At the age of 24, I met the most handsome and gentleman human being. Sadly, he's not real and he can't be mine.
#3: Knowing Crisostomo Ibarra More
Polite, kind, handsome, intelligent, physically attractive, and a real gentleman. All the other man in my generation are nothing compared to him. I feel bad about my fans and amirers because, I think I'm in love with—oops kidding! It's forbidden.
Let's just say I admire his politeness. We are few meters away from each other but he saw me and smiled. He looked at the bald man with a priest outfit.
"Oh! Padre Damaso is here with us!" He approached Padre Damaso, the bald and fat man, and offered his hand, "One of my father's closest friend. Nice to meet you."
I am quite not sure if Padre Damaso is blind or dumb. He just stared at Crisostomo. Hey! Accept the hand! Do not be rude!
"Oh, forgive me if I was wrong," Crisostomo said. Why is he apologizing when the one who is rude is not him, but the priest? He lowered his hand, "I thought you are Padre Damaso."
"I am, but I have never been your father's friend," his voice is seriously disgusting. He was the one I heard loudly earlier while I was fixing my hair. He despises the Indios, those pure Filipinos.
Oh! This Padre Damaso is getting on my nerves! I read that he is kinda rude, I just can't remember everything exactly because I only read it once and also, it's a different feeling when you experience it yourself than when you just read it.
"Are you the son of Don Rafael Ibarra?" Asked by the other gentleman. I don't know him, but based on his outfit, he seems to have a position like Lieutenant.
"That is right, Señor."
"Imet your father. I can say that he deserves to be honored because he is an honorable man. May you be fortunate than your father."
"I hope so. Thank you so much for what your kind words, Señor. I appreciate it."
I watched them from the distance, and I was silent. It's like I'm watching a live play, but it's not like that. This is a very different situation because Noli Me Tangere is the reality, and their words are so scripted, I read those.
Many were having fun and some are speaking in Spanish. I couldn't understand but because of their smiles, I knew that they were happy.
After a while, we are able to eat. This is the scene where the two priests will fight for the middle seat. They have a lot of surprises!
"Mis amigos, I forgot to introduce my daughter. I introduced Crisostomo, but I forgot to introduce my own blood—I was too busy. My only child, Maria Clara," my eyes widened when Captain Tiago said that. It is not written in the novel!
Everyone looked at me with a smile. I smiled awkwardly. The smile on their lips are classy, it's really different when you are with old money rich people.
That's why the killjoy Padre Damaso, looks like he has a chisel in his eyes. By the way, he is my real father here. Wanna know why? Continue to read this story so you'll know the answer. CT's introduction was quite wrong! I am not his blood—well because I am not real Maria Clara—but even Maria, she's not her blood.
"Miss Maria Clara is a beautiful woman, she is the most beautiful and modest we know," said an old doña.
Oh yes, I'm really beautiful! The reason why I am famous is because I am beautiful. It's natural without any chemicals, never been in any plastic surgeries. I was born beautiful and I will die beautiful.
"Oh my... not at all," I said hesitantly while shaking my head. Because I'm not sure about modesty? What's that again? I believe that modesty is not a requirement for women. "Besides, just call me Emcee. Maria Clara is too long, Doña ..."
"Victorina," she added. Her forehead frowned. "Emcee? Why Emcee instead of Maria Clara?"
I saw some people frowning at the table because they were about to eat. Others also stopped because they were waiting for my answer.
And oh, by the waiy, the women's and men's table are different.
"Oh because ..." I have a hard time explaining to them because I don't really have the talent to explain. Good thing someone answered for me
"MC, it's her name's abbreviation. The letter M is for Maria and the C is for Clara," Crisostomo explained as his eyes focused on me. "In English, it's called initials which are often used for nicknames in other states.
Aww okay, it's Crisostomo. I should thank him because he saved my ass.
"Wow! Your daughter has a hidden intelligence, Captain Tiago," said Lieutenant Gueverra, the one who talk to Crisostomo earlier. "You're not only beautiful, Emcee. You're also smart and kind."
Oh myyy! I'm so overwhelmed! For the first time, somebody told me that I'm smart. I really appreciate the characters here in Noli Me Tangere. I am already in love with them but of course not romantically. It's prohibited.
"Well, let's all eat, everyone will sit down," CT said. This is the part I'm looking forward to the most with the intense scene.
Each of them went to the chair and some were intrigued by my 'so called' intelligence.
"This seat is reserved for you, Padre Damaso. You are the elder, you were high -ranking and powerful," said Padre Sibyla. His voice seemed defiant, so it was more exciting
Padre Damaso pushed him the chair and he faced Padre Sibyla. "I'm not that old. I think you should sit here, because you're the highest ranking priest now."
Pffft! Exciting! Even if it's a little scary, it's still exciting because their argument is happening right in front of me.
"Yes, Father Sibyla, stop arguing and just sit down," I said smiling. I will side with Padre Damaso since he is my father here. Padre Sybila just looked at me as if to say 'shut-up '' look. I can sense that he also has a bad aura.
"You are not supposed to join their conversation, Hija," Doña Victorina whispered.
