"Smells great!" I happily exclaimed as I smelled the freshly cooked Caldereta and Adobo. I was assigned to cook in the mansion every morning, along with the other housemates who were still learning how to cook. They didn't know much about cooking.
Our previous cooks were let go after Grandma Amelia passed away. Aunt Geneva fired them because she couldn't pay them anymore due to her constant gambling. She reasoned that I could handle the kitchen chores and more.
I didn't mind because I loved cooking. Even when I was in the orphanage, I volunteered to help in the kitchen. Sister Tere, a former cook, always taught me.
Despite Aunt Geneva and her children's rough behavior, they couldn't deny that I prepared delicious meals for them.
"Aliya, we'll take care of this, you go eat."
"Yes, you might be late for school." said my fellow kitchen workers. I smiled at them, as they were my only support in the mansion.
"Thank you," I replied briefly. I continued walking to my room with my breakfast. Aunt Geneva's rule was that I wasn't allowed to eat with them in the dining room. It was frustrating because I had to pass by the dining room before reaching my room, and I knew they would laugh at me.
I walked straight and didn't look at the dining room, but suddenly, someone called out to me. "Join us for breakfast," Aunt Geneva offered irritably, which surprised me. Were they possessed, or did I forget it was Friday the 13th? What was their motive?
"What is it?" I asked, puzzled.
"Kuya Gavin is joining our breakfast," Seana said. I couldn't believe it. Kuya Gavin had come home. I missed him so much. Aunt Geneva must have noticed my happiness, so she immediately spoke up.
"Even though Gavin is back, it doesn't mean you can slack off."
"Yes," I replied shortly.
"I don't know why Kuya favors you, it's so annoying!" Seana said, glaring at me. But Aunt Geneva scolded her. I heard the housemates greeting someone who had just arrived.
The mother and daughter suddenly stood up and approached the man who had just entered the dining room. I quickly stood up and turned to look at the man who had arrived. It was Kuya Gavin... He finally came back. I cried tears of joy. He had grown up so much, looking so mature.
"Kuya Gavin, my present?" Seana asked sweetly. "It's in the car, but I'll give it to you after school, you might not go otherwise," Kuya said while laughing and hugging her. He also hugged Aunt Geneva. Then he looked at me.
"Come on, you look really pretty now, Aliya," he said, and I immediately hugged him tightly. It was annoying because I cried again. I could see the mother and daughter glaring at me, but it was okay as long as I was back in his arms. The greatest brother I have, the one who protected me when I was weak.
After warmly welcoming Kuya, we ate together. I realized that the reason Aunt Geneva allowed me to join them for breakfast was because Kuya Gavin was coming. They knew what would happen if Kuya found out how they treated me.
We continued eating. When I finished, I was about to clear my plate when Kuya spoke.
"Aliya, what are you doing?" he asked, puzzled. Aunt Geneva and Seana looked at me with meaning.
"I'll just take my plate to the kitchen since I'm passing by anyway," I explained.
"Just let her be," Aunt Geneva agreed. Kuya nodded and said, "By the way, Aliya, hurry up so I can take both you and Seana to school." Both of us were surprised by what Kuya said.
I saw Seana sighing in annoyance. But she couldn't disobey her Kuya, and neither could I.