The vid is up there for a reason

------------------------------------

It's almost a week since John appeared, and it's been surprisingly nice. Since majority of my classes were morning, I spent most of my afternoon, before work, teaching John just about anything he needed to know. He was fast to pick up how most of my appliances work. I could trust him enough to use the kettle without my help, though the oven and cookers were still a long way to go. After a while I did let him wander outside the building with me, but only for a bit each time since I had other priorities, and even if he asked I would never let him leave the apartment without my supervision. That one instance when a car honked beside us didn't end very well, and I had to immediately bring him back inside afterwards.

Though I got him undergarments, I still hadn't bought him clothes that would fit him comfortably, and the reason was my pay wasn't coming until this weekend. Thankfully, he was understanding of it; in fact, he was understanding with everything. He helped around as promised, and didn't cause too much of a ruckus. He still got thrown off about a lot of things, like hearing the oven ding for the first time or the beep of the induction cooker whenever I used it, but at least he wasn't scared of the toilet flush anymore.

John was a welcoming company, and it was always nice to come home to him.

Though today was a little different.

I didn't think any words could accurately describe the shock I was feeling right now.

I was more concerned with who was on the floor eating my last cup noodles, but words didn't seem to want to fully cooperate with me right now.

I swallowed nervously. Ever since John arrived, I took it upon myself to research more about him whenever I had the time, so it didn't take me as much effort compared to before to recognize this guy still dressed in his era's clothing. Still, it didn't alleviate the panic that struck me the second I saw him.

Off-topic, for context with the shoes, I made it clear to John that they were not allowed in the house, the furthest those would get would be in the shoe rack (I feel like my mom would whoop my ass if I let outside shoes in even though she was half the world away from being able to physically do so). I provided him a pair of slippers that he was to wear only inside the apartment after he got a little fussy about walking barefoot. He never really complained about anything so I let this one through.

Back to topic.

I clenched my fists and took a calming breath. "Let Alexander finish his food before I talk to him," I wheezed out through tight jaws. I dropped my backpack on the floor and kicked off my shoes before heading to the fridge. I took out a mamon (the sponge cake that I gave John the night he appeared) for myself and ate it as I leaned on the kitchen counter. John stood awkwardly in between me and Alexander as the two of us ate in silence. I was the first to finish my snack, so I stood and waited until Alexander was done, too.

"So," I started. "Alexander."

"Mattie, right?"

I nodded in confirmation, my eyes set on John. He must've told him about me. "How long have you been here?" I asked. Alexander set the now empty cup on the table and stood up, brushing his rear. "I woke up around an hour ago. John found me on the bed. He explained a lot of things, and I refuse to believe I'm in the future," he supplied, "but there's just so many strange objects here in your house not to be convinced. May I ask who's the one in charge here?"

"I am."

Alexander looked shocked. "Do you not have a husband? A father?" he asked. "I'm a student, and I live alone," I informed him uneasily, and he let out a quiet 'ahh' in response. "Alexander, what's the last year you remember?" It was my turn to ask. I had a theory after John told me the year he remembered prior to waking up, so I had to test this on Alexander as well.

"1804."

Yep, that's the year of his death.

John's jaw dropped to the floor as did mine, and I couldn't really blame either of us. The guy died at the early age of 27, while Alexander died nearing his 50s. The gap between their deaths was huge. I had to admit that Alexander looked just about the same age as John for some reason, though he came in a green tailcoat instead of the Continental Army uniform like John did.

"Well, it's 2019 now, and I think John made that clear before I arrived..."

"Yeah, he did."

I noticed how Alexander had his eyes narrowed at me, though there was no real malice in his gaze. "You must have a lot of questions-"

"Yeah, where are we?"

"United States of America, in the state of Virginia."

"United States?"

"Yeah, it's no longer called the Thirteen Colonies, because there's fifty states now."

"Fifty?!"

"Yep."

"What's that thing in your hand?"

"It's a phone."

"What's a phone?"

Oh boy.

And so I went through another series of explanation, but this time with Alexander. John was watching from the sideline, listening intently the whole time. He was a lot chattier compared to John, but I answered his every question to the best of my abilities. I didn't want to elaborate on his interrogation, it would drone on forever. All I'd say is that there came a point where he wanted me to explain about my gender, and the route I had to take with him was painstaking.

He wanted every detail, he wanted to soak it all in at once, and as much as I appreciated his willingness to learn, he didn't really mince his words unlike John, and it made me uneasy for the most part. In the end though, he settled in with the idea, and by the time we were (hopefully) done talking we were face to face. I noticed that his eyes were a bit puffy, and I was yet to ask him about it.

Not the question I really intended to ask first, but hey it was still a question I wanted to know the answer to.

"Well, yeah," Alexander hummed. "I didn't have them with me when I woke up, though."

"I see."

