Tanaga was enjoying the attention Fely was giving him, he has never been loving attention like that in his entire life. Therefore, his two dimples are prominently showing while Ashley’s brothers are busily eating the food in front of them.
However busy, they were shoving food on their mouths; they did not forget that they have company. And they are eating with Ashley’s big boss, so they showed their professional etiquette. Tanaga was very impressed with Ashley’s whole family, so he couldn’t help himself but interview the entire family.
He leaned towards Fely first before, "excuse me, Mrs. Gusman... I hope you don’t mind, and I would like to get to know more about your family?" Tanaga asked while still smiling and showed all of the pearly white teeth and two dimples heavily indented on his handsome face.
"Oh, it’s ok, Sir Jones! I don’t mind at all. Please ask anything you want to know, and I will answer you to the best of my ability." She replied with kindness in her voice.
"Thank you! But if you don’t mind, please call me Tanaga. I don’t even allow Ashley to call me Sir Jones." Tanaga asked, which pleased Mang Jessie because Ashley’s boss was courteous and looked kind.
"Can I start with you?" Tanaga reluctantly asked Fely.
Fely looked at Ashley first to make sure that she has no issue with her answering Tanaga’s inquiry. Even though they have nothing to hide, she didn’t want Ashley to be embarrassed in any way. When Fely saw Ashley smile while still eating, she continued and introduced each one starting with herself.
"I am Mommy Fely, Fifty-five years old, and a retired Teacher. I have a small stall in Divisoria, and I sell groceries." She then held her husband’s arms and introduced him next.
"And this is Ashley’s father, of course... Dr. Jessie Gusman, fifty-six years old and like you heard, he’s a doctor. He has a small clinic in our neighborhood, nothing fancy. He’s in General Practice, and he offers his service free of charge." She was smiling brightly eyes were shining as she spoke about her husband.
She continued and elaborated a little more when she saw that Tanaga’s eyebrow roused when he heard that Ashley’s father was healing people for free. "Because he was able to study for free, he promised that he would one day help and give back to society.
"That is why he retired early from the hospital where he used to work, and now he is the village doctor." Fely proudly introduced her husband.
"Gosh, that’s nothing to be proud of...Actually, Sir Jones, I also accept donations from the Government. I get yearly grants for medicines, subsidies for electricity, water, and medical supplies. So it’s not true that it’s for free." Jessie humbly replied as he interjected in their conversation.
"It’s ok. As long as you don’t ask for a payment, that means your service is for free!" Tanaga said, still smiling and obviously serious with getting to know Ashley’s family.
"True! True, I guess you are correct, for that matter Sir Jones. Anyway, I will let Ashley continue to introduce her older brothers." Fely spoke loudly to get Ashley’s attention, who was still busily eating. "Ashely! I said that you would be the one to introduce your brothers!" Fely said with a loud voice.
When Ashley still did not answer, Tanaga elbowed her, and that is when she noticed that her mother was talking to her. "Oh, What?!" Ashley snarled at Tanaga, but she quickly retracted it when she realized that her whole family was looking at her, including Tanaga, who was looking at her with wide eyes.
"I’m sorry!" Ashley quickly asked for forgiveness, especially when she saw Tanaga raise his eyebrows. "I was just surprised!" with a little smile.
"Were you saying anything, mom? I’m sorry. You know me when it comes to food, I even forget my own name. Hahaha!"
Tanaga decided to answer Ashley’s question so she would shut up or else they might get caught. "Can you introduce me again to your brothers? Not just their names."
"Oh, is that it? Why don’t you let them introduce themselves." Ashley roared so her brothers could hear her.
Arman was the first to stand up. "Hello, again, Sir Jones! I’m Arman, 31 years old, engaged to be married. I have a degree in Business Management and currently working as Night Auditor/Manager in a small hotel." He then sat down after introducing himself and shook hands with Tanaga.
Arthur then stood up. "I’m Arthur, 29 years old, a Seafarer. I’m currently on vacation preparing to take an exam for the Captain License. Still single and saving up before getting married."
"I’m Ariel, 27 years old. I am a Chef at a cruise-ship in Asia. Single with a lot of women chasing after me. Hahaha."
"I’m Arnel, 25 years old. Still studying Law, with one year to go before I graduate."
"I’m Arnold, 23 years old. I’m also a student like my brother Arnel." He sat down without mentioning what course he was taking.
"What course are you taking?" Tanaga asked curiously. He couldn’t believe that Ashley’s whole families are professionals or would-be professionals someday. He admired the parents on how they were able to send them all to school and continue to support them.
"I’m in my third year of Med school. I still haven’t decided as to what specialization that I would take!" Arnel answered politely as he sat down after shaking hands with Tanaga.
Tanaga was stunned and couldn’t believe that Ashley’s family were all scholars. He was elated that the whole family answered him in detail and made him feel welcome. However, one thing he wasn’t sure of is if his wife also graduated or what?
All he knew was she was supposed to work as an assistant, but she never mentioned if she has a college degree. Or maybe she did, only he didn’t pay attention? He thought as he was waiting for his father-in-law’s turn...