Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 141
After being reminded by Maya to take care of himself and not overdrink, Karlos left the house, closing the gate softly.
He found Andres and Brandon waiting for him, standing by the road.
"Where's Jerry?"
"He said he won't come. There was a ruckus in their house, although I don't know the specifics," Brandon answered, scratching his head. He was the closest one to Jerry's house.
"Are Jerry and his family alright?" Karlos was concerned.
"It's nothing big, I think. Jerry didn't explain it, so I went to Andres's first before going to your house."
"Haha, I knew you would come!" Andres laughed, patting Karlos's shoulder. The three men went to Antonio's house, and it seemed that the party was already going on.
Antonio rented a karaoke machine for guests who wanted to sing. There were many delicacies on the table. Naturally, there were also bottles of beer in a huge styrofoam box with ice floating in it, cold enough to satisfy the guests.
"Karlos, Andres, Brandon, you guys showed up! Come, come, let's eat first." Antonio smiled at them. His grin was wide, and he was a little wobbly and tipsy. He invited them to the party.
Many people showed up, even wives and young kids. The food was free, and everyone wanted to take advantage of the situation. The dishes were a mix of meat and fish, making the guests happy. Even Domingo's mother was there, packing food into her plastic bags.
The three men ate, and next to each of them was a bottle of beer. They listened to the loud karaoke music. Unfortunately, once in a while, someone offbeat would sing, making the performance horrifying and causing the crowd to laugh and boo the singer.
"Hey, Karlos, you and Brandon are still working together, right?" Antonio approached them, slightly tipsy. His face was red from alcohol and happiness. One of his dreams was to be a boat captain, and now he had reached that point in his life, a very proud moment. He now owned a commercial trawler boat.
"Yeah, Brandon and I are partners," Karlos answered and chugged his beer, letting out a sigh.
"Well, I thought your partnership was not permanent. I was thinking of hiring Brandon for my team. You know, I need to build a new team for my boat."
"What about your three workers?"
"They are included, of course. But I need more, at least five more people to make a crew. Besides, my second son is interested in fishing, so I also have to look for another team for him. Brandon is a good guy, and I can entrust him to take care of my son. But oh well, it seems like you guys are doing well." Antonio laughed and scratched his neck.
Unlike the others, Antonio knew that Brandon was a nice guy. He saw him growing up. Aside from having crossed eyes, Brandon was a kindhearted person.
"Not a chance." Karlos shook his head. Brandon was a worthy partner.
"Haha, small matter, don't take it seriously. Although I hope that whenever you see my son at sea or at the fish port, please look after him and take care of him."
"Your son is not that young. I'm sure he will be fine and capable."
"Indeed, indeed."
For a father, Antonio wanted his children to grow up healthy and become good people. He also wanted them to stand on their own and become adults.
Antonio thought of inviting his second son to sail with him, but that kid didn't like being bossed around. So they compromised, and Antonio gave the bangka to him instead.
Antonio had four children. The eldest son and the only daughter had already finished college. The daughter was working in the city, while the first son was working in Maynila.
His second son didn't go to college, while his third son, the youngest, was still in high school.
After that short conversation with Antonio, the three men continued drinking. Their laughter grew louder as more alcohol filled their system.
As expected, old man Ted showed up. The carpenter found a seat and opened a bottle using his teeth with ease.
"Old man Ted, mind taking a few minutes of your time?"
"Karlos, are you going to ask about the two beds, perhaps? They are going to be finished tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to deliver them to you."
"About that,"
Karlos explained that the headboard of the bed broke because he slipped while walking to the bed. That was the best excuse he could think of.
"You broke it? For that headboard to break, it must have been a strong impact. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine. Nothing bad happened."
Strong impact? Nah, it was more than one. The bed was basically rocking like it was under a strong earthquake, like a 9.8 magnitude or something. The memory made Karlos cough lightly.
"I'll fix it tomorrow. Just take it outside the house so that I have a big space to work with. No need to pay me. What you paid me last time is already enough." Being an old man, Ted was grateful that someone still needed his skills.
"But I insist," Karlos answered, sounding firm.
"Alright, just give me a portion of your catch tomorrow. That will do."
Old man Ted had extra material for the headboard, and he could fix it quickly.
"Thanks, old man Ted."
"It's nothing. Now let me enjoy my drink. I rarely have the time to enjoy free alcohol."
Karlos laughed. Old man Ted was right. Free drinks were delicious and tasted better.
He returned to his friends and continued drinking. Just when they thought the party was over, another batch of beer came, and the party went on until midnight.
But of course, Karlos kept his promise. He returned home before 10 p.m.
"Wife~ wife~"
Karlos kept calling for Maya. His steps were shaky but eager. The woman sighed and opened the door for him.
"The children are already sleeping in their crib. You should be quiet," Maya said in a softer tone.
"Hm," Karlos drunkenly nodded, then hugged Maya, wrapping his arms around her.
"You smell so good."
"You smell so bad," Maya replied. Her nose wrinkled. The alcohol was lingering on Karlos, making her frown.
"I prepared something for you to eat and drink. Let's go inside." Maya helped Karlos to the dining table.
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