In a province of Manila. There is a prosperous and peaceful town. It is hidden and the very end where the expanse of the ocean can be seen. Where to see the beauty of the mountains.
Here I grew up and saw the gradual growth of Hacienda Montenegro. I am one of those who help make organic mats, backpacks, chairs made of solid wood from the mountains of our town.I can say I am content with provincial life here. Abundant in living and natural resources. My grandparents raised me when my father and mother died in a forest fire. Because our house was in the middle of the forest , they did not survive the relentless fire.I was eleven years old when I was orphaned and adopted by my grandmother and grandfather and brought here from the mountains. They had no one with them, especially since their only child was my Father. I help my grandfather harvest rice. I help make a backpack and a mat for grandma once in a while. That helped my studies because of the money raised from there.Many of them here are still leaving for Manila. I don't know why they have to go out when this town is rich in nature. Based on what I heard in my class, the buildings in Manila seem to be so high! There are many opportunities to work there. Others I knew there went to college.I once had a curiosity about what Manila really is. What do they call a building with lots of light and lots of drinks?I looked up at the lofty sun. I close my eyes . I bent down and wiped the sweat off my forehead. I grabbed the backpacks and went to the barn of my grandmother and others her age."I'm done grandma." I am proud of my work again. They looked at me and smiled."You're a nice girl, Aurora, why don't you send her to Manila, Tessa? " A friend of grandma's said. I put the bag and others on the table and listened to them. This is not new to me. I always hear praise."Yes Tessa..and she is in age she doesn't have a boyfriend yet? Oops! Such a maiden is kept. Take a look! Her nose is nice! The eyelashes are long! Her eyes are like dolls! The body is like those models! I immediately remembered my girlhood. " I just smiled at what I heard.Grandma shuddered and laughed. "You know because Aurora is the only one with us so I'll take care of her. That's why I'm so desperate for her to go to college. The tuition is expensive now. “I rested deeply. Hopefully , I can afford to study. I don’t want to disappoint them."Don't worry grandma! I'm going to take a part-time job so that I can somehow add to the school expenses.""You're really smart! I hope my daughter is like that too but she's stubborn! So she got pregnant!"The conversation continued as they worked on another project. Despite making organic things, grandmother was also one of the land managers of Montenegro. She was the leader when harvesting and tending the rice fields of the Montenegro’s as well as Grandpa.Entering our house made of wood. I saw my grandfather listing and counting the bills."Wow! The amount of money we have grandpa ah!" I said . I saw my grandmother preparing a bag and a bracelet that we once made out of sea shells that I had picked up."For this when you go to college we'll keep it. The rest, for the electricity and our food."I lost my smile as I felt so much pity for the family I have now. We are not rich but we are rich in love. We don’t even have money but nothing equals our appreciation. I was very lucky with them."Thank you grandpa! When I graduate from college we will leave for Manila city! I will work there for a Montenegro’s company and I will always take you around!"I once met a Montenegro’s couple at their gathering. Every Christmas we were all invited to their mansion and we celebrated christmas together. Montenegro’s care about their people. I also heard that Senyor Juanito would give me a scholarship but that has not been confirmed. But I hope it's true that we will pay only for books and other expenses.We no longer had dinner at home because that was where we would eat at the mansion. I feel like it's still the same as before. They will throw a party, I’ve heard.I wore my old white dress. When I got dressed I sighed deeply. I pulled it down because a few years later it had shrunk to me. It was off the shoulder and only up to my thigh."Grandma ! It doesn't fit anymore. "I said to my grandmother and she looked at me."My granddaughter's really sexy! That's okay! Come on! I'll comb your hair!"She combed my hair and left it loose and untidy. Its waves are more intense. I also wore sandals. My grandfather gave it to me just a year ago so it still fits.When we reached the Montenegro’s mansion, the table was long with people sitting who were also Montenegro people we also knew. The flower leaves glow because of the decorations. The people were already making noise.We immediately mingled with the group of grandma’s peers. Grandpa went to his friends at the other table."Oh! You brought Aurora! She is so beautiful!" there I noticed that many people were looking at me, especially men."Of course !" Grandma