Chapter VIII

"Someone once said, 'A bird resting in a branch isn't afraid of the branch breaking, for her trust isn't on the branch, but on her wings'. Would someone please explain this passage." My sister said without hesitation. She scanned the room with the look on her eyes and she stopped as she held my gaze.

I prepared for the worst as I took a deep breath. "Brother dear, would you mind explaining this? However insightful you are."

I stood up and said, "Well, a bird is normally seen on a branch when resting. And a branch can take the weight of the bird. This may not be the case, as you might think, when the tree is already dead. But I haven't seen a bird roost in the tip of a dead branch or at the tip of any branch for that matter. They rest at a seemingly steadier part of the branch. Not for fear of the branch breaking but for reasons the bird chirped this morning."

Barry said, "And pray tell, what did the bird tell you when she chirped?" The class laughed.

I looked at Barry and raised an eyebrow. "I don't know. I don't speak bird."

Minerva fought the urge to laugh and managed to get away with a snicker. “You never fail to amuse me with your nonsensical antics, Ted.”

Barry came in closer and whispered, "Dude, that's your sister?" I nodded.

"Why'd you wanna leave your house in the first place? I'd hit my head to the wall for a chance to sleep under the same roof."

"That is just the case when it comes to you. I, on the other hand, have no intention of getting anywhere near my family, at least not for now."

"Mr. Rivera, please pay attention. Or is there anything you want to share, brother dear?" Minerva asked.

I cringed a bit at her darted gaze. "No ma'am." I managed to say meekly.

The class went on as it would usually have. Discussions went on and I stayed out of my sister's way for the day. The bell rang and I grabbed my bag and started running. I paused for a bit as I heard Minerva shout my name.

"Where are you going?" she asked

"I have a place I have to be." I said vaguely.

"Aren't you at least going to eat lunch with your dearest sister? Would you mind giving me a tour to the school?"

"You're old enough to know your way. You're not a stupid person either." I dashed off to get a cab to take me to the next town. The minicab ride was long and boring, good thing I had my earphones with me. “Now that I think about it, maybe riding the cab wasn’t the smartest thing to do.” I mumbled to myself. “Fair costs half my day’s pay.

I arrived in front of the café at least fifteen minutes before noon thanks to the ever-present Philippine traffic congestion. Good thing I had enough time to get myself changed into the uniform. It was a white button-down shirt topped with a black vest with an extension near the rear end split into two thin triangles. The buttons were at least the size of a five-peso coin each, black as death. The pants were straight-cut clothing rough to the touch.

A pair of slick black shined loafers held my feet closer to the ground than I have ever felt before. I towel was resting on my arm with a pen and a note pad in hand. My hair was kempt slightly to the left with my bangs slightly covering that side of my face.

I looked around and there were few people in the café. High schoolers out on a lunch date, businessmen waiting for people, and a few more, lonely individuals in search for something sweet to fight the midday heat. I wouldn't blame them if they sought shelter in the café. The place was had waxed wooden floors, rectangular tables enough to seat three persons at each side. The place, size enough to house fifteen people at a time, was fully air-conditioned and well-lit.

The glass, ceiling–to-floor windows showed the perfect view of a bonsai garden just outside the alfresco. While the concrete walls and wooden door in front of the café blocked what could be seen of modern civilization.

I still couldn't get over the fact that just a week ago, I was working for a famous fast-food chain, and now, I was working for a humble man in his fifties for his café. I am not complaining; I like it here in fact. The place was humble and reminded me of afternoon siestas awarded by sweets upon waking up from a shallow slumber.

The occasional group of girls from the local college came and went with giggles, probably surprised to see a male employee hands-on-deck. I didn't mind as my workload was light. Ms. Guevara wasn't there to teach me stuff I needed to do when unexpected things came up (like when a random girl asks for my phone number or asks what time my shift ends). Maybe there is still hope for me. I just improvised whenever stuff like that came up, by the way.

The café was clear of any hotels within a 2km radius, so I am pretty confident Minerva isn't going to be finding this place any time soon. The shift ended soundly, and I was able to get back to school on time for my six o' clock class (I rode the bus this time). I passed by my sister every now and then and I just looked away. She didn't seem to think anything was up as this was my normal reaction at the sight of her.

I got to school and ran into Jonah. And I still feel that static when our eyes meet. Instead of a bow, she greets me with a smile. I feel my ears turn hot. She inched closer and place her hand on my forehead saying, “Are you okay? You look feverish.”

“Peachy!” I said awkwardly. I handed her a printed-out questionnaire. These had the things I needed for my Finals. “Are you off to your next class?” I asked.

“No. I was headed out to eat something.”

“Great. Can I come with?”

She tilted her head. “Why though?”

I gave a rejected sigh and waved my hand. “Never mind. You enjoy yourself, dear.”

“What have we here?” asked a familiar voice. On cue, Jonah and I turned around to see who it was. It was the last person I wanted to see.

There stood, in all her elegance magnified by the afternoon sun, was Minerva. She wore the same green off-shoulder shirt and skinny jeans. She had her arms folded across her chest and puffed out cheeks. I still have yet to get used to her antics.

“You sister asks you to accompany her and yet you chose to spend time with some random redhead?” she asked. She walked towards us, and Jonah instinctively took a step back. I grabbed her hand to stop her from running away. “Where are you kids off to?”

“I was headed out for food when Ted asked if he could come.” said Jonah matter-of- fact-ly. I saw Minerva’s eyes lit up for a split second. I felt a chill run down my spine because of the countless times I’ve seen her eyes light up, one thing is for sure; she has a plan brewed.

She held our hands and pulled us close. “Say kids, if we all are headed to grab a bite, may I suggest we eat at Ted’s place?” she asked enthusiastically. She looked at Jonah and smirked. “What do you say, red? Wanna come over?”

I felt my guts curl into a ball when Jonah narrowed her eyes and held Minerva’s stare. She looked at me and raised an eyebrow. After a moment of awkward silence, I managed to mouth, “What?”

“Aren’t you going to lead the way? It IS your place, after all.”

“I like you already.” teased Minerva.

And with that, we were in my apartment by the next half an hour. Minerva went straight for the fridge to see what she can cook. I sat myself on the couch, Jonah decided to seat herself beside me. With Minerva completely distracted with preparing, Jonah took the time to initiate interrogation.

“Who is that?” she asked.

“That’s just Minerva.” I said. “She’s my older sister, though that might be hard to believe.”

“I can see the resemblance…”

“Hey, you kids alright with homemade burger patties?” yelled Minerva from the kitchen. “Actually, don’t answer that. Ted only has ground beef in his freezer, so I have to made do. Brother dear, do you have a grill?”

“Yes, I do. It’s out by the back door.” I yelled back. “But don’t just go around snooping into other people’s kitchen!”

Jonah and I spent the next thirty minutes awkwardly sitting next to each other in silence. Minerva emerged from the kitchen with the patties and some buns she must’ve found on my kitchen counter. We were just about to eat when her phone rang.

“What?” she asked the other line. “Seriously? Now?! Ugh…Alright, I’ll see what I can do.” After that seemingly annoying conversation, she flashed us her usual smile and said, “Well, I hate to leave you to alone, but something came up. And I bid you adieu.”

With that she went out of the apartment, leaving and Jonah alone once more. There was more awkward silence. I could feel my ears turn hot and I stole a glance at her. She picked up the plate of makeshift burgers and looked at me. “Want one?” she asked nonchalantly.