In The Dark
“Uno, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?”
At the risk of being called unoriginal by Lugosi, who gets up to pound away at his drums only when everybody else has gone to bed, this is how my nights are spent recently: unable to sleep, lost in thought. My favorite cup of cocoa is of little consolation. My mind remains restless and filled with uncertainly.
“Care for a cup of hot cocoa, Manx?”
“At 3AM?”
“How anyone can sleep with Lugosi making heavy metal music every night has always been a mystery to me.”
Manx Minuet knows me too well. It must be the so-called woman’s intuition, or the fact that she’s been with me longer than anyone who lives in the Mistula Complex, our home within this home. She sits beside me in the middle of the gloom, smiling amiably.
“You always blame Lugosi when you’re trying to skirt the issue. Are you worried about Joey?”
Bingo.
“Hard not to worry when she has a tumor the size of an overgrown watermelon.”
Manx’s laughter is as melodic as her guitar riffs, and it lifts my spirit a bit. “That’s not a tumor, idiot. She’s having a baby.”
“A baby,” I repeat, rolling the thought over and over in my head. “You know, I’ve taken this pregnancy matter lightly because I didn’t completely understand it. How can I possibly know that a human can grow inside another human? It’s too… sci-fi.”
“I think it’s more magical than logging onto a website and choosing a ‘child’ from an array of promotional photos like how it’s done with us ball-jointed kind.”
I gaze at Manx, at her lopsided smile. The light did mesmerizing things to her eyes, and sometimes I wonder why I haven’t fallen in love with her. “It’s certainly humbling to realize how simple we are compared to them.”
“Oh, please. There’s nothing simple about winning a limited edition Volks Super Dollfie like you in a lottery. Joey wished for you, and here you are. It’s fate!”
“Manx, she wished for Shiro Tachibana but he’s sold out. I’m second choice. Naming me Uno is an attempt at absolution.”
“Uno, for all you’ve accomplished, you should’ve at least gained some self-esteem.”
“Not after I discovered how humans came to be,” I insist, hoping Manx will be more open-minded than sympathetic. “This child that grew inside Joey – she created herself. She’s made out of a million circumstances, hopes and prayers that came together at one perfect moment. Joey and Rey can’t say they created this character out of the limited knowledge they had: this being is new and unlike any other.”
“A one-off.”
“No. An individual.”
Manx is beginning to look at me like I was going insane.
“This child, she is borne out of dreams her mother never thought she had,” I voice out. “Is it a coincidence that Joey asked her friends Fabo and Hannah to paint a little girl cavorting inside their house – long before she knew her first child is going to be a girl?” I shake my head. “I doubt it.”
Manx turns away from me and peers into the dark. I take a sip of cocoa and find that it’s gone cold. I set the mug aside.
“This little girl has been here long before she was conceived. She owns this place, Manx, and she will change everything.”
A slight crease forms between Manx’s eyebrows. She absentmindedly puts a pinky in her mouth, chews on a fingernail. It’s finally sinking. After a long silence, she says, “So?”
What a letdown. I sigh. “I’m just thinking, heck, what if she hates dolls and throws us out?”
“No way.”
“It’s a possibility.”
“You think she likes our music?” she asks, alarm in her voice.
“Who knows?” I shrug. “But this I’m sure of: she will be the center of our universe for a very long time.”
“Well, I’m sure Joey and Rey will still find time for Mistula!” Manx tried to sound confident and failed miserably. “When is this child’s arrival date?”
“August 30, 2010. National Heroes’ Day.”
“This Monday? Too soon! Unless of course she’s held up at customs.”
“Er, I don’t think that’s going to happen, Manx.”
“We have a new song to release next month! You don’t say–“
“Everything is going to change.” I tell her, patting her hand. Her lilac eyes are wider in realization and disbelief.
“What are we going to do, Uno?”
“What we always do: sit and wait.”
“Sit and wait,” Manx whispers, searching for more answers in the dark. At least I won’t be sitting alone tonight.
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August 27th, 2010 - 20:27
Goes and sits down with you
…
…
…For once, I absolutely don’t know what to say. Shocking, really. I guess I, too, have come to ignore that thought for the past several months of knowing Joey’s condition, or perhaps subconsciously tried to avoid it the whole time.
Mistula, remember, you are, and always will be Joey and Rey’s first child. Things will change, but the aforementioned fact never will. If you’re fearing what I think you’re fearing, don’t. That won’t happen. You’re just…too special…
August 28th, 2010 - 17:59
Maybe Lugosi is right; we did stay on top of the Overplay charts for four straight weeks without Joey and Rey’s help. I shouldn’t underestimate the power of an idea.
Thank you, Andy.
August 27th, 2010 - 23:35
…………..
August 28th, 2010 - 20:27
August 27th, 2010 - 23:45
Early congrats to Joey and Rey. Everyone is growing up and going through different stages – and that goes for Mistula as well. It’s an honest thought, being worried. But I doubt Joey and Rey will kick you guys out anytime soon, if at all. If it’s any consolation, I think they love you guys too much to do something as coldhearted as that.
August 28th, 2010 - 20:41
Unless Bean, for some reason, develops pediophobia (fear of dolls). I must remember not to make scary faces when I see her.
August 27th, 2010 - 23:47
Ah, you guys. *offers you guys big hugs* If its anything, I think it’s just another chapter into your lives as much as it is another chapter in the lives of Joey and Rey– it’ll also be another chapter for us fans as well. I think things will still definitely work out for the best, no matter what may change.
If its anything, I am sure there will never be a lack of love for you guys
August 28th, 2010 - 20:43
Aw, thank you, Krishna. And you’re not a fan, you’re a Mistula roadie!
It’s always the love and support that keeps the band going. As long as you guys are around, Mistula will live!
