would wear later for our departure, I was amazed at his answer to me. My mouth formed the letter “O” because I didn’t know what to interact with what he said.

“Shouldn’t the first thing you build be a hospital? You may need it when you stay here longer.”

I know it’s sarcastic.