Well, well, well. I did tell you that Prussia, America and Japan would appear soon. Guess who appears in this one. :D
Fact sheet on Philippines' children:
*They're all black-haired, with their mother's skin and brown eyes.
Luzon
Name: Lucia de los Santos (loo-SEE-yah deh-lohs-san-tos)
Age (appearance): 7
Description: Luzon is the youngest, but she is the tallest and the second most mature. She dresses somehow like her mother, and has drawers containing almost everything. She warms up to visitors very quickly and is generally the best-liked among the three islands because of her quick wit and refined manners. She is seen more at her mother's house than in her own.
Visayas
Name: Victoria Roxas (vik-TOHR-yah ro-has)
Age: 8
Description: Visayas is the second child and the least mature. She dresses also like Luzon, but she also dresses in festival wear. She is the most cheerful of the bunch and is actually more hospitable than Luzon. When Luzon and Mindanao argue, she breaks them up. She also spends the most time playing musical instruments, especially her guitar.
Mindanao
Name: Harun Jamal-ul Kudarat (hah-ROON jah-MAHL-ool koo-dah-RAHT)
Age: 9
Description: Mindanao is the eldest, and the only boy. Hardened by years of oppression and warding out foreigners from his island, he is the most mature of the three. He dresses in outfits which reflect his colorful Muslim heritage. He may be violent when it comes to strangers, but he is fiercely protective of his mother and siblings. This was demonstrated when he refused to be invaded by Spain.
Chapter 3: Little Hostilities
Austria was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice Philippines entering the room with an extra spoon, saucer and cup. She gave a small sigh, not wishing to disturb him. Austria, as if sensing her presence, turned his head towards the door.
"Forgive me, I was lost in thought. Please," he pulled another chair and gestured for her to sit beside him. He took the platter of flan and set it on the table. He silently waited for her to dig in to the confection.
"You're the guest, Roderich. Go on." Philippines said, as he nodded his head and took a spoonful of the flan. He gently brought the spoon to his mouth, allowing the custard to literally melt in his mouth. The slight bitterness of the caramel mixed with the sweetness of the bottom layer was heaven to his meticulous tongue.
"Teach me how to make some of this. I think my boss would appreciate it…well, if you're not busy, that is." He said, looking at her as she scooped some for herself. "Why, of course!" she said, before daintily bringing the spoon to her mouth. "Thank you."
They silently ate and drank the tea, allowing the wind to blow gently into the room. The silence was broken by a flustered Paulita. "There's something I'd like you to have. My boss is coming this afternoon from Vietnam's place[1] and I'll pick him up from the airport." She said, running off to the next room.
Embarrassed by the graciousness of his host, Austria took the used dining appointments and put them on the kitchen sink downstairs. I might as well help her. He opened the sink, allowing the water—how does her water stay cold in this heat?—to wash away the few tea stains and caramel drops on the platters.
He scrubbed the dishes, making sure that every nook and cranny was cleaned. When the water touched the soapy platters once again, they gleamed in the sunlight entering the windows of the kitchen.
He was then startled by thumping footsteps descending the staircase. "Ah, there you are. I'm sorry; I was very worried about you. Kuya Antonio told me that you get lost quite often." She said sheepishly.
"This is the least I could do for you." Austria said, placing the now-dry dishes in the cupboard. "I'd like to see that garment of which you speak." He went up the stairs and followed Philippines. She led him back to his room, holding up a hanger with a seemingly translucent long-sleeved shirt with starched collars.
"This is the barong Tagalog, the national costume for men. This one's made out of pure pineapple fibers. I did have some trouble looking for one. Try it on. There's also a shirt to wear inside. It's also to be worn with black slacks and leather shoes." She told him, handing the hanger.
Austria observed the odd garment, marveling at the intricate designs. He could tell if the embroidery was machine-woven or hand-woven. The light cloth was perfect for the warm weather. "I really appreciate this, Philippines. I am sure this was hand-woven, which makes it all the more laudable."
"I'll be preparing lunch downstairs. Tell me if there's something wrong." Philippines said, giving a bow and taking her leave.