Tessa was proud of me.It's all fun to start the conversation with them. I saw Senyora Patricia come out with her husband Senyor Juanito. We applauded .Their two young son’s are very serious. Some came there as a family and socialized.I only focus on the siblings that I only really see once, especially since they only come home once."Staybhere Aurora there huh ?! I'll just give it to the lady!" Grandma, Show the bag and bracelet in the bag at the same time." Yes grandma!"I distracted myself with food when I felt like urinating. I politely left our table and went to the bathroom here at the back of the mansion .I made a turn toward the bathroom when I heard a moaned that seemed to hurt.My eyes widened and my mouth closed. I was so nervous and out of nervousness I picked up the dustpan seen on the side and prepared myself. In the TV movies that I saw like this, the growl of a woman in pain is like this!I was more nervous when the woman almost cried and it seemed like really hurt. My tears are already welling up, especially since there is no light on this side."Uhh! You like it?" I stopped when I heard the man's voice. Then the woman started shouting again!!When I reached the source of that voice I didn't hesitate to strike the man behind the woman? Huh? woman in maid uniform and her panty was in her foot already!!! The panty?"O-Oh." I almost blush to realize what they are doing. It was too late but I closed my eyes. Especially when I get to know the guy who he is!I turned around. With great nervousness my face heats up. I do not know why.Its my First time to see that.I could not leave where I stand when I heard his voice behind me."Who are you."I didn't bother to look at him. "Ah! One of the hacienda’s." I stammered in response.I heard his footsteps approaching."What are you doing here? Trying to peep a look?" his voice was sarcastic and I heard his strange accent ."I-I didn't really mean to. I'm going to the bathroom.""Show me your face." He commands me as if I am very good at commanding. "Don't make me repeat myself little girl." he added that my chest was pounding so I immediately turned around but bowed."I-I'm sorry." I said it but he didn't speak. I looked up and saw him looking at me seriously. I, on the other hand, seem to be mesmerized by how handsome he is.I felt even more guilty when I saw that his eyebrow was bloody. I think I was hit him by a dust pan there."Sorry." I said immediately.I held my breath as it quickly approached me. I immediately backed away as I leaned against the cold wall.This is the first time a man has approached me that so intimate. He especially bent his hand over my head and touched my waist.I think I would lose my breath when his lips landed on my ear"What's your name?" he whispered."K-Kim Aurora." I stammered in response.He gave space at last. “You are so young the last time I saw you."I swallowed at what he said and nodded as well. The conversation was cut short when someone called this man."Stop fucking around Ezekiel. Mom wants you." I bowed when I heard the voice of his older brother.Ezekiel closed his eyes tightly and cursed. "Damn Manuel! “"Leave the girl Ezekiel." Manuel added that seemed threatening.I can already feel my own nervousness because of what happened. It was my first time seeing anything like that. I haven't even figured out yet. In the past years, I have never talked to or gotten so close to the siblings."Why is mama looking for me?" He is annoyed when he answer to his older brother."Because he knows this is what you're going to do?" Manuel also answered the question without breaking his stare on me. His brooding eyes and dark expression made my heart skipped a bit.Ezekiel bit his lip before looking at me again. "Next time don't come here." He would have touched my cheek. I step back and gasped but." Ezekiel." Manuel threatened again. Instead, I looked at the two siblings in front of me."Fuck you Manuel!" he raked his hair and immediately left. I was lost in his confinement of me. I was relieved . Manuel folded his arms. I couldn’t help but stare at him. I also don't know what to say because I have nothing to say.I took a deep breath and bowed. To show him my r
I never told grandma Tessa what happened to me in the Montenegro mansion. I also lied and said that I borrowed the dress of a fellow haciendera because I was short on my dress.I’m here now at the beach and picking up shells. Apart from the shells I also found different colored stones. I also picked up that additional decoration for the necklace and bracelet I would make made of shells.Every time I pick up I put in a plastic bag. The sun is hot and my skin is a little sore. But because I used to feel like I just didn't have it.In the distance I could see the mansion. II slowly approached the stone steps of the Montenegro’s mansion.Their mansion was at the top of the hill. The bottom is surrounded by rocks where the bottom is beach and vast sea. On each side of it there are rows of sun loungers that maybe they assume.I slowly went upstairs. But I heard some voice. I stiffened when I heard the woman's soft voice. On a plant full of flowers. I hid there and searched for the noise.Th
