Non Human

III - Calling

Third Person POV

“Are all of your bags are here?” Dina asked her children while arranging some stuff at the back of the van.

“I thought we were going to take the bus?” Serene asked her mother.

“That what was my thought too but your father spoke with me last night. He said he rented a van to make things easier, and guess what? Pica is so lucky. He can come with us now," Dina replied with a smile.

"Oh my goodness, God has answered my prayers!" "Serene stated it with a big smile on her face as if there was no tomorrow.

"However, make sure he's wearing a diaper so he doesn't poop on the Van. If that happens, the driver will be furious! " Dina gently reminds her.

“Yes, yes! yes! ” Serene said while nodding her head.

Serene was planning to put Pica in a sack and leave her things behind as a replacement but since Pica can come with them she does not need to worry anymore.

Now she can release the heaviness in her heart.

“Yes, this is our destination and please Sir, could you please not tell anyone about it??” Colorado said.

“Of course! I'm not someone who meddles in other people's lives," the driver assured.

“Okay, guys are all of you are ready?“ he asked his family and everyone nodded.

"Get in the van, because we're leaving right now!" he added.

Serene stared at their house one last time to bid her farewell.

“Goodbye!" she said as she waved her hand.

Not even noticing that a pair of eyes are watching them go.

Serene had her eyes closed since she is still sleepy. It was 3 a.m., and she needed to get some sleep.

Serene’s POV

“Serene..."

"Serene....”

I was awakened by someone’s voice.

It is unfamiliar to my ears. I never heard that voice before.

I slowly opened my eyes and I can feel the sun's rays on my face. The watch on my left hand is where my eyes landed as soon as I opened it.

It is twelve o’clock in the afternoon. I have been sleeping for so long

“Wake up sleepy head! We're going to have lunch right now! ” I turned to face my sister, who was standing outside the van, staring at me.

“Oh gosh!" she grumbled. "Why do I have to call your name a million times just for you to wake up?

“You are waking me up?” I asked.

From what I remembered I heard a man’s voice calling my name

“Who else do you think? Is there someone’s here beside us? ” she asked.

“They are already there.If you are now awake just follow us and be sure to close the door of the van. Understand? ” She added and turned her back to me without waiting for my response

*grrrk*

Oh, my tummy is churning now. I'm hungry.

"Please come in. "Come in," Ms. Glory said.

We were ready to take our shoes off as a show of respect when Ms Glory intervened.

"No, you don't have to take off your shoes; you can bring them with you." For dinner, I made Adobo. So, do any of you consume adobo? Is that acceptable to you? " Ms. Glory inquired. She exudes a great deal of hospitality.

"Of course. That's my favorite food, and we're just passing through." Who are we to whine, after all? " My father remarked, smiling.

Ms. Glory simply chuckled.

I took a peek around her home. It was old fashioned. It was similar to a house in the 1970s, where all of the materials were constructed of wood. I really like it. Looks like I’m going back from the history in time of Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra.

“Wow, your house is really nice. You seldom see house like this. This will be consider antique and I’m sure many people will came to visit this if it became a museum.” My mother said

"However, my daughter does not appear to enjoy this style of home." Ms. Glory remarked."She often complains and insisting that we have to change into a modern one”

Oh, she's a Mrs now? I thought she wasn't married yet.

“How can you replace something so good?” My father asked

“When it is not enough to suffice” My mother answered

My dad just looked away quietly. Mrs. Glory simply smiled as she led us into their kitchen.

We heard a footstep coming from the above .Mrs. Glory house has a second floor and the flooring there are made of wood. The woods are old so it is easy to recognize if someone is walking above

After a minute, we noticed a young man about my age, dressed in a basic shirt and black shorts. His hair is golden, and he is the same height as my brother Simon. His eyes are groggy , as if he has just awoken. , as if he has just awoken.

His gaze was drawn to us, and he seemed surprised to see us.

“Oh Apollo are you awaken by the noise?" Ms Glory asked as she walked over to the young man. By the way, here is our new neighbors, Mr. Colorado Rendell and his wife Mrs. Dina, who are planning to move into our unoccupied house. These are their children “

"And this is Apollo, my son," she continued.