Austria gazed at himself in the mirror, admiring not himself but the embroidery. The gauzy material still allowed the cool sea breeze to wrap itself around his slender frame. It looked odd, but somehow amplified the elegance in his face. Philippines' boss would be pleased.
He changed back into the clothes he originally wore, hurrying because he smelled something scrumptious coming from the lower floor. He descended the stairs, finding Paulita in the kitchen.
"Do we need to make alterations?" she asked. "No, it fit perfectly. I'd be pleased to meet your boss," he replied, "By the way, when are your children coming?"
"Just about…now."
The grandfather clock in Philippines' house struck 11:30. Light rapping and juvenile, high-pitched voices signaled the arrival of her children.
"Inay! Inay!"
"I'll get it." Austria said, straightening his rather casual clothing and stepped to the door. He peeped into the looking-glass, seeing three wide-eyed children bearing a few objects. Two cheerful girls and a rather serious boy came into view.
Austria turned the doorknob, pulling the door open.
His face was almost drained of all its color when he saw a sword with a wavy blade called the kalis pointed at his diaphragm.
"Who are you and where is our Inay?" the boy demanded. He was wearing a black taqiyah[2] woven with golden threads, a white shirt and a malong draped on his left shoulder, stretching to his right hip and back. He was in black pants and slippers.
"Harun! Put down that blade!" the tallest among them said. She was dressed in her finest baro't saya, exactly the same outfit Philippines wore when she first met Austria. "If you'll shut up, Lucia!" the boy retorted.
The other child, dressed in a floral skirt and loose off-white top like their mother, broke them up, saying, "Shush! Inay's going to get mad at us again if we keep fighting!" Victoria said, obviously afraid.
Mindanao sheathed his sword, much to Austria's relief. Luzon flipped her wavy hair in a rather snobbish way. Visayas kept silent.
"What's that racket all about?"
Philippines went to the door, looking at her three children. "Inay!" they squealed, hugging her. Mindanao's eyes kept watch on Austria.
"Inay, who's this guy? Is he going to invade us?" Mindanao asked. Philippines' eyes narrowed. "Harun, my dear, he is a visitor. Treat him with respect. He is a gentleman, and he will not invade us." Paulita said, sighing. "Now come in and say hello to Mr. Austria."
"Hello, Mr. Austria!" Luzon and Visayas chorused. "KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY MOTHER, YOU PANSY!" Mindanao screamed. Austria did not flinch. Luzon and Visayas restrained Mindanao. "Shush! He doesn't seem mean. Cut it out, Harun! I'll tell Tito Noy that you've been mean!" Victoria said.
Paulita sighed. "I'm really sorry, Austria. Harun will warm up to you soon enough. I'll go talk to him. Lucia, Victoria, please keep him company." She pulled Harun away from his sisters and led him into the dining room. Lucia and Victoria stood motionless, watching the placid stranger sit on the wooden chaise lounge.
Victoria looked down, tears threatening to fall from her big, brown eyes. "Toria, don't cry. I don't think Mr. Austria's mad," Lucia reassured her, pulling her older sister into a hug, "Right, Mr. Austria?"
The aristocrat smiled. "I'm alright, children. He just reminds me very much of someone I know. Come, sit here." He said.
"By the way, I'm Luzon. You can call me Lucia!" she said, giving a big smile. "And I'm Visayas, or you can call me Victoria." The other girl's face almost had no trace of sobs.
Visayas looked at the old piano across the chair she sat on. "Mr. Austria, they say you're good at playing the piano. Can you play for us?" the doe-eyed child was irresistible. Austria sighed and said, "Only if you'll call me…Kuya Roderich."
"Okay, Kuya!" they said in chorus.
"What would you like me to play?" he asked, putting up the cover of the upright piano. Visayas immediately opened the lid of the piano bench and took out some sheet music. Of course, Austria understood not a single word, but the notes were certainly composed by a National Artist for Music.
"I hope you don't mind my ignorance, but what does that mean?" he asked.
"It's actually a lullaby, and Inay loved singing it to us. It means 'the swaying of the hammock'. There's a few on the beach, and she always brought us there when lulling us to sleep." Luzon answered for her sister.
