Chapter 5: Accidental Home

I was finally in the car that’s taking me home only to find out that it brought me back to the big house because it was nothing but a dream. 

I woke up to the sound of the doorbell.  Someone was pressing it non-stop. My phone is full of messages and call notifications from my family, Bobby, and Quim.  I checked time and it’s already 8AM.  I overslept on the cozy bed.

Not in my wildest dream or even in reality that I would find myself waking up one day and the first face I would see while still in my oversized robe was Quim. He stands a few meters away from the door and looks so concerned.

“Are you sick?” he asked me. I immediately realized that he’s concerned about me getting the virus that can kill in a matter of hours. He might have thought that I died overnight.

“I’m okay.  I just overslept.  I’m really sorry,” I said.

“There’s a thermometer in the medicine cabinet. Check your temperature,” he ordered me and I couldn’t complain.

My temperature is 36 degrees Celsius.  I showed it to him.

“Repeat it,” he told me.  I did and it still turned out the same.

“Good,” he said then left.

As expected, my sister is furious than concerned.

“How could you sleep so well knowing that the world is on red alert and many people are dying?” she asked.

“I know and I’m sorry about that,” I said.

“By the way, Mom wants to know who else is in your boss’ house.  Are there any other employees who are there with right now?” she asked.  She caught me off guard.  I didn’t expect my Mom would want to know.

“Ah, the cook is here,” I said.  I lied because how could I tell her that Quim and I are the only ones here?

“Can you send me a picture of you and anyone who’s in there?” she asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous.  Besides, she’s in the shower right now,” I said. 

Good thing, Bobby called and I had reason to cut the call.

“I still can’t book a car.  Is there something wrong with the car services?” I asked him.

“Audrey, haven’t you listening or reading the news? Almost all transportation services are cancelled now. We are trying to get your permit to travel,” he said.

My frustration gets worse.  This wouldn’t happen had I not tried to show off my dedication for my job or perhaps if I did not behave as a snub brat towards Quim, I wouldn’t feel guilty and there was no need to make up and show off.  Everything was my own doing.

Quim called, this time on the intercom.

“Have you eaten anything?” he asked.

I remember I haven’t taken anything since I woke up.

“Just come inside.  I cooked some food.  Help yourself,” he said casually.

I found him eating on the long dining table. I greeted him in the nicest way possible.  This guy isn’t only my boss but also my guardian during this time.

“I am really thankful for your kindness.  I’ll try to get out of here as soon as I get a permit. Bobby’s working on getting me one,” I said.  Every word I said reminded me of how irresponsible and helpless I still am. 

“Just eat for now.  I’m finished,” he said.

“Can I help you with anything?” I asked before he left.

“You don’t have your laptop yet,” he said plainly.

I went back to the guesthouse after my brunch feeling useless and a burden.  I’m all set to go but cannot leave.  I’m so pathetic.

The place has turned into a mini version of the big house.  It’s so quiet.  I don’t want to spend another night here. I don’t even want to become rich to own something like this. All I want is to get away from here asap.

Bobby called almost at mid-afternoon. At this point, my expectation has become so low already.

“Apparently, they are only allowing those working in healthcare and banking industries to travel. I don’t think they can allow you to go out,” he said.  At least by expecting nothing, my expectation was met.

“I’ll check on you regularly.  Don’t worry,” he also said. I think that’s the best thing I heard since yesterday.  I feel a little bit of real assurance that I will not be alone with Quim in the whole compound.

“I will resign once I get out of here. I’m nothing but burden,” I said.

“Don’t be silly.  Just double your effort when we are back to normal.  In the meantime, behave yourself and do even little things you can for you and Quim,” he said.  Bobby is such as sweetheart.

I went back to the big, quiet house very discreetly.  My brunch was okay but for someone who hadn’t eaten for almost two days, that wasn’t enough.

The smell of bacon and eggs combo is absolute comfort.  I wonder if it reached Quim’s room because I heard him open his door.  I did not startle when I saw him this time but I’m surprised that he just stays in the living room like he doesn’t notice me.  He must be okay knowing that I stay alive while living within his property.

