Chapter 6 Part2 (1/2)
TN: Yes, our POV is on third person multiple/omniscient. Meaning, you will see changes of scenes from one character's to another. Let me know if you want tags or notes to tell whose scene is which.
Once again, I'm really sorry for the very late update. Here is the other half of chapter 6 and yeah, I guess I really should give you guys those three weeks of chapters I owe you as soon as possible. I'll do my best so please bear with me.
Chapter 6.2: The Eggs of Lambanang-Tubig (2)
The area allotted for the market was only a small piece of land. It's really lacking for a typical market. That's why, every 'market day', just like today; it would be densely crowded with people rus.h.i.+ng about.
From the market's very entrance, the usual customers were already mobbing together with their bayong1. Those who have arrived earlier to buy goods here were able to return home early, too; whereas, those late comers were still rus.h.i.+ng and haggling over with the merchants especially since today, the market day, commodities were being sold cheaply. Noisy and messy; that's the exhibit today in all corners of the market.
At this same time, Roselda was standing outside from one of the booths. Above this booth was a banner where the words “Love Natives” in bamboo-shaped letters could be seen. Then inside this booth, her Mamang was discussing heartily with the store’s watcher. She couldn't hear their conversation because they're being separated with the gla.s.s walls, though.
Looking ahead of her, tents were erected where various vegetables and fruits were being sold; while its owners were screaming out, advertising their goods so customers will easily notice their merchandise. These were merchants traveling to different towns to peddle their products.
“Psst, Negra2!” Roselda felt a pinch on her flank-side.
When she turned around, she saw Marissa, her big-mouthed cla.s.smate. She was wearing her favorite bright blue dress with fluffs and tying sh.e.l.l-ribbons here and there. She had put her curly hair on a high ponytail but it couldn't hide her lush and frizzed hair even when viewed from afar which was actually due to her having the blood of an Aeta3.
“You really dare call me negra, Marissa?” Roselda responded indignantly. “When you’re even darker than I am.”
They were standing closed to each other and with a glance, anyone can tell that the darker one was evidently her friend.
Marissa simply laughed at her and gently struck at her friend’s arm. “Alright, I’m blacker; but I’m still prettier than you.”
Roselda was laughing now. “Sure, you're much prettier, then. Fine. So, what are you doing here, again?”
”Today is market day; of course, I’m buying goods,” her friend replied sarcastically. “And I’m also in a date,” she continued in a whisper and then looked towards the man standing in the distance.
Roselda followed her friend's eyes. The man looked decent and was also patiently waiting for her.
“I think he's already bored,” Roselda said. “But in fairness, he's kind of cute.”
Marissa’s ears turned flush when she heard her friend's praise. “Of course, who do you think I am?” she retorted as though she was really the best woman on the face of the earth. “Alright, I need to go now. My Papa4 is still waiting for me, you see.”
(TL: The author actually used 'Marissa's ears grew big…' which should mean 'she was proud' but I'd rather want her to flush… not to the toilet, no, really.)
The two laughed.
“Okay, I'll drop to your house sometimes.” She even added.
Roselda nodded in reply. “Sure, you're always welcome in our kubo5.”
While still laughing, Marissa hugged her. “Bye, negra,” she teased her friend once more before turning away.
Roselda smiled as she watched her friend walking away but now with the man from earlier. Even that Negra has good luck; she caught a handsome fish, she thought. When will mine come, I wonder? Managat suddenly flashed in her mind.