Agnes couldn't help but laugh as she watched Islaw pouting. First thing in the morning, his grumpy face was the first thing she saw. To be honest, she hadn't expected to find him like this—sitting in the living room, staring blankly into space with a deep scowl. He looked exactly like a child who had been denied candy.
She didn't know what was wrong, but his expression was hilarious. She didn't try to approach him right away because he was clearly in a foul mood. Based on the way his eyes were practically glaring, she felt like he'd eat her alive if she got too close. She figured it was better to wait.
The merman was definitely having a tantrum.
"Hi, Big sis," Cholo greeted her lifelessly.
He had just come from outside and went straight to the chair, sitting beside Islaw with an equally grumpy face. It seemed Islaw wasn't alone; Cholo was also in a terrible mood. Curiosity finally got the better of her, especially since this was the first time she had seen Islaw like this, so she had to ask.
"Are you two okay?"
"We are fining, don't worry to we," Cholo said, letting out a very loud, dramatic sigh.
Given the somber mood of the two, Agnes didn't even have the heart to chuckle at Cholo's poor English.
"Do you mean to say you're fine and I shouldn't worry about you?"
"Yes."
"And how can I not worry when the two most energetic and restless guys I know are suddenly quiet and staring into space?" She stood before them with her hands on her hips.
"It's just so annoying, Big sis."
"Why?"
"Because the ball that big brother got yesterday, those greedy kids just snatched it from us."
"Yeah! I was the one who got that!" Islaw complained, stomping his feet.
This merman is so cute, Agnes thought.
"Why did they take it from you?"
"They claimed it was theirs, Big sis."
"Did they have proof?" she asked.
"None! They just grabbed the ball from me! I was b-bouncing it, and then they suddenly a-approached. I was holding it, then they s-snatched it from my hands. Then they turned around, so I c-chased them, and I took the ball back, then they s-snatched it again from my h-hands, and it kept happening! Then Cholo and I tried to grab it back, and they w-wouldn't let go, so we had a tug-of-war. Then we all f-fell down. And we didn't get the ball back because they r-ran away." Islaw explained all in one breath, still sounding like a child reporting a bully.
"Islaw, calm down."
"How can I be c-calm? They stole the ball! Hmp!" He crossed his arms dramatically and looked away.
Since when did this merman become so sassy? Agnes wondered.
"Islaw, it's just a ball. Let them have it. Just find another toy or something outside. I'm sure there are plenty of things washed up on the shore."
"No! It has to be a ball! I want to l-learn how to play bas-basketball!"
"Islaw, you're being stubborn again. Why do you want to play basketball so badly?"
"Because Cholo t-told me that to make a baby, you need to know how to play b-basketball," he answered.
Agnes's forehead creased. Her eyes narrowed as she turned to Cholo, who suddenly looked like a deer in headlights.
"Cholo, what on earth have you been telling your big brother Islaw now?"
"Nothing!"
"Don't nothing me!"
"It's really nothing, Big sis," he defended, but she knew he was lying, so she turned back to Islaw. The merman never lied.
"Islaw, what did this little brat tell you?"
"He said b-basketball is the way to make a baby. Because it involves s-shooting. He said I'm the b-ball and you're the b-basketball ring."
"Do you want me to pinch your ears? Or maybe your inner thigh?" She glared at Cholo, who quickly clamped his mouth shut.
"Answer me, Cholo."
"Big sis, why are you mad at me? I just answered his question about how to make a baby."
"And why did you even answer him? And of all the answers, why a wrong one?"
"Maybe big sis wants me to tell big brother Islaw the real way to create life," Cholo grinned mischievously, giving her a meaningful look.
She knew he was teasing her. "Watch it, Cholo!"
"Fine, fine. He asked, so I answered. You adults were the ones who told me it's rude not to answer a question, so I answered big brother."
Agnes paused, thinking about what the little rascal said. He had a point. It was rude to ignore someone, but wait! That wasn't a valid reason to teach Islaw nonsense. When she first met Islaw, he was so innocent, but now he was full of absurdity and smooth moves.
