Forces of Love

A spaghetti a day, keeps busy people at bay

When the alarm clock fell into my head. I took it and immediately noticed that I overslept. It was six in the morning and I have my first day of class at seven. The school is approximately 3 kilometers away and depending on the situation, I might get caught up in traffic. But I have to get there as soon as possible so that the best seat in the classroom, near the window, would be mine. That is why I rushed to the bathroom and take a quick wash.

“Good thing that I prepared my uniform last night, it can really save time when needed the most.”

After I wore my clothes, I got down the stairs, passing the door that leads to the Maverick’s Restaurant. Yes, this is the house of the Mavericks, our neighbors who kindly helped me when my father died. I really didn’t remember what happened but I didn’t suspect them after all, they were so kind to me, kind enough to become my second family. It must be because they are a “Maverick” (a free-spirited person), that urged them to help me.

Our family is a medium-sized one, with me as its youngest. We have Rowan Maverick, the father; Rick, the eldest and my brother; Mave, my elder sister; and the one who wake me up earlier was Mrs. Cristina Maverick. Of course, I am now part of their family. This family is rather rowdy for my being but, I am kind of used to it now.

For our “supposed-to-be” breakfast, they cooked my favorite Filipino spaghetti. The one with a sweet sauce. At first, they were hesitant to ever try cooking it because it is not what they used to eat but one day they decided to try it just for my sake. However, they still would not eat it.

“Hey, Isaac! Come here first and eat this while it is still warm. I prepared this because I know that today is your first day in class.” Sister Mave called me.

“Yeah Isaac, your sister here woke up early just to cook this for you, it will be a waste if you don’t eat it.” Uncle Rowan told me.

I know that she did her best and cook for me but, I am running late, any time spent with eating will make me lose the seat I am aiming for. There is no issue if I’m a bit late, the issue here is that taking that precious seat will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But I can’t make that as an excuse. “Uhm… I am running late. I appreciate the thought but can I just get a piece of bread and go? Just for today, okay?”

“That won’t do Isaac. You know that a food will be wasted if it is refused right? Besides you know what will happen when you anger Mave, don’t you?” Brother Rick replied as if he was reciting a line.

They must have practiced this earlier knowing that the food they prepared will be wasted because I woke up late. But I can’t really accept it, can I? “Uhm… sorry I–”

Before I am about to say the excuses I hypothesized and tested in my mind, Mrs. Cristina came in holding a microwaveable container with a spaghetti inside. I can see its vibrant red color with cheese as toppings, slowly melting on top of the sweet-looking and warm sauce. “Don’t worry guys, I have already made a solution. If Isaac can’t eat it now, why not eat it later, right?”

What a quick response, clearly, they made it look like a natural occurrence but in reality, they prepared this in advance. It would not be weird if they did it nonchalantly like always, instead, they acted poorly. I am not the one to talk for I am only well-versed in science stuff but it only takes a child to notice that they were really acting.

And as if I’m queueing things up Rick starts to throw his lines. “Wouldn’t it get spoiled if he will eat it later?”

“Yeah! Wouldn’t it get spoiled?” Mr. Maverick and Mave replied in chorus.

“I’m pretty sure it will not since this is what we use to pack the food when our customers take out their food. But let us ask our genius boy here.” Mrs. Maverick pointed at me.

This is it; this is the long-awaited results of their research. Better wrap the things up right now or else they will hold me for a longer time. “Uhm me? Ah, yes, they will not get spoiled that easily, I’ll just make sure they won’t get exposed to sunlight too much.”

“Splendid, just what I expected. Because of that, take these four containers with you.” Mrs. Maverick replied.

“Woah! As expected with you Isaac. You are the best!”

This is getting out of hand, first they keep me from going outside just to eat this and now they want me to take these four? They must be messing with me and I can’t let it happen “First of all, please stop your skit, you are terrible actors. And are you messing up with me? Even if I like spaghetti the most, I still will not be able to eat them all.”

“No, no, no. That is not the point Isaac. I did not tell you to eat this, did I? I only said is for you to take this, give the others to your friends. You can eat the other during your recess and maybe even lunch. Besides, it is your mom’s birthday today, am I right? Take these with you to celebrate your mother’s birthday.”

“Oh, is that so? I’m sorry I overreacted.” All of this farce and I forgot that today is my mom’s birthday. I think I need to pay her a visit after class.

“It’s okay Isaac. We’re used to it. You’re just being yourself, always able to comprehend complex things but when faced with something as simple as this you still have a long way to go.” Rick laughed.

“Thank you, for understanding. I got to go now.”

“Bye Isaac. I see you’re still as sharp when we’re making fun of you but no matter what you do, we will always have our own aces up our sleeve.” Mave responded.

After their little scheme, I turned my back and I, Isaac Nerti, am now ready to go to school.