Once Upon a Summertime

Dual

After their discussion on the Landap, our conversation turned to nostalgia. Ina shared stories of my Ama's childhood, (which we had all heard many times before), but it never failed to entertain us.

She recounted how mischievous my Ama was as a boy and how he always got into trouble with his siblings. It was interesting to see a different side of my usually strict and serious Ama and to imagine him as a playful and fun-loving child. Ina also shared some of her own experiences growing up in Tugaya.

She talked about how the town had changed over the years, and it was fascinating to hear about her memories of the past. I remember last summer, where one of the most memorable parts of our trip was the boat ride we took on. Ina had arranged for us to take a traditional boat, which was made of bamboo and propelled by a local fisherman. It was the nicest thing, as we do enjoyed it a lot.

"Laiba adores Ina's cooking; please teach us, Ina!" My five-year-old sister exclaimed happily. I have to admit that Ina's cooking is the best. Ina grinned at Laiba's request, as she probably in her mind, as she likely considered how likely her behavior toward Ama is. According to Ina, Laiba inherited Ama's mischievous and happy-go-lucky personality.

"Well, Laiba, you have to be patient and practice a lot to learn how to cook like Ina," she said, ruffling Laiba's hair. "What's your secret, Ina?" " I wondered out loud. Finally, I've been curious about how Ina cooks with this aromatic and unforgettable flavor.

Oh, how am I supposed to explain Ina's cook? She cooks better than anyone else, in my opinion. "As for my secret, apo," Ina answered, looking at me. "It's not really a secret. It's just that I put a lot of love and care into every dish I cook. I choose the freshest ingredients, and I take my time to prepare everything just right.” she added.

"Ina, I understand," I said, nodding my head. "Love is the secret ingredient." Ina smiled, looking at me "You're a clever one, apo," she said, patting my hand. We continued chatting and enjoying our meal. “Wow, Ina puts her heart in the piaparan to taste it yummy?” Sister Laiba curiously asked. Ina burst out laughing. All of us at the dining table laugh. “Apo, Ina doesn’t directly put her heart, it’s a magic secret recipe. Anyways, you still have a long way to go to learn Ina’s cook.” Ina cheerfully said. “Where I would go Ina, maybe Ina can teach Lai —” she was cut off by my Uncle Abo. “Eat already, Pamela getting your food”. Pamela is a voracious eater, and her mother does not want her to overeat. My sister, on the other hand, is quite a talker and is unaware.

“Pamela, steal my food! Pamela bad!”. Laiba stated with a teary eye. Pamela just shrugged “I’m not, you eat slow, that’s why!” My sister would backfire on Pamela when Aunt Mimi interrupt “Okay, that’s enough, someone will cry if, it would not stop.” The eldest of the sibling.Her eyes are the same color as my father's, and she has the thick eyelashes that Ate Kookie has.

Then she looks at Manay. “Manay, get the medicine of Ina, she is almost done.” She went to Ina'sroom and got the medicine as soon as she heard. As Manay went to get the medicine, we all sat in silence, waiting for Ina to feel better.

Someone is kicking my feet. "Ouch," I exclaimed. My eldest cousin, Ate Kookie, is kicking me. "What?" I said quietly. I believe she sensed the silence at the dining table.

“Let’s go out” she mouthed. She stands up first. I nodded my head, understanding what Ate Kookie meant. I stood up from the table and quietly slipped out of the house. "Where are you going, girls?" Aunt Mimi said she was coming from the kitchen, carrying the food in her hands. "Just outside My," Ate Kookie said.

"Don’t go out for long," she replied back. As we walked outside, I felt the heat of the summer sun beating down on us. I could feel the sweat on my forehead and the back of my neck, and I knew that it was going to be a hot day.

"Where are we going?" I spoke.

She pointed to the playhouse that we tend to play in when we are much younger.

"Ate Kookie, this is very new to you? Why would we go here? Try to reminisce?" I said it lightly.

"I wanted a breath of fresh air," she replied.

"Why? What's bothering you?" She paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer my question.

“Later, after we go inside” I didn't press her further, and we continued walking towards the playhouse. As we entered the playhouse, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It was a place where we had spent countless hours playing as children, and it was filled with happy memories. Ate Kookie and I sat down on the floor.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a few moments, just taking in the familiar surroundings and reflecting on the memories we had shared in that playhouse.