He does not inherit his mother looks maybe he looks like his father.

My mother commented, "He looks like a Brazilian."

“You are right!" Ms. Glory exclaimed brightly. "His father is a native of Brazil. Many people says he doesn't look like me, but they also say his name is perfect for him. He is like a greek God”

Well, I can’t blame her. Her son is really good looking and has a very good built.

“Hello. Good evening” Apollo greeted and his eyes are directly looking at me

Why?

My mother seemed to notice, and I caught a glimpse of her looking at me from. I just look at my mother and smile. She does not seem to like it either.

“Come and join us” Ms Glory said to her son.

He just nodded.

“Where is his father?” My dad asked.

Mrs Glory replied as she served us a dish, "Oh, we've been apart for years."

“I’m sorry to hear that," my father expressed his regret.

“Oh, that is okay," Mrs. Glory said. "He is just irresponsible and has too much love for women. I'm not sure why some boys can't be satisfied with what they have and believe that women are like toys that can be thrown away once they've used them. How about you Dina are you not having any problem with your husband Colorado?"

I was shocked to hear how Mrs. Glory speaks. I can tell she still harbors resentment in her heart. Well, even I will be filled with rage when the father of my child replaces me for another woman. That is so insulting.

“Oh, no, that doesn't apply to me. If I see him with another woman, I'm going to kill him,” My mother declared.

She's a bold woman with a blade in her tongue.

My siblings and I all have a good laugh.

“Of course it will never happen," My dad said. "Dina is enough, and she is the love of my life. She cannot be replace by anyone."

He is so sweet

"Ehem, that's really sweet," Sienna said, giggling.

I saw Apollo sat on the other side of the table in front of me. I'm aware he's staring at me, but I've chosen not to look at him. I attempted to stay away from his piercing gaze.

Even before we started eating, I noticed in my peripheral vision that he always look at me and that is a so uncomfortable

“Why did you moved out from your province?” Mrs. Glory asked

“Personal reasons,” my dad answered.

“Are all of your children still studying?” Ms. Glory asked

“Yes except for our oldest son Simon," my mother answered. "He has already completed his studies."

“Hijo? What course did you finish?” Mrs Glory asked him.

“I.T. .Information Technology,” my brother answered.

"Are you currently employed?"

"Not yet," he replied, "but I will find one."

“How about you Hijas? What university do you intend to attend?”

"We don't know yet," Sienna replied.

“The nearest school here is Maribeles University," Mrs. Glory stated. "You will only take one jeep to be in there. Apollo, my son, and Hera, my daughter, are both studying there. They may be able to assist your children with enrolling.The tuition there are not that high.”

"That's fantastic; we'll take a look at it," my mother remarked.

“Yes, and just let us know when you're going to enroll your children, and I'll ask Apollo or Hera to help them,” Mrs. Glory said

"Thank you, Mrs. Glory; you are so generous," my father responded.

"Oh, that's nothing; just ask me for assistance anytime you need it." Mrs. Glory stated, "I will assist you for as long as I can."

I'm overjoyed because of what I heard.

We have someone on whom we can rely. We have nothing but ourselves in the province. We do not have any relatives there.

"Ah Apollo, bring this to the driver before I forget." Mrs. Glory says, "He must be hungry too, we forgot about him." She grabs for the platter of rice and adobo.

“Oh right, Mr. Santos is still waiting” my dad said

“Where?” Apollo asked.

“Just give it to Simon," my mom said. "He'll be the one to hand it over. We don't want to cause any inconvenience to this young man. Please take this, Simon."

“Hand it on to me," I suggested. " Brother Simon is still eating, but I'm done, and I'd like to check Pica as well."

"That's a good idea," my brother Simon commented, smiling.

Tsk, he's simply too lazy to get up.

I walked away with the plate in my hand.

“I will come with her. It is too dark” Apollo said and stands up.

“No, it's fine. I've got this," I said and smile.

"It's okay," Apollo responded. "First and foremost, I should be the one to deliver it."

My father simply nodded when I looked at him.

"All right," I responded as I walked outside.

"Can you tell me your name?"

" He asked as we walked."

"Serene," I replied.

"Can you tell me how old you are?"

