All I want to do is to help them, but why does it seems like I am pushing them to dangers? I am here to make the ending happy, and not tragic. Will I succeed?
#5: Bonding with Crispin and Basilio
"Binibining Maria Clara, I'd like to express my gratitude fortreating me and my older brother, Basilio. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Crispin formally said and put his straw hat to his chest.
"That is absolutely correct, Binibini. We ate so many food, and to be honest it's too much. With the food we ate, it seems like it's our birthday," Basilio added while smiling.
We are currently in the mansion of Delos Santos here in San Diego. I was planning to take them to a fine dining restaurant here, but they insisted because they are shy.
"Don't mention it and besides, and don't let yourselves starve, ok?" I glared at them. "If that happens, I'll rally in the church."
The two children looked at each other. By the way, I prepared adobong baboy (Filipino dish), pork porridge, and lechon baboy (roasted pig). That's why these children enjoy it.
"Binibini, why are you so kind?" Basilio asked. Oh, if you only knew how kind I am. Hehe.
"I agree. After all, you have no responsibility to us," Crispin said and looked at the food. "May I take this out? I'm sure Mother hasn't eaten yet."
"Crispin! We already ate, yet you want to take this home. It's embarrassing! Let's just buy Mother something to eat."
I kinda laugh because I remember so many people.
'You were invited to a birthday party, yet you still bring food in your home!'
However, Crispin's case is different.
They have a hard life, financial instability, injustices, abusive father, and abusive bosses. Tsk tsk tsk. The lives of the people here at Noli Me Tangere are unimaginable. If there's a 'too good to be true' there's a 'too bad to be true' and that is the Noli Me Tangere story.
"It's okay, it's for your mother! You're a lovely son," I said with a smile.
He's a lovely son as I am lovely daughter. Look at Mama Lilah and Papa Jordan who are no longer working because I am the one who made them rich.
It turns out that these two children are in the same situation as me, but they are my poor version. Because they need to stretch their bones just for a little amount of money.
In my case, I could say that I am blessed because modeling is my passion, ergo I love my work. By the way, their lives would be ruin if they stayed longer in the convent!
"Hey... kids! Don't go back to the convent, you'll just be damned there," I said while nodding repeatedly. Iused my convincing powers to make sure they believed.
They stopped eating and looked at each other. "That's what our hearts desire, and we wish to study—not work at this young age. However, we can't afford it." Crispin said as he stared at the floor.
"My younger brother is right. We need to work because our father would beat us if we go home without salary. Aside from that, we are just poor who needs money to survive. Everyday, we are in survival mode," Basilio stared at me.
The stubbornness of these children!
"What if... what if... wait ..." shitness my brain, where are you? Here I am. Go function yourself! "What if you work here! Yes! You'll clean my room PLUS free food, there's more! There's a free take out for your momshie! Deal? Deal! Okay! That's a yes, ok?"
They looked at each other again. Do their eyes have magnets because they keep looking at each other whenever I say something?
"We'd love to, Binibini. That's a good offer—"
"Crispin!" Basilio stared at him. "Binibini, as much as we'd love to, I'm afraid that it might not be possible. The sacristan mayor and the priest will be mad to us and to our mother. We might get in trouble. Another thing, we don't just work in the church. We also want to serve God."
That is... nice! I don't think I can do something anymore. That was their decision and I have no right to interfere with them especially because their reason for working in the convent is significant.
"All right! Just take care of yourselves Avoid being in trouble. Also, come here when your small intestine has eaten your large intestine. Whenever you're hungry!" I said and smile, "but actually, no. Just come here everyday and I'll cook a food for you and for your mother—"
I am not yet done talking, when the two kids suddenly hugged me so tight—to the point that I am having a hard time to catch my breathe. Their hugs melt my heart, and I felt their warmness.
"Binibini, we apologize for hugging you so tight, we are fully aware of the classifications x and we must not hug you—not even touch you—but we couldn't help ourselves. Thank you for the kindness you have shown," Basilio said, almost cracking his voice.
"I second the motion. You are our guardian angel, Binibini. Thank you for your help," Crispin said, still hugging me.
Oh my! In all the compliments I received, this was the most sincere. I felt that. I hugged them both as if they were my brothers. Is this the feeling of having siblings? I don't have brothers nor sisters, so I don't know it.
-
The sky was dark, the night is cold, and the surrounding is peaceful. The only light is the moon and the stars in the sky. I'm already in Maria Clara's room and asleep.