I finished my second meal and what else is there to do but to stay in the guesthouse that turned boring overnight. The situation is really making me insane.  I sing to my heart’s content to lessen the boredom.  I don’t care if I someone hears me and complains.  I can’t stay quiet like the rest.  I’m in a totally different planet, after all.

“I heard you cooked,” Bobby said on the other line.  He’s true to his words that he’ll check on me.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“Quim ate your leftover,” he told me.

I really saved a few strips of bacon on the counter for my dinner.  I couldn’t believe Quim ate them.

“He likes bacon too?” I asked.

“All breakfast food,” he said.  Quim’s not as picky as I assumed he was.

By now, Quim must’ve been informed that I will be his responsibility for an indefinite period of time.  As his official rent-free tenant, I must do my best to give whatever I can to lessen the damage.

I started preparing for my dinner in the afternoon. Quim went to the kitchen while I am cooking the imported corned beef I saw in the pantry earlier.  It’s his house so it should be no surprise if he pops out anytime. 

He never said a word to me even if I greeted him.  He seems to be looking for something inside the fridge. 

“You looking for something?” I asked because I was the last one who got food from there.

“Umm…I am looking for the bacon,” he said.

“Oh, I cooked some pieces earlier,” I said. I thought he knew because he ate those too.

“Do you want some?  I can cook for you,” I said.

Quim quietly waits while I cook the bacon.

“I am cooking corned beef for dinner.  Do you want to try?” I asked.

I instantly noticed the joy in his eyes.  Bobby is right. This guy loves breakfast food.

I watch him while he eats the bacon and corned beef one after the other. He’s enjoying it and I haven’t really seen a guy enjoying his food so much. 

“You put potatoes,” he said.

“Those are hash brown cut in small squares,” I said.

“They’re tasty,” he said.  I guess that’s a compliment and although it’s for the hash browns, it’s enough to make me lose up a bit.

“I learned this improvisation in high school during our cooking week.  We forgot to buy potatoes for our beefsteak recipe and our leader used the leftover French fries that we got from a fast food and it turned out good,” I began to tell him.

Quim looks like he’s enjoying his food more and more. I thought I did a good job and that gave me more confidence to talk.

“There’s no potato in the fridge and obviously no French fries but there’s this pack of hash browns and I thought of using a few pieces,” I continued.

Quim is still busy eating and he’s really focused.  I don’t think he even heard what I was saying so I just stopped and began eating.

“That’s smart,” he said. 

“What?” I asked.

“Your classmate’s idea was smart but yours was smarter.  This hash brown goes well with corned beef,” he said. I couldn’t believe what I heard from him. 

“Oh, thank you,” I said shyly. 

“Is there beef in the fridge for you to try the beefsteak,” he said.

“Oh, I can use pork if there’s no beef. Do you want to try?” I asked. 

“Do you love to cook?” he asked. He didn’t answer me but I guess that meant “yes”,

“Only breakfast dishes.  They’re the easiest to cook and always available,” I said. 

I knew he wanted to say more but he’s holding himself back and I guess that’s not because he’s my boss but because it’s only a few days since we met, he can’t be so cozy with me. We are not equal in this house.

“Bobby’s calling.  I’ll get it.”

“Go ahead. Just put the dishes in the washer.  I’ll close by 9PM,” he said before he left me in the dining table. 

“How did he find your cooking?” Bobby asked.

“I thought he liked it. He ate a lot,” I said in lower voice.

“I wish I could taste it too,” he said.

“Of course.  I will make it even more special,” I said.  I wonder if Bobby already knows I like him because I couldn’t hide it and I thought I flirted a bit there.

Suddenly, I heard something fell from the living room and Quim picked it up.  Good thing, I lowered my voice.

The day is ending better than I thought.  My father and sister are getting better but the news around is still depressing. I still wish I am home right now.

I took a quick shower and get ready to watch a movie before calling it a night. My phone received a message and for the second consecutive night, Quim sent me a message saying he’s closing the big house and I should take a good rest.  It’s like he used a template for his repeat message.

I typed my simple message to send to him but I held back. He doesn’t need any of it from me.

I check his window and the light is still on until it’s not.  I turned off my lights too.  

“Good night, Quim,” I whispered to myself.