What I saw stuck in my mind. It's been a week since I stopped going to the Montenegro mansion. We are also busy harvesting mangoes in the morning. In the afternoon I sleep for two hours and at four o'clock in the afternoon I start making beaded bracelets again. It's not made of shell because I don't go to the beach anymore. Because it was close to the mansion.I avoid getting close to it. First I lost my first kiss. And secondly, my chest tightens when I see Manuel kissing someone else or maybe it's because I'm just shocked that's why.I showered and got dressed. I sat on my own bed and took the money I had saved in the big purse from under the mattress. I started counting and found out that it was 800 pesos."The uniforms at Stella Maris Academy in town are 550 pesos. I still have 250 pesos . Maybe I just budget my money . " I said to myself and combed my hair.I only saved the whole harvest because sometimes we also buy a little groceries from Grandma Tessa.I put on a brown vest an
"I'm fine. I-I want to go home." The doctor treated my wounds. But I was more worried about grandma. Maybe what will happen to her when she finds out. His forehead was furrowed and his serious eyes were on me. The anger did not disappear from his expression. "Be here first hija. I've called your grandmother Tessa. She'll be here soon." Mrs. Patricia sitting next to me. There was concern on her face. I was ashamed of their help to me. "Thank you so much ma'am." I also looked at Manuel. I smiled at him sparingly. "Thank you too Manuel. I really didn't know that would happen like that. I trusted Domeng because he is from our village." My system became bitter. Mixed with anger and sadness. "You are no different from me, hija. Especially your grandfather Berny and grandmother Tessa. They serve the clan for a long time. So even in this way we can help in any way." Senyora's facial expression was soft. You wouldn't think she has a child because she still looks young . "Manuel? What's
I was annoyed because of his sympathetic attitude. But still, I feel guilty for being rude to Ezekiel. I don't like him kissing me without my consent. "Kim Aurora, Will you come with me later? It's Erik's birthday. We are all invited. Later in the evening, around six." Princes said to me while grabbing the books to carry. When I went to college, I was busy with school. "Where will that be held?" I ask. "At the Makipot Resort." I frowned because the land of Montenegro covers all the resorts. I hesitated to nod, especially since I wasn't sure if I would be allowed, especially after what had happened to me before. Montenegro's managed to imprison Domeng even though his wife begged. I remained silent and grateful for their help. "I'm going to ask for permission, Ces. Because you already know. Grandma is too strict with me now." "Aurora, Erik is the daughter of the councilor! So we are safe there. Besides, I won't go if you don't go." I sighed and took a deep breath. "Alright! I
My hand trembled as I placed the bracelet made of shells on top of Lolo's coffin. My tears fell little by little, and the sobs of my grandmother prevailed around me. Many sympathized with us. On the other hand, we are facing Montenegro. Senior and Seniora, while the Montenegro brothers are on the side. Next to Manuel is Chloe. They helped us a lot to give grandpa a suitable burial. "Berny, my husband. I wanna go with you." Grandma passed out on the ground while Grandpa's coffin slowly sank. I bit my lip and held back a sob. I grabbed grandma by the arm and pulled her. "G-Grandma, that's right." Those who attended were sobbing with their grandmother's grief. "No! Your grandfather said he'd guide you! He said you would go to college in Manila. He says-" I knelt and hugged grandma when I couldn't take it anymore—tearing my heart with pain. The happy times we had with my grandfather and grandmother are still etched in my memory. Grandma's friends helped me carry her. Little by
"You know your fiancee is here why did you kiss me?! What if we were seen? Manuel, I don't want to ruin your relationship." I said with emphasis. He tried to stop his voice from rising. His jaw clenched, and he looked away. "We just got along, but she's not my fiancee." "Why is she always here then?" Hey! I Do not know! Why did I even ask that? He took a deep breath and turned away. "I'll tell you this evening. Let's meet at the hut." "I do not want." I immediately rejected it. "We will meet. I will make you understand everything, Aurora." I shook my head and swallowed at the seriousness of his voice. "I-I don't-" "Aurora, I didn't sleep well last night, and I won't be able to sleep later if I don't kiss you." "I-It wasn't just a kiss." "If I'm the one to follow, I will do more than that." He hung up on what he would say, and his eyes went all over me. I closed my eyes tightly and just nodded. We will talk later. I will fix what needs to be fixed. I don't want to ruin a rel