August 27th, 2010 - 23:50
Oh. Something that may or may not cheer you up. I made the mistake of telling Shun about Shikai’s World Tour a week ago. Now he won’t stop bugging me about packing him in a cardboard box, extra peanuts, and a first class ticket-stamp. I blame my endless free time and your blog – for making me annoyed, and sad.
…Here’s a cookie to go with that cold-hot chocolate.
August 28th, 2010 - 20:57
Sad? Why?
There’s always room at the Mistula Complex for another resin guest (we have five at the moment). Our roadies are a little preoccupied for the mandatory city tour but it rarely gets boring at home, what with all the loons that live here!
August 28th, 2010 - 00:15
I can’t wait to meet the new house master. <3
Oh Uno.
No matter what happens, we'll be here for you! If Joey needs a babysitter–I'll try my best to help! Only, I'm a lot better at babysitting dolls than real kids. Ahahahahahaha. 8D;
*sends love over to you and the rest of the FA crew* <3
August 28th, 2010 - 21:03
In a few days, there’s going to be a totally new person in the house – and for you, a new neighbor! It blows the mind.
I’m glad to know that we can always move in with you should the new housemaster develop an uncanny dislike for dolls, Nix!
August 28th, 2010 - 00:19
i agree with the comments above. and no, mistula doesn’t deserve to be thrown out haha.?
maybe mr. rey and ms. joey’s kiddo will grow up liking mistula’s music.
it’s just another chapter and i’m excited. i hope everything goes well especially for the parents-to-be.
August 28th, 2010 - 21:04
She already likes punk music, so I guess that’s a good sign.
Thanks for the well wishes, Kath!
August 28th, 2010 - 00:22
Uno, as disconcerting as this might be for you, I’m sure Joey will be relieved to find you waiting when she needs you the most. Hang in there and be a good boy.
(Joey, I’m surprised you can still shoot amazing photos in your condition!)
August 28th, 2010 - 21:14
She will find out that I have inhuman patience, and that I will always be there for her, gathering dust, pajamas unchanged.
August 28th, 2010 - 00:27
Super Bean! ? We welcome you with open arms. I wish beautiful things for Ray, Joey, Mistula and the baby. May your home keep you safe and warm. Que Dios te Vendiga. ~<3 Angie
August 28th, 2010 - 21:27
Your Spanish is music to my ears, Angie. It makes me want to salsa.
Thank you for all your beautiful wishes. We will watch over Superbean – from a safe distance.
August 28th, 2010 - 02:31
Sending happy thoughts and best wishes everyone’s way! There will be plenty of love to go around, even if there’s a bit less time.
August 28th, 2010 - 21:28
That’s wonderful to know, Janne. Thank you for your wisdom.
August 28th, 2010 - 03:30
Aw Uno, you sound just like a big brother (complete with worries and doubts) waiting for your new sister’s arrival (^_~).
August 28th, 2010 - 21:37
Oh, but I’m not Joey’s child. Far from it. The universe did not conspire so I can exist. In fact, I only exist because you allowed me to. And for that, thank you.
August 29th, 2010 - 09:25
Is it insane if I cry?I’m bawling because of this post.
I guess change is inevitable, I will faithfully wait with you.
August 29th, 2010 - 14:12
Guys, this was so moving… I’m glad you were able to find a quiet moment to talk about it together.
It’s so close now-!
(Unrelatedly: Hey Uno, looking at the state of Manx’s lingerie in some of these photos, are you sure it’s her eyes you’re finding mesmerizing? Not that I would blame you…)
August 30th, 2010 - 07:21
Mesmerizing..
August 30th, 2010 - 19:12
♥ Ang ikle naman ng story ♦
August 30th, 2010 - 19:13
tama ⊸
August 31st, 2010 - 11:36
Congratulation to Joey for her newborn child arrival on the world!
August 31st, 2010 - 19:56
OMG TODAY IS AUGUST 31.
I AM EXCITED FOR YOU JOEY.
As for the guys at Mistula, I was touched about this story. I had thoughts about these when I thought about having an actual boy instead of a resin one. It’s a little hard, but I believe that no matter what you guys have a place in Joey’s hearts.
Rock on Mistula!
September 3rd, 2010 - 00:39
:<
*hugs Uno and Manx*
I dont know what else to say…
September 3rd, 2010 - 23:20
hmn, i remembered when my little brother was born. i know a lot of things will change and that kind of scared me . but he is a pleasant surprise. now, i can’t imagine life without him.
i hope that you guys will stay strong, i know the new girl of the family will bring more light in your life. [can't wait for the name]
and Uno, you’re never alone.[and why haven't you fallen in love with Manx? why?!]
September 7th, 2010 - 23:20
*hugs* + *good vibes*
I hope things are all right, y/y?
September 23rd, 2010 - 16:42
..LOL!
tumor..
Uno i didn’t you’re really good in making jokes..
hahaha
btw Manx looks really sexy..
September 28th, 2010 - 02:12
uno naman….tumor….OwO;;;;;
October 23rd, 2010 - 06:34
Growing up. Growing old.
Both happening, un/fortunately.
On the upside, there is always time to move and do things.
Joey told me, so long as it’s something you love, you make time for it.
Even if things change, and Korbin will “own” the place -
What you’ve left behind will remain here for everyone who chances upon this and takes the time to read.
And you’ll never be forgotten, regardless what happens.
Eitherway, I wouldn’t worry about your future progression… because, I believe Joey will make time for what she loves.
October 25th, 2010 - 11:53
awwww! I really liked this blog. I love how it shows that even Mistula have feelings, even though they are dolls!
UNO is awesome! [sorry, for commenting late, I just found out about this blog... yesterday!]