Cookie dela Torre

“I don’t know why I wanted these so much as a child,” she mulled to herself, the tubed candy seemed so bland in comparison to the desserts she bakes. “Do you want the rest of the krim stix? I think I’m done.”

"Oh? That must be quite a high regard considering you seem to like every kind of cookie I bake." Cookie said, taking the sweet sentiment wholeheartedly. "That makes sense that she is on the newspaper team then. Seems like that would be a useful skill.  I know, I know but you have to admit there are some times where things are better off not to share." Cookie somewhat explains herself, knowing that Eliza's opinions were her own and she couldn't change it. "Yes, apparently. Though don't worry, I'll still associate that with you. I believe she goes by the name, Fin? Don't worry there will always still be one Eliza. I think she's more interested in you, not trying to be you. But, that's just me. She seems nice." Cookie said as she giggled along with her friend, laughing at how amusing Eliza's reactions were then nodded brightly at her next words. "That sounds perfect to me! I'll even bring some snacks whenever I do come there. Oh! That's smart of you to outline benefits included! I should consider doing the same though I'll need to think of those first." Cookie pondered out loud.

Cookie smiled once she was given the permission to proceed and take the chair, thankful that the person was kind and didn't mind the slight disruption. "Thank you so much." She whispered back, beginning to carry the chair mere inches off the ground. "I wouldn't necessarily say I need someone to pity me. I'm okay with the size I am. It only takes just a little extra creativity. Nothing wrong with that." She whispered with a bright smile, pep in her tone.

"There may be. It really depends on the person so you never truly know." Cookie simply answers with a smile. "Well, I feel like I shouldn't be speaking on Eliza's behalf so you'll have to find out from her yourself. All I know is that she always has something new going on." She said, somewhat teasingly. "So far, but don't worry about it! I'm sure we'll have more members soon! All you have to worry about is coming to the meetings and get your chess skills ready, you can count on me for everything else! Oh, I see. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for that. I am definitely curious for that." She said with a smirk. "Maybe, though that's only because my friends have a fondness for wordplays. No, no, it's not too much work, it's all fine! I take it easy when I can, don't worry about me."

She noticed that the girl at the table was busy with her work, seeing that she may have been having some trouble and frustrations. She almost regretted bothering the girl since she seemed like she needed all the focus and concentration she could get but did so anyways, making sure to be quick and not be more than a bother than necessary. Cookie smiled back at her and nodded when she was given the gesture to go ahead. "Well, it is the library so quiet is what you'd normally expect. Glad? You seemed to be very busy, I'm sorry for making you pause your work. Thank you." She whispered back.

"Of course, of course! I'll be sure to tell you whenever I do have the time to get him checked. I'll try my best to do that as fast as possible and hopefully, it'll work with your schedule so you'd be able to come." Cookie smiled at the warm image of Nico holding Biscuit's paw at the vet. "Aww, I think he'd love that very much."

Cookie smiled and nodded as soon as the permission was given, whispering a very soft and appreciative, "Thank you!" She took the chair and carried it a mere inch from the ground before shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, I'm good. I'm sorry to have bothered you."

Cookie: But sure! Yes! Of course I'll help you! That's why I wanted to watch, so I can learn how to make it! I will come as soon as my class is finished!

Sigh. Cookie stared up at the top shelf that she knew the book currently in her hand ready to shelve had to be placed. Being not the tallest of people ever, it was rather difficult to do her job at the library sometimes, especially when it meant reaching higher places. But, the job still had to be done and she wasn’t one to complain. The library ladder was too far away for her taste so instead, she turned around and went for the chair at the closest table to her. “Excuse me, may I use this chair please?” Of course, she had to be polite and ask the person sitting at the table first.

“Honestly, I don’t know who named me. Though, I think that Filipinos have a thing for naming kids, especially those that would end up becoming street kids, the very first random thing that came to mind. So, maybe the person naming me really wanted a cookie or something. It’s okay. It’s a better name than some of the kids I grew up with like Kuto and Potpot. Cookie is a far better sounding name than head lice and fart.”

“Yes, I do! When I moved to the states, I found quite an enjoyment from puzzles and different board games. I learned of chess in the PI, at the corner alley where the drunks and gamblers would play poker and mahjong. There was also a chess set and a lolo taught me how to play. Also, in that time, I learned how to play poker and solitaire and also monkey-monkey. I don’t know if there’s an English equivalent to that game. Though kids in the PI had quite active games they’d play, so I mostly played those and I loved playing langit-lupa, tumbang preso and tago-tagoan, or in English it’s called, hide and seek.”

"Well, now you have all of those cookies as well as the bonus of this Cookie," she said with a soft, sympathetic smile. "She can't be all that bad though maybe it may be a good idea to tone down on mentioning her. Ignorance is bliss? It's okay on my side, though could always be better. I have at least one new member per club at least. But then again, it can be difficult to find people excited for chess club. Though there was this one girl who had quite an enthusiasm for it. She popped out of nowhere, all pumped to sign up, reminded me of you. She mentioned knowing you actually." Cookie said and then nodded, face brightening at Eliza's words. "I'm never too busy to help where I can but that sounds perfect! I can definitely do that."

Cookie: Oh, is that so? Like who so far? Hopefully you will be!! I would love to watch, maybe even help if I can! You really think it will take that long? Is it hard to make?

Cookie: Next time you must wait for me so I could watch! Please??!!!

“Yes, that’s his name! You like the name too? I thought it would be fitting, especially considering my own name. Oh, you wouldn’t mind coming with us?! If you want to then that would be great, I don’t see anything wrong with that. More the merrier!”

“Wow, your life must be very sensitive if I can ruin it so easily without even trying.”