IT SEEMED as if all my stress disappeared because of how beautiful the surroundings were. Leandro and I strolled along the field of roses.
I glanced at Leandro who was looking straight ahead. I thought that Carmelita was one lucky girl to have a guy love her so much. But why did she choose Juanito over him?
Leandro looked much more relaxed compared to when I first saw him a few days back. He’s more handsome when he smiles. The Flores’ Spanish lineage is very evident in their physical attributes.
I was caught off guard when Leandro tried to hold my hand. He stopped in his tracks when I hid my hand behind me, “I’m sorry. I thought that …” he didn’t finish what he was saying. Maybe he thought that we were already back together because Carmelita had already forgiven him.
That can’t be! Even if I had already forgiven him on behalf of Carmelita that means I’ll get entangled in their love story!
I didn’t think that what I did would only make Leandro hopeful. I can’t do anything about it because I’m Carmelita right now. I just thought to myself that if I succeed in my mission, then I wouldn’t have to worry about them anymore and I can already go back to my own time. Right! Think positive, Carmela! You can do this!
Juanito and Helena would have a happy ending, and so will Carmelita and Leandro. Everybody is happy!
“It’s all right. But, Leandro, I don’t want any more trouble. Father and Mother would surely be angry if they find out that I’m meeting with another man … that’s why …” I trailed off because he stopped walking.
“Our families are close. They know that we have been friends for a long time. I was supposed to ask for your hand in marriage but you got furious at me when you found out that I was leaving.”
I touched my nape. If Carmelita wasn’t too sensitive, maybe she and Leandro would still be together. Juanito wouldn’t be in the picture and both of them wouldn’t die. Most of all, I wouldn’t have been caught up in all the madness and transported to this time worst of all!
“Don’t worry. I’ll do everything for us to get back together,” he said, making the atmosphere awkward again. I forced a smile.
Why are the people here so direct when it comes to professing their love? Well, it’s much better than playing hard-to-get, but things can really get awkward,
Leandro plucked a white rose. He removed the thorns before handing it to me. “Th-thank you,” that was all I was able to say. He smiled and we kept on walking.
“If you didn’t get mad at me before I left, I was planning to send you a white rose every day,” he said. I wrinkled my forehead at this. It seemed impossible for one to send flowers every day.
I stopped when I realized that Carmelita loved white roses!
I looked at him and tried to hide a smirk. Now I know how to get to know Carmelita more. I stifled a cough and made my tone friendlier.
"Uh ... Leandro, do you really know me?" I asked which made him smile. Maybe he was thinking that Carmelita was getting all clingy again.
“Of course, my love Carmelita. As they say, when you love someone, you would know the most important things about her,” he said proudly. Well, there he goes sputtering quotes.
“All right then … what’s my favorite dish?”
"Pinakbet,” he answered quickly. For real? I don’t even eat vegetables! Is Carmelita a vegetarian?
“What’s my favorite place?”
“Here, at the field of roses,” he replied. Well, I can't deny that it's lovely here, but I prefer the views from the Lawa ng Luha and the hill with the mango tree.
“What are my hobbies?”
“You love to read and to embroider,” he responded.
Okay! So it’s final. Carmelita loved reading and embroidering.
"What’s my favorite dance?"
This made him think and smile, "Cariñosa and tinikling." This made my eyes grow big. What the hell?!
Oh yeah, hip-hop is still a long time coming from this time. Jenny and I love to dance hip-hop during weekends.
“What’s my favorite game?”
“Don’t you dare trick me. You don’t like playing games as you’d much rather stay at home,” he laughed which also made me laugh. He thought that I was pulling a trick on him, but I really didn’t know if Carmelita was a homebody or not.
"Hmm ... What am I afraid of?"
“You are afraid of losing me,” he said with a laugh. This made me dumbfounded. Okay, so pick-up lines are already a thing these days.
“Sorry, I was only joking. You are scared of animals, especially insects,” he answered with a smile. Good thing that at least Carmelita and I share a few things in common.
I was about to ask more questions but I spotted Angelito from not too far away. He was walking towards us. Following him were two personal guards. It was too late for me to hide because he already saw me!
