The Life of Her

A Path to Make

July 29, 2020, 9:30 A.M.

Sometimes, taking a break in so much things will result into betterment. That’s what I am hoping for. And this time, I took a step away just to clear my mind. Having to lose someone, just like my dad, in a much unexpected situation is unacceptable. Mom surely is still having a hard time in coping things out, which are now different without the presence of her partner.

I walked myself out under the apple trees at the side of the street. Long, exhausting horns from the vehicles echoed in several areas. Dark smoke drove itself around. People hurled, compacting themselves, trying to buy time to go to their exact whereabouts. The heat was on its crest – sweats rushed on my collars and there I have smelt something like burnt one. I looked around and there I watched a food cart over the corner. Its vibrant purple painted sides were alluring to stare at. A man was standing still beside, leaning his back on it. He was currently busy in hooking with the daily news over the papers. He gaped at it intently, as if reading every piece of word with his thick lensed, blue glasses. His place was called The Purple Place. And, it was literally purple – all foods were colored purple from pastries to fried ones.

I continued my steps when I noticed that he suddenly closed what he’s reading and raised his head enough to meet my gaze. He smiled at me, a genuine one. He was in his mid – 40s. His deep blue set eyes were pleasing to look. His thick, dark beard was covering his chin wholly. He was wearing his purple shirt with a yellow smile imprinted on his chest. His brown cap was facing the back, making him looked cooler.

He shoved his finger and signalled me to come over to his spot. I wasn’t sure if he was referring to me for sure, so I turned myself and looked if there’s someone else at my back. But there was none, it was just me. I pointed myself once I stared at him around. He bobbed.

I sough and went directly to him. His smile went wider as soon as I stood in front of him bringing with me my pale pink luggage.

“Where’s your mother?” He humbly asked as he rolled the newspaper and plopped them inside his mini wooden drawer.

I scratched my head and timidly replied. “Good morning, Mr. Buenavidez. She’s currently at home.”

He was a close friend to us. We used to buy milkshakes, fresh grapes and even churros dipped over a purple frosting. He’s a very enthusiastic man. He would go to different places, moving his cart. Often, he would be in the Round Plaza, sitting over one of those benches and just patiently waits for a customer to come to him. I can still remember when he invited us to his house and I could say that he is a well – cleaned man. He’s partner and his little Lucy died in a car accident, and his favorite spot to sell is just near the Memorial Park where he can easily visit them. It’s been a while the last time our ways crossed and I thought he just lost weight.

He rubbed his beard and thought for a while. “Is Gavin Cole already in your home? I heard that your mother is planning to take him this week.”

So he was Gavin Cole all this time. She didn’t even mention to me his real name. All I know, with what she had told me, that she’s adopting a boy from the orphanage. I felt sorry for him. He will not be seeing his soon-to-be older sister this time. A smile was curved on my lips when I realized that I won’t have the chance to meet him as a new member of the family. I wonder if Dad and Mom have come into this thing before he passed away. I chuckled, not that I care.

I looked at him earnestly. “I think so…”

His eyes traveled down my luggage and I could see how curious he was but then he’s trying to hide it.

“Vacation?” He asked.

I nodded simply as a response. A lie was definitely there. I needed to hide my plans, especially to those who are connected to my family. A need a new to place to settle in and start living with myself. Somehow, the fact that I will be on my own, dealing with new things make me quiver at the same time thrilled. Questions like; how will I do it? Am I going to survive? Are just some that running all over my head.

“That’s wonderful. So, where are you planning to go?” He asked again, but this time he was eager to know.

I didn’t bother to meet his gape, rather, I just looked what’s behind him. Which is definitely a young couple walking towards our direction, holding hands as if they couldn’t live without the touch of each other. They were teasing and laughing.

“Probably in Lumbo, but it will depend in the situation.” I peeked over my watch. It was 11:30 A.M. I heard my tummy rumbled in hunger, coping it with my hand. The smell of fugitive vanilla was lurking around together with the sweetened bread with nuts on the tops. Fresh milkshakes were served over some who’re now enjoying in the bleachers. My mouth started to salivate as my eyes roamed his cart. And it was then, I also noticed that it was newly painted and decorated.

“Do you want something to eat before you go?” He said smilingly.

I chuckled. “Sure, Mr. Buenavidez. In fact, I do miss those shawarma of yours and the hot dip sausages and before I forgot, the churros.”

