Lost in Paradise

Chapter 9

“Nadia”

Nadia heard her name from a distance. She quickly turned and looked for the voice. From a distance, she saw Nay Nita hurriedly walking towards her. She then approached the old lady.

“Nay Nita? What brought you here?” said Nadia.

“I visited my friend Cristina. Their house was just close from here so I decided to pass by and see the sunset... You? What are you doing here? Are you with someone?” Nay Nita explained.

Nadia suddenly remembered the boy she was just talking to. She turned back and saw the boy walking away with a man that she thinks his dad.

“Hija?” called Nay Nita

“Umm, no... I was just walking around and stopped here to wait for the sunset. Are you on your way home? I’ll give you a ride. My car was just parked nearby” said Nadia

“No hija... I’m good. I prefer to walk” Nay Nita countered

“Please Nay Nita. We’re going the same way tho... Also, You let me stay in your house, just let me do this, please?” Nadia reinforced.

“You’re so persistent... okay, let’s go” the old lady agreed.

“Yes, let's go!” Nadia giggled.

As they arrived, Nay Nita asked Nadia to drop by for dinner. She said they will be preparing a small celebration to welcome Nadia. Nadia no longer objected because she knew the old lady won’t accept her objection.

She first went back to her place and fixed a few things. She has been cleaning the house since she arrived here but there is still a lot to work on because the house was abandoned for many years.

Time flies so fast, she later prepares herself to visit Nay Nita.

The family is preparing for dinner when Nadia arrived. Maliya, Nay Nita’s granddaughter, let her in and welcomed her into their home. The house’s interior is simpler than the house rented by Nadia but has a vintage style too. Though, it is a bit bigger than of Nadia.

The meal is being set up in a low dining table placed in their sala.

“You can just sit down on the floor, Ms. Nadia. Nay Nita is now still in the kitchen preparing the foods” Maliya said politely.

“Ok... so, you’re preparing a Japanese food huh! I’m excited” Nadia said as she saw the dining set-up.

“What?... aaahh! No, we really eat like this, sitting on the floor. Most of the locals eat this way” Maliya explained trying to hide her laughter.

“Aaah! That’s why” Nadia mumbled shyly.

She didn’t expect that it was part of their habit. She oftentimes observes the same set up in Japanese restaurants.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just help Nay Nita in the kitchen” Maliya asked.

Soon, Nay Nita went out of the kitchen and placed the foods on the table. They have prepared several cuisines.

“Woah! Seems like we’re having fiesta! I will surely eat a lot... thank you for inviting me” Nadia exclaimed.

“Well Ms. Nadia, that’s not all yet. Dad is still preparing his specialty” Maliya replied.

“What specialty?” Nadia asked.

“Here comes the Uvud Balls” said the man coming from the kitchen.

Nadia got surprised as soon as she saw the guy. He seemed so familiar. Then, Ivan’s suddenly flashed in her mind, the place where she had her car repaired.

“Oh! Ivan?” Nadia proclaimed

“You?” Ivan stated in shock

“You know each other?” Nay Nita asked

“She became my customer... mmm... Nadia right?” Ivan said unsure

“I am... so, I guess.... mmm... you’re Maliya’s dad?” Nadia responded

“Unfortunately, you are right” Maliya said joking

“You little” Ivan exclaimed to Maliya

“But wait... so, you are still here in Ivana. I thought you were just lost and will leave the town as soon as your car is okay... that is what Nikko told me. That’s why I prioritized your car” Ivan added facing Nadia.

“Nikko?” Nadia said in her mind as she recalled of the man who brought her car to Ivan’s.

“Aah... ehh...” Nadia is reluctant about what she should say to Ivan.

Soon, a teenage boy seems younger than Maliya, went out of the bedroom.

“You guys are so nois– ow dinner” he said as he noticed them setting up the food.

“You didn’t even wake me up” he added.

“Unfortunately, he is my younger brother” Maliya said sighing.

“Unfortunately?” he protested then turned his look to Nadia.

“Hi Ms. Nadia, I’m Juno. You’re so pretty!” said Juno while looking at Nadia’s face.

Nadia turned red and just responded with chuckles.

“That’s enough... the food is getting cold... let’s eat!” Nay Nita commanded.

After praying, they excitedly indulged in the food. Nadia didn’t refrain herself and tasted every food arranged on the table. All the foods were tasty specially the “Uvud Balls” cooked by Ivan. He said that it is one of the local’s favorite comfort food and is only available in Ivana. That It's basically made of finely grated corm, mixed with ground meat and minced fish.

The dinner became really delightful because of Juno’s humorous jokes being added by Maliya and Ivan. They finished the dinner with a tea. Nay Nita explained that the tea she prepared is good for digestion since they ate a lot. Juno and Maliya kept on telling funny stories about their family that Nadia sincerely enjoyed. After they finished everything, Nadia offered to do the dishes but Nay Nita objected and said that Juno was assigned for the task.

Nadia’s night was full of both food and happiness. She was so happy seeing the enjoyment of the family she visited, one thing that she never experienced before in the family she grew up on.