I was on the brink of panicking but I remembered that Angelito knows the truth. I waved and smiled at him but he didn’t do the same. I thought that we were already okay. I was even planning to tease him about Theresita.
"Good afternoon, Señorito Angelito." Leandro and I greeted him in unison. Angelito only nodded in response. The Alfonsos are respected in this town because their ancestors were the ones who helped San Alfonso become the prosperous town it is today.
"Binibining Carmelita, kuya Juanito wrote me a letter. He wanted me to ask you why you were not responding to his letters?” Angelito asked me with a serious look on his face. He’s only 12 but he thinks and speaks like an adult.
I swallowed hard. I couldn’t tell him that I had no cellphone load. “Ahhh … I’ve been very busy lately. I don’t have the time to respond to letters these days,” I responded with a smile.
“Oh yeah. You really look busy at the moment,” he said while glancing at Leandro. Leandro and I looked at each other and I could see that he was trying to hold in his laughter. Seemed as if this little boy would get the better of us.
Leandro coughed a little, “May I ask what are you doing here, Señorito Angelito?” Leandro asked him. Angelito looked like he wouldn't back down. OMG!
“I was asked to pick some flowers,” he replied. He didn’t seem keen on explaining to us why he was here.
Leandro looked at the two guards accompanying Angelito, “Good thing you have someone to accompany you. This isn’t a very safe place to be when you’re by yourself,” Leandro said. Angelito placed his hands behind him.
“Señor Leandro, if you wouldn’t mind my saying, it’s also dangerous if someone sees the two of you here,” Angelito said. He gave me a glare that seemed to be reprimanding me for looking for someone to replace his brother soon.
“Aside from that, let me remind you that your family does not own the field of roses,” he continued. I glanced at Leandro. Maybe the Flores family are trying to grab this land from the Alfonsos.
Leandro did not respond, he just smiled faintly and slightly bowed his head to Angelito. Angelito bowed in return before turning his back on us and got on their kalesa. It was only now that I’ve seen how influential the Alfonso family is in this town that they’ve ruled for centuries.
THAT EVENING, I read Juanito’s three letters. He was just asking why I didn’t show up at the port that morning before he left for Manila.
The following morning, Mother asked me and Maria to go to the market in the other town to buy some silk for her. Mother entrusts this task to Maria whom she says has a good eye for the best silk. Maria, on the other hand, only tagged me along so I wouldn't get bored at home.
When we arrived at the market, I was shocked to see Leandro at the textile shop. Gosh! Why was he here?
“What are you doing here?” I asked him, surprised. He smiled and slightly bowed his head in greeting. Good morning, Señoritas!” he said, then looked at me with a smile.
Maria held my arm, “I’m sorry Carmelita if I didn’t inform you because Señor Leandro wanted to surprise you,” she beamed at me while saying this. I was surprised when Leandro handed me a white rose. Good thing there was no one else in the shop.
I accepted the rose and said thanks. I was worried that there might be people who would see me with him. People in this town know that I’m getting married to Juanito.
I quickly hid the flower, “Don’t worry, Carmelita. Señor Leandro would often accompany us on days like this so the people here are used to it,” Maria said. Oh, so Leandro is sort of like a bodyguard?
After we finished buying some silk, Leandro asked us out to lunch in a restaurant that was pretty well known in this town. How I wish I could post this on Instagram!
“Which dishes have you chosen?” Maria asked Leandro. He looked at me then smiled. “What else, but my love’s favorite,” he answered and winked at me. What a weirdo.
I was about to say that he’s creeping me out but the waitress arrived and placed his order on the table — a plate of Pinakbet!
“Isn’t this your favorite, Carmelita? Everything about you is still fresh in Señor Leandro’s heart and mind,” Maria said, nudging me. These two must be conniving!
I forced myself to smile. I wanted to rant but Maria will just pinch me. “Yeah … this is my favorite,” I answered and mustered a smile. Leandro placed a hefty amount of pinakbet on my plate. Oh my! Why so much!
“That’s for you. Don’t let yourself go hungry,” he said. What was he talking about? I understand that he’s concerned, it’s just that I don’t eat veggies!
