CHAPTER 1: Home

ELINOR’S POINT OF VIEW

I took a deep breath. The scent of the air mixed with a hint of nostalgia was a reminder of the countless memories I had made in this town. The warmth of the sun on my skin and the gentle breeze flowing through my hair felt like a warm embrace from an old friend, welcoming me back home.

As I opened my eyes, the sight of the familiar buildings and streets made my heart swell with happiness and guilt at the same time. From the town square to the local bakeries and coffee shops, everything felt like it had been frozen in time, waiting for me to return.

So, this is the place I left, huh? Well, it seems I made a quite questionable decision by choosing the polluted chaos of Manila over the serene tranquility of my own peaceful province, Asturias. You’re so stupid, Elinor!

“Welcome back to the municipality of Asturias, Ma’am Elinor,” Manong Edson greeted me with a smile as he opened the door to the backseat of the van to pick me up at the airport.

I smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Thank you so much,” I sincerely uttered.

He placed my suitcases in the van’s compartment. I couldn’t sit still inside the vehicle. I felt a combination of excitement and nervousness. It has been almost three years since I last came home because I didn’t want to face the people at the hacienda, especially my grandma. Even when she passed away, I still didn’t come home.

The van started moving. I tightly held onto the handle of my handbag while looking out the window.

Two days after being asked for payment by Aling Lordes, I still haven’t received any money. I have called many people I know to borrow money, but none of them have any dollars to lend me.

On the third day of Aling Lordes’ offer, I finally called Attorney Reyes to let him know that I would accept what was stated in my grandmother’s last will and testament, which he was happy to hear.

Perhaps it is time for me to confront all my fears. Perhaps it is time for me to face the guilt in my heart. My grandmother trusted me, and this is the least I can do for her.

“We’re glad that you’re back, Ma’am Elinor,” Manong Edson said with a smile as he glanced at the rearview mirror.

I looked at him through the rearview mirror. “I’m also happy to be back.”

This is my home too. There’s something comforting about returning to the place where we grew up. It holds so many memories, both good and bad. But in the end, it’s a part of who we are.

“You know what, ma’am? The workers at the hacienda were overjoyed when Attorney Lorenzo told us that you are now in charge of your grandmother’s properties. We thought that the workers there would lose their jobs permanently, especially the workers of de Montalvo’s different plantations.”

I am well aware of the various businesses of the de Montalvo family. The de Montalvos are the primary suppliers of coffee beans, tea, rubber, palm oil, and sugarcane. All of these have been diligently built and developed by my grandfather and grandmother.

“I understand the fear of people losing their jobs. But they don’t have to worry; I won’t let that happen. I will do everything in my power to improve the management of my grandmother’s hacienda.” I will never disappoint her for the second time. 

I returned my gaze to the window of the van. I am captivated by the sight of majestic mountains that rise proudly into the sky. Their peaks are cloaked in mist and crowned with the glimmer of sunlight. The slopes are adorned with vibrant greenery as dense forests blanket their sides.

The sprawling plains stretch out as far as the eye can see. Amidst the magnificent scenery, I catch sight of lush trees scattered throughout the province. Thick clusters of towering coconut trees dominate certain areas, casting dappled shade onto the ground below. 

I also noticed the picturesque houses tucked away amidst the verdant surroundings didn’t change. These rural homes are typically made from local materials and reflect the traditional architecture of the region. Their designs embody a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetics, with wooden beams, colorful facades, and often flower-filled gardens.

We finally arrived at the mansion after a while. Manong Edson slowly drove the car through the red gate with the engraved ‘de Montalvo’, and then we took the familiar path that led to my family’s pride and joy, the mansion.

The car circled around the large fountain before coming to a complete stop right in front of the mansion, where the household staff eagerly awaited my arrival.

Manong Edson opened the door for me while the others grabbed my luggage from the compartment.

“Welcome back, Ma’am Elinor!” greeted the household staff in unison as I stepped out of the car.

I never expected people here to welcome me like this. I thought they would be furious with me because of what I did to Grandma. I know some of the maids here witnessed how I left my grandma without hesitation.

“Elinor…”

I turned my head upon hearing my name from someone. I gasped upon seeing who it was.

“Nanny Filina…” I called.

I looked at her from head to toe. She has aged. Her skin has slightly wrinkled, as if many years have been added to her age. Nanny Filina has taken care of me since I was a child, aside from grandma.

When grandma was not in the mansion, nanny Filina would always be with me. We were close because I would sometimes tell her not to report me to Grandma when I would sneak out to go to the bar in the middle of the night. She was always the one who saved me from grandma’s scolding.

“You’re finally home…” she said.