" he asked again

"Nineteen," I said.

“I am two years older than you. Do you mind if we become friends? ” he asked.

I stopped.

Of course Serene he wants to be close to you

“I want to know you more,” he said, smiling from ear to ear.

“Well, that is fine” I said and started to walk again

I don't think there's anything wrong about friending him, right? He is just being friendly

I smiled when I spotted the van. Pica is standing at the window, wagging its tail and smiling at me.

“Is that Pica?

”

“Yes” I answered and greeted Pica

I handed the plate to the driver, who thanked me.

"How are you doing, Pica?" I asked while patting his head.

“He is so happy to see you,” Apollo said.

“Really?" I murmured as I caress Pica.

“Yes. Can’t you tell it on his gesture?"

“Of course I know,” I said.

“Then you know if someone love or like you?” he asked in a blue moon.

I looked at him and he is looking at me. He is weird

I rolled my eyes and responded, "Of course I know."

That is not my usual behavior, but I can't help but feel frigid in his presence.

"Great," he says as he touches Pica.

Pica growl.

“Looks like he does not like you,” I said and smiled

"He'll like me soon," he muttered, as if he was being tested.

I just shrugged my shoulder

Let's see what happens. Pica, unlike the other dogs, is not friendly. Except for me, he can't be tamed by anyone.

"Are we going to be more than friends if he does?" he asked, which drew my attention.

Pica growls once more, as though he doesn't agree with what Apollo has stated.

I laughed because his words made me laugh

“What a joker” I said while laughing

"Yes, because I enjoy making you laugh," he explained.

"Stop it right now. You're being cheesy," I responded, smiling.

"Doesn't it give you butterflies in your stomach?"Apollo questioned.

Do not tell me that Apollo inherit his father being a womanizer

"It doesn't because I've heard that sentence too many times," I explained.

"Did every one of your suitors say that?" he asked.

I gazed at him and remained silent.

I have no suitors. Well I mean there are a lot of boys who confessed their love for me and a lot of them have tried to win my heart, but it never lasts long. They'll be here today, but gone the next day. .Ghosting? Or they just easily lose interest in me? but that is fine with me.

I'm not ready to commit to a relationship just yet. One of the reasons I'm evasive about it is that my mother does not want us to have a relationship. She is quite protective, and I don't want to betray her trust or upset her.

"I heard them on TV, I heard them in books, I heard them from my classmates, I heard them everywhere," I answered

“How about on your boyfriend? Do you heard it from him?” he asked.

I c****d my head and smirked. I know that kind of question.It's not a straight question, but I'm sure he just wants to know if I have a boyfriend.

"I don't have a boyfriend," I stated flatly.

“Really? You're so beautiful, but you don't have a boyfriend? " he declared

“It is required to have a boyfriend if you are beautiful?” I asked.

But thanks for saying I’m beautiful

What is his intention? Maybe he is like this because he needs something

“Do you need something?” I asked

He burst out laughing.

"Can you tell me why you're asking that?" ​he asked

“"It's because you're too friendly," I explained.

"Do you have to be in need of something if you're friendly?"

​he asked , retorting to my earlier statements.

“"However, do you mind if I ask you for something?"

​he asked

​I sighed and rolled my eyes. I'm correct. He is friendly because he is in need of something.

“What?” I said with an irritated voice

I do not know why I became irritated from what I heard

“Your heart,” he said .

I locked my gaze on him.

“Please be serious” I said.

“I’m serious,” he stated.

"Seems like you're acquainted with each other, huh?" We looked at the person where the voice came from

It was my sister Sienna.

"Hello, what is your name?" Apollo asked.

"My name is Sienna, and I'm her older sister," Sienna explained.

“What a beautiful name for a beautiful lady,” Apollo said.

I gasped, he is really a womanizer. Hitting two birds in one stone.

No, no, no. Wrong Serene he is just being friendly and maybe his words are really flowery.

He's just being kind, Serene, and his words may be overly flowery. I'd be furious if he disrespected my sister, but he didn't, and he even admired her name.

Apollo gets a wink from Sienna.

Sienna smiled as she continued, "I'm starting to like you."

"What brings you here?" I asked.

