"I like Patricia! You see? If we have sculptor already here, then I'm not going to quiapo or buying online on quiapo anymore! Anyone would commission on her this Lenten season!"
Father Gabriel responded, his tone expressing his uncertainty about what Mirna had proposed. He understood that art was a challenging and difficult endeavor, yet Mirna made it sound so effortless.
"It would be expensive!" he proclaimed. "Her tools, her time, the marbles you desire – art isn't cheap or free!"
Mirna, retorted with an exclamation, "Then I'll negotiate with her, whenever I feel like it's getting cheaper. Did you know I was her godmother when she was baptized? I attended her christening party, and I'm acquainted with Mayor Ramon Salgado!"
She spoke with a sense of authority and familiarity with the situation, as if her connection to Patricia's baptism and Mayor Ramon gave her a certain leverage, her assertion indicated a strong-willed and financially-minded personality, ready to haggle and seek the best deal.
Tanya sitting on the bed said to patricia while she chews her chicken. "I'll see you then tomorrow huh?"
Patricia nodded in response. "Yeah, tomorrow. I'll see you then." She reached out and gave Tanya a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, her touch lingering for a moment.
With a final nod, Patricia gathered her stuff and began to head towards the door. As she reached for the handle, she paused and turned back to look at Tanya.
"Don't eat too many chicken wings tonight, alright?" She teased, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Patricia puts the bucket at the trash and washes her hands, and sighing before checking her simple and sleek analog watch what time it is before waiting outside Tanya's door for her personal driver to arrive.
She had a hint disappointment in her face but at the same time, she's satisfied with Tanya's presence that moment.
As she waited for her driver to arrive, Patricia couldn't help but think about how their plans for cuddles had been interrupted by Tanya's binge eating. She sighed to herself, a mixture of disappointment and concern creeping into her thoughts. She knew that Tanya had a tendency to do this when she was feeling frustrated or anxious, and she had been hoping to provide her with a bit of comfort and distraction.
The sound of a car pulling up snapped Patricia out of her thoughts, her personal driver had arrived to take her home.
She gave one last glance at Tanya's door before climbing into her car, a hint of longing in her eyes. However, she quickly pushed the feeling aside.
As the car began to move, Patricia's mind continued to mull over the evening's events. She couldn't help but worry about Tanya and her eating habits, feeling a sense of responsibility as her girlfriend.
The drive home was spent in quiet contemplation. Patricia's mind alternated between thinking about Tanya's well-being and dwelling on the disappointment of not being able to cuddle with her. She missed the physical contact and longed for the closeness they usually shared.
Patricia was jolted back to reality as her driver's voice broke through her thoughts. She realized that they had arrived back at her family's mansion.
"Thank you," she said to the driver as she gathered her things and stepped out of the car.
The driver insisted on helping Patricia but Patricia smiled softly at the driver's offer. "No, it's okay, I can handle it. But thank you."
She insisted on carrying her own belongings, appreciating his offer but preferring to manage it herself. Patricia then closed the car door and watched as the driver drove away, leaving her standing in front of the grand entrance of her family's mansion.
As she stood there, the weight of disappointment settling in her chest once again. She took a deep breath and began walking toward the mansion's entrance.
However, Patricia couldn't shake the thought of Tanya from her mind, knowing that she would be stuck in bed without her. She longed for the presence of her girlfriend and the comfort of their cuddles.
As Patricia settled in her own bed, she received a call from Tanya. Smiling to herself, she answered, knowing it was time for their virtual cuddle session. She accepted the call and soon Tanya's face appeared on her screen.
She propped her phone up on a stand, so they could both see each other while lying down.
Patricia adjusted her blankets and pillows before settling into a comfortable position, feeling a sense of relief and excitement at the thought of having some form of closeness with Tanya, even if it was through a video call.
She could see Tanya doing the same on the other end, setting up her camera and getting comfortable in her bed. Patricia smiled at the sight of her girlfriend's tired but happy face.
"Hey." Patricia greeted softly, her voice affectionate and warm.
Patricia chuckled softly. "What do you mean, 'what was it'?" she repeated, amused by Tanya's playful reply. She snuggled deeper into the blankets, feeling a mix of affection and amusement.
