Reaping Me Softly

Chapter 36 - Savory Taste

Eventually, I fell asleep as my eyes can’t take the heaviness anymore. I don’t know how many minutes, or even hours that I slept in the car but, I was awakened when I felt a soft thing on my lips.

When I opened my eyes, his face was the first thing that I saw.

“Good afternoon, baby...” he greeted and took a peek on my lips before he sat properly.

Blinking, I rubbed my eyes and studied our surroundings. I could now see small establishments, and we’re in a busy street. There were a lot of people, my ears can even catch the noises they make as people passed by.

Glancing at him, my forehead knotted.

“Where are we?” I thought his place was quiet and peaceful?

If this is how he pictured a quiet place, then there’s something wrong with him.

“It’s already lunch,” he uttered instead. “We should eat first before we continued traveling. One more hour and we’ll reach the place, baby.”

A realization hits me. “Oh, alright.”

And does that mean that I slept for almost two hours? While he was driving on our way to our destination, I slept. He’s probably tired yet he did not even seem to endure it.

“Are you tired?” I asked slowly. “We could rest after lunch, Simeon. Driving is tiring, baby. You should rest after eating, okay? Even an hour...” I suggested.

I should take a driving class soon for this purpose.

“I’m fine, love...” He smiled slightly. “Fix yourself then, go out. You’re probably hungry.”

Pursing my lips, I stared at him. “You’re tired yet you’re still worried about me.”

“Having you near me is enough to keep my tiredness away, Lia. Your presence enough brings me strengths, so don’t worry, okay? I’m fine...”

Sighing, I nodded. I don’t want to start a fight with him as it would just make him feel more stressed, so instead of further arguing, I fixed myself and followed him outside.

He held my hands. I could feel a lot of eyes in our direction but I just shrugged it off. That’s normal... People tend to follow you with their curious eyes if you’re new to them.

We went inside a small eatery. Honestly, it was far from the restaurants I used to but, I trusted Simeon’s choice. It was noisy and crowded inside, also...

Goddamn hot.

I’m not picky but as someone who grew up in richness, I don’t think I could last here for an hour considering the weather inside.

It was too hot... There were fans but not enough to cool down the whole place.

“Are were really going to eat here?” I asked politely.

“The food here is safe and delicious, baby. And don’t worry, we’re not going to add up to the crowds. We’re eating alone...”

“Where?”

I could hear the cutlery clashing at their plates. Some were even shouting, asking for more food. I held on his arms tightly and took a deep breath. This is normal, of course. I was not just used to this kind of atmosphere but as I’ve said, I trust Simeon’s choice.

He wouldn’t bring us here if the food is not safe... And well, delicious.

We went straight to the counter and the woman whom I think is double my age, smiled at Simeon widely. A hint of recognization crossed her face as if...

“Oh, Simeon! You’re here!” Happiness yet surprised was evident in his voice.

Oh... So, it seems like he’s a regular customer here.

“The usual, Ale. For two and we will eat in the private room,” he said casually.

“Alright!” Her eyes landed on me, then she looked at Simeon with her teasing eyes. “Is she your girlfriend?”

He glanced at me and smiled. “Yes,”

“Ah, looks pretty, iho! You’re lucky!” She giggled and I blushed.

I really don’t know how to handle compliments.

Instead of saying anything, I just kept my mouth shut and smiled to express my thanks.

“Let’s go,” said Simeon as he grabbed my hand and led us to the private room he talked about.

It was just a small room with a fan. A table for four and although we could still hear the noise outside these four rooms, it’s still better than to socialize with them, feeling their stares as you eat. It would be too uncomfortable with their surveying glances.

“Drink some water...”

I sat on the chair as he poured some water on the glass. While my eyes were just fixed on his.

“It seems like you’re a regular customer here,” I pointed out.

That was why he was too confident to bring me here. Although it was not really a big deal.

“I always eat here when I get a chance...” He handed me the glass of water which I willingly took. “They’re nice, too. Just like the food...”

“You didn’t even let me choose.” I rolled my eyes when I remembered his words. “The usual?”