I scratched the back of my head. I glanced at the wall clock, and my eyes bulged out of my head at the time. 6:43. I came home before 3pm. I have been talking to this guy for almost four hours straight and I didn't even realize.

More importantly, work was in a few minutes.

"Shit, I have work in a few. I don't have time to make dinner."

"Don't worry! I can always make that cereal drink," John assured. "I know you trust me with the kettle."

I smiled weakly. "My pay's coming tomorrow after work so I promise I'll take you for some real food," I swore wholeheartedly. I looked back at Alexander, who was staring at me with what I said. "You work?" he breathed out. I shrugged and gave a nod.

"Anyone can go get work now. Guys, gals, nonbinary pals, anyone."

I patted myself on the back for the reference that I knew neither of the guys would pick up. "Anywho, be back at ten. John, please make sure Alexander stays here with you." I went to grab my work shirt hanging on the bed.

"Wait, I want to come!" Alexander whined. "I want to see what the world is like now!"

"Not while I'm at work. Tomorrow afternoon."

"Wait, he gets to go out tomorrow?"

I glanced at John. "Yes?" I answered him. John crossed his arms, his lips forming to a pout. "That's unfair! It took me days before you let me out," he whined. I chuckled under my breath; this was the first time I saw John act like this. "Yeah, well I need Alexander to be out with us when I get him his glasses so he wouldn't be glaring at everything. Though, he's going to be under very careful watch," I reasoned out.

"I'm still here, you know."

"I'm well aware. Now, you seem to be the curious kind so please try not to break or disassemble anything. John?"

"We'll be fine."

John slung an arm over Alexander, a huge grin breaking his face. "We'll just use the time catching up," he assured heartily. I nodded in approval before picking up my sling bag and moving some things from the backpack to this bag. I bade the guys farewell and closed the door behind me. I didn't need to look back and check if I locked it, as John made sure it was. It became a routine we established. He still hadn't earned a spare key though as I couldn't trust him going up and about just yet.

I walked my way to work, and as I entered the store I noticed that Chris wasn't there yet. Instead, the ones before us were still there. "Evening," I greeted, nodding to the worker at the counter before I headed to the back. I punched in and got changed, and I quickly replaced the person at the counter. I forgot their name, don't judge.

It was a Friday night, so it wasn't a surprise that it was going to be a busy shift. Students flooded in for their own personal reasons, but I could take a few guesses for some: getting ready to go home, prepping for parties, and bracing themselves for weekend homework. Most came by for the second reason, meeting up with friends in the store or buying a few bottles. I went through the routine of checking their IDs, regardless if I knew the person or not.

"You already know me, Mattie, come on!"

"Nope, no special treatment. Valid ID, please."

Ryan puffed their cheeks at me and put out the ID that hung around their neck. Much to their annoyance, I didn't even so much as bat an eye at the card as I proceeded to scan the spirits and beers they laid out. "That'll be 24.45$," I pointed out. Ryan placed down thirty dollars, but as I handed them the change and receipt they pushed the former back to me. "Keep it. God knows you need it," they said knowingly.

"You're an angel, Ryan."

Ryan shot me a wink before picking up their bag and heading off. I shoved the tip in my back pocket before quickly resuming to work. Chris was handling the other counter, so I knew he heard everything. Work continued smoothly, and by the time it was 10pm I checked out. Off of my uniform, I wandered the store and thought if I should go get some slurpee before heading home. Tomorrow's pay was tempting me to do so, but the thought of two grown babies idling in my apartment was telling me otherwise.

I went for a bottle of cheap whiskey, a bag of ice, and two liters of coke. Okay, maybe a large bag of chips to go with these as well.

"Wow, got a party in your apartment?" Chris mused when I went to his counter.

"Party for one, more like," I lied.

"And you didn't invite me."

Chris placed a hand over his chest and feigned hurt. I rolled my eyes at him and took out my wallet. "15.27$," he informed. I handed him a twenty, though unlike Ryan I took the change back. Sorry Chris, I'm a little stingy today. Deal with it.

"Don't be late tomorrow."

"I'll try."

"Mattie."

"Chris."

I pulled a child-like grin as I batted my eyes at him. "I'll be fine," I sang. "I haven't had a solo drinking session in forever. I deserve this." Chris hummed unconvincingly, but he got all my paid items and receipt in a paper bag and gave it to me anyways. I blew him a kiss of thanks and sauntered away, walking back up to my apartment with an absentminded smile. When I got to the door, I could hear laughter from the other side. I knew it had to be John and Alexander, however I never noticed the lights flashing through the window.

I knocked on the door before swinging it open, as to not startle the two guys. Though, I wasn't really expecting the door to collide with someone, not especially that I opened it with such force. In that moment, there was a loud thump, and the lights flickered out as a thud came from the floor.

"Shit! Fuck, that hurt!"

"The fuck?"