"Inay doesn't sing it anymore. Please…play it for us!" Visayas pouted. "You are both a little too old for lullabies, but for your sake, I will play it." Roderich said, smiling. "THANK YOU, KUYAAAAAA!" they both rushed to him and embraced him tightly.
The keys were white, as if they were new. The sound was still good, but it couldn't compare to the splendid sound of his grand piano. Nevertheless, he played. He only played lullabies to calm him on sleepless nights. Today, though, he was helping two children remember their sweet past.
Absorbed in the gentle notes of his music, he almost didn't hear a sweet voice wafting in the air, singing along to the melody. Even if she was singing in her native tongue, Paulita could have convinced Roderich that she was his own mother.
Sana'y di magmaliw ang dati kong araw
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang mahal
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako'y nasa duyan
"Mama's singing it again!" Visayas squealed in delight. Austria finished the piece and looked at Philippines. She seemed to be removing a stray eyelash from her cheek. Was that a tear? She immediately beamed up, saying, "Lucia, Victoria, go to the dining room now. I'll talk to Austria first."
"Okay. Mama, isn't Noynoy coming back later?" Lucia asked. "How many times do I have to tell you that he's called President Noynoy or Tito (Uncle) Noy and not just Noynoy? I'm sure he doesn't seem to be the one who demands respect, but give him a lot of it!" Paulita said, almost fuming.
"I'm sorry, my dears. Inay has to fetch her boss later. Roderich, would it be alright with you to be with my three children for a while?" she asked, turning to him in shame. "I would love to. Besides, your children make me wish I had my own." He said, looking into the distance.
Soon enough, the five were at table, saying grace before having a hot lunch.
Later on, Paulita had left in a hurry, apologizing profusely to Roderich. The Austrian, on the other hand, tried to calm her down before she left. He had also promised that the children would take their siesta and be good. He didn't need to force them to sleep. They all plopped onto their mother's huge bed and started snoozing.
Roderich watched them as he stood by the window of his room, observing the sky. Black clouds were forming in the distance. The air became moist and cold. When a white bolt appeared mere inches away from his eyes, he sprinted through the hallways to shut the windows and doors. He checked if there were any leaks in the ceilings. There were none. Thankfully, Paulita had not laundered today. Anything hung out to dry would have been drenched.
Raindrops pounded on the roof, no longer calming and melodic drizzles, but angry bursts trying to attack the house. It was joined by the infernal howling of the wind and the banging of doors and windows. The pleasant warmth was soon replaced by a damp chill. He then decided to have some tea downstairs.
Poor Philippines…how could she pick up her boss in such a terrible rain? He thought, feeling the warmth of the tea in his cup. He closed his eyes as he drank, slowly warming his throat with the amber liquid.
"Inaaaaaaaaaaaay!"
Roderich almost dropped the cup in shock. He heard a chorus of fear scream for their absent mother. After guzzling the rest of his tea, he put down the cup and ran upstairs. He was greeted by terrified figures, clinging to each other in fear. Lightning shot through the air, and their screams were accompanied by thunder.
With pity pooling in his purple orbs, Roderich sat down beside them, hushing them. He tried to think about how he calmed little Italy during a storm.
"Kuy-y-ya Roderich, is Inay alright?" Visayas asked, clinging to the Austrian's pale arm. "She hasn't called yet, Victoria. Let's wait for her. I'm sure your mother's fine. Now, why were you three screaming?" he asked.
"The storm…and the lightning…and the thunder! Are you stupid as well as being a foreigner?" Mindanao growled. "I am not putting up with any of that, Mindanao. I may be a foreigner, but I am most certainly not stupid. The storm will come to pass. It always does." He assured them.
"And children…I know the lightning looks scary, but that's just electricity…in air!" Austria chided them. "Really? It's just electricity and not some ghost?" Luzon asked, brown eyes opened wide. "Well, it is dangerous, but it's not a bad entity. It's just electricity in the sky." He said.
Just as he said that, another white bolt shot through the sky, almost seen through the capiz windows. Again, the children screamed. This time, even Mindanao wanted to tear at Roderich's shirt for protection.