The man was delighted and offered me a seat beside the oak tree. I sat and placed my luggage beside me. He went to his cart and immediately prepared my order. The man was enjoying his work and I know he’s dedicated to sustain himself. I opened my brown sling bag and grabbed a bottle of water and slowly gulped it. Looking over the place, the cemetery is quite at peace right now. Some were visiting their loved ones and others were just passing by. After a little while, Mr. Buenavidez went back to my spot, bringing with me food. The smell of churros with my favorite dipping was served directly over the table. He also offered me a glass of chilled lemonade with pulps. On my right side, he placed a plate filled with nachos with overload mozzarella cheese. I smiled at him as he took a seat towards mine.

“Amber, are you and your mother okay?” He suddenly budged.

I took a fine bite of the nachos and looked at him. His eyes were worried and definitely seeking for suitable answer that could guarantee us that we’re both in good terms. I don’t mind if the man would ask me the same question all over again. He’s a very good friend of ours and I know he’s just concerned. Dad used to discuss with him and asked for some advices regarding in handling the business. Still, I am thankful that our family business – the Happy Souls Bakery is working fine.

“We’re…fine.” I timidly said.

“Well…you should eat first. These past few days, few our visiting me to buy some. But, it doesn’t mean that I should stop.” He laughed.

I smiled and took a sip. “That’s right. How’s Puffy doing?”

The man scratched the left side of his belly and crossed his arms. “His doing fine. He’s still fat and lively. Two days ago I just found out that he’s the one responsible for spilling those pot soils over the garage. The funny thing was, he just wagged his tail and plopped himself on the porch, waited for me for several minutes to finish cleaning his mess – without any hint of guilt in his eyes. Man, that dog is giving me hard moments sometimes.” He snickered.

After losing his family, Mr. Buenavidez decided to have a new member to keep him company and that was when Puffy came to his life to give colors once again. Perhaps, the dog is a present sent from his loved ones from heaven. Puffy is living with him for almost two years now and I know they’re having their great time together. In a span of moment, we talked a lot about his current state and his plans for his food cart. The time I had finished my meal, he gave me his calling card for me to call anytime.

“Thank you so much for the time and the delicious food, Mr. Buenavidez.” I said.

The man’s face reddened, but he managed to compose himself. He cleared his throat, tucked his shirt well and replied with a smile. “Anytime. If something happens, please don’t hesitate to call me, dear. And also, please take care of yourself.” He patted me on the back.

“I will. Take care too, Mr. Buenavidez.” I pondered and held my luggage. I stood up from my seat and said goodbye to him. The old man went back to his place. But just before I could turn myself to the next street, I looked back at him and firmly said. “Can…you not tell Mom…that we talked and met?”

The man gazed at me with strange eyes, as if reading me intently deep into my soul, trying to find answers that are shallows and buried. “Okay…I’ll keep that in mind…”

I smiled at him. “Thank you.”

___

The weather is getting berserk. Jackpot. I just went out from the bus. My foot stepped in the destination I wanted. And now I just need to find a place to settle in. I took a deep sigh, almost in exhaustion. My water bottle is already empty, but I’m still in the verge to drink more. Thirst. My eyes scanned the place – how we used to visit it during vacations and business trips. Nothing had changed, except for the newly constructed café over the corner. It had caught my eyes just when I took my pace in Lumbo. People were in a short rush to fall in line. I turned my post and sneaked over the shop. It was named Luz’s Teashop. A smirked was played over my face. I slowly licked my lips and headed to the place and joined the others on the line.

Time was ticking fast, but my patience wasn’t that long to endure that I ended myself up in another store just across it. A sigh ran out from my mouth as I stared over the people who just got their milkshakes and teas in it. The plain, opaque glass let me clearly recognize how they enjoyed their drinks. I took a sip of my mango shake instead, stirring the straw. My eyes traveled to the counter and saw a fine man, thought he’s just as the same age as I. He was wearing his white hooded jacket and black shorts. I couldn’t see his face clearly because he’s currently taking his time telling the cashier of his orders.

After some minutes, he went off in one of those wooden, dark blue tables and settled and that is when I saw his deep brown eyes. He has a straight cut black hair, pale white skin and a broad chest. He has an intimidating vibe that made me took several gulps when I thought he recognized me staring at him.

I immediately reverted my sight back to Luz’s Teashop, covering myself with the magazine I got from the right corner, just beside the porcelain vase a while ago. I counted to seconds and slowly raised my head and looked over his direction, but all I noticed was an empty chair. He was gone. Something was odd with him, I thought. The way he looked over the others on the other tables was anxious and it seemed that he’s not enjoying a mass of people around him. Well, I guessed he’s just not that fond of socializing with the others – like me.

I finished my drink and wore my vibrant yellow hat with a large flower embroiders on its side and a white ribbon wrapped around it. I immediately walked around the place, trying to enjoy my own company. And there, for what I have seen, the thing I had hoped for was posted over the street wall.