I turned on the lights with my free hand, and the first thing I saw was Alexander crippled on the floor with his hands over the side of his head and John sitting on the chair muffling his laughter. "Alex, what the fuck were you doing by the door?" I questioned as I went in. I removed my shoes and stepped over Alexander to place the paper bag on the counter. John was still too busy to catch his breath so I had to go back to the front and help Alexander up.

"Do you need some ice on that?"

"Y-Yes please..."

I went to the kitchen and pulled out a face towel. I took out the ice and placed it by the sink before grabbing some and wrapping them in the towel. I placed the make-shift ice pack on the spot where the door hit Alexander, grabbing the man's hand and letting him hold the pack by himself.

"Now, what were you doing by the door?" I asked again, shrugging off my jacket and putting it at the back of the chair.

"That thing on your ceiling caught my interest. John told me it's called the lightbulb. The lighting now is so much brighter and better, and it definitely beats candlelight. If only we had things like these before, then I wouldn't have a hard time writing every night."

"A lot of things are more developed to make everything a whole lot easier now. I think you'll like it a lot."

Alexander grinned, hopeful at what I said. "Did you two have dinner?" I asked as I pulled everything else out of the bag. "Yep! John made us really liquified oatmeal (cereal drink) and some sponge cake (mamon) from the cooling box (fridge)," Alexander answered happily. Thankfully I was facing away so he never saw my confused expression. I tried to figure out half of the things he described, and once I did and placed them in the parentheses I managed to give a response.

"Good."

Wow me, what a response after such a long pause.

"Is that... alcohol?"

In a second Alexander was now by my side, his free hand taking hold of the bottle of whiskey. "Aye," I confirmed, barely holding my excitement. "It's a Friday, and by popular college tradition we are drinking tonight!" Alexander's eyes were wide, and John shot up from his seat.

"Really?"

"Yes, John, really. You two are getting to taste some modern liquor, albeit a cheap one. Now, sit on the floor!"

"I think I like this tradition," Alexander admitted.

I washed the two mugs I found in the sink, most likely the ones they used for the cereal drinks, and poured in ice, whiskey, and coke in that order. I grabbed a bowl and put some ice in it, putting the excess in the fridge for the time being. I placed everything on the floor where John and Alexander was situated before going to get a cup of my own.

The drinking session started rather awkwardly, but as time passed by all three of us slowly loosened up. Alexander was the most talkative, and John was the next. I listened to them for the most part, taking in about the things about their time. They said a lot that you wouldn't get to see in history books, so it was nice that I got to hear all of it.

From the big things left untold, to the little, nostalgic memories.

I don't know when I realized this, but while listening to John and Alexander did I only realize how... human they were. Call it a stupid realization for all I care, but I only knew of these men through the history, both good and bad, that they made for the world to see; in the digitized pages that I scroll through and the still portraits that displayed their picture perfect poise. This was the only time I got to see two historical figures alive and breathing, and despite my knowledge that these two might bring me trouble at some point, this was a beautiful opportunity.

Morning, however, was not as beautiful.

I woke up to ungodly screaming.

"John, alarm lang yun," I grumbled, pulling my pillow close. It was awfully warm. "Please shut up."

"What is that?!"

My eyes shot open at the voice that was definitely not John's. I sat up, and I could already feel my head spin lightly from the aftermath of last night. I blinked, taking in the surroundings. The thing that I thought was a pillow was in fact John, and he was snoring loudly while having an arm loosely around my waist. What concerned me more though was Alexander huddled up at the foot of the bed hugging himself, his eyes wide with fear as he stared at something on the table. He was hyperventilating, and his entire being shook.

"Alex?" I yawned. "Alexander, what's wrong?"

Alexander shakily pointed to my phone, which was still blaring my loud siren alarm. He was tearing up, but unlike how John was the first time he heard it, he was utterly scared for his life. I jumped for my phone and shut the alarm, but even after the room fell into silence Alexander was still trembling.

"Hey, bud."

I scooted over to Alexander, carefully placing my hands on his forearms. "It's okay, you're okay," I cooed gently. "That was just a virtual alarm. It's only in my phone, it just makes noises and that's it. You're safe, it's not out to get you." Alexander whimpered, shrinking more. I frowned slightly, seeing that he wasn't really convinced with my reassurance.

"That noise... it was so loud. It reminded me of something I didn't like."

"Sorry, I didn't know."

I bit the inside of my cheek. He sounded so deflated and embarrassed. "Look, it's okay to be scared, but I'll change the alarm so it wouldn't be as loud the next time around," I promised. Alexander nodded, but he was still tense. "It'll still be loud since I'm a heavy sleeper and I need it to be loud to wake me up, but I'll look for something not as sudden as this one. Okay?"

Alexander sniffled, and I could feel him slowly untense under my touch. "O-okay," he complied weakly. I smiled at him, raising my arms to my side. "Do you want a hug?" I offered. "Hugs make me feel better, so maybe it'll do the same for you." He looked at me warily, but when my comforting gaze didn't waver the slightest he gingerly let go of himself and leaned towards me. I wrapped my arms around him, and as the minutes passed he slowly eased into the embrace.

