Chapter 7 : Civilization
With careful precision, they pulled out their phone and dialed a number. "Found her, Boss," the hooded figure murmured into the phone.
As Uncle Jim approached their table carrying their order, Chris's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh look, it's like our order is already here," Chris exclaimed eagerly, his anticipation evident in his voice.
Joy's gaze shifted to the steaming plates of amobo and rice that Uncle Jim set before them, her mouth watering at the delicious aroma coming from the dish.
"Thank you for bringing our food, Mr. Jim." Joy expressed her gratitude, a warm smile gracing her lips as she inhaled the enticing scent of the amobo.
Jim placed their orders on the table, a warm smile he addressed Chris with affection.
"Looks like my beloved nephew has grown up from a boy to a man... You didn't tell me you had such a beautiful girlfriend, Chris," Uncle Jim remarked, his eyes full with amusement.
Chris's cheeks flushed crimson at his uncle's teasing, stammering in response, "Uncle!... S-She's not my girlfriend... She's my client."
Joy, equally embarrassed by the sudden attention, blushed furiously as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of how to respond to Uncle Jim's playful banter.
Uncle Jim's expression softened as he realized his mistake, his eyes filled with genuine remorse. "Oh!... I'm so sorry!... I misunderstood the situation... I thought-" he began, his voice laced with apology.
But before he could finish, Joy shook her head and with reassuring smile.
"No, it's okay....It was my fault for not telling you that I'm Chris' client. My name is Joy," she said softly.
Jim's features relaxed, his gratitude evident in his expression.
Chris glanced at Joy, his cheeks flushed even deeper with embarrassment after the misunderstanding with his Uncle.
Meanwhile, Uncle Jim expressed his gratitude and introduced himself to Joy. "Nice to meet you, Joy. My name is Jim Manco but you cab also call me Uncle Jim or just Uncle... My nephew is perfect for the job, as a guide. He knows this city very well and he's good at discovering new things..."
Joy returned Jim's smile warmly. "It's nice to meet you too, Uncle. Your nephew is indeed a good guide. He was very helpful when I needed him," she said, her eyes softening as she turned to Chris with a gentle smile.
"Ahem... Uncle,I think you still have customers to tend to," Chris gently reminded Jim.
Jim nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes... I have to go now. Enjoy your meal, kids," he said before bidding them farewell.
With a nod, Uncle Jim left their table and returned to his duties at the stall, leaving Chris and Joy to savor their meals.
Joy then turned her attention back to Chris, a smile form in her lips once again as she proceeded to enjoy the meal that Jim had prepared for them.
"How is it? Is it delicious?" Chris inquired, his smile reflecting his genuine interest.
Nodding enthusiastically, Joy savored another bite of the adobo before replying, "Yes, it's delicious!" Her eyes sparkled with delight as she continued to eat, savoring the rich flavors of the dish.
"This amobo is so good! I can't believe Uncle Jim makes such delicious food!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and appreciation.
"Glad you like it," Chris replied, his happiness evident in his tone as he watched Joy enjoy the meal.
Returning his smile with warmth, Joy nodded in appreciation before returning her attention to her meal, her heart filled with gratitude for the simple yet meaningful moments shared with Chris.
As the hooded person continued to observe Chris and Joy from a nearby table, Jim approached.
"What are your orders, sir, ma'am?" Uncle Jim inquired politely, his friendly demeanor contrasting with the mysterious aura of the hooded person.
The Hooded Person turned to look at Uncle Jim. After a moment of consideration, they replied in a neutral tone, "Oh, just water."
Uncle Jim nodded in understanding before excusing himself to fetch the requested water, leaving the hooded person to their thoughts.
Taking advantage of the momentary solitude, the hooded figure retrieved a cigarette from their pocket and lit it, they gazed intently at Joy, who remained seated with Chris.
Jim returned with the water and handed it to the hooded figure, the mysterious individual accepted it with a nod.
Taking a sip of the water, the hooded person's gaze remained fixed on Joy, their eyes cold and calculating as they observed her with an intensity.
Unaware of the scrutiny directed towards her, Joy continued to converse with Chris, her attention focused on their shared meal and the warmth of their connection amidst the uncertainty that lingered in the air.
As Joy stretched her arms. Chris noticed her movement and gently spoke up, his voice soft and caring.
"Are you full? We can go now if you're ready," he suggested with a smile.
Joy nodded in response, a contented expression on her face as she stood up from her chair.
"Yeah, I'm full. Let's go now," she affirmed, picking up her backpack and slipping it onto her back.
Chris and Joy approached the counter where Jim stood, his warm smile greeting them.
"So, did you two enjoy it?" Jim inquired, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
With a nod and a smile, Joy her gratitude. "Yes, the food was delicious. Thank you for preparing it," she said warmly.
Chris echoed her sentiment with a nod of agreement, his smile reflecting his appreciation for Uncle's hospitality.
Reached for his wallet, Chris ready to settle the bill, Jim intervened with a warm smile.
"Don't worry about it, this meal is on me. It was my pleasure to serve you two," Jim insisted.
"Bu-" Joy spoke
But before Joy could protest, Jim cut her off with a gentle but firm tone. "No buts, the meal is on me. Now go ahead, you two," he said kindly, gesturing for them to leave.
With a grateful nod, Chris and Joy accepted Jim's generosity and made their way out of the food stall.
Joy and Chris waved goodbye to Jim with a warm smile on their faces.
Uncle Jim waved back, returning their smiles with one of his own, before disappearing back into the bustling activity of the marketplace.
As Chris and Joy walked away, their conversation turned to their next destination.
With excitement bubbling in her chest, Joy eagerly turned to Chris, her eyes shining with anticipation. "So, Chris... Where to next?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Chris met her gaze with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he posed a seemingly random question. "Are you allergic to some flowers?" he inquired with a playful smile.
Perplexed by the unexpected question, Joy furrowed her brow in confusion before shaking her head. "No, I'm not allergic to any flowers. Why are you asking me that?" she responded, her curiosity piqued.
A warm smile spread across Chris's face as he replied in a teasing tone, "Well, it's a surprise... So I can't tell you." His playful demeanor only added to the intrigue of their next destination.
Raising an eyebrow at Chris's cryptic response, Joy couldn't help but play along with his game. "A surprise? Well, I'm not sure if it's a good or bad surprise. But alright then, let me follow you," she said with a playful lilt in her voice.
Unknown to them, the hooded figure continued to follow them.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the marketplace, Malcolm Vern and his underlings scoured the bustling crowds in search of Joy.
To be continued....