Is there anyone in this world who cares more than me? I grew up without parents. I only have grandma and grandpa. Now, they both left me. I understand their loss. I realized that maybe now they are in heaven. I also understood how my grandmother loved my grandfather. Tears welled up in my eyes as I fixed my clothes. Grandma was buried yesterday. At the same time as her funeral, Senior and Seniora decided to adopt me. If only someone else could help me, I would have refused. For now, only I can help myself. I looked around our tiny home. My heart breaks. Too much. I can return her every day and clean it. I got into the SUV that was waiting for me. Montenegro s driver picked up—sadness, nervousness, and regret. Many people want to help me and feel sorry for me. Many friends of their grandfather and grandmother sympathized with me, especially senior Juanito. As soon as the car entered the high gate of the mansion, my chest pounded. "We're here, Aurora." The driver said to me and
I have noticed something. So I looked at Ezekiel. He was eating and didn't want to listen to what was discussed. "That's why you, Ezekiel, Be smart. Work harder." "I am Dad," Ezekiel said with emphasis, and his jaw tightened. Senyora seemed to feel Ezekiel's irritation, so she changed the conversation. "So Chloe, what are you going to say to us?" Chloe grinned widely and leaned her face towards Manuel. "I'm happy because ...." "I'm so happy because I'm already one month pregnant." The clock seemed to stop, and I couldn't take my eyes off Chloe. It was as if I saw a ghost in what I heard. It's like my heart became a glass that broke one by one. I heard every each of them. I feel the pain with every break. "Really! My God! Hija? Really?!" Senyora said in disbelief. I can't look at Manuel. I know when I look at him, my tears will fall. "Yes, Mom!" Chloe said, sobbing. I heard their laughter and praise. I couldn't follow what the senior said to Manuel. I became numb. "Wai
I wake up early to avoid someone. Last night I could hardly sleep in the room. Now my problem is how to avoid them both. This is so hard. This is what I don't want. Manuel and I have no confirmation. Ezekiel is a playboy. He's engaged. I should avoid him. I've always avoided him because I've seen how he plays with the feelings of his women. Their vacation in Manila is over, and here they are again. My hair was still wet when I left the mansion. The driver wanted to take me, but I refused. "If only I could help you, Aurora. I'll probably stop in the second semester because we're going to Manila. "Huh? Why?" I said and put down the book I was holding. "Sister and I will work there first. It's hard here. You know there are no men among us. We don't know anything about the Hacienda, so we have nothing to do with it." "We will miss you, Maribel." They have been friends for several years. Princess is sad. I immersed myself in school and activities. We were also given a thesis to do
Is there anyone in this world who cares more than me? I grew up without parents. I only have grandma and grandpa. Now, they both left me. I understand their loss. I realized that maybe now they are in heaven. I also understood how my grandmother loved my grandfather. Tears welled up in my eyes as I fixed my clothes. Grandma was buried yesterday. At the same time as her funeral, Senior and Seniora decided to adopt me. If only someone else could help me, I would have refused. For now, only I can help myself. I looked around our tiny home. My heart breaks. Too much. I can return her every day and clean it. I got into the SUV that was waiting for me. Montenegro s driver picked up—sadness, nervousness, and regret. Many people want to help me and feel sorry for me. Many friends of their grandfather and grandmother sympathized with me, especially senior Juanito. As soon as the car entered the high gate of the mansion, my chest pounded. "We're here, Aurora." The driver said to me and
"You know your fiancee is here why did you kiss me?! What if we were seen? Manuel, I don't want to ruin your relationship." I said with emphasis. He tried to stop his voice from rising. His jaw clenched, and he looked away. "We just got along, but she's not my fiancee." "Why is she always here then?" Hey! I Do not know! Why did I even ask that? He took a deep breath and turned away. "I'll tell you this evening. Let's meet at the hut." "I do not want." I immediately rejected it. "We will meet. I will make you understand everything, Aurora." I shook my head and swallowed at the seriousness of his voice. "I-I don't-" "Aurora, I didn't sleep well last night, and I won't be able to sleep later if I don't kiss you." "I-It wasn't just a kiss." "If I'm the one to follow, I will do more than that." He hung up on what he would say, and his eyes went all over me. I closed my eyes tightly and just nodded. We will talk later. I will fix what needs to be fixed. I don't want to ruin a rel