"Group huuuuuug!"

I held back a giggle when John lazily flung himself at us, his half-asleep or half-drunken self almost knocking all of us off the bed. "Morning, John," I mumbled amusedly. He hummed sleepily, his head nuzzled at the crook of Alexander's neck. I shuffled a bit so I could look at the clock. 5:07. I had plenty of time before my shift, but I also needed to take a shower. Alexander smelled like he needed one, too.

"Okay, you two. I have to go to work. Go hug without me."

I shimmied out of the hug and went to grab two clean sets of clothes; one for me and another for Alexander. Since he was smaller than John, it wasn't as hard to find clothes that would fit him, thankfully. I turned on the oven, and right before I jumped in the bathroom I yelled at John to make the usual breakfast; toast with margarine and sugar.

"Mattie, we're short on bread!" John shouted while I was shampooing my hair.

Ah, shit.

"Just use it all up, it's okay! It's past its expiry anyways."

"What?!"

"That's why I keep it in the fridge--ack!"

I put my face out to the shower head in a desperate attempt to wash away the suds that got in my eyes. "Mattie, what happened?!" I heard John screech. He pounded on the door a second later, the doorknob jiggling.

"I'm fine, I just got shampoo bubbles in my eyes. These may be organic but shit still stings!"

"Oh, okay! I thought that just happens to me."

I laughed loudly as I washed off the rest of the shampoo. "Happens to the best of us," I told him. I finished my shower, changing into fresh clothes before walking out. The toasts were done by then, but John hasn't taken them out. I took the oven mitt that I left beside the oven, and I pulled out the plate and put it on the counter. Two slices.

"You two can have that."

"What's that smell? It's nice."

"The toast or the modern soap?"

Alexander glanced between the bathroom that I just exited and the plate of toast. "Both, I suppose," he shrugged. I picked up the mugs on the floor, discarding the remaining liquid in the sink and washing all of them. John had turned on the kettle for the water to boil. "Hot chocolate or tea?" I asked Alexander. John was already opening the jar of chocolate powder for himself.

"Do you have coffee?"

I pondered for a moment.

"Actually, I do. It's cold, though."

"I don't mind."

I opened the fridge and took out a can. I washed the top of it for a bit and handed it over to Alexander. He looked at the can quizzically, turning it around between his hands as he kept tilting his head. "Oh, right," I sighed. I motioned him to hand it back, and I showed him how to open the aluminum can. He watched intensely, his mouth slightly ajar as I popped the can open.

"Just like that?"

"Yep!"

"How convenient!"

I gave the can back to Alexander, and he eagerly took a sip. He made a face, and I watched him for his reaction. He smacked his lips, stared down at the can, and drank again. "I like this!" he beamed. "I've had cold coffee before, but never intentionally. This is a great innovation!"

I chuckled at his discovery, returning to the counter. After I got myself half a mug of hot chocolate, I turned on the water filter and poured regular water in. "What's that?" Alexander asked, pointing to the filter.

"It's a water filter. It filters the water coming from the tap so that it'd be safe to drink."

"Really? You don't just straight up get it from the tap?"

"No, that's what made people sick."

"How does that work?"

I checked my phone. 5:38. "I'd love to explain it, but I need to go to work. Right now, just know that it makes water drinkable. John, can you teach him how to use it?" John nodded in agreement. He motioned for Alexander to come to the sink, while I returned to the fridge to get a mamon for my breakfast.

"...and when this lever thing is down, the water comes out here instead of going through the filter."

I watched as John pushed the said lever attached to the nozzle down and turned on the sink. "Okay, turn that off. I don't need to pay extra on the water bill," I instructed, and John did as told. I smiled proudly, seeing that John was understanding more and more how everything in the apartment works.

"I'll head out now. I laid some clothes for you on the bed, Alexander. John, teach him how the shower works, and tell him about the toilet."

"What if I don't want to?" John smirked, crossing his arms. I shot him a glare.

"What about the toilet?" Alexander piped in.

"It's-"

"No, don't ruin it!"

John darted across the room to throw his hands over my mouth. "John, fucking hell!" I screamed, but the words were too muffled to be understood. "What is it with the toilet?" Alexander pressed on. His growing worry was showing in his face, and I was trying to pry John's hands off my mouth, but his grip was strong. Mischief danced across John's eyes, but before I really could comment on it he was pushing me to the front door.

"You're going to be late for work, here are your shoes and bag, see ya!"

And just like that the door slammed on my face.

"John?" It took me a second to process what happened. "John!"

I banged on my own apartment door, ignoring my rubber shoes and bag that John threw on the floor. Lintek, he fucking kicked me out of my own place! "John!" I screamed angrily. "My phone, you dumb fuck!" I didn't stop rapping the side of my fist against the door. If I continued on like this, it won't be long until my neighbors started yelling at me for being annoyingly loud so early in the morning.