I couldn’t help myself. I quickly ran toward her to give her a hug.

“I missed you, nanny,” I whispered.

“I missed you too, my dear.” I loosened my hug from her. “How are you? You looked even better than before, but you seem to have lost more weight. Do you still eat three or four times a day?” she asked worriedly.

I gulped. “Of course, nanny,” I lied.

To be honest, for almost three years in Manila, I often only ate twice a day. Sometimes, I would only eat once because I was trying to save on rice. I’m lucky if I can eat three or more times a day.

Even though I had a job back then, it still wasn’t enough to cover my daily expenses. Just paying my bills and rent left me with an empty pocket.

You might be wondering why I don’t have a credit card. Well, I actually had one, but on the very day that Greyson, my ex-boyfriend, and I left, all my credit cards were frozen, and the flow of money was cut off by my grandmother, thinking that it would be a reason for me to come back home.

She became cruel to me, but I understand her. Her feelings are valid. She just wants the best for me.

“We didn’t change anything in your room except for the curtains and bedsheets that we replace every week. We also always clean here,” nanny Filina said as she brought me to my former room.

She is right. Nothing much has changed in my room. All the belongings I left behind are still where I left them.

“Thank you, nanny,” I said.

“That’s nothing. Go ahead and rest. I know you’re tired from the long flight. Just remember, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us, okay?”

I nodded and smiled. “I will, nanny.”

After that, my nanny left me alone.

I scanned my eyes around my room. It still looked beautiful and bright. The white and light gray theme that I used to love was still intact.

My bedroom is a stylish haven, complete with a luxurious queen-size bed adorned with fluffy white pillows and a plush duvet. The room is elevated by a plush gray rug. 

The large window allows ample natural light to flood in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. 

There’s also an entertainment area with a huge flat-screen TV mounted on the wall and a cozy sofa set. On the glass center table, there’s a transparent vase with dried flowers casually placed on top.

My luggage, on the other hand, is lined up next to the large bed. The household helpers offered to organize my walk-in closet, but I declined because I can handle it myself.

“I can’t believe I’m finally back, huh?” I whispered to myself, as if it only truly sunk in at that moment that I had returned to the place where I grew up.

I took a deep breath and then threw myself onto my soft bed. Ugh, I really miss this!

I didn’t even have the energy to change my clothes. Maybe because I was so tired, I quickly fell asleep face down on the bed.

***

I woke up because my cellphone kept ringing nonstop. I groggily reached for it, but when I couldn’t find it, I finally opened my eyes.

I grabbed my handbag to get my cellphone and answered the call without looking at the caller.

“Hello?” I answered with a hoarse voice.

“Hey, Eli? Is it true what Aling Lordes said that you left her apartment? Did she kick you out? Where are you?” Wilbert bombarded with questions from the other line.

I sat up from lying in bed and then yawned before responding to him. “I’m fine, Wilbert. Actually, I already went home.”

“You went home? You mean…”

“Yes.”

Wilbert used to be friends with Greyson. He supported our relationship, but their friendship got ruined when Greyson cheated on me. Wilbert can’t stand people like him, and he also said he wouldn’t tolerate his friend’s shenanigans.

Since then, Wilbert and I have become close friends.

“Why? I thought you wouldn’t come back there until you’ve proven something,” he confusedly asked.

“Do you really think I can prove myself?” I asked. “I’ve been in Manila for three freaking years, but have I proven anything? Nothing, Wilbert. I can’t just stay like this. I need to move forward in life.”

“But… why didn’t you even say goodbye to me?” he said with a hint of resentment.

I took a deep breath. “I called you last night, but you didn’t answer my call.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t notice.”

“It’s not my fault anymore. All I know is that I tried to say goodbye to you.”

He fell silent on the other line. I heard him take a deep breath before speaking again. “Are you still coming back?” he asked once more.

“I don’t know. Maybe yes. Maybe no,” I answered, unsure.

We chatted for a few more minutes before he finally said goodbye because he still had work to do. He said he was really worried about me, thinking I might be going somewhere dangerous.

I checked the time on my phone. It’s already two o’clock in the afternoon. I’m still full from the meal I had earlier during the trip, so I’ll tidy up my things in the walk-in closet before heading downstairs.

All my clothes are now simple and cheap because I sold my expensive clothes and other belongings when I really needed the money.

Honestly, the experiences I’ve had in the past three years of a tough life don’t make me regret them because I’ve learned a lot. That’s where I became strong and mature. That’s where I did things I didn’t know I could do. And most importantly, that’s where I found true friends.

I realized that one’s life status is not a hindrance to being happy. No matter what life throws at you, you can still find happiness.