"Bueno, it's just a title. In reality, I'm just following your orders," Padre Sibyla said seriously. My eyes widened. Of course, this bald has a bad attitude. Even though he's my father, he's still wicked. Wickeder than Elphaba! He has committed many crimes here!
"Oh, so you're a bossy" They all looked at me. Father Sibyla, who frowned at me earlier, smiled. Damaso, on the other hand, frowned even more.
"Maria Clara, zip your mouth!" Aunt Isabel whispered, but it almost break my eardrums.
"You sit there. Now!" Padre Damaso commanded. Ooh, not bossy, huh? "I'm not bossy! I'm not ordering. Just sit down therez and let this discussion ends for once!"
I laughed at what he said so everyone looked at me again. Oh, yes! As an attention-seeker, I like it.
"Isn't it an order?"
"Shut up and I'm not talking to you!" Padre Damaso shouted, so I grinned. I pissed this mother effing bits.
"Maria, enough with that!" CT shouted, and gave me a serious glance.
"Binibining Emcee! Why do you speak like that?" Doña Victorina asked. I also looked at those in the chairs at the table and their faces were mixed with frustration and disgust, both in men and women.
"Emcee, daughter. You're probably just tired of if anything bothers you. Sorry fathers, for my daughter's chaotic statements."
They were silent and sat down one by one and no one tried to speak. I should have just control my thoughts! Maria Clara looked bad now—because of me! I looked at Crisostomo.
I was about to smile but his eyes are like on fire. It seems... seems like he's mad at me? We are eating but no one dared to talk. I thought we would just be quiet here all night like mutes. Fortunately, the talkative Doña Victorina was brave to open up a conversation.
"Don Crisostomo, how many years have you been away from the Philippines?" I looked at Crisostomo again, even though I felt like he's mad.
Thank goodness he looked at Doña Victorina and from the daring eyes he became calm and friendly.
"Hmm, perhaps seven years, Doña." he said smiling and politely. I was so scared. Why am I intimidated of this fictional character? He's ugly—no, he's not. He's annoying!
"Haven't you forgotten the Philippines?" Doña's new question.
What's this? Tonight With Doña Victorina? Ha! And Crisostomo is now a superstar? Well, he's the main character afterall. So it's okay if he's the star of the night. Still, I am the most famous Filipina ever!
"That won't happen. I may have forgotten by my own town but me? I will always remember my homeland," Crisostomo replied.
Wow! Such a nationalist! Doña Victorina frowned. Oh you don't get? Are you stupid? Kidding! I'm the stupid one here—said my bashers. Hehe.
"I haven't heard news from the Philippines for years. I don't even know how and when my father died," even though he was smiling, I could feel the bitterness in his voice.
"Why didn't anyone send you a letter? You never know what happened to him!" Everyone is looking at me now, because of I'm back again, back for being talkative.
I thought Crisostomo would continue to look mad at me, fortunately not because he smiled at me.
"I was probably in Germany at the time," he replied and smiled but there's a bitterness. Maybe he doesn't like the topic? Can I change it? Anyway, I'm the author of it right now since I've interfered in it. I just smiled at what I thought.
"Binibining Emcee," Father Sibyla called me now. "Why did you interfere with us earlier when some of those here, including your father, did not join the argument of mine and Padre Damaso?"
"Nothing, just to end the discussion," I excused. I thought they were buying my excuse but they just looked at each other.
"Then how do you communicate there?" Fortunately, Doña Victorina asked Crisostomo again and the attention was diverted again.
"I used the language of my country, Tagalog," he said proudly. Wow! You are patriotic!
"Are you fluent in English?" Father Sibyla asked.
"I lived in England for a year, and they are conversing using English, so I can say I am."
Well lemme tell you some fact. In the Philippines, most of the Filipinos speak English well nowadays.
They kept talking. They are just saying those words in the script. Nothing more, nothing less, Unless I interfere. I don't think I should change anything here because this is just a pilot episode.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let me say goodbye. I still have a lot to finish. The most important part of this dinner is over." He raised his wine glass. "On behalf of Spain and Las Islas Filipinas."
I thought Captain Tiago would stop him—that's what the novel says—but it didn't happened because I was already here or it would be better to say Maria Clara.
In the real story, Captain Tiago would stop Crisostomo for leaving because Maria Clara is on her way to this dinner but I changed that... or the librarian changed that.
"Did you see that? It's unacceptable for a young man to talk to priest like that! Is this the result of his study in Spain? It's so rude! He is full of himself and arrogant!" His forehead was very furrowed. Are you that super mad? He looked at me and pointed his fingers atme. "You're also rude!"
I held my chest. Me? Why does it seem like my fault? And how come he's treating me like this—I am her daughter, and in the novel, he loves her so dearly.
-
I couldn't sleep well at night, even though the bed was comfortable, the room was cold, and even if I was tired.
It's bothersome! it's just the beginning, but I feel like I'm going to loose here! Why did I joined the argument of the priests!
I kept on thinking about it until I just fell asleep. When I woke up, I had no intention of eating breakfast. Not because I want drama or whatever, I'm on a diet! Come on even if I'm inside Noli Me Tangere, I should still be sexy and beautiful.