"Here you go!"

"No!"

John cracked the door open by a fraction, just enough to literally toss my phone out. I shrieked as I dove for my phone, saving it before it hit the floor. "Tangina mo, John!" I yelled, cradling my phone in my hands as the door shut. The phone lit up, indicating I had ten minutes left before my shift starts. I scowled, putting it safely in my pocket. I put on my shoes and picked up my bag and headed out.

I'd have to give John Laurens a piece of my mind later.

------------------------------------

Thankfully my keys were in the bag, so I could come home with a dramatic entrance.

"I'm back."

I made it sure that the door slammed loudly against the wall, but not too loud that it'd sound like a bang. I wouldn't want to scare Alexander, and to an extent myself, with my own action. John jumped, throwing his hands up as he faced the door. "John," I snarled, my voice coated with a sickly sweet tone.

"Hi," John squeaked out, his voice small.

"You're in trouble," Alexander murmured from the table, annoyance evident in his own voice.

I stormed in, taking my shoes off first of course, and crossed my arms. "I'll let you messing with Alexander slide, but never fucking throw my phone like that again," I hissed. "This shit's not only fragile but expensive as fuck, and I literally can't afford breaking it! Are we clear on that?" John nodded vigorously, his mouth tight.

"I am so sorry, Mattie. I didn't know."

"You better be. You gave me a heart attack with what you did this morning."

I looked over to Alexander for a moment. He was holding a can of coffee to his mouth, but it wasn't enough to hide the smirk on his face. Was he enjoying me chewing John out? Maybe. I sighed, turning around to close the door before I leaned on the bedframe.

"Okay, whatever you did to Alexander should better worth kicking me out in my own apartment."

Their expressions instantly switched. "John, don't you dare," Alexander warned. He was slowly putting down his can. John was grinning from ear to ear.

"So, remember the first time you made me take a bath?" he began.

Alexander was glaring daggers at John's back.

"Mmhm." I'd lie if I said I didn't want to see what Alexander was going to do next.

"And the thing with the toilet?"

"Yeah."

He was standing up.

"Well-"

"It was nothing!"

Alexander's face was turning red, lips jutted out. "Really?" I interjected, my anger from earlier being melted away by amusement. "Yes, definitely nothing at all!" Alexander laughed uneasily. "My bath went smoothly. Sure, I might've gotten put off by the temperature of the water, but that was nothing!"

"Wait, put off? Did John turn off the heater?"

"Heater?"

"No, but I-"

"The water was scorching!"

John wasn't even at all annoyed at Alexander interrupting him, while I laughed shamelessly. "Sorry, the water thing's on me. I like hot showers," I apologized, but there wasn't any real sincerity in my voice. "Anyways, John! Back to story!"

"Okay, no!"

"Okay, yes!"

"I'm literally begging you to stop."

"It's okay to be embarrassed with what happened, Alexander. It happened to me."

"It still doesn't make me feel any less ashamed!"

I already had a clue on what John did, pertaining to his refusal to let me explain about the toilet earlier, but I just really wanted to know how it really went down. "I'm taking a piss," I announced, unbashful. I walked to the bathroom, but before I could even reach the door Alexander yanked me away.

"No!" he shrilled into my ear. Ow.

"What are you doing?!"

"It's not safe in there!"

"What do you mean?!"

John finally lost it. He threw himself on the bed, hollering as I struggled to get out of Alexander's grip. "Alex, there's nothing in there that would kill me! Relax!" I grunted, but he didn't listen. This continued on for a while until John finally got up and pried the man off of me.

"Thank you!" I sighed exasperatedly.

I finally got the chance to relieve myself, but as soon as I flushed Alexander was knocking aggressively. So breaking doors seemed to be a common thing in this household, huh...

I washed my hands before opening the door to a very frantic Alexander. "Are you hurt?!" he exclaimed, grabbing me by the side of my arms. I shot an accusing look at John, who still had his cheshire grin plastered to his face. Honestly this was the first time I've seen him so lively, and it must be because of Alexander's presence. I did read that they were close...

"That was the flush, Alexander. Toilets make those noises while they discard the piss and or waste elsewhere where we don't have to deal with."

Alexander's eyes popped. "So, it's harmless?" he asked. I hummed, and in a second he dashed in the bathroom. He slammed the door, and I stared at it dumbfoundedly before I faced John.

"What did you do to the poor man?"

"Oh you know, just told him to push the lever on the toilet after showering. He nearly ran out naked and afraid."

I sighed and placed a hand over my face. "Not even 24 hours in of your friend being in a new era and the first thing you do is to scare him?" I scolded.

"Y-yes?"

Perhaps John wasn't a complete goody-two-shoes as I initially took him to be.