I feel euphoria in my heart, I'm so happy. It is because I helped the two children. Is this the feeling of being helpful?
I looked at the surroundings and I found them beautiful. It seems like there are no problems, and the ease of feeling. If I only knew, I had donated to orphanages. If I have done it before, I've been happy for a long time. Or I should build my own orphanage because I can do it. I am wealthy and I will soon be a billionaire.
My imagination to build an isolation—I mean orphanage was interrupted when suddenly someone violently opened the door. Who's that pokemon?
"Maria Clara!" Captain Tiago's whole face was red and his two eyebrows were almost touching because of the excessive encounter.
"How come you're being rude? What is wrong with you?"
Oh my! It seems like he already heard about what I've done to the Padre Salvi. I scratched my neck and tried to smile.
"Tiago, calm down," said Aunt Isabel who was behind him.
"F-father... what you heard is—" I couldn't finish what I was about to say when he suddenly slapped me and it was so hard. The pain is indescribable!
"You do not care about the welfare of this family, didn't you? You know that it's embarassing. And, are you for real? You chose to be enemies with the parish head!" He shouted the reason why my hands are shaking.
Why didn't I think of that! Why didn't I think of them, Captain Tiago and Aunt Isabel? Is that really a question Emcee? Of course you're stupid! You are really stupid! You are not saving Noli Me Tangere characters you are putting them in trouble!
"S-sorry..." What can a sorry do? You stupid girl! The only thing that you know is how to catwalk!
"Sorry? Maria Clara! I'm so embarrassed to go out! You're the talk of the town now! What seems to be your problem for you to be rude like that! What happened to you at the convent? If you have a problem, tell us," he said and frowned.
"Let Maria Clara explain. I know your daughter has a reason because I took care of her since then. Maria Clara, what's the compelling reason why did you shout at the priest?
I literally loked down. How can I explain that to them? How can I say that I need to save the two children from their bitter fate? I lift my head up and looked at them in their eyes. I tried to open my mouth to speak but I couldn't. I try it again but I failed again. I'm disgusted with my actions! Why can't I speak? Am I mute now?
"Isabel, it takes a little effort to realize that she has no worthy reason to say," Captain Tiago interrupted. He glared at me, and then pointed. "Make sure you don't do it again."
After that, Captain Tiago turned his back, and starting walking away. Aunt Isabel was left here and hugged me. My tears kept flowing because she seemed to be babysitting me. She was like my mother and I was the child who was scolded.
"What's the problem of my baby Maria? Do not be afraid and tell it to your auntie, huh? Aunt Isabel is always on Maria's side. Whatever the reason is, I know that it is reasonable and acceptable. You are a wise woman, I know that you have a worthy reason."
After saying those sweet words, I can't help but to let those tears out. I am crying like a primary school studeng. It made me wonder, why can't someone be fully happy? Earlier, I was happy because I am able to extend my help, and now I am crying so hard! Why can't I be happy for real. This destiny is very kill joy. I'll throw a fistfight with it if the destiny piss me more.
My eyes are still VERY AWAKE here even though maybe it's three o'clock in the midnight. I feel like I'm a Tarsier here in Bicol. Is it Bicol or Bohol? Just in the Philippines! Don't mind my thoughts I'm stupid!
Why am I taking it seriously? The Tarsier thingy! So that's it, I feel the hurtful words that Captain Tiago said to me.
Even though he is not my real father, I was still hurt by what he said. I'm still huma bding with a sensitive feeling, just famous. Suddenly a shiver came in my chest when there was a knock from the terrace door.
Maria Clara's room has its own a terrace, with a big window. Rich kid indeed! But then, I was scared.
Are there ghosts here? Is there anything written like that here? Thanks to my stupid thoughts! What time is it, you're still dramatizing because of what a fictional character told you!
"Maria Clara?" The voice is familiar. I think he's...
"Crisostomo?" I hurriedly got up from lying down and opened the door of Maria Clara's terrace.
Wow, in a hurry? Are you that excited?
"You crazy, what are you doing here? Why did you enter here? Are you Spiderman?" I asked shile crossing my arms.
Instead of answering, a smile without showing his teeth crept on his face. I saw how his dimples appeared.
"I am here to see you and to make sure that you are fine. I have this feeling that you will still think about what happened earlier. Please do not think of it anymore, and go to sleep peacefully."
"It's unavoidable..." I didn't say anything more because I remember CT's words.
Even if you don't want to think about it, it will still appear in your mind. Thank you for the conscience, it's unavoidable.