"Don't talk back to me like that, Cholo. Do you really want me to pinch you?"
"No."
"There you go. And can you two please stop talking about that topic? Islaw, Cholo is far too young for those kinds of discussions, so don't ever mention that to him again. And as for you, Cholo," she said, turning toward the boy. "There are still many things the two of you don't understand and shouldn't be meddling in at your age, so drop it." She pointed a finger at both of them.
"But Big sis, why don't you want to give big brother a baby yet?" he grumbled.
"Yeah!" Islaw added, pouting. It felt like they were ganging up on her.
"It's too early for that," she replied, looking away.
"Early? You've been living together for months. You sleep in the same room. And most of all, you're married."
"Yeah, Agnes," the other one chimed in.
"And why are you so desperate for us to have a child?" she asked the boy, raising an eyebrow.
"So I can be a godfather," he giggled.
"Godfather? At your age, you can't be a godfather yet. The church won't even accept you because you haven't had your confirmation or first communion."
"It's okay, Big sis. Even if I'm not a godfather on paper, at least pick me anyway."
"Why would I pick you? Instead of giving my child a Christmas gift, you'd probably be the one asking for one," she teased.
"Fine. I guess you guys should just make a baby next time, Big brother," Cholo surrendered, scratching his head.
The kid announced he was going to the bedroom, leaving Agnes and Islaw alone outside. She had been smiling earlier because she won the argument with Cholo, but seeing Islaw's sad face made her smile fade. She wasn't used to seeing him this down.
"Islaw, aren't you hungry? Why don't you join me in the kitchen and I'll cook breakfast for you?" She approached him.
"Later. I'll stay here for now."
"Why are you so sad? Is it really just because of the ball?"
"Hmm-hmm," he nodded.
"It's just a toy, Islaw. Besides, that's not how you m-make a baby," she said shyly.
"Not bas-basketball?"
"No."
"Then w-what do you do to have a baby?" He stared at her intently.
"You'll find out eventually, but not today."
"Why won't you tell me? Don't you w-want us to have a baby? D-don't you want me to be the f-father of your child?" he asked, his face full of sorrow.
"There you go again. You're overthinking things, Islaw." She sat beside him.
"It's your fault."
"Didn't we talk about this? Just understand me, Islaw. It's too early to talk about having a child."
"But I want one. I get j-jealous when I see other men carry-carrying babies. I want to be a f-father too."
"Are you aware of what you're saying? Being a parent is no joke, Islaw. A father carries a huge responsibility. Can you handle that?"
"I can, Agnes. I'll do eve-everything for you and for our baby," he answered, sounding determined.
"But what about our child? Don't you think life would be hard for them if we stay like this? We need to rise up from this kind of life first, Islaw. I'm not doing this because I want to be rich for myself, I just want to give my child a good life. Our child."
"I can do it, Agnes. I'll work for you b-both. N-no matter how hard it is, I'll per-perse— I'll... I'll perse..." Islaw said, as he tried his best to think of the proper words to use. "I'll p-persevere to give you a good life."
Agnes couldn't help but smile. Islaw always managed to impress her with his words and actions. She couldn't help but compare him to her ex-boyfriend, Erick. They were worlds apart.
Maybe Islaw was childlike and not fully mature yet. There were many things he didn't know, and people often called him ignorant because he was clueless about the world. But to Agnes, Islaw was a real man—a man of his word and conviction. He was willing to do anything and face anything for her. He had even sacrificed his safety just to live on land and be with her.
He wasn't like Erick. Erick was rich, good-looking, educated, and successful. But Islaw was more mature in his heart and actions. To Erick, she was just a toy to be discarded when he got bored. Erick was the definition of someone who wasn't a real man. A real man has principles and doesn't play with a woman's heart like that.
"Fine. I agree to us having a child."
"Really?" He perked up.
"But not now, Islaw. I will be the one to approach you when I'm ready," she said, gently stroking his right cheek.
"Promise?" He held up his pinky finger.