"I-"

I exhaled sharply to calm myself. "Alexander please wash your hands after using the toilet," I reminded out of the blue. "John, I can see you're very much glad to have a familiar face with us now, but can you not scare him needlessly like that again? I can't imagine the stress Alexander is going through right now, and you know you experienced that a week ago, too. As amusing his reaction was, don't do it again. Okay?"

John's grin faltered once I was done talking. "Okay, yeah. Sorry," he breathed, rubbing the back of his head. I nodded, taking a deep breath. I opened the drawers that contained the biscuits and instant meals, and we were running low. I suppose it's time to hit the groceries today as well.

"Okay you two, we're having lunch out and I'm taking you both to Walmart."

------------------------------------

The two men refused to go in the bus.

"For the love of all that is good and holy, just get inside."

John clung tightly to the bus stop sign, and Alexander hugged him from behind. A side note, the latter refused to have a change of pants so his lower half screamed 1800s, and his green pants looked awful with the red hoodie that he wore. He was like a rejected Christmas candy cane with a black licorice bottom that was his leather shoes. John was almost no different with his knee-high soldier boots and worn out basketball shorts, but he had no choice on that part.

"Sir, are your friends going to come in or not?" the driver asked impatiently from behind me.

"Yes they are. They're just really drunk right now to think properly. Please give me a moment."

Ignoring the honorific, I stepped down from the bus's steps and tried to force John's arms off the metal pole. "Guys, come on!" I pleaded. More than this was embarrassing, it was highly irritating. The driver wasn't having any of this though as he shut the door and drove off. I groaned, now we had to wait for another bus again.

"Can you two just please tell me why you don't want to enter the bus?"

"Those doors opened by itself, what if it closes in on me and cut me in half?!"

"It won't!"

"Well how will it know that I'm fully inside and won't kill me?"

"It's man-operated! With a remote! Or lever, or button, whatever they use! It won't close on you!"

"But-"

"Just shut up, both of you!"

I just about had it. I was just trying to be good to them, going out to buy food and clothes for these two men, but my patience was wearing thin. I just got off work, it's a Saturday, I had readings to complete, and I wanted nothing more than to sleep in. "Can you two, for this whole trip, please just cooperate? I know the modern era is overwhelming but I promise you I'm not going to bring either of you to harm. If I wanted to, I would've already done that by handing both of you over to the government."

Alexander may not have heard about the current state of the American government just yet, but John sure had since I made sure he watched the news with me. John reluctantly let go of the pole, but Alexander still clung to him like a koala. That's good enough, at least John could move around. I inhaled deeply, clasping my hands together.

"Thank you."

We sat and waited for the next bus, and once it came I took it upon myself to take the lead when it arrived. John placed his hands on my shoulder, and Alexander returned to hugging him from behind. When I felt John tense, I placed a reassuring hand on one of his as I walked up the bus. I paid for all of us while keeping this strange three-man conga line intact as we continued up the stairs and into the bus. I felt John flinch when the bus door made a whooshing sound as it creaked shut, despite us already inside and a couple steps away from the door.

"See? You two are alive-"

My supposed 'I told you so' was cut short when the bus suddenly moved, making us lurch forward. I gripped on the headrests on both my sides to keep myself from falling, thankfully missing the heads of the people sitting on them. John's grip on me tightened, and by the quiet wince that he let out I assumed Alexander must've done the same to him.

"Okay, just hold on. We're sitting at the back."

I waddled through until we reached the back row. Alexander and John immediately sat on a seat each, both letting out a simultaneous sighs of relief. I too gave my own relieved sigh, but it was more out of the fact that I finally got them to ride the bus. I sat beside John, who sat next to Alexander that had taken the window seat. Not even a minute passed when Alexander was now pressed to the window, his eyes fixed on the buildings that passed by in a blur. John too was staring outside, his mouth ajar at the sight. This was the first time he was seeing most of the outside.

"Oh, what's that?"

"A signage."

"But it's moving?!"

"It's digital, like my laptop."

"How does a laptop work?"

"I'll show you when we get home."

"But we just left!"

"I know, you'll just have to wait."

"But--woah, look!"

"What is it?"

"Oh, it's gone! this thing is fast..."

The entire bus ride was full of conversations like that, but it was mostly Alexander commenting on everything new he saw. Some people stared, but I didn't mind. It was entertaining for me. It didn't take long though (if you discounted for the traffic) until familiar places came into view, and I knew we were near.

"Alright, let's go. Our stop's next."

As I stood up, I saw John and Alexander reluctant to follow. "Just hold onto the railings that I can't reach overhead to keep yourselves from tripping. You can't stay here forever unless you both want to get lost without me."

That got them to stand. I watched as John grabbed for the railings I was referring to, though Alexander preferred to hold onto my arm. We shimmied our way to the front, just in time for the door to swing open. I could hear Alexander gasp softly behind me, and I turned to see him staring at the driver's area.

"So that's what they press to open the doors?" he asked excitedly.

