Chapter Four: Anything For You
Paul went through the gates of their mansion-like house. The color of the house is white, with red and white roses in the garden, a fountain that looks like the Aquarius sign (the girl with a jar on her shoulder pouring water), and an old mango tree with a swing. The old mango tree is as old as Paul’s grandfather. Paul and his favorite grandfather, Lolo Inggo, play their everytime Lolo Inggo visits Paul’s family. Lolo Inggo wears a Western hat that cowboys used to wear, long sleeve polo with matching jeans and a leather shoes. Paul would always say to his Lolo, “Lo, ang porma nyo ngayon ah?(Grandpa, are you going somewhere?) ” He would just give back a smile. But Lolo Inggo died when Paul is six years old. He sat on the swing and reminisced the good old days with his favorite Lolo. He remembered the times when his Lolo would swing him back and forth as high as his Lolo can. While he was thinking of old memories, someone rang the doorbell. It was Van. Paul was surprised.
Paul: What are you doing here? It’s already late.
Van: It’s ok I told my mom that I will just bring you something.
Van gave Paul a basket of fruits and a bottle of milk.
Paul: What’s this for?
Van: It’s for you. Thought you might need some vitamins and minerals for your body.
Paul: Thanks for the concern.
Van: Can I come in?
Paul: Oh sure. Sorry if I didn’t let you in.
Van: It’s ok. Wow you’ve got a nice garden. (Astonished)
Paul: Not much. Try the swing it’s very relaxing to sit in.
Van: Ok. Looks old.
Paul: Yes. My grandfather made it for me when I was young.
Van: Oh really? (Surprised) Your grandfather surely loves you very much, isn’t he?
Paul: He really loves me very much. He is my favorite you know.
Van: Oh that’s why, by the way who are you with?
Paul: By now, no one is around. My mom is in Hong Kong and my dad is in Indonesia. So I am home alone.
Van: Can I stay? I’ll just call my mom on the phone.
Paul: Sure, let’s have a sleep over.
Van: Ok, where is your phone?
Paul: We don’t have a phone. Use this.
Paul handed his N73 phone to Van.
Paul: You can call your mom with my phone. Don’t worry about the load it’s has a line with World. (World is a telecommunications company like Globe, Smart and Sun cellular.)
Van: Wow, are you sure?
Paul: ANYTHING FOR YOU.
Van: Ok.
Van dialed their landline number and talked to his mom that he will sleep over at Paul’s place. His mom agreed and told him to be nice.
Van: Ok mom thanks. Bye.
Paul: So?
Van: It’s ok for her.
Paul: Oh glad she agreed. Wait here I’ll call Jollibee and order our food.
Van: No need. I’ll cook for us.
Paul: Are you sure?
Van: I’ll do ANYTHING FOR YOU. You have foods in your refrigerator right?
Paul: Yes, a lot.
Van: Ok so I’ll start cooking.
Paul: So… you know how to cook huh?
Van: Yes, my mom taught me how to cook.
Paul: Wow, can you teach me how to cook?
Van: Sure why not? What dish do you want to learn?
Paul: Anything that can be easily cooked.
Van: Ummmmmm… how about frying hotdogs?
Paul: It’s ok to start with something simple. Right?
Van: Do you have hotdogs in your refrigerator?
Paul: Yes, how many do you want?
Van: We need 4 hotdogs.
Paul: Coming right up.
Van: First let the pan get hot.
Paul: Then?
Van: If the pan is hot enough, pour a small amount of cooking oil in the pan.
Paul: After that?
Van: Put the hotdogs in the pan. Can you pass “my” hotdogs?
Paul: Huh? (Shocked)
Van: I mean "the" hotdogs. (Blushing)
Paul: Ohhh ok…
Van: Then after putting the hotdogs in the wait for it to be cooked. Don’t let it to be overcooked.
Paul: Is that it?
Van: Yah… it’s as easy as that…
Paul: Wow it’s very easy to do.
Van: Ok, now just sit there and relax and I’ll do all the cooking.
Paul: Ok that’s your choice. I’ll just take a shower and call me if you’re already done cooking.
Van: Ok…
Paul took a shower while Van is cooking downstairs. Paul’s bathroom has a Jacuzzi and a shower. As Paul took his shower, Van is busy cooking for both of them. Van prepared a delicious dinner with his specialty, Kare-Kare. Paul can smell the “bagoong” that Van is preparing. Paul rushed out of the bathroom and wore his clothes as fast as he can because he likes the smell of Van’s meal.