"Promise," she answered, interlacing her pinky with his, which finally made him smile.
"Are we okay now? Let's go to the kitchen, I'll cook your favorite."
"Almost, but it's s-still not okay that they t-took the ball," he said, venting like a child again.
"It's just a ball, I'll find you another toy."
"No, I don't want an-another one. I w-worked hard to get that from the sea. Cholo and I c-cleaned it so well. They can't just t-take it." He pouted even harder.
"Islaw, I'll buy you a new one once I have enough money."
"I don't want that. You don't h-have to spend money to buy me a ball. I w-want that one back."
Agnes was about to scold him, but she stopped when she noticed his neck was red. Worse, his arms and legs were covered in scratches. Frowning, she held his arm and felt the rough abrasions on his skin.
"What happened to these? Did someone hurt you?"
"The kids who s-stole the ball. They ganged up on me and Cholo."
"What did they do to you? Why do you have so many scratches?!" She stood up abruptly.
She knew they were just kids who didn't know any better, but she couldn't help but feel furious. She took such good care of Islaw, not even letting a mosquito land on him, yet what did those kids do? Islaw was too kind to be treated this way.
"They kicked me and Cholo, they t-threw stones at us. Then they tripped me so I fell in the s-sand, and I hugged the ball so they s-scratched me, and they p-pulled my hair until they got the ball." His story only added fuel to her anger.
"Get up. We're going to those kids to get that ball back. It belongs to you. Then I'm going to treat your wounds and Cholo's." She commanded with authority, and he simply nodded.
The three of them went to confront the children.
"Mrs. Beng!"
"Agnes, you have a lot of nerve coming here after that crazy man of yours hurt my kids."
"That's not true, Agnes. I didn't h-hurt them because it's f-forbidden to hurt children," Islaw whispered to her, terrified.
"You're a liar as well as crazy! Would my kids come home crying if you hadn't hurt them?" the woman shouted.
"Watch your words, Mrs Beng. I'm a kind person, you know that. But don't you dare insult my husband. He is more sane than your children who steal things that don't belong to them."
"You better watch it," the woman threatened.
"I'm just returning the insult you threw at my husband. Islaw is not crazy."
"No wonder that man acts that way, because his wife tolerates it."
"I support my husband when he's right, and I teach him lessons when he's wrong. What about you? Do you discipline your children?"
"Whoo! Go, Big sis!" Cholo cheered, clapping his hands.
"You've got some nerve! You come here acting tough when my kids were the ones hurt."
"Hurt? Where are the wounds, the scratches, or even the redness? Because I don't see any," Agnes said, pointedly looking at the kids hiding behind Mrs. Beng. "But my husband is covered in scratches and marks made by your children."
"Just leave," the woman said, looking embarrassed when she saw the red marks on Islaw's arms.
"We aren't leaving until you return my husband's toy and until your children apologize."
"We'll return the toy, but we aren't apologizing," the woman replied haughtily.
Mrs. Beng forced the ball away from her children, who were crying and refusing to give it back. Agnes felt no pity. She was usually kind to children, but sometimes she had to be firm, especially when they lacked manners.
"There, now leave."
"We're still not leaving. Your kids need to apologize to my husband."
"You're so persistent!" Mrs. Beng walked toward her aggressively.
"Agnes, let's just g-go home," Islaw said, hugging her from behind in fear.
"We aren't leaving until they say sorry to you, Islaw."
"You're really going to push this?!"
"I am, Mrs Beng. I wouldn't be this persistent if your kids hadn't hurt the person I care for so much. But because he was hurt physically and emotionally, I won't let this slide."
"I wish someone were that sweet to me," Cholo muttered.
"My Agnes," Islaw whispered, tightening his hug.
"My kids won't apologize."
"In that case, let's go straight to the Town hall. I think this complaint will be settled quickly in our favor," Agnes smiled meaningfully. "My husband told me many people saw him get that ball from the sea, which means he owns it. I am also the designated caretaker of this shore, and they were in front of my house when your kids snatched it, meaning to say they are in our territory. And most importantly, my husband is the one with visible injuries."