Roderich glanced at the watch. "I think it's time for your merienda, if Spain calls it that way." "Merienda time?" the children forgot all about the lightning. "You might want something warm to eat. By the way, should I dress you in jackets?" he asked.
"Yes, please, Kuya. It's so cold." Luzon said, snuggling closer to the Austrian.
"What would you like to have for merienda, children? Pastries? Cakes? Soup?" he asked. "Soup, please, Kuya. We'd like to taste your cooking. Kuya England said that you were really good. Inay hated the day she let him cook here." Visayas said sheepishly.
"You'd better not try to poison us like England's cooking almost did." Mindanao said. Austria sighed and gave a small smirk. "MINDANAO!" Luzon and Visayas chorused.
Austria got some jackets for himself and for the three children. Even the wooden floor was as cold as ice when their feet were bare. The children sat silently in the living room, mumbling things. Austria soon found out that they were praying.
Luzon and Visayas' hands were folded in front of their chests. They both knelt, looking at the crucifix hanging on the wall. Mindanao was facing an altogether different direction, with his body prostrate.
They are young, yet they believe. Why are adults always jaded, so as not to have that childlike faith? He thought. After his musings, he decided to cook a recipe from home. A simple vegetable soup would not be disagreeable. Besides, Paulita's refrigerator was very well-stocked. It was always like that when she had guests. After all, England himself almost thought that a sandwich he made was the work of a professional chef.
After finding beef, onions, potatoes, carrots, and flour, Roderich went to work, slightly disheartened by the gloomy weather. His face lit up when the smell of the soup wafted in the air. He heard little feet thumping on the floor.
"What are you cooking, Kuya?" Visayas asked. "It's beef and vegetable soup. Get some bowls and spoons; wait for me at the dining table. Is there anything else you'd like?" Roderich asked. "Nothing else, Kuya." Visayas said.
A steaming pot of soup greeted the three children. For once, Mindanao was not acting like Switzerland, much to Austria's relief. Mindanao heartily ate it, although he mumbled, "Inay can cook better" under his breath. Luzon and Visayas were proper ladies, just like their mother.
"Thank you, Kuya!" Luzon and Visayas chorused, standing up to smother Austria with their tight embraces. Still startled by their affection, he barely gave a smile. "Thank you," Mindanao said flatly before putting his dish in the sink. An awful mix of Vash and Romano! Austria thought.
Austria had not even taken a single sip when he heard the doorbell. "I'll get it." He told Luzon and Visayas, his voice almost inaudible because of the torrential rains. "B-b-be c-careful, Kuya, it might be a kapre!" Visayas said. "Toria! There is no scary, hairy guy with a giant cigar in his lips outside…" Luzon said, "…right, Kuya?"
Roderich walked towards the door, peering at the looking-glass. He immediately opened the door and received the drenched woman and her boss. "Thank you, Roderich." Paulita said, hurriedly pulling a bunch of luggage inside.
A balding man of about 50 years old stepped inside. His black suit, white dress shirt and yellow tie were drenched and the eyeglasses in his hand were cloudy. When the mist disappeared, he put them back on and saw the Austrian.
"Paulita, you once told me that you had a boyfriend. Is he the one?" he asked, laughing like the jovial president he was. Austria felt his cheeks warm up. "He is not my boyfriend! He is Austria, my guest." Paulita said, scandalized.
"Very well," he then turned to Roderich, "Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III[3] at your service. You see, I think that my nation should be my boss and not the other way around." He held out his hand to the aristocrat.
"If that is the mindset of a leader, then I'm quite optimistic when it comes to Paulita's future. My name is Roderich Edelstein. Congratulations on your ascent to the presidency, sir." Austria said, giving a small bow.
The president chuckled. "Please, let us do away with the formalities. You are my nation's guest. Call me Tito (Uncle) Noy. Even the children call me that." "Very well, Tito Noy." Austria was somehow comforted by the fact that Paulita's boss did not act like a king.
Paulita came back down, the luggage not anymore in her hands. "Your Excellency," the president frowned upon the stiff title, "I mean, Tito Noy, I already brought your bags upstairs…and dry yourself." Paulita glanced around and gave her boss a towel.