"It's funny how even after all these years, this place still feels like home," Ate Kookie said, breaking the silence. “Yes, I miss us being a child, now you are going to college,” I said. “So, what bothering you?” I asked again. "How's school?" she asked me instead. "I bet you're in your senior year and about to graduate."

It was unusual for her to bring up my academics, as we usually talk about books, especially romance novels. "It's okay," I replied, feeling the weight of pressure on my shoulders. Being the eldest in the family, I felt like I had to live up to my Ama's expectations and follow his suggestions all the time. "I heard you wanted to “arrest suspects and take them into custody," she said lightly.

I remembered mentioning it to my mom, but she didn't like the idea and told me to other instead. But I knew that in the end, they would make the final decision.

They had high hopes for me and often bragged about my academic achievements, and how I always topped in my class. Although I smiled at their remarks, deep down, I wondered if I could really meet their expectations. It was a lot of pressure to live up to, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at times.

"I changed my mind," I said, "You Ate, you're going to college. So any plans? Bet you're going to design buildings?" I teased.

"I change my mind," she mimicked my reply, and we both snickered and laughed so hard. “Just make it real Ate, bet you would do better,” I said. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke up. "You know, I love drawing, and I want to pursue it professionally," she said.

"But my family doesn't support this idea. They think it won't provide me with a stable and secure future, and they believe I would just waste my college years studying if I choose this path," she sighed, looking a bit sad. "I remember when they pressured me to study in Manila, even though I didn't want to," she added. "But you have to remember that this is your life, and you have the right to make your own choices. Don't let anyone else dictate what you should or shouldn't do." I said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I wish it were that simple, but I don't think talking to Mom would change anything. She's set on me becoming a teacher," Ate Kookie replied, shaking her head sadly. "It would be more problematic, you know; I don’t want to make this a fuss; maybe choosing this path is not really for me; I would just accept it," she said bitterly.

I could relate to the struggle of wanting to follow our own dreams and passions, but feeling pressured to conform to the expectations of our families. While it's important to respect and consider our parents' opinions, it's also important to remember that we have the right to pursue our own paths in life.

“Their heart is made of ice like Elsa,” I said making the situation lighter. “Just kidding, choose what you want,” I said.

"But what if they're right? What if architecture isn't a practical choice?" she asked.

"It's important to consider practicality, but it's also important to pursue what you're passionate about. And who knows? Maybe you can find a way to make it work. There are successful architects out there, and if you work hard and stay dedicated, you can be one of them," I replied.

"But what about my family? I don't want to disappoint them," she said. "I understand that, but at the end of the day, it's your life and your decision. You have to do what's best for you," I said.

" I just wish they could see things from my perspective," she said. "I know, but sometimes it takes time for people to come around to new ideas. Maybe if you talk to them and explain how much this means to you, they'll understand," I suggested. "Maybe you're right," she said, wiping away her tears.

"I hope Mom, could change her mind, I owe you this." She added.

"Anytime. I'm here for you," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

She stands up and smile at me and said “Let’s go we should not take out late, enough to this” I stood up, feeling a bit caught off guard by Ate Kookie's sudden change in demeanor. But I also knew that she had a point – we should probably head back to the house.

"Okay, let's go," I said, following her out of the playhouse.

We walked back inside, trying to put on a brave face and hide our emotions. But I couldn't help feeling sad and frustrated for my cousin, who was facing such a difficult decision about her future. As we sat back down at the dinner table, I couldn't help but think about the conversation we had just had. It was a reminder that life is not always easy or straightforward and that sometimes we have to make tough choices that affect the rest of our lives. As we sat down to resume our eating, Uncle Ali and Uncle Papay's argument seemed to have escalated.

Their voices grew louder as they argued about something that we couldn't quite make out. Aunt Mimi tried to calm them down, but it was clear that their disagreement was deep-rooted and would not be resolved easily. Ate Kookie and I exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to do or say in the tense atmosphere.

“Papay, do you pay already your tuition, the money that I give you?” Uncle Ali said.

“Yeah, but I still have balance. That needed to pay.” Uncle Papay answered.

"Oh, I already gave you everything I remembered, because you said last time that it still had balance, and again it still has?” Uncle Ali said, his face becoming serious. As Uncle Papay fills his glass with water, his demeanor is noticeably calm and composed, in stark contrast to Uncle Ali's agitated state.

His steady hand and measured movements exude a sense of tranquility as if he is a peaceful oasis in the midst of a storm. His calmness is a welcome respite from the tension in the room, and his presence seems to have a soothing effect on those around him. “Well, last week, I got an accident. So, I need the money to repair the motor.” Uncle Papay reasoned.

