10 – The Touch
Tammy rushed in to the living room and caught up with Juan and Manuel who were now sitting side by side on the chairs. Dario was already there beside Manuel, describing to everyone what had taken place.
“We were on our way back when Alfonso’s group came upon us. They insulted us with regards to our status as Indios. We planned to bypass them, however that bastard grabbed me by the collar and met me with his fist. Then I got thrown to the ground. Juan wanted to fight back but he was also punched in the face. What happened next, we were ganged up by them. They only ran off after seeing us beaten half-to-death.”
The two were obviously feeling worn out. Juan could neither move nor talk as his bruised face was receiving treatment from one of their companions. Manuel forced himself to look steady but it was pretty evident that he was also feeling weak. He wiped the blood trickling down from his nose.
“We must have a face-off with Alfonso’s group and with those other Spanish milkfishes!” shouted Dario. “They are the ones who have no intention to let us off!”
“What did I just hear?!”
Silence descended once they saw Aling Simang coming over.
“Aling Simang… Juan and Manuel were ganged up by Alfonso Sarrael’s group,” Emilio, who was right behind Tammy, explained.
“I know what each of you are thinking, and I don’t plan to agree on it! Don’t avenge them!” said Aling Simang in opposition.
“But Señora, we’ve been oppressed by Alfonso and the others for so many times!” said Dario. “My friends, am I right?” he asked to the others as if to warrant support for his point.
And indeed, they all shouted, “Yeah!”
“They must be stopped! The other day, they robbed me of my allowance!” hissed angrily one of the young men.
“Even Emilio hadn’t escaped their reach. They’ve also mocked him. It’s just that he doesn’t speak of it.” Manuel faced Emilio, as if hinting him to tell of what happened back then. The young man, however, only remained silent, evidently hesitating on what he should do.
“Remember this, vengeance is never the solution,” stressed Aling Simang.
“Señora, this matter must have its conclusion!” Dario expressed his worry.
“Hala, think first before doing what you are planning.” The old woman ignored the worry she saw on his face.
“Tammy, get the medicine. Patch up Juan and Manuel’s wounds and follow me once you’re finished. As for the remaining gentlemen, sit before the table and eat,” said Aling Simang in a commanding tone.
The young men walked away from the scene, leaving Juan, Manuel, Dario and Emilio in the living room. Tammy stood up on her own accord to get medicines from the cupboard in the kitchen. She immediately saw that the medicine was inside a clear bottle. Dario handed her a white handkerchief when she got back.
“Put it down here. I’ll be the one to attend to Juan. Here is the stuff needed. I leave Manuel in your hands,” he said.
Tammy expressed agreement with what Dario had arranged and was about to approach Manuel when he suddenly sprang to his feet, spun around and headed towards his room.
“Manuel…”
The young man didn’t turn his head back and so she was forced to follow him into his room. Tammy braved doing this even though she was perfectly aware that she was intruding in a man’s room. Normally, house helpers were not allowed to enter into the occupant’s room except when the owners were not allowed and they would have to change the bed sheets.
She stepped into the doorway and lightly pushed the door to widen its opening.
“Manuel?”
She noticed him sitting on the edge of his bed, the handkerchief still covering his nose.
“Leave me alone, Miss,” he said. “I can manage myself… For now, I want to be left alone.”
“We can’t let your wounds stay like this, especially if you are planning to sleep in your current state. You must also be hungry.”
Manuel raised his head to carefully peer at Tammy who was still standing on the doorway.
The young girl didn’t leave. And so Manuel replied, “Very well, I’ll let you take care of me.”
Tammy crossed their distance before taking the empty spot next to him. Of course, there was no way she wouldn’t maintain the proper distance between them. She sprinkled some of the liquid contained in the bottle onto the handkerchief and gently brought it over to the bruise under Manuel’s eye. The young man winced in pain but he didn’t complain.
Tammy continued applying the medicine to Manuel’s wounds on his face, neck, and arms. Once she finished, she told him, “I hope this will help you get better. Come with me. Let’s eat our fill.”
As she was standing up, Manuel suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Don’t leave. Stay by my side.”
Tammy stiffened and felt awkward due to the young man’s grip on her. She became more surprised when he put his palms on her cheeks. His hair was untidy because of the earlier fight and his eyes showed tiredness. However, a smile blossomed from his lips.
“Your touch surprisingly lifted the mood of my raging spirit.”
Huh?
Manuel’s smile widened. He let go of Tammy’s hand and said, “Let’s eat.”
He went out of the room, leaving Tammy feeling at loss. She was stunned by what had happened.
Manuel’s skin is smooth, and his smile is so heart-warming… Gosh, what am I suddenly thinking? Aling Simang will surely scold me if she learns that he held my hand! Nooooo, I still don’t want to get married!
Faster than anything, she stood up and exited the room. The next agenda was to have dinner. However, it was a fact that she couldn’t fathom why she felt so awkward and strange to what Manuel had done to her.
Notes:
Hala – an exclamation (when surprised or feeling helpless), could mean ‘OMG’ or anything similar
Aling – a middle-aged woman
Señora – Spanish for Mrs or Madam
Indio – a member of any of the indigenous peoples of America or eastern Asia in areas formerly subject to Spain or Portugal, (most of the times derogative)
TL: WS25
ED: Corensi
SHARRAMYCATS TRANSLATIONS 