Chapter 23

The feeding program at Brgy. Loria started during lunch time. And after feeding the residents, the volunteers then had their lunch. Joshua and his classmates ate together at a table with their hands as they feast over grilled liempo, sea foods, chicken barbeque and more. 'Madame, no cutlery for you hear," Jovie said to Ria who is beside her. 'Of course, Mayor," Ria said. 'I've been to Cusina a lot of time." She's referring to Cusina ni Ikay, a restaurant in Tarlac where you have to eat with your hands. Joshua's classmates were all around the table, except for him who had just finished washing his hands. He paused when he saw that his classmates were already seated, and the only empty space was the one next to Carla. That's the remaining vacant spot. 'Josh! What are you waiting for?" Mark asked. 'Come join us." Joshua does not know what to do. He was more pressured when he saw all his classmates look at him. 'Josh, if you don't join us now, you might run out of food. Mark is here, you know," Jovie said. 'You're so mean to me, Mayor," Mark complained. Joshua went to the table as he doesn't have a choice but to join his friends. But instead of going to the vacant spot next to Carla, he went beside Ria. 'Can you move a little, Madame?" he asked to his friend who is already busy getting crabs and shrimps. Ria looked at him. 'Josh, there's not enough space for you here." She looked at the vacant space next to Carla. 'Why don't you go there instead?" Joshua looked at the vacant spot, and by that he caught sight of Carla who is busy getting food from the middle part of the table. How would he convince Ria to let him stay by her side without mentioning the issue he has with Carla? Suddenly, Carla looked up, and with that her eyes caught Joshua's. The latter looked away to avoid her. 'I'll stay here!" Joshua said. And to assert his decision, he started getting food from the middle of the table. Ria annoyingly looked at him. 'Hey! You're so annoying, you know?" Joshua ignored Ria's complaint. He just kept getting food from the selection. 'Then just stay there!" Ria said as she transferred beside Carla. 'I'll just transfer here because someone took my place just to satisfy whatever whim he's having!" Joshua looked at the scowling Ria. He's feeling a bit guilty at what happened, but he really can't stay beside Carla on that boodle fight meal. He might have indigestion, or worse, he might not eat at all. 'I lost my crabs!" Ria complained. Joshua looked at the food that was set aside by Ria earlier. She wasn't able to bring it when she transferred beside Carla. He thought of putting the food in front of her, but James already gave her the crabs she wanted. 'Thanks, James!" Ria said. 'Good thing you're here. Someone is being annoying, you know." Everyone smiled at Ria's annoyance, except for Joshua who just let out a sigh. After eating lunch, the team started distributing rice and groceries, as well as other gifts they prepared for the residents of Brgy. Loria. After a few hours, the medical and dental mission also concluded. With that, they started wrapping up things so that they could go home immediately. They were about to finish wrapping up when a woman approached Carla. 'Doctor, can you please check on my son Marlon? He has a fever for two day now," the woman said. 'Is there anything else he's complaining?" Carla asked trying to diagnose based on the symptoms. 'He is coughing as well. For a few days now. Then two days ago, he started having fever. He actually wanted to come today because he is a big fan of Joshua Socorro. Unfortunately, he can't get out of his bed." Jovie went closer to the two women. 'Can we just have him checked tomorrow?" she asked the woman. 'Or better, bring him to the hospital. I will arrange a transportation service for you." 'It's okay, Jov– I mean, Mayor," Carla said. 'I'll just check him up. It won't take long." She's a bit worried about the kid's condition especially because he has a fever. He might be having an infection and she needs to give him antibiotic immediately. 'Doctor, the sky is getting darker. It seems like it's about to rain," Jovie told Carla. 'If it rains, we might not be able to leave tonight." Carla looked up at the sky. It really seems like rain is about to pour as the clouds look dark and heavy. But even so, she's more concerned with Marlon's condition. 'What if you just leave me here?" Carla asked. 'Besh, you didn't bring your own car, right?" Edmalyn asked Carla. Carla just realized that. She remembered she went there with the other volunteers through the vans rented for that occasion. 'What if Joshua stays with her?" Ria suddenly asked. Everyone looked at Ria, particularly Joshua who suddenly felt worried at what his former classmate suggested. 'Because she said that the kid is a fan of Joshua Socorro, right?" Ria explained. 'Also, Joshua brought his own car. They can go home anytime they need to. It probably won't rain, Mayor. It's summer, remember?" Joshua stared at Ria. He thinks his friend is still sulking because of what he did during lunch. So, he thought he needs to agree with her suggestion to somehow appease her. That, and he also does not want others to think that he doesn't want to be with Carla. 'I'm okay with that," Joshua said to the others. Carla looked at Joshua. 'Are you sure?" Joshua nodded. 'Yes. And don't worry. Whatever happens, even if the rain pours down and darkness hits the sky, I guarantee that you'll be safe with me." Now, that sounded weird again. Joshua is aware that he said that casually, but it seems casual is not what it was meant to sound like. 'See? They will be fine," Ria said. 'Come on, Mayor! Let's go home." 'You're the last one to arrive this morning, then you're the first one who wants to leave," Jovie told Ria. 'Because it might rain," Ria reasoned out. 'You said earlier that it won't rain because it's summer," Jovie said. 'That's why we have to leave now. Come on, let's go!" Ria said as she went ahead and proceeded to where her car is parked. The volunteers started getting inside the vans. Jovie was the last one to go. 'Josh, drive carefully, okay?" Jovie said. 'Yes, Mayor," Joshua said. 'I'll be careful." And with that the volunteers started leaving. Except for Joshua and Carla who promised to see the kid named Marlon. When the group was totally gone, the two of them followed the mother of Marlon who took them to their house.