I could only stare at the mound of pinakbet on my plate, “Go eat now, Carmelita. Don’t be shy,” Maria teased me. My golly! Do I look like I was feeling shy?
I have to come up with a quick plan. I stroked my cheek and exclaimed, “Ahhh … ouch! I think I have mouth sores,” I closed my eyes and tried to make it seem as if I were in pain. I acted the hell out of me, holding my cheek and wincing in agony. Leandro looked worried, but Maria seemed unconvinced.
“You have mouth sores? How could that be when you ate a lot this morning?” Maria said, looking doubtful. I glared at her. I should have just told them that I was on a diet.
“Are you feeling unwell, Carmelita? Leandro asked me worriedly. Ugh. He might be offended if I didn’t even taste what he ordered for me. My goodness! The sacrifices I had to make here!
I swallowed hard, “Uhm … the pain is starting to fade away. I sat down properly. I tried to swallow a spoonful of rice and pinakbet. Dad never forced us to eat what we didn’t like. We don’t even eat veggies at home.
“How was it? Did you like it?” Leandro asked. I nodded and eked out a smile even if my mouth was still full. How will I continue living as Carmelita if I had to eat vegetables every day? Just the thought makes me weak.
After we finished eating, we dropped by Aling Trinidad’s store, the accessories shop Juanito and I visited before. I entered the shop to say hello to Aling Trinidad, but I was greeted by an unfamiliar old woman.
“Where is Aling Trinidad?” I asked the fragile-looking lady. She stopped fixing the items on sale and looked at me.
“Haven’t you heard, hija?” she looked genuinely confused. She looked at Maria and Leandro then back at me.
“What is it?” I asked her.
“It has been almost two weeks since Aling Trinidad’s husband stole a sack of rice at the Hacienda Montecarlos. They are now in hiding. Rumors have it that they were last seen at the port. They must be in another country now,” the old woman explained.
I was dumbfounded by what I heard. Even Maria and Leandro remained quiet and in disbelief. That piece of news has yet to reach San Alfonso.
It was clear from the elderly woman’s face that she didn’t know us. She had no idea that Maria and I were Montecarloses. It looked like she also didn’t recognize Leandro as a Flores.
“This shop has long been mortgaged to me, which was why I decided to take it back. Me and my family are from the north,” she continued fixing the items and asked us if there was anything that caught our fancy. I heard Maria respond but what she said didn’t really register. I got lost in my thoughts.
Aling Trinidad’s husband stole from us after I fulfilled her request? Father must be angry at me. That must be why he didn’t seem pleased with my cooking the past few days. I thought that my dishes didn’t taste good. He was disappointed in me, that was why.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I woke up to Theresita’s movements. She was busy stuffing clothes into my *tampipi—which was pretty, to be honest.
“You’re already awake, Binibini. I already prepared your bath. We shall be leaving in a while,” she said without looking at me. She was still busy fixing my things. It looked like she was setting me up with another meeting with Leandro.
She looked at me and laughed, “Don’t worry Binibini. You are mistaken. This has nothing to do with Señor Leandro. She seemed to have read into my facial expression.
“We shall be going to Laguna to visit your Tía Rosario,” she continued. My eye widened in shock. I will be meeting another family member who seems to know me. They will be asking me questions for sure and I wouldn’t know how to respond!
I remembered that Rosario was the name Mother mentioned, the aunt who sends books to Carmelita. What should I do if she starts asking book-related questions? Gosh!
I have to do something!
Theresita said that we would be leaving by lunchtime so I asked permission from Mother for me to go to Lawa ng Luha. As soon as I reached the lake, I screamed my lungs out like I was in a horror film until my throat ached. I also swam in the cool waters, which puzzled Theresita but she kept herself from asking why.
Good thing what I did was effective—I lost my voice! Yes!
While we were on the ship to Laguna, they were all asking me what happened to my voice. I couldn’t explain to them because I had no voice! I sure am a smarty-pants!
The trip took a few days until we reached a port in Laguna. One can see Tía Rosario’s mansion from afar. I was awestruck at how big and beautiful the house where Mother grew up is. The Dela Cruz family is renowned in Laguna. Mother was arranged to be married to Father by their families. I knew about this through Tía Rosario who can’t seem to stop talking.