“Why is it bad to be here? Oh, I see I’m interrupting your time with your Apollo. I'm sorry, sweetie,” she said in a very teasing voice

“Stop. We're just friends," I explained.

"For the time being," Apollo added.

“Shut up!“ I said to him.

“Uhuh, I’m just going to arrange my things and I want to see the house,” Sienna said while showing to us the keys she is holding.

Oh, yes! I'd like to view the house as well.

“I will come with you,” I suggested

"Me, too," Apollo said.

He is feeling close now to be honest!

“We does not need you there” I explained.

"I know," Apollo admitted, "but I might be able to assist you in lugging your belongings."

He is kinda persistent.

“Where can I put this?" The Driver asked, holding an empty plate in his hand.

That's right!

I reach the plate and put it on Apollo’s hand

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Apollo, but we're fine." I smiled as I added, "Please simply bring this back to your house."

"All right, I'll be back," Apollo said.

"No, it's fine. We don't want to bother you," I explained.

“It is fine. I’m willing to help do not worry,” he insisted.

I stared at Sienna, and she returned my glance.

"I'm sorry if I'm causing you any discomfort. I'm like this, but I'm not a bad guy," he explained.

I placed my attention on him.

"That's all right. See you tomorrow," he said as he walked away, smiling at me.

"Did I offend him in any way?" I asked Sienna.

"I guess," she replied.

Okay? So I'm going to think about what happened for the rest of the night? My conscience will not allow me to sleep. I’m going to think what to tell him next time.

“What are you waiting for? I though you are going to come with me? ” Sienna said while looking at me

She is ten steps ahead with me now

"All right. I'll just take my belongings and follow you," I said

She turned her back and walk to the house.

"Uhm, Mr., we're just going to look around the house," I informed our driver.

“Yeah sure do not mind me,” he said while smoking.

.

I just nodded

“Come Pica. Let’s go” I said

Pica exited the van and followed me

When I first walked into the house, I took a look around. The room is quite large, and the walls are painted white The walls are made of cement. It has a kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms. Wow, I didn't expect a house this enormous for only five thousand pesos.

I though renting here in metro manila are too expensive, but perhaps we were just lucky to find this house, or perhaps there are certain places where the rent is reasonable and inexpensive.

When it comes to space, all bedrooms are the same. The bathroom is clean and functional. There is a toilet, a sink, and a shower, as well as an antique bathtub.

I entered the bathroom and there’s a mirror hanging in the wall with a sink below. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked so tired and exhausted.

I got out of the restroom to check out the kitchen. It has its own sink where you can wash your dishes, a large wooden table where you can sit, a window where you can release heat while cooking, and a door?

I opened the door and it lead me to the dark backyard. I search for any button on the walls but there is nothing. The wind here is so cold. If I’m not mistaken there’s a tree in front me. I just can’t see it clearly because of the dark. This is good, we can do the laundry here.

I turned away, but was interrupted by a voice from nowhere.

“Serene…”

I instantly turned to face the tree and peered around, but no one was there.

I want to ask if there is somebody out of there but I know it is not a good idea. I’m sure I am going to have a heart attack if someone answered me.

I took out my phone's flashlight and pointed it at the darkness. There is nothing but trees and grass.

“Serene...” I gasped when I heard the voice again. The voice is too near.

I dashed inside and shut the door behind me.

"Why are you so pale?" Sienna, who had just entered the kitchen, asked.

“Where?” she asked me.

“At the other side of this door,” I answered.

“A voice? What voice? ” she asked again.

“I do not know. I just heard someone,” I explained.

“Do you mean there's someone else outside? A thief? A criminal?"

“I guess? Is it a person? ” I asked her.

“Where do you think the voice will come from? From the wind? Maybe the door talked,“ she said sarcastically.

"Lock that door, and I'll tell Mom about it. What exactly did you hear? "

“I-It is calling my name,” I respond.

She rolled her eyes.

“Are you kidding me?” she asked with irritated voice.

“No , I’m serious!" I stated.

"How can someone call you if they don't know your name?" she asked, rolling her eyes once more.

"You're having hallucinations." She adds, "Perhaps you're too exhausted, so go inside and relax."

Am I?

