RDD 44

Chapter 44

I took a deep breath and calmed down. It would be awkward if Penelope's relatives found me having a hard tent. 

After a few seconds of inner monologue, I went down and found that seven people were already chopping the meat. 

"Oi Keith. How's your trip?"

Penelope's younger brother greeted me. Everyone was clearly happy and active, after all each family received a big Christmas present from Corazon and Alberto. 

"It's alright. We decided to eat at McDonald's and take the kids to a toy shop. By the way, you can tell your kids to visit us tomorrow, we have Christmas gifts for them."

"You shouldn't have to, kids are already happy if you gave them 5 pesos, haha!"

I smiled and didn't answer. 

'5 pesos? Dude that is too small. Christmas is sharing and caring, giving them toys will make them happy.'

Of course, I'm not belittling 5 pesos. That amount is enough to buy a handful of bread, enough to fill a stomach. 

"Do you need help?"

"We are alright here, but I think Father needs help outside.'

"Okay."

The kitchen had a path outside so that it was easy to carry water into the kitchen. 

A few steps and I was already outside, then I found Roman standing a few meters away from Alberto and the others. 

"Hey, why are you standing there?"

I approached Roman and rubbed his hair. I don't know why but my hand always moves on its own and rubs his hair. Sometimes, I head-pat Sophia too. 

"I'm just standing here because Uncle and Grandpa told me that the goat might escape and attack me."

"Is that so? Then why don't you return to our room? You can play with your new toys instead."

"No, I want to stay here. They are going to kill the ducks next, I want to see it."

"Why?"

"Because it looks interesting."

"Alright, alright, just don't be Dexter Morgan."

"Dexter who? Dad, sometimes you're acting strange, are you alright?"

Kid, I should be the one to ask you that.

Since Roman wanted to watch how we were going to kill the goats and ducks, I decided to let him be. Kids nowadays have a strong curiosity. 

"Keith, looks like you have come. Help us scrub the goats and shaved their hair." Simeon nodded at me. 

"Alright."

I kneeled and helped them. We first soak the goat in the hot water and then started cleaning and shaving them. 

Roman and the other kids watched us curiously. After a few minutes of watching, they lost interest and decided to play tag instead. 

Roman's cousins invited him to join their game and he easier agreed. So while we were killing ducks and goats, the kids were playing around. Quite a normal scene, if you ask me.

Hours passed and we completely butchered the meat. Then, I helped my Brother-in-law chop some firewood. 

Alberto created a stove using stones to cook outside. We're going to cook a lot of food so two stoves were needed. One in the kitchen and one outside. 

I have seen people cooking using a self-made stove by using stones as a base. 

"Father decided to cook goat stew(kalderetang kambing) and curry. As for the goat skin and ears, we're going to make kilawing kambing."

"Oh, that's gonna be delicious."

My mouth watered hearing what Simeon said. Especially kilawing kambing, that dish was good with beer or any alcohol... Damn, I suddenly feel like I can't keep my promise. 

Kilawing kambing plus alcohol was a dangerous combination, I might drink one... 

"Hey Keith, we have coconut palm liquor. Do you want to drink?"

One of Penelope's brothers invited me to take a sip. He offered a glass for me. 

"I..."

My hand almost took the glass but I stopped when I realized that my wife was staring at me with deep crimson eyes from the window. 

"N- no, I think I will pass. Hehe."

"Is that so? That's kinda sad."

"Drinking makes me lose myself and I promise my wife not to touch any booze."

My palms were sweating as I smiled forcefully. My lips were twitching.

I glanced at the window and realized that Penelope was gone. 

'Did she fall asleep?'

The answer to my question appeared when I saw my wife approaching me. It seemed that she decided to guard me against dangerous alcoholic drinks. 

"Honey~"

"Y- Yes." I stuttered for unknown reasons.

Penelope wrapped her arms around my arm and looked at me playfully.

"What are you doing~?" She asked with not so friendly smile.

"I'm helping Simeon start a fire."

"I see. Then why did I almost see you drink, hm?" She squeezed my arm slightly.

"Of course not, I'm just stretching my arms."  

"But that's not what I saw."

"..."

"Keith Castillo, try to drink alcohol and you will know what will happen."

"..."

"I will not let you sleep next to me."

"!!"

She is threatening me! A blackmail, what a black-hearted woman!

"I promise, I will never drink!"

I didn't have a choice. Sleeping with my wife was the most comfortable thing ever.

'I can't believe that she will use this weapon against me. She's really bad.'

Her brothers heard our conversation and they kept their mouths shut. 

I realized something important, they were afraid of Penelope. I didn't know the exact reason but I can relate. After all, I'm afraid of my wife too. 

In the end, I was tortured by watching them drink happily while I was drinking coca-cola instead. Not bad to be honest.