Chapter 5

Lisa’s POV

“Just admit it to me, are you pregnant?” my mother said calmly, but her eyes were red with anger. What have I done? She might get a sudden high blood attack right here.

“Nanay, please have some juice first. Hold on, calm down.” I stood up to pour her a glass of juice.

“Why? So it’s true? Lisa, you barely even know that man. And you already gave yourself to him!?”

She shook her head and rubbed her temple. I handed her the glass, which she just looked at but didn’t take. I stood in front of her, looking at her flushed face. I was worried seeing the anger and disappointment all over her weary expression.

“I know you’re an adult now, you can think for yourself. But—my child! I never stopped you from being in a relationship as long as you introduced the guy to me first. Get to know him well. Think carefully if he’s really the one before you give everything, especially your…” She bowed her head and covered her forehead. “Lisa, it’s not easy being a mother, you know that. So many girls here get pregnant young, then next thing you know—separated! What if he changes later on, huh?” she said in a long, worried monologue. I pouted.

I hugged her when I saw the tears starting to form in her dim eyes. Even though I was scared, even though I was nervous… something touched my heart when I saw that my mother was about to cry—not because I lied or hid something from her—but because she was worried about what my life would become if I were pregnant.

“Nanay, I’m not pregnant. You’re overreacting!” I gently rubbed her back.

I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh at how exaggerated her reaction was. But that’s just how moms are! I guess anyone would react that way if you suddenly told them you’re getting married to someone you barely know.

“If not, then why are you two getting married so soon? He said he’s only known you for a few weeks. And now you want to get married already! What, is he just that eager? Tell me, Lisa, did something already happen between you two? Did he enjoy it so much that he wants to marry you right away?” She moved a little away from me, put her hands on her waist, and squinted as she looked down at my stomach.

Now I was the one turning red from her words. “Nanay!” I said, trying to stop whatever else she was about to say. She was worse than Marie with these lewd assumptions!

I didn’t even know how to answer her flurry of questions.

“Nothing happened between us, Nanay! It’s just… well, he showed me kindness and I started growing closer to him. He’s good-looking too, right, Nanay?”

She smacked my arm at what I said last. I couldn’t think of any other excuse. That’ll have to do! I mean, it is true.

“You gave in just because of his looks!? What if his personality turns out to be the opposite?” I hugged her again, laughing.

“I don’t think so, Nanay. He’s kind… at least, in the weeks I’ve been with him, he hasn’t shown me anything bad. And—he wants to meet you. He even wants to bring us to Manila so you can recover faster. Things are better there, right Nanay? We can get you treated and I can also work. I can apply for better jobs there. Unlike here where the only easy jobs are selling fish, vegetables, or being a maid. They say in Manila, housemaids earn ten thousand a month plus benefits! That’s what Aling Dyosa told me—she’s earning fifteen now because she’s been with Fier’s family a long time. She’s the one I told you about, the customer from the big house at the end of town. As for me, I can apply as a cashier—I’m in college anyway. I can work while studying. I can get you treated. Fier said he’s willing to help us with everything we need.”

I explained everything while catching my breath. Hoping she’d believe me. Because everything I said was true—except for the part where I said Fier was kind to me. As if! He’s arrogant and naughty.

Also, that house belongs to Sir John, not Fier. I only said that to make it sound better—ah, whatever!

I couldn’t think of any more excuses.

“My child, I only want what’s best for you, for you to reach your dreams. But if I’m only going to be an obstacle, then forget it. I’m happy here and I can manage. I don’t need to see any more doctors. I’ll get better right here. We don’t need to spend money.”

“No, Nanay! Even Dr. Morsolo said it—and he told you that your illness can’t be handled by his simple clinic. You need to be seen by a specialist who can really treat you.”

“I’m fine here, child. Don’t worry about me,” she said as she held the hand I had resting on my lap, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “Don’t change the subject, Lisa.”

Oh no! She switched gears so suddenly? I thought I’d gotten away with it.

I even tried so hard to convince her.

“Do you love him, my child? Or are you just doing this for me? If that’s your reason—don’t. I’m old now, and so are you. At your age, you should already be a professional. You should have graduated by now. But here you are, still thinking about me. I’m sorry, child. I couldn’t support your studies. I couldn’t give you what you needed.”

She coughed, and tears started falling from her eyes. I helped her reach the juice.

“No! Everything you did for me is more than enough. I just want you to get better so we can still be together for a long time.” I hugged her tightly. She hugged me back.

“Do you really love him?” she asked again.

I wanted to roll my eyes at her repeating the question—but that probably wasn’t a good idea now, so I nodded and forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood by teasing her.

“If that’s what makes you happy, child, then okay. But I’ll still inspect him, alright?”

After that conversation, Nanay didn’t ask any more questions, but she said she wanted Fier to come here tomorrow. She went back to making fans, and I left to borrow notes from a classmate since I missed school yesterday and today.

When I got to town, vendors in the market were all staring at me. Even back at the terminal earlier. I ignored it and continued shopping.

“Tsk! Acting all innocent, but apparently she seduced the handsome guy,” muttered one saleslady who was fanning herself as I passed by. I glanced at her stall—she sneered at me with a dirty look.

“Yup, they’re getting married!” another vendor chimed in.

“Maybe she’s pregnant!”

“She probably trapped him. Who wouldn’t give in, right? Handsome and rich. She’s going to have a better life now. Tsk! Pretending to be a maid, but turns out she was after the guy all along.”

I could clearly hear everything they were saying behind me while I was picking materials Nanay needed.

Is this really how they see me? They’re so quick to judge! I just ignored them and continued shopping quickly. I looked at the list I had—only to realize that the store I was in didn’t have what I needed. The vendor pointed me to another stall, right where those gossiping women were.

I took a deep breath—I needed to buy. I braced myself to walk up to them, even if my knees were trembling in nervousness.

News really does travel fast!

It had only been a few hours, and here I was—now the center of everyone’s attention in our small town.

“Wow, so you’re getting married? You didn’t even tell me,” teased Lara, her lips pouting as she opened their bamboo gate for me.

I smiled at her and greeted her. I explained why I was absent from class yesterday—when someone else suddenly spoke.

“Why, Lisa? You said you weren’t planning to get married yet but—tsk! I thought you were different,”

We were both surprised by Liro’s sudden outburst as he passed by their terrace with his sister. He came out and slammed their gate shut. It shook loudly. Their hanging plants swayed.

I looked down in shame. I felt guilty—for hurting him.