"Shhh... I'm trying to sleep here" Tanya grunts as she fixes herself and the comforter.
Patricia chuckled quietly again, trying her best not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of their virtual cuddle session. "Sorry, sorry. I'll keep quiet." she whispered softly.
She shifted slightly in bed, getting comfy and listening to the sound of Tanya breathing softly through the phone. It wasn't the same as being physically together, but it was the closest thing they could manage during times like these.
Patricia closed her eyes, enjoying the familiar comfort of their virtual cuddles. They had been doing this routine for a while now, ever since the pandemic had started.
She smiled to herself, listening to Tanya's soft breathing and occasional snores through the phone. These moments had become a regular part of their routine, and had brought them closer in unexpected ways.
Patricia opened her eyes slightly, taking a quick peek at Tanya's face on her screen. She looked so peaceful and content, and Patricia couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her.
She sighed softly, feeling another pang of disappointment that they couldn't be together in person. She longed to feel Tanya's touch, to hold her close and bask in her warmth. But for now, this virtual connection would have to suffice.
The next day, Patricia found herself thinking about Tanya throughout the day, the memory of their virtual cuddle still fresh in her mind.
She missed Tanya dearly and couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that had lingered since their interrupted cuddle plans. Despite her busy schedule, Patricia couldn't wait to see her girlfriend again.
Patricia sighed as she watched the screen of her phone flicker due to low battery. She had been so engrossed in her thoughts about Tanya that she hadn't noticed it was almost out of power.
She quickly plugged her phone into the charger and watched as the battery icon started to slowly fill up, indicating that it was charging again.
Patricia decided to grab a snack from the kitchen while her phone was charging.
As she rummaged through the fridge, she overheard her parents talking in the living room. Curious, she quietly went closer to eavesdrop on their conversation.
She hid behind a wall, trying to stay out of sight and listen in on their discussion.
Patricia heard her parents talking about the annual charity gala that their family was hosting that weekend.
She rolled her eyes, feeling a pang of annoyance. Patricia disliked these events; they were always so stiff and formal, and she felt out of place in the sea of wealthy socialites that attended.
The other day Mirna's journey of 15 minutes by jeep and an additional 13 minutes on a tricycle takes her to a spacious compound with a steep stairway leading to a large five-story building. As she climbs up to the fifth floor, she finds herself standing in front of Patricia's own studio, where the artist pours her heart and soul into her creative works.
As you enter the studio you could hear the metal clicking from steel bush hammer with two head, marbles snapping in half, her loose hair swayed gently with each movement, her head tilting to one side in concentration as she works on letter curving on marbles with her chisel breaking the outline she made on pencil.
Patricia then starts carrying it and making sure that she never drops any of them and sigh, her hands propped up on her whist, feeling the exhaustion and her energy being low due to her trying to lift up a heavy marble.
She puts them in a safe corner before looking at Mirna who was wondering around her sculptures feeling amazed that a customer visits and found her studio.
Patricia smiled warmly as she wiped off the marble dust from her hands. She approached Mirna and greeted her with a gentle wave.
"Hey there, Madam Mirna! It's really nice to meet you! Welcome to my creative space. I'm so glad you're here. Make yourself at home and please let me know if you need anything at all." Mirna fixes herself and clears her throat.
"Excuse me, I was wondering if you do commission work? Specifically, I'm interested in a Mama Mary sculpture for both my home decor and for the upcoming Lenten parade. By the way, going to Quiapo every time is quite a hassle. Can you help me with this? I hope it's not too much trouble."
Patricia's face softened as she listened to the rephrased request. She could sense the frugality in the person's words and tone, and she admired their practical attitude. "I do indeed take commissions. How big of a sculpture would you like for Mama Mary?" she asked, ready to accommodate her needs.
"6 inches and 2 feet! I hope that's not much!"
Patricia nodded, taking note of the dimensions they requested. "Six inches and two feet; that's definitely achievable. I can create a stunning representation of Mama Mary that you'll treasure. It shouldn't be too difficult and I assure you I'll handle it flawlessly."