"Paulita, you had no need of doing that. I'm not that old," the president glanced around while drying his wet, balding head, "Should we let him in?" Paulita was puzzled for a moment before answering, "Well, I'm not sure but you know him. The children believe him too much when he says that he's a—"
"DID SOMEBODY ORDER A 'HERO'?"
"Alfred!" Luzon and Visayas squealed. Mindanao and Austria slapped their foreheads simultaneously. At least someone shares my abhorrence for that incompetent carnival of bloat. Austria thought, looking at Mindanao. Paulita blushed ever-so-slightly. The president shook his head, "The boy never changes."
Austria, who was still by the door, opened it. He was faced with a dripping-wet blonde with his glasses askew. "Hey, Austria! I never knew you'd be at Paulita's place. What brings you here?" he asked as he shut the door. "Spain asked me to come here. He thought I was overworked and dreary, so he sent me here, knowing that Prussia wouldn't even try to come." Austria answered.
"That's good to hear! I know Pauli's place very well and I can show you around the islands. So, what do you say?" Alfred said, trying to place an arm on the Austrian's shoulder. "Let's discuss it later. You might want to dry yourself with one of Paulita's towels before you catch a cold or wet my shoulder." Austria said with a hidden acridness.
"Alfred, give him some peace of mind. I see here that he even cooked for my children. Roderich, it was very inhospitable of me to leave my children with you. I'm sorry if they had been a burden." Paulita said, handing Alfred a towel.
"They were kind, except for Mindanao's hostility. It does not matter, though. It's my pleasure to be of service to a noble lady," Austria said, giving a wry smile. He then turned to the Philippines' boss. "Come with me, Roderich. I'd like to speak to you." Tito Noy gave a smile and Roderich followed him to his office, leaving the allies alone.
"I don't think the storm will pass tonight, Alfred. You'd better stay here. Thank you for making sure that my boss was alright." Paulita said to the blonde. "No prob, Pauli. You know, if it wasn't raining, I'd have invited you to a stroll on the beach. Just us…barefoot, collecting seashells and watching the sunset…that kind of thing." The American was visibly flushing and turning his head away.
"I guess I'm not the only hopeless romantic here," the Filipina said, punching him in the arm. "Oww! And I once thought you were a stuck-up prude like Iggy!" he retorted. They laughed at their silliness as allies. That was until…
"TITO NOY!" that was Mindanao's sneering voice.
"KUYA RODERICH!" that was Visayas' shrill voice.
"Inay and her "boyfriend" are acting like Ibarra and Maria Clara [4] here!" that was Luzon's annoying sing-song voice.
They broke apart. "You might want to appease them with chocolate." Paulita said. "Of course! It's a hero's duty to give some pasalubong [5] to his favorite little Filipinos." Alfred said, showing her a wet, almost-ruined box of chocolates.
The last things Paulita heard were the shrill, amused laughter of Alfred and her children and her boss's sigh of exasperation followed by a musical voice saying, "Mister Jones, do not ruin my pleasant conversation with Miss del Pilar-Bonifacio's boss!"
Ooh. Love triangle. AusPhilAme, anyone?
[1] Vietnam's place- President Aquino attended the ASEAN summit, which was held in Vietnam.
[2] For the national costume, just type the terms into any image search site, and you'll find them. But just to give you some information:
Taqiyah- skullcap of the Muslims
Malong- it's a long piece of fabric with intricate designs draped on the body to look like a sash.
Baro't saya- national costume for women. It is composed of the baro (the shirt/blouse) and the saya (the skirt)
[3] President Aquino apparently likes being called "Tito Noy". Even the website of the Office of the President addresses him as such. Also, in his inaugural speech, he said, "Kayo ang boss ko" which means, "You [the nation] are my boss."
[4] Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin and Maria Clara de los Santos are the main characters of the novel Noli me Tangere written by Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. They are the quintessential tragic lovers of Filipino literature.
[5] Pasalubong. Usually, a Filipino coming back from another country is expected to bring home a gift for his/her relatives.
Heh. Toodles! Austria and the President will have some man-talk in the next chapter.