I looked at the full moon and the stars. The view is really nice! I would have enjoyed it if I had no problems!
"The stars in the sky is beatiful, aren't they? It seems like it's their right places," Crisostomo said while smiling and looking at the sky.
"Yeah, but I'm prettier one thousand times, duh!" I rolled my eyes. He laughed at what I said. This punk! Did he think I was joking. I glared at him.
"Sure. You're the best and prettiest star I know," he said smiling. "In fact you're even brighter than the stars."
Oh my g! What is this fictional character saying! Manuela Carie, stay calm! You can't be in love with fictional characters, remember?
I punched him. His eyes widened because of what I did.
"Hey, do you think I will believe you with your sweet words? Don't me. I know you're just hitting on me! Duh! Are you flirting with me?" Straightforward, I said.
"W-what?" He blushed ans hide his face."No, I am just being honest here, my dear," he defended himself. After that we don't talk anymore.
Like we used to do.... by: Charlie Puth.
Minutes had passed but still no one dared to talk. We are just staring at the moon, how mesmerizing it is, and I am really loving the peacefulness.
We are two meters apart and he looked at me that's why my face automatically look at him too.
"What seems to be your problem? You're quite quiet. With the new version of yours, I can say that I am not used that you're quiet."
Is he saying that I am talkative?
"Nothing!"
I am not in the mood to talk, especially because the hurtful words and literally hurtful slap of CT still lingers in my mind. It keeps replaying. Where's the remote control of mind, and I will pause—or even better stop—it from replaying.
My heart jumped when I felt him take my hand and slowly kiss it. Oh my! Is there something like this in the original story? Why did he kised my hand? Why is he being aggressive? I felt the warmth of his... love?
"I will only say this once because it will take a lot of courage to say it again," he said and smile, "whatever happens, I am always on your side. Whenever you feel like you are alone, do not forget that I am here, I am just at your back. No matter what the people say about you, know thyself. They shouldn't define you, you know yourself and I know you too. They can't take away my love for you, and you will always be the most modest, prettiest, and kindest woman I'll ever meet. I love you to the stars and back
#
Featured song:
[TALA BY: SARAH GERONIMO]
Ang ningning ng mga tala'y nakikita ko sa'yong mga mata
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng yong mga mata'y nahanap ko sa mga tala~~
Siguro nga masyadong mabilis
Ang pagyanig
Ng puso ko
Para sa puso mo
Siguro nga ako ay makulit, ayaw makinig
Sa takbo ng isip
Hindi ko maipilit~~
Tila ako'y nakalutang na sa langit
Ngunit nalulunod sa'yong mga ngiti
At kung hanggang dito lang talaga tayo
Hindi pababayaan ang daang tinahak na kapiling ka
At kung umabot tayo hanggang dulo~~
Kapit lang ng mahigpit
Aabutin natin ang mga tala
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng mga tala'y nakikita ko sa'yong mga mata~~
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng yong mga mata'y nahanap ko sa mga tala
Maaaring kinabukasan ay mag-iba ng
Ihip ng iyong ninanais
Ngunit maaari bang kahit na pansamantala lang
Ikaw muna'y maging akin~~
Tila ako'y nakalutang na sa langit
Ngunit nalulunod sa yong mga ngiti...
At kung hanggang dito lang talaga tayo
Hindi pababayaan ang daang tinahak na kapiling ka
At kung umabot tayo hanggang dulo~~
Kapit lang ng mahigpit
Aabutin natin ang mga tala
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng mga tala'y nakikita ko sa'yong mga mata~~
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng yong mga mata'y nahanap ko sa mga tala
Hindi man ako nilagay sa mundong ito para sa'yo~~
Parang nakatingin ang buong daigdig pag ako ay yakap yakap mo
Ohhh...
At kung hanggang dito lang talaga tayo
Hindi pababayaan ang daang tinahak na kapiling ka
At kung umabot tayo hanggang dulo~~
Kapit lang ng mahigpit
Aabutin natin ang mga tala
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng mga tala'y nakikita ko sa'yong mga mata
Tala, tala, tala...
Ang ningning ng yong mga mata'y nahanap ko sa mga tala
Ohhh... (Ohhh...) Ohhh... (Ohhh...)
Ang ningning ng mga tala'y nakita ko sa'yong mga mata...
Nakita ko sa'yong mga mata.
Ang ningning ng yong mga mata'y nahanap ko sa mga tala...~~