"Yep."

"That's really convenient, not needing to go over the door and actually open it for the people."

"Like I told you, the world now is made to make almost everything a whole lot easier. Complicated, ironically, but easier."

------------------------------------

"Welcome to Walmart, I guess."

John and Alexander had their jaws on the floor when they walked in the large building. People littered the place, and there were so many colorful things for them to look at they didn't really know where to begin. Fortunately though, I did. I headed to the food court, holding both of them in my hands to make sure they weren't going anywhere where I wouldn't see them. I spotted a free table, so I went there first.

"Ok, here's your budget. You two are only allowed to buy food within this area, and don't forget to get the change. After you get your food, come back here so I can order mine."

"Wait, you're letting us roam?" John looked at me with wide eyes.

"Is this me?" Alexander mused, his eyes fixed on the 10$ bill I handed him. "I'm worth a lot!"

"Yeah, I don't know what you guys would like so I'm letting you decide. Though, promise me to stay by each other's side and not leave the food court?"

John looked scared, clutching the money he had close to his chest. "I won't abandon you guys, I'll be right here," I assured, slipping on one of the chairs. Alexander was a little too busy staring at himself on the bill to feel the same pressure that John was dealing with. I put my hand up to John, with my pinky finger sticking out.

"Pinky swear."

Despite the child-like means of promising, John slowly raised his own hand and interlocked his pinky with mine. I gave it a dip before letting go. "Now go explore the food court. I'll wait." He nodded, with a little smile gracing his lips, grabbing Alexander by the arm and dragging him along. I watched them go before taking my phone out and going through my apps.

Ping!

The family group's chathead popped out. I groaned inwardly, not really wanting to open it, but I knew I had to or else they would be ringing my phone to day's end. After some internal struggle, I opened the group chat and read through what I missed. I replied to my parents and siblings, sending them a picture of the food court to prove to them that I was really out for groceries. There was a couple of playful 'I miss you's thrown around, but I knew there was a genuine subtext to it. I refused to send a selfie though in fear of what they would respond to my haircut. My parents weren't entirely traditional, but I wasn't up to know their reaction to this.

"We're back."

I looked up from my phone and saw John and Alex holding a tray each for the food they got for themselves. They wore large grins, as if they just made their biggest accomplishment. "What'd you guys get?" I asked with genuine curiosity. They set down their trays on the table. John got a KFC chicken meal (where is the rice? America explain to me please) while Alexander went for some Greek gyros. Huh, interesting picks.

"The change?"

They handed me back the coins left after their purchase. "You two can start without me. I'll go get my own food, and please watch my bag," I told them as I stood up. I readily went to the sizzling plate stall at a corner. It's been a while since I had something from my home country, aside from the mamon that I got from a package my parents sent me.

"Isa nga pong pork sisig, extra half rice at walang sili," I ordered. (One pork sisig please, [with] extra half rice and no chili.)

The man behind the counter grinned as he heard me, and I knew he understood what I said. "Pork sisig, extra half rice, walang sili at dagdagan mo ng chicharron!" he told the chef, who gave a verbal confirmation from the kitchen. My mouth mirrored his. Hearing my language be said my another gave me a small sense of home. Also it was for the extra toppings he said to be added to my order as well. Gosh, I love Filipino solidarity. (Pork sisig, extra half rice, no chili and add more chicharron!)

I paid for my food, and I put my change in the tip jar. I waited until I was given a tray with a sizzling plate of my order, the egg still cooking in the cast iron. It took all my will not to jump and squeal at the food, thanking the cashier and nearly running back to my table. As I excitedly set my food down the table, John and Alexander eyed my meal curiously.

"What did you get?"

"Sizzling pork. It's a meal from my home country."

"The egg is raw. Do you guys eat eggs raw?! Disgusting!"

"No! It's still cooking."

"What? How?"

I hurriedly picked up my spoon and fork and began mixing the egg with the viand. "The black plate is actually cast iron, and it can be heated enough to cook food and be served at the same time. That's why it goes with this wooden block underneath, so that people can handle it while it's still hot."

The two watched as the transparent egg white slowly turned opaque as I continued mixing it into the pork. Afterwards, I took the saucer of soy sauce that came along with it and poured it into my rice and viand. They watched with awe as the plate sizzled upon contact with the liquid and emitted a tiny bit of steam.

At this point I was practically drooling; the sound, the smell. Oh, I missed this. I didn't wait a second longer and dug in. The taste was immaculate, and if I wasn't too busy cooling the still hot food in my mouth I might've moaned from the foodgasm.

"Wait, you said that that dish is from your home country," Alexander spoke up after swallowing.

"Mmhm." My mouth was too full at the moment for a worded response.

"So you're not American?"

"Uh-uh."

"You're an immigrant, then?"

"I guess you can say that."

"Hah, just like me!"

