IMAGINE2: 2020 Meal - Manila Philippines

Chapter 2
2020 Dinner - Manila, Philippines


It was heavily raining outside when i looked out to the window. I checked my phone if the Red Cross - Rizal Chapter had contacted me for another relief operation to another squatter's area just right here in Manila. But, how fool I am to expect the red cross would call me or text me if the relief goods were already gone almost a year ago? Well, maybe new donations came. However, that's might not be possible with this situation.
I opened the TV and tuned it in to the news. The news were all still the same but new sets of name are being mentioned. New sets of unfortunate people and children who died while sleeping for not eating adequate and nutritious food; and committed suicide because of too much guilt of not being able to feed their family. Without noticing it, tears suddenly fell from my eyes.
"Yan, dinners ready!" Shouted my mom from the kitchen.
"Go ahead Ma. I can't join you for tonight's meal. I have to finish my dissertation," I replied as i wipe my eyes with my hands.
"But AJ wants you to eat with us. Your younger brother prepared your favorite Adobo Pills. You know that Adobo pills are very expensive now adays. You might hurt his feelings if you're not gonna join us. Resume your work after dinner. This won't buy you a lot time. Come on!" Argued My mom.
"Ok Ma. Be there," i replied while turning off the TV.

"How's your dissertation?" Asked my brother about 14 years old when i finally reach the table.
"Im actually done. Just doing some reviews and reruns" I replied while kissing him in the left cheek.
"Just as always. Always trying to get the highest grades. Hahaha..." he teased me.
"I'll take that as a compliment AJ" i defended. "Anyway, thanks for this huh. Where did you get this by the way?" i asked.
"I won in an essay contest. And this is the prize. I know this is your favorite ever since the rice stock here in the Philippines got screwed up. But, how i wish i could still buy rice and a real meat and veggies to cook your favorite pork adobo and chopsuey." He answered with a sad tone.
"Don't worry about it, this is not going to take long. I know" i remarked while patting him at the back.

"Boys, you can't do anything about that. Let's just be thankful that there's this substitute food for us to survive." said my mom.
"But Ma, I'm sick of it!" i contested.
"Let's finish our meal" said my Mom.

I know that she dont wan't to have an argument with me again. She believed that we can't do anything about the current situation today. She always say that miracle is the only thing that we should expect to change the course of our world today. But i totally disagree with her.

"I wish he has a plan." I murmured.
"What? Who?" asked my Mom and AJ. Confused.
"Huh? Did i say something?" i replied.
"Yes.You said 'I wish he has a plan,'" urged AJ.
"No! Go eat your dinner AJ. You're just hungry". i said without looking to his eyes.

Suddenly, my phone ring.
"Continue eating your meal big bro. Let me get your phone." He insisted.
"Ok. That must be my classmate again. Tell him to come here and pick me up tomorrow at seven." i said.

"Hey, this is not your classmate. He wants to talk to you. He said it's urgent but he won't tell his name. His accent is weird." AJ said.
"Give me the phone" i insisted. I went to my my room and locked the door.

"Hello? Who's is this?" I asked.

"We have no time Edrian.Go to Washington DC now. I've prepared your flight and your excuse for your tomorrow's defense to your dissertation. The old team will be meeting you there this Saturday at 5:00. Agent Jake Baird will be your Team leader."

"Woah. Wait! Is this you Alchemy?" i asked. Excited and surprised.

"There's no other."

Then the line went dead. As usual, he remained mystery to us. I started packing my stuff and rush down the stairs.

"What in the World is happening?" Asked my mom.
"You know that Ma." I replied.
"No, i mean where are you going?" Asked my mom again.
"This is urgent Ma. I can't explain it now."

A new glimpse of hope came to me again.

"This is gonna be tough. I know for sure. But i would not let this opportunity to save the world to be a mess. I have to do this!"