In the province of Manila, there is a prosperous and peaceful town. It is hidden, and at the very end, where the expanse of the ocean can be seen, you can 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, and 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, 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 there.
Many of them here are still leaving for Manila. I don't know why they must leave when this town is rich. Based on what I heard in my class, the buildings in Manila seem so high! There are many opportunities to work there. Others I knew went to college.
I once had a curiosity about what Manila was. What do they call a building with lots of light and drinks?
I looked up at the high sun. I close my eyes. I bent down and wiped the sweat off my forehead. I grabbed the backpacks and went to my grandmother's barn, along with others her age.
"I'm done, grandma." They looked at me and smiled. I am proud of my work again.
"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 so old she doesn't have a boyfriend yet? Oops! Such a maiden is kept. Take a look! Her nose is lovely! 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 to 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, my grandmother was also one of the land managers in Montenegro. She was the leader when harvesting and tending the rice fields of Montenegro and Grandpa.
We entered 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, we'll keep it when you go to college. The rest is 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 fortunate with them.
"Thank you, grandpa! When I graduate from college, we will leave for Manila city! I will work there for a Montenegro company and always take you around!"
Montenegro cares about its people. I once met a Montenegrin couple at their gathering. Every Christmas, we were all invited to their mansion and celebrated Christmas together. 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 it had shrunk on me a few years later. 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 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 Montenegro's mansion, the table was long, with people sitting who were also Montenegrins 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, and I noticed that many people were looking at me, especially men.
"Of course !" Grandma Tessa was proud of me.
I saw Senyora Patricia come out with her husband, Senyor Juanito. We applauded. It's all fun to start the conversation with them.
Their two young sons are very serious. Some came there as a family and socialized.
I only focus on the siblings I see once, especially since they only come home earlier.
"Staybhere Aurora there, huh ?! I'll just give it to the lady!" Grandma, show the bag and bracelet in the bag simultaneously.
"Yes, grandma!"
I distracted myself with food when I felt like urinating. I politely left our table and went to the bathroom at the back of the mansion.
I turned toward the bathroom when I heard a moan that seemed to hurt.
In the TV movies, I saw this; the growl of a woman in pain is like this! 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.
I was more nervous when the woman almost cried, and it seemed to hurt. My tears are already welling up, especially since no light is 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? A woman in a maid uniform, and her pants were in her foot already!!! The panty?
"O-Oh." I almost blush to realize what they are doing. Especially when I get to know the guy for who he is! It was too late, but I closed my eyes.
I turned around. With great nervousness, my face heats up. I do not know why. It's my first time seeing that.
I could not leave where I stood when I heard his voice behind me.
"Who are you?"
I didn't bother to look at him. "Ah! One of the haciendas!" 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 didn't 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. My chest was pounding, so I immediately turned around but bowed.
"I'm sorry," I said, but he didn't speak. I looked up and saw him looking at me seriously. On the other hand, I seem mesmerized by how handsome he is.
I felt even more guilty when I saw that his eyebrow was bloody. I think I hit him with a dustpan 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 in a way that is so intimate. He especially bent his hand over my head and touched my waist.
I thought 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 me space at last. "You were 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, which seemed threatening.