"Fine, fine!" Mrs. Beng snapped, scratching her head in frustration as she finally surrendered.
As Agnes requested, the children apologized, and they finally headed home. Agnes and Islaw walked hand-in-hand while Cholo praised her bravery non-stop. Agnes wasn't usually one to pick fights; she usually ignored those who mocked her.
But she would never stay silent when it came to Islaw.
"Agnes, thank you," Islaw whispered as they walked.
"Anything for you," she replied with a smile.
She squeezed his hand even tighter.
The bond between them felt stronger than ever after that day. Even as the morning sun began to peek through the windows, the sense of protection Agnes felt for Islaw remained. It was a new day, and life in their small home returned to its usual, lively rhythm.
A small smile played on Agnes's naturally reddish lips as she quietly watched Islaw, who was practically stumbling over his own feet as he ran and bounced the ball, currently playing with Cholo. She, on the other hand, was ready to leave for work.
Today was Monday, so she had to return to the mansion to fulfill her duties. She only hoped that her day inside the mansion would go smoothly; even though she already knew how poorly the people there treated her, she still hoped they might show her some kindness.
"Islaw, Cholo. Go inside now. It's still dark out, but you're already playing outside?"
"Big sis, are you leaving already?"
"Yes, I'll surely be punished again if I arrive late."
"P-punished? Are they m-mean to you there? I'm c-coming with you." Islaw rushed to her side and immediately wrapped his arms around her arm.
"You can't come with me, Islaw."
"I don't want you going alone, Agnes. Are they h-hurting you there?"
She and Cholo exchanged a look.
"No. The people there are kind," she said with a smile, even though it was a huge lie.
"Promise?"
"Promise. I'll be fine. The people there are nice and they treat me well, so don't worry anymore."
"But I want to go. I want to h-help you with your w-work."
"It's just not allowed. Just listen to big sis. She'll be okay, big brother," Cholo added.
"Please take me with you," Islaw said, pressing his palms together as if begging.
"Big brother, you aren't allowed to go there if you don't work there."
"Then I'll w-work there so I can be with Agnes, and so I can h-help you with your chores."
"Islaw, don't be stubborn."
Islaw couldn't argue further when Agnes kissed his forehead. She briefly ruffled the hair of both boys and said her goodbyes before finally leaving. When she arrived at the mansion, her day went as expected. The Acosta couple were already snapping at her, and at one point, they even laid a hand on her—until lunchtime arrived. She was about to head home for her break, but Madame Beattrice forbade her from leaving simply because she felt like it.
"My Agnes!" a familiar voice called out.
She frowned and peeked outside; she was currently on the balcony, wiping the floor with a wet rag. Her eyes widened when she saw Cholo standing outside the gate, and with him was Islaw, who was busy waving at her with a wide grin.
She hurried down to meet them.
"Agnes!" Islaw met her with a little hop before hugging her waist.
"Agnes, do you know these two? They've been causing a stir here for a while now," one of the guards asked.
"Yes, I know them. I'm sorry, please don't mind them. I'll handle this. I hope you won't mention this to Mr. and Madame Acosta."
"No problem," the guard replied.
"Cholo, what are you doing here? Why did you bring him here?" she asked immediately as she turned to the two.
"Big sis, he was so persistent. He said he wanted to see you. He wanted to know if you were okay here. I tried to stop him, but he really wouldn't listen. He made it all the way to the market, and I just followed him. He kept asking people for directions until they pointed the way, and that's how he reached this place."
"You couldn't make him go home?"
"No, Big sis. He didn't want to. I even held his arm, but who am I? I'm just a children, I couldn't handle him. He practically dragged me here!"
"You mean, you're just a child? Go to school, kid," a guard chimed in, only to be met with a glare from Cholo.
"Is that so?" She sighed and turned to Islaw, who was still smiling sweetly at her.
"Agnes, I miss you."
