"And why is this change short?"
My beautiful mother wondered why I only handed her 230 pesos. Oh no!
"Uh, Mom, I forgot to wear a helmet, and there was a checkpoint, so I immediately paid the fine at the municipal hall," I answered casually. Mom's face was unreadable.
"Oh, Melie, I don't know what to do with you, child. When will your mind mature?!" she said, then walked into the kitchen. I breathed a sigh of relief.
I turned on the TV and immediately switched to Star Movies. I really love action movies; they're not boring to watch.
A little later, while I was busy watching, the door opened. I knew it was my amazing brother because it was already afternoon, and he doesn't bring packed lunches since the police station is nearby and he can just walk.
I noticed he wasn't alone because the scent of his companion seemed familiar. I sniffed the air and turned to where they were. Wait, what? My eyes widened. What is that police officer doing here?
"Kuya, why is he with you?" I immediately asked my brother, who looked puzzled by my question.
"Be quiet, Meliebog! Don't act like that in front of my guest. Besides, he's my friend, and he's having lunch with us here." I blushed at my brother's words, that animal! Ugh, it's like he's humiliating me in front of his friend! Tsk. And that scoundrel is having lunch here, how thick-skinned!
I stood up and immediately went into my room. My annoyance had just faded, but it returned when I saw that police officer again. So that's why he asked earlier if I was Jerry Bog's sister. They're friends, tsk.
A little later, my mother knocked on my bedroom door. "Melie, come join your brother and me for lunch. He has a police officer guest with him."
No way! I'm annoyed with my brother and that police friend of his, that animal! Even if he's just doing his job, I'm still annoyed with him.
"Just leave her, Mom. She'll eat when she's hungry," I heard my brilliant brother say.
My mother left and went back to the dining table. A moment later, I rushed out of my room when I heard what they were talking about.
"Ah, so you're the police officer who caught my daughter? Oh, I'm sorry, young man. She's still childish, and as I said, she forgot to wear a helmet," my mother was explaining. What did she say?
"Mom, what are you talking about?!" I shouted at her. I saw the handsome police officer turn and smile at me. That animal, I want to pinch his thigh!
"Yeah, bro, I'm really sorry about my sister; she's forgetful." Are they ganging up on me?
"No worries," the scoundrel said and smiled.
I stomped over to them and sat next to Mom.
"Oh, I thought you didn't want to eat?" my brother teased.
"Che!" I just said, then put rice on my plate. I felt the handsome police officer staring at me. He was quiet while eating. Oh, he's really enjoying it, huh? I gave him a dirty look and rolled my eyes. You think you're so smart, huh! You ruined my day.
"By the way, I haven't introduced myself to you yet. I'm Troy Rivera," he said politely.
"How old are you, Troy, young man?" my mother asked.
"I just turned 28 last month. Actually, Auntie, I'm newly assigned here in your town. I've only been here for three months," he explained. Tsk, and he really called my mother 'Auntie'? Acting familiar, huh.
"Oh, that's why I've only seen you now. My son, Jerry, often brings his colleagues from work here when there's a fiesta or any celebration," my mother said, while I quietly ate.
"Is that so, Auntie?" Troy said, amazed.
"Yes, young man, you're very welcome here with us, and when there's a fiesta, come visit." I stopped in mid-chew. Is my mother serious? Why does she seem so comfortable with that scoundrel?