My hand trembled as I placed the bracelet made of shells on top of Lolo's coffin. My tears fell little by little, and the sobs of my grandmother prevailed around me. Many sympathized with us. On the other hand, we are facing Montenegro. Senior and Seniora, while the Montenegro brothers are on the side. Next to Manuel is Chloe. They helped us a lot to give grandpa a suitable burial. "Berny, my husband. I wanna go with you." Grandma passed out on the ground while Grandpa's coffin slowly sank. I bit my lip and held back a sob. I grabbed grandma by the arm and pulled her. "G-Grandma, that's right." Those who attended were sobbing with their grandmother's grief. "No! Your grandfather said he'd guide you! He said you would go to college in Manila. He says-" I knelt and hugged grandma when I couldn't take it anymore—tearing my heart with pain. The happy times we had with my grandfather and grandmother are still etched in my memory. Grandma's friends helped me carry her. Little by
I was annoyed because of his sympathetic attitude. But still, I feel guilty for being rude to Ezekiel. I don't like him kissing me without my consent. "Kim Aurora, Will you come with me later? It's Erik's birthday. We are all invited. Later in the evening, around six." Princes said to me while grabbing the books to carry. When I went to college, I was busy with school. "Where will that be held?" I ask. "At the Makipot Resort." I frowned because the land of Montenegro covers all the resorts. I hesitated to nod, especially since I wasn't sure if I would be allowed, especially after what had happened to me before. Montenegro's managed to imprison Domeng even though his wife begged. I remained silent and grateful for their help. "I'm going to ask for permission, Ces. Because you already know. Grandma is too strict with me now." "Aurora, Erik is the daughter of the councilor! So we are safe there. Besides, I won't go if you don't go." I sighed and took a deep breath. "Alright! I
"I'm fine. I-I want to go home." The doctor treated my wounds. But I was more worried about grandma. Maybe what will happen to her when she finds out. His forehead was furrowed and his serious eyes were on me. The anger did not disappear from his expression. "Be here first hija. I've called your grandmother Tessa. She'll be here soon." Mrs. Patricia sitting next to me. There was concern on her face. I was ashamed of their help to me. "Thank you so much ma'am." I also looked at Manuel. I smiled at him sparingly. "Thank you too Manuel. I really didn't know that would happen like that. I trusted Domeng because he is from our village." My system became bitter. Mixed with anger and sadness. "You are no different from me, hija. Especially your grandfather Berny and grandmother Tessa. They serve the clan for a long time. So even in this way we can help in any way." Senyora's facial expression was soft. You wouldn't think she has a child because she still looks young . "Manuel? What's
What I saw stuck in my mind. It's been a week since I stopped going to the Montenegro mansion. We are also busy harvesting mangoes in the morning. In the afternoon I sleep for two hours and at four o'clock in the afternoon I start making beaded bracelets again. It's not made of shell because I don't go to the beach anymore. Because it was close to the mansion.I avoid getting close to it. First I lost my first kiss. And secondly, my chest tightens when I see Manuel kissing someone else or maybe it's because I'm just shocked that's why.I showered and got dressed. I sat on my own bed and took the money I had saved in the big purse from under the mattress. I started counting and found out that it was 800 pesos."The uniforms at Stella Maris Academy in town are 550 pesos. I still have 250 pesos . Maybe I just budget my money . " I said to myself and combed my hair.I only saved the whole harvest because sometimes we also buy a little groceries from Grandma Tessa.I put on a brown vest an
I never told grandma Tessa what happened to me in the Montenegro mansion. I also lied and said that I borrowed the dress of a fellow haciendera because I was short on my dress.I’m here now at the beach and picking up shells. Apart from the shells I also found different colored stones. I also picked up that additional decoration for the necklace and bracelet I would make made of shells.Every time I pick up I put in a plastic bag. The sun is hot and my skin is a little sore. But because I used to feel like I just didn't have it.In the distance I could see the mansion. II slowly approached the stone steps of the Montenegro’s mansion.Their mansion was at the top of the hill. The bottom is surrounded by rocks where the bottom is beach and vast sea. On each side of it there are rows of sun loungers that maybe they assume.I slowly went upstairs. But I heard some voice. I stiffened when I heard the woman's soft voice. On a plant full of flowers. I hid there and searched for the noise.Th