I looked up from ravishing the sisig. "You're not a natural born American, Alexander?" I asked in surprise. I haven't really taken the time to research thoroughly about him, so this was definitely new to me. A bit of a shocker on my side too, considering that he was a Founding Father.

"Born in the Caribbean. Grew up there in Saint Croix before I sailed to America at 19," he explained.

I hummed in awe. "Philippines, born and raised. Moved here when I was 19 as well," I said happily, yet forlornly.

"Wait, how old are you now?"

"Uhh, twenty."

"Twen-?!"

I pulled out the bottle of water that I had in my bag and opened it for the now choking John. He grabbed the bottle and took greedy gulps, panting and coughing as he pounded his chest. "You're so young!" Alexander pointed out.

"How old did you think I was?!"

"I don't know. I was expecting around 25 or something since you're all alone and working. I knew you looked too young to be that old."

I wasn't sure if I should be happy or offended by that. "Well, two years ago I was mistaken for a 14 year old so they do say I look like a child. I wish I was still really a child, though."

The last bit fell into a mumble, so neither heard it through the buzzing food court. I scooped another spoonful of my food, but didn't eat it just yet. "Hey, want a taste?" I offered Alexander, since he was the one beside me. "Yes, please!" he answered eagerly. I blew on the food in the spoon before putting out for him, a hand underneath to make sure nothing went to waste.

"Mmmm! It's good!"

"I wanna try, too! Feed me, Mattie!"

I laughed at John's request. I got another scoop and did the same for him, and his eyes lit up as he chewed. "Is there any more here that sells your country's dishes? I think I'd love to try more out," Alexander requested. He was practically bouncing on his seat as he looked around the food court as if it would help him identify which stalls had them.

"I don't know, I haven't really explored everything yet." There was laughter in my voice as I spoke.

"I think we should! Let's do it, please Mattie?"

"Hmm..."

I had to admit, I found it hard for me to say no to these two grown men were giving me puppy eyes. Well, I wasn't really the type of person to say no to my friends (it turns into a problem sometimes, I'll admit it... okay, most of the time), but this time around I had things to do and I wanted a good sleep.

"We can do that some other time. Come on, let's finish our food so we can start shopping."

And so the rest of our late lunch went by with the three of us sharing food (they insisted I have a bite of theirs, too. How sweet of them) until it was all finished up. I grabbed their hands once more and led them to the grocery store, where rows upon rows of aisles greeted us. I headed to the carts and got one along with a basket.

"Okay, rules! You can wander for as long as I can see you guys. No putting of things in the cart without my permission, we're on a strict budget. Do not yell when you see the prices, things are a lot expensive now than before. When you want something, tell me first and show me how much It costs. If I can't afford it, I'm sorry. Got that?"

"Sir yes sir!" John and Alexander gave me a mock salute. I swear, these two share a brain cell or something.

I giggled, pushing the cart. "First things first, clothes for the both of you!"

I knew I'd get cheaper clothes in a thrift store, but I'm not sure if I had the mental capacity to take two trips in one day. I let John and Alex roam around the clothes section while I checked for slippers for Alexander. I went for the one dollar rubber pair.

"What the hell? This shirt is 20$?! What is this this?"

"Alexander, you had an almost ten dollar meal and you're complaining about a shirt that's double the price."

"That's too expensive!" I called from the other aisle.

In the end I had to assist them. Each of them got three sets and a jacket, while Alexander got a pack of underwear. The rest of shopping was a little smoother, the two guys letting me pick the food. They had a lot of questions, especially Alexander, and I tried to answer them as much as my tolerance would let me.

I got the usual college staple of instant noodles, oatmeal, cereal drinks, and biscuits. I also got a loaf of bread, a small bag of rice, and half a dozen of eggs. John wanted some chocolate, so I allowed him to get a bar, while Alexander asked for some coffee since he apparently emptied the stock I bought the week before (How does this man not have palpitations? It's either that or he's really good at hiding it).

"Coffee comes in packets, too?"

"Yeah, though you have to mix it with hot water, unlike the can that's already ready to drink." I cleared my throat. "So, how do you like your coffee?"

I looked at the array of instant coffee before us. Alexander scoured through each brand, thoroughly reading everything that was written with his face up close while he did so. "Three in one, what does that mean?" he asked me without tearing his eyes off the current package that he was holding. "It means it has coffee, sugar, and creamer all in the mix," I answered readily. Alexander crinkled his nose at the thought before hastily returning the pack. In the end, he went for instant black coffee.

After getting in line and paying for the groceries, I headed to the pharmacy and checked on the reading glasses they had.

If he needed glasses like mine, it'd take me another good month or so before I could afford it, especially in this country.

------------------------------------

Easy Cheese wasn't really part of the budget, but since Alexander had to be so nosy behind my back I had to pay for it. I returned to the grocery and bought elbow macaroni for it. Macaroni and cheese would make more food than using the Easy Cheese as a spread, after all.