“It’s my favorite, baby. You’ll love the taste, too.”

Shrugging, I drank the water at all once. The hot weather had my throat dry. I let out a small burp which made him chuckled.

“More water?” He walked near me, then kiss my forehead before sitting across my position.

I shook my head. “I’m excited to see your place. Uh, and I think I should attend driving class soon for this sole purpose. So we could switch, too, if you’re tired or something.”

“I’m okay, Lia. I don’t easily get tired.”

I was about to talk again when the woman entered the room, together with a girl just my age holding a tray. Simeon immediately stood up to help them put the food on the table.

“Thank you,” he uttered.

“Enjoy your meal, Simeon...” It was the other girl.

My brows shot up, yet I didn’t say anything until they went out.

“I didn’t like the way she called your name,” I expressed.

It sounded like the queen bees in my school whenever they saw a handsome guy. They suddenly changed voice from normal to be just, kind of over. The voice’s too small, and sort of s lutty.

That was how I described the woman who just left.

He pointed his thumb at the door where they left. "The way she called my name?"

Nodding, I lowered my gaze. "Yup... I felt like she was flirting with you."

He's a regular customer here, which means he saw that woman here, too. And also mean that this was not the first time. If I was not here, would she stay and accompany him for a while as he eats? Thinking about it made my shoulders shrunk in jealousy. 

"Baby, no one's flirting me. If there is, I will not entertain any girls aside from you, okay? It's only you that I'm allowing to flirt with me, not anyone."

Pursing my lips, I glanced at him. "Let's eat, Simeon. This shouldn't be ruin by my jealousy."

"I honestly like it," he stated. "You were never jealous before, I even wonder what type of jealous person you were and now that I've seen your face, I couldn't wipe it off of my mind. I like it..."

I bit my lower lip. I was never been a jealous person... I never knew green emotions even exist in me until today. Every day, I still can't help but be surprised at my emotions that were slowly growing inside me.

All thanks to Simeon. 

"Here, try this. This is called Sinigang. My all-time favorite, actually, it's Emory's favorite, too. Our mom always cooked this for us." I could sense the happiness in his voice as he talked.

I smiled at him as I watched him put some meat on my plate. I still wish to taste his mother's creation, and maybe learn something from her, too. Like how he likes his favorite food... And the likes. 

I tried to keep my thoughts. I honestly don't have any idea about her anymore... Does she hate me until now? Does she blame still? Even if Simeon explained his side, I still don't know what she thought of me now. Or does she even change her view towards me?

"Hmm... This is delicious," I declared as I scooped the soup. "I think we will need more rice."

"Shall I order more cups of rice now?"

Smiling, I nodded. "I think we're both hungry."

Well, I am feeling hungry. I never touch my food this breakfast. Now that I have tasted this savory taste of Sinigang, I think I need not just one cup of rice but more. 

"Alright... Make sure to finish it," he uttered. 

"Of course, you'll help me, baby..."

He shook his head and went out of the room to order more rice, and drinks, too. While I continued eating, tasting every dish in the table, and feeling thankful that I got to taste this delicious food that has never been served at our table at house. I should ask the maids to cook these for me... 

When he came back, my eyes literally widened when it's not a tray that he was holding but a damn...

"Why are you bringing that here?" I almost choked on my food. 

He raised the small rice cooker pan, then showed me rice that has not been reduced. 

"Well, I figured it would be better to bring the pot here. I got impatient seeing them scoop the rice in a cup, so instead, I just brought the pan here. Don't worry, they agreed with me and I pay fair, love."

I almost hide in embarrassment. What could be the people's reaction outside seeing him holding a rice cooker? It does not really matter but I can't help it... He literally brought it here, proud... 

"Simeon..." I swallowed hard, grabbing the glass of water, and drank it all once. "Just sit here, okay? And let's start eating..."

He nodded and sat across me. 

"Tell me if you still need anything, okay?"

Smiling, I nod. "Alright, love."

We take our time to eat. Surprisingly, we finished all the food and I was never been this full in my entire life. 

"I feel so bloated..." I whispered as I stood up.