Stephan settled into life at the Manalo home with ease and happiness. Time seemed to fly by, a testament to how seamlessly the family treated him as one of their own. He, in turn, went out of his way to help. He assisted Mrs. Manalo with cleaning and cooking, joined Mr. Manalo in garden work and washing the car, his willingness to contribute earning him an even warmer place in their hearts. đ
One September morning, he was outside helping Mr. Manalo wash the family car. After Mr. Manalo had soaped the entire vehicle, he handed the hose to Stephan for the rinsing, saying he had another chore to attend to in the back. Stephan happily took over, thoroughly rinsing the soapy car.
As he directed a strong stream of water at the hood, Kirana emerged from the house, dressed in her office attire and ready to leave for work. In one swift, unfortunate motion, Stephan swung the hose around,and a powerful jet of water hit Kirana squarely on the side. đż
"Ah! You idiot! Look what you've done! My clothes are completely soaked!" she shrieked, looking down at her drenched outfit.
Stephan dropped the hose and looked at her. Her hair was dripping, her professional clothes were plastered to her, and her makeup had begun to run. He fought back a laugh, the sight so absurdly comical, but managed to contort his face into an apologetic grimace. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!" đ
"Sorry?! Look at me! I look like a drowned chicken! How am I supposed to go to work like this? I'm going to be late now!" she fumed, checking her watch in a panic.
"Hey, hey, calm down! Don't make a scene and call your parents over here," he said, lowering his voice. "Just go quickly and change into something else. I'll drive you, so you won't be late." đ
She shot him a fiery glare but, seeing the logic in his rushed solution, turned and hurried back into the house to change. After she left, Stephan stood for a moment, a grin finally breaking through as he replayed the image of her dripping and furious.
Shaking his head with a chuckle, he picked up the hose again to finish washing the car, the morning's quiet routine now delightfully disrupted. đ