I was following Sienna when I noticed my parents entering the house.

"How's the house? Do you like it?" my dad asked, bringing down the items he was carrying.

"It's quite large," I replied.

"Lucky," he said, winking.

I just smiled

“Okay so there is a three bedroom here," mom explained. " one for us, one for Simon and Shawn, and one for you and Sienna. Before I forget, there is a forest behind this house, so don't go too far or at night because Mrs.Glory said it wasn't part of her lot. She still doesn't have enough money to put up a fence, but she warns people not to go beyond the cemented floor in the backyard. Your dad will check it tomorrow. Maybe we can afford to put a fence even only the cheapest one."

I nodded.

"Thank you very much!" "My father said to Mr.Gomez, our driver, as he set down the items he was carrying.

"Don't bring it up," Mr Gomez advised.

"Here is the service fee and the tip. Thank you for your assistance," my father said.

Mr. Gomez bows to convey his gratitude.

"I'm leaving right now." Mr. Gomez stated, "I still have a transaction tomorrow morning."

"OK, take care," my father said as he escorted Mr. Gomez through the gate.

"You should sleep now, and we'll finish unpacking tomorrow," my mother told me.

I smile and said goodnight.

I go to where Sienna is and I saw her sleeping already.

I used my bag as my pillow and closed my eyes. I’m tired. I felt Pica sat beside me. I hugged him

After five minutes I followed them inside they are already eating

“What took you so long? Take a seat and eat.” My mum said.

We are here in the Mc Donaldo restaurant.

I took a seat next to Simon and began eating.

“Eat now we have a long journey ahead.” My dad said.

“Can I order more rice?” Sienna asked.

“The rice here is too expensive Sienna. It will cost you twenty-seven pesos, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that we're in financial trouble, so learn to control your spending habits," Simon advised Sienna.

“Let her Simon. We do not budget ourselves when it comes to food. We need to eat in able to survive. Here is the money. Buy a bowl of rice on the counter and include your other siblings when you buy. How about the others? How many rice do you want? ” my father asked.

“One more rice!” our youngest brother said.

“Me too!” Simon said.

“I’m good,” I responded, despite the fact that I knew this small amount of rice would not suffice to satisfy my hunger.

Even though my father said it was fine, I know we need to save money and I don't want to take advantage of their generosity.

“No, you are not. Go Sienna and buy your other sibling rice too,” my mother said.

“But Serene said she does not want rice,” Sienna argued.

“She is just shy to say it but she is still hungry,” my mother explained.

I merely grinned, my mother knows me very well.

“Serene you do not have to carry the problems too okay? Just focus on improving yourself and do not worry too much. This is something we can handle," my father urged me as he ate the last of his chicken. Do not be shy to tell what you feel."

“Yes, I am sorry," I said while smiling shyly.

"Don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong," my father said.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude.

He just smiled at me and drink the water on the glass.

After an hour of traveling at last we reach our destination we are greeted by the landlady of the house my dad just rented.

It was eleven o’clock in the evening.

“Mr. and Mrs Randell?” She asked.

“Yes! I’m Colorado the one who called you yesterday. This is my wife Dina and these are my four children.” My dad introduced us.

“Wow, your children are all good looking and grown up. Looks like they inherited the beauty of their mother,” the landlady said.

My parents just laughed.

The land lady look at us and the look she gave to me is different compared to the looks from my other sibling.

“Hmm you brought a visitor but by the way, I’m Glory the owner of this apartment. All are already set and ready. We make sure that it is clean before you arrived,” Ms. Glory said.

“He is not our visitor he is the driver of the van,” my mother said.

Ms. Glory just chuckled.

“Here is the fee of the rent, the advanced two months deposit is already included,” my dad said and handed a small white envelope to the land lady.

“Thank you. Here is the key! ” Ms. Glory said as she handed dad the key.

“By the way have you eaten for dinner?” she asked.

“Not yet," my dad said.

We haven't had anything to eat since this afternoon, and our last meal was ten hours ago.

“I’m sure your kids are all hungry come with me and let us eat together. We will talk about the house rules while we are eating," Ms Glory invited.

"Thank you very much!" said my father.

We followed Ms. Glory to her house.