"A bit too much flirtatious, Big brother? It's not like you don't live in the same house," Cholo muttered.
"I just miss her!" Islaw complained with furrowed brows.
"Islaw, why did you come here? Didn't I tell you not to?"
"I wanted to see you. And I want to w-work here too, with you."
"Islaw, please! Why are you so difficult? You're being so stubborn." She couldn't help but drag her hands over her face in frustration.
"Are you a-angry with me?"
"It's just because you won't listen."
"S-sorry, but you can't stop me anymore. I'm g-going to work here. I want to t-talk to your boss."
"Islaw, you can't!" She unwrapped his arms from her and held him by the shoulders. "Listen to me. You don't know who my bosses are or what they are capable of. Please just listen, Islaw."
"Why are you being so s-selfish?"
She froze when her husband suddenly burst into tears.
"Islaw."
"Do you think I'm d-doing this just because I want to? I'm doing this f-for you, Agnes."
"Y-you don't know how it f-feels to be left at home with n-nothing to do while my wife is s-struggling at work."
Agnes couldn't say a word as Islaw's tears hit the concrete floor, instantly turning into pearls that Cholo discreetly picked up. Fortunately, Islaw's back was toward the guards, so they didn't see the magic of his tears. She slowly let go of his arms and stared at her husband in silence. This was the first time Islaw had ever spoken to her like this.
"I love you, Agnes. And it h-hurts as a man, as your h-husband, that I can't do anything. I f-feel like I'm just a burden."
"That's not true, Islaw."
"You're in trouble now, Big sis. You made big brother cry."
"A lovers' quarrel?" one guard whispered.
"It's like we're at the movies, partner," the other added.
"D-do you think I'm happy that you're s-suffering while I'm just at home? I'm n-not happy." Islaw wiped his eyes with his arm.
"I want to help you. I want us to be t-together through h-hardship and comfort because we are husband and wife, but why are you so s-selfish? Why is it so u-unfair? I want to c-contribute to this relationship too." He wiped his tears again, still sobbing.
"I'm sorry, Islaw." She held his hand tightly and rubbed his back.
She hadn't thought of it that way. She hadn't realized that these were the thoughts running through Islaw's mind—that this was how her husband felt. She suddenly had an epiphany because of what Islaw said. She had overdone it. She had been too restrictive with Islaw, and it was a major mistake on her part.
"Time for making up," Cholo whispered.
"Forgive me for being so hard on you," she said to her husband as she pulled him away from the three.
"I don' want to talk to you." He turned his back on her and huddled in a corner.
"Islaw, sorry. I was wrong."
"No, bleh!" Islaw put his tongue out.
"Islaw, please, I'm sorry. I just didn't think about those things. I thought it would be better for you to just stay home. I didn't know it was actually making things worse for you."
"It really was!" He faced her with a scowl.
"I'm sorry, my Islaw." She was also tearing up as she hugged him, and this time, it was her turn to nuzzle into his fragrant neck.
Who wouldn't be moved to tears when this merman is being this sweet?
"Fine, we're okay now."
"Really?" She suddenly felt hopeful.
"Yes. But on one condition. I want to w-work here so I can be with you and h-help you with your t-tasks."
"Are you really sure?" She held his cheek and gently stroked it.
"I can't sta-stand to see you being the only one stru-strug-struggling and getting tired. We are married, so we h-help each other, my Agnes."
"What is happening here?"
They both stopped when a woman's voice rang out. Faster than lightning, she removed her hand from Islaw's cheek and turned toward the speaker. Her hands immediately went cold and she felt the color drain from her face as she saw Madame Beattrice staring at the two of them.
"Who is he? And why are you flirting with him here in front of my mansion during work hours?" the woman asked angrily, striking a deep fear into Agnes.
She didn't know how to answer. She wanted to speak, but it felt like her voice was trapped in her throat. Even her lips were trembling with fear—but she stopped when she felt Islaw's warm hand take her cold one, giving it a reassuring squeeze before he smiled at her.
And in that moment, she was suddenly at peace.