We were sitting near the veranda. Mother looks a little like Tía Rosario who is just a little slimmer and taller than she is. Tía Rosario is fussing over me because she was so excited that I’ll be getting married soon. She also talked about life as a housewife.
What I found out about her stressed me. She has eight kids! As expected, she asked me about the books she had sent over for me and she also talked about the books she had read. Good thing I have no voice. I don’t have to answer all of her questions.
That evening, a uniformed messenger arrived while we were having dinner. He handed an intricately designed envelope to Tía Rosario. It was golden and looked really expensive.
Tía Rosario jumped for joy after reading the letter. “You look ecstatic. What is the letter about?” Mother asked, smiling. Looked like she got a whiff of Tía Rosario’s excitement.
“The Dela Cruz and Montecarlos families are invited to the birthday of the Governor-General!" Tía Rosario shrieked, surprising us with her high-pitched yelp. “The gathering will happen tomorrow night at Malacañang Palace!" Tía Rosario and Mother were so excited that they started jumping for joy.
Maria and I looked at each other. Why are they acting like they were younger than us? Maria smiled, while I was still dumbfounded and in disbelief. Gosh! We’re invited to the birthday celebration of the Governor-General, the highest official in the country and the official representative of the Kingdom of Spain.
Father guffawed and Maria clapped alongside him. I can’t believe that I’ll be able to join an extravagant party. I feel like I won’t be able to go to sleep because of the excitement!
EVERYONE WOKE UP early the following morning. I told them that we should exercise first even indoors. I tried to be their Zumba instructor, but it got awkward because there was no music. Funny that I was the one who got tired first so we decided to just have breakfast.
It was already in the afternoon when we started dressing up and fixing ourselves. I wore a blue baro’t saya and Mother fixed my hair into a bun. Maria was wearing a yellow baro’t saya and her hair tied to the side. Mother and Father wore matching outfits while Tía Rosario was wearing something brown.
While we were on the road to Manila, I took the time just looking out the window. It was mostly just rice fields and vacant lots. Everywhere was clean and there were few people outside.
It was dusk when we arrived at Colegio de Santa Isabel to fetch Josefina. Madre Olivia won’t be able to join us because she wasn’t invited. I felt a little sad because I wanted to see her.
Josefina ran and gave all of us a hug as soon as she got on the kalesa. I missed her! As time went by, I started getting used to their company and I no longer feel awkward around them.
“How are you? Look at you! You really prepared for this occasion, Carmelita!” Josefina teased me. I missed our friendly banters. I was supposed to say something but my throat was still sore and I remembered that they were all thinking that I lost my voice.
“This is the first time Carmelita will be attending the Governor-General’s birthday. It’s only right for her to prepare for the occasion,” Mother said while looking at me proudly, maybe because her youngest has started going out more often.
My mouth almost tore from smiling too widely. I’m super excited to attend the party. My blood needs my dose of partying. I can finally experience attending a high-class party for noble families.
"Carmelita, close the window first," Maria said, bringing me back to reality. I looked outside as we entered the gates of Malacañang.
As the kalesa stopped, Father got off first and assisted Mother. Maria, Josefina, and who else but your resident social butterfly followed.
I didn’t notice that I was staring at my surroundings in awe. The Palace was huge and still very new. The surroundings were verdant with trees and flowers. "Carmelita," Maria’s voice brought me back to earth.
My eyes popped out when I saw the red carpet laid out in front of us. I feel like a celebrity!
There were many who were arriving in their kalesa. They also prepared for this occasion just like us. Even if I didn’t know them, I couldn’t help but smile at them as if they were the paparazzi.
When the main door swung open, a man in a full black suit announced our names, "Su excelencia, la familia Montecarlos y Dela Cruz están aquí para saludarle." (Your excellency, the Montecarlos and Dela Cruz family are here to greet you.)
We started walking, led by Father and Mother who had their arms linked. Tía Rosario and Maria followed them. Josefina and I brought up the rear.
A huge chandelier greeted us upon entry. The opulence of the interior was blinding. Everything was decked in gold. Everywhere seemed so bright. Everyone was smiling. They all looked happy in their extravagant outfits, especially the ladies.