I really don't want to stress by the people here duh! Especially with Padre Damaso. I just went straight to the azotea.
I'm living with a luxurious life here even if it's like 1890's! I was breathing fresh air here when suddenly someone grabbed my shoulder. Who is this bitch?
"Oh, Maria, hija. Or Emcee? Whatever! If that's what you want to be called. Why are you alone and you're sad?"
I frowned and gave him a 'What-are-you talking-about' look "Not at all!" Why is he assuming? Isn't he aware of the quote 'Never assume unless it's stateless?' "It's nothing."
To be fair, I feel like I am missing home, the school, the modeling, the life of a celebrity, the managment—nope, definitely not that! They are super strict with me. I also don't miss my parents. How come they didn't fight for what I want?
"Would you like to take a vacation first so you can breathe some fresh air? Where do you want to be, in Malabon or somewhere?" My eyes widened at what he said.
"Really? Can I take a vacation?" My voice are so loud and full of excitement. He nodded. "I want to go in Bora, I miss swimming there. Let's go swimming!" I said happily and acting like I'm swimming in the beach. He frowned, maybe wondering why my action is like that.
"Bora? Where is that?" He asked while scratching his head, probably he has dandruff.
By the way, this is an old -fashioned version! This is around 1890s, isn't it? Maybe they are not aware of the Bora term because it's actually Boracay, or maybe, Boracay is not really here because only Rizal made it and it wasn't really the Philippines before.
"Primo, can I borrow M.C first?" Aunt Isabel asked. Captain Tiago nodded so I turned to Aunt Isabel who approached me.
She was still wearing a simple but pleasant classical and Philippines' traditional dress. Her hair is also in bun, she looks like Imelda Marcos—but way more better—with her beauty and elegance.
"Someone is looking for you," she almost tore her lip with a huge smile on her lips.
"Who the fu-" I couldn't finish what I was about to say because Crisostomo Ibarra suddenly came. I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Oh, Don Ibarra is here. Here's your true lo—"
Captain Tiago didn't finish what he was going to say because Aunt Isabel simply pinched him.
"Ouch! Why did you do that?" Aunt Isabel glared at him.
"We'll leave you first. Come on, Primo!" They walked away including Father ---just kidding! Captain Tiago.
Crisostomo and I were left here and neither of us spoke. There was a cricket sound because we were really so quiet. The wind blew hard and the dead leaves fly away.
[TULAD MO: TJ MONTERDE] FILIPINO SONG
[What is your name~
I want to know~
And if you already have a boyfriend~
I hope not You can't blame me ~
Always glancing In your eyes~
Oh how beautiful oh young lady
(ENGLISH TRANSLATION) ]
"What are you doing here?" I simply asked because I don't see any reason why—Oh shocks! Of course! He was going to ask for forgiveness here because he didn't wait for her last night. That is from the original story.
But why would he still apologize if we met last night? Anyway, for whatever reason, I'm just going to pretend that I'm mad at him because Maria Clara supposed to be mad at him, because he didn't wait for her. I folded my arms and turned away.
[Oh someone like you~
Is also not to be let go~
Do you know when we became together~
I will never let you go ~
You will be taken care of and not neglected Because You are my Princess~]
"Would you not apologize?" I heard his question, the reason why I dropped my jaw. I turned around, so I can face him. Why does the story seem different? I'm the one he should persuade!
"Remember that with each change of scene, the ensuing event and its related scenes will be changed too," by the librarian. I suddenly remember his words.
Since we met right away, and he didn't leave without seeing me, there was no reason for him to apologize to me. But why should I apologize to him?
"And why should I apologize to you, Ginoo?" I raised an eyebrow to him. Ginoo means mister in Filipino. He smiled but it appears sarcastic.
"Because of what happened last night, Maria Clara. Why did you have to interfere with the two priests vying for a seat? What if you offended them?" He said without blinking.
Oh wow! He was angry with a touch of concern. Crisostomo Ibarra cares for me huhu I think I'm in-lov—laugh out loud! It's prohibited. I will just fall in love with myself—just like BTS Jin loves himself.
"Fine! I'm sorry okay? But nothing bad happened, so worry no more!" Even though I'm not really sorry. I have turned my back on him literally, because I don't have anything to say,
that's why I was surprised when he suddenly hugged my back.
YES, WHY WOULD HE DO THIS?
Back hug is not surprising, what surprised me the most is that he did it! As far as I am concerned, they are conservative and even hugging is highly prohibited!
"Forgive me too, My dearest, Maria Clara, if I appeared to be mad at you—that is not true. I am only concerned about you. I do not know what to do if something bad happens to you. You're always the center of my dream. You are always in my heart. I remember when my professor once scolded me, he told me to forget you so that I can focus on my studies, but why would I listen to him, when you're the one my heart's desire the most?"
As he said those words only one entered my mind. It feels good to be Maria Clara.
Of course, I cannot relate to the love that she is giving to Maria Clara, because no one ever love me like that. I don't have boyfriends, only flings. That's why I can say that I never experience one true love.
It may exists, but it never reach me.
#