And drink the water he fills up. He continued to eat. Uncle Papay enjoys riding his motorcycle, sometimes too much, as is the situation right now.

“How is it related to your tuition? You know, how hard to get money. Then you just get to repair that motor instead of paying your tuition. How many times that Ina tell you to stop riding? It doesn’t give you a good effect.” he couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Uncle Ali was a man who spoke his mind, and if he had an issue with something, he wouldn't hesitate to voice his opinion.

Despite his authoritative persona, he was also the most generous of the siblings. Whenever we visited his house, Uncle Ali would always give me pocket money.

“It’s not “just” Big Bro. Okay, I will repay the money. Don’t worry.” Uncle Papay said.

“That money that I give you is for your tuition, not a way around” Uncle Ali, trying to calm himself. “You should not simply insist on paying my tuition; it should be Amakulay." Uncle Papay seconded.

Uncle Ali took a deep breath, trying to control his frustration. "I understand that Amakulay is the one who should be responsible for your tuition, but I want to help because I got a job, I want them to relax and not worry about money. And I want to make sure that you don't fall behind in your studies." When I see Uncle Ali, he is almost losing his patience with Uncle Papay.

Aunt Bae looks straightway to Uncle Papay making him signal that he should stop. Either way, the two siblings don’t have a sign to stop.

“Amakulay is getting tired of your spoiled attitude, you keep getting money and how many times do you repeat college? Once? Twice? I lost count. Please, Papay stops for your nonsense things and get serious about your studies,” Uncle Ali said.

I get what Uncle Ali is trying to say as he keeps working hard, yet Uncle Papay, has the privilege of being the youngest and he keeps getting what he wants, but yet he is wasting it. But Uncle Ali’s way of saying is not quite good.

“It’s okay to insult me, but to insult the things I like is another thing, Ali.” Uncle Papay seriously said. “It’s getting you a bad influence, you keep slacking at school —” he stopped talking as Dad put his hand on his shoulder to make him calm.

Ama looked at Uncle Ali and Uncle Papay with stern expressions. “That’s enough you two. Fighting and insulting each other won't solve anything.” He looks at Papay. “Papay, we had better talk after lunch.” Ama firmly said.

“So, Abdul you are taking sides now?” Uncle Papay asked.

“Where do you get it? There’s no one taking sides here” Dad replied.

“It always happens right? I am always the bad one?” Uncle Papay said. Dad took a deep breath and looked at Uncle Papay with a serious expression.

"Papay, I'm not taking sides. But I do want to talk to you about your attitude and behavior. You've been slacking off in your studies, and you've been careless with the money that we've given you.” Uncle Papay said losing his patience too, “I don’t like to take teaching at the very beginning, but you keep guys insisting”

“If you just tell Ina about it, then they could not be a problem,” Uncle Ali said.

“How many times did I say about it?” Uncle Papay replied, feeling frustrated about the situation.

Dad and Uncle Ali exchanged a look, “So, you are now almost graduating. How could you say it now? It’s too late” “If you just guys, give me a chance to do then…” he lost for words.

“Stop it you three, please,” Uncle Abo butt in. “Hey, Abo, is my dreamn’t matter anymore?” Uncle Abo was just at a loss for words. And Uncle Papay nodded his head as if Aunt Mimi answered. “All right, got it” “Hey, it’s not that Pap—” Uncle Abo said, trying to get the attention of Uncle Papay.

“I get it that, I need to follow every single rule, but if you can you guys give me a chance too then… I’m sorry that I keep repeating college and don’t have achievements like all of you… I’m sorry that I could not meet your standard. It’s too high, sis, bro. I can’t reach it.” Uncle Papay said, sobbing.

“Hey, Papay, it’s not it,” Aunt Bae said. “No, no it’s really okay, I really don’t need your sympathetic words. I get it.” Uncle Papay weakly said. “Hey, please don’t act like this. Ina’s here” Aunt Mimi said. Trying to soothe Uncle Papay. "That's right. "I'm sorry, guys," Uncle Papay said sarcastically.

His expression is somber as he gathers his things. I wanted to stop him, but I could do nothing because he was about to walk out to the dining table. “Papay! Come here!” Aunt Mimi goes to Uncle Papay. Uncle Papay slammed the door so hard that I felt a chill run through my body. Aunt Mimi, seated with a sad expression.