Father nodded at the guests he seemed to know. I didn’t notice that they had already stopped walking until I bumped into Maria. “Carmelita, stand up properly,” she admonished me. I wasn’t aware that we were already standing in front of the Governor-General.
"¡Feliz cumpleaños! Señor!,” Father greeted him. He is tall with white hair and mustache.
"Gracias por venir, Don Alejandro y familia. Thank you for coming, Don Alejandro and family,” he responded.
Father introduced us to the Gobernador-Heneral one by one and we made sure to pay courtesy. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to have a closer look at him so I looked up. He looked at me and smiled.
Ohmygash!
Wrong move, Carmela!
Good thing Father continued chatting with him so he eventually got distracted. I looked at Josefina and pretended to talk to her which confused her because I kept on smiling at her.
The food came trickling in as soon as we reached our table. My eyes widened at the assortment of the dishes being laid out in front of me. The presentation of each dish is enough to make my mouth water. There’s roasted chicken, an array of pork and beef dishes, paella, and so many more! What a feast!
While we were eating, the Governor-General called for a toast to which everyone followed suit. He started saying something in Spanish and I couldn’t understand a thing.
Everyone laughed at what he said, which made me glance at Father, Mother, Tía Rosario, Maria, and Josefina who were also laughing. Maria looked at me and asked, “What is it, Carmelita?” she must have noticed that I was the only one who didn’t laugh at what the Governor-General said. He probably cracked a joke in Spanish which I obviously wouldn’t understand.
"Ha? Ahhh ... It was nothing," I answered and forced a laugh, "Hahaha! What he said was so funny!" I laughed along with them. Mother looked at me and smiled. She seemed pleased to see me laugh at the Governor-General’s joke.
After the feast, the Governor-General spoke in the middle again. I wanted to whisper to Josefina and ask her what was happening. But if I did, it would only make her wonder why I couldn’t understand Spanish when everyone else in the family can. I started to feel out of place because everyone started laughing again. All I could do was feign laughter every time they did.
After a while, music filled the air once again. Everyone stood up to dance to the beat of the orchestra. “Baile!” some of the guests exclaimed. We wouldn’t allow them to have all the fun of course! I pulled Maria and Josefina to the middle and danced.
While I was dancing, Josefina and Maria suddenly stopped and looked at each other, “Carmelita, don’t be too daring with your dance moves,” Josefina admonished me. They gave me a quizzical look which made me stop and stand up properly. For a while there I forgot that I wasn’t in my own time. I was gyrating to the music just moments ago.
I laughed and started dancing hip-hop. Maria laughed. I was shocked when she started imitating my moves. Josefina was about to complain but Maria forced her to dance like us saying that my steps were different. The three of us ended up dancing hip-hop together while wearing our elaborate baro't-saya in the middle of this formal party for the country’s highest official.
We danced like crazy for about half an hour. We saw Father and Mother dancing and having a great time as well. To be honest, I couldn’t help but smile every time I see them—Carmelita’s family, my ancestors. I’m happy to know that they are a complete and happy family.
After a while, the music slowed down. Some of the guests looked for a dancing partner. The three of us went back to our seats, beads of sweat trickling down our cheeks because of all the dancing. “I” ll go fetch us some water,” Maria said and stood up to leave. Josefina joined her. I wanted to go with them but when I called after them the music drowned out my voice which had gone weak from all the dancing.
I was left all by myself at our table. I waited for a waiter, but a few minutes had gone by without a server passing by who handed out drinks. I was about to settle for the glass of red wine on the table when somebody suddenly spoke from behind me.
“Why are you all alone at this time of the night?” I heard a familiar voice say. When I turned to look at who was speaking, I found out that my guess was right. It was Juanito! Was I just dreaming? Was I only imagining things?
He was smiling. I missed that smile of his. He stifled a cough and offered his hand, “Binibining Carmelita, would you be so kind as to dance with me?" All I could do was stare at his outstretched hand. I could feel my heartbeat drumming away again.
Dear Diary,
To be honest, I feel scared. I am scared that the moment I hold his hand, I wouldn’t want to let go anymore.
Worried,
Carmela