THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Last Entry
With the controversy spinning on Melvin's work, Mark agreed to meet him inside a church one Wednesday. Mark asked Melvin why he chose the church to meet him. He replied that his apartment was no longer safe for any form of conversation with so many people invading his privacy.
"So what is it that you're going to tell me," Mark inquired.
"I want a way out," said Melvin. "I never expected it to be this way. I was just minding my own business."
"I know what you mean," Mark was sighing. "Do you have any plan?"
"Yes," was the reply. "Please help me."
The last word of Melvin came out like a plea from someone who had been burdened with something that he did not deserve. Mark agreed. He said he'd take care of it and use the connections he have. He also implied that some of the people he knew were big fans of him, and would be more than willing to help.
"Melvin," said Mark. "I know you more than you think I do. What is it that you're really afraid of?"
"Responsibility," was the soft answer. "All these years, I just wanted to try something different. But not this way."
"Was it the need to be heard?" his bestfriend asked.
"Frankly no," he was looking straight at his eyes. "It's not a deep longing to be heard, rather it's a deep longing to speak."
He then continued, "When I wrote that book, all the time I was speaking with myself."
Mark was silent. Melvin still said, "I came to believe that when you want to do something passionately, you can do it. Then the world would not become a hindrance. It would help you rise up to the place where you ought to be. For me, that is the secret of life; to find your place in this world."
"I thought it was just work," Mark said.
"No," he said. "What I was doing was purely play. Why? Because I came to love my work."
A week later, a press conference was called on the sudden death of Melvin Santos, author of "The Spring Lies Eternal." Having no relatives, his body was cremated and was given to Mark Lopez. Authorities said that it was a coronary disease that lead to a stroke.
He left a note for Mark to read. In front of television crews and journalists, Mark told the world of Melvin's last words:
"What may be the ultimate truth for you could be the biggest lie for me."
In a few short years, there were allegations by some people that Melvin was seen running naked on a beach in the South. At the same date that the author of "The Spring Lies Eternal" was said to have been seen, someone was using the pages of his book as toilet paper.
May 29, 2003
May 27, 2003
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Entry No. 5
Robin was a teen-ager, a loner and someone you'd see sitting on a corner reading a book or sometimes talking to himself. Classmates describe him as weird. Police reports indicated that he had family problems and couldn't seem to handle pressure very well. He had no real friends and his home is not the kind of place one would want to stay in. He came from a broken family.
The news spread like wildfire causing many people to think about the book Melvin wrote. The issue now revolves on whether the authorities must ban the book or prevent adolescent kids from reading it.
It was a bright sunny morning. Clutching his copy of "The Spring Lies Eternal", Robin murdered his parents then shot himself after. On the book was an underlined phrase "Since the life we have here feels like hell, everyone would go to Heaven."
Luis was quite a normal boy. He had friends. His family came from a long line of well-respected teachers. He had everything anyone could think of to have a comfortable life. He had good looks. He had a car of his own and his allowance is doubled as compared to other kids his age.
At school, he was brilliant. He was also part of the soccer varsity team. On the day Luis was found hanging on his room, he had a copy of Melvin's book lying on his bed. It was open on a certain page that said, "I am fifty, but I've never been twenty. The sad thing is, my mind had already been burned-up even before I had the freedom to use it."
And so it was decided.
Melvin's book, at first, was banned from being sold to minors. Later, certain religious groups accused him of blasphemy and urged the government to totally ban the book. It was a violation of the basic right of freedom of expression so politicians who were quick to ride on the issue said that, "Freedom entails responsibility. It is our responsibility to filter what's wrong or right for our children. Though we cannot hold the author responsible for the consequences of what he has written, at least we can do something to prevent another tragedy."
Entry No. 5
Robin was a teen-ager, a loner and someone you'd see sitting on a corner reading a book or sometimes talking to himself. Classmates describe him as weird. Police reports indicated that he had family problems and couldn't seem to handle pressure very well. He had no real friends and his home is not the kind of place one would want to stay in. He came from a broken family.
The news spread like wildfire causing many people to think about the book Melvin wrote. The issue now revolves on whether the authorities must ban the book or prevent adolescent kids from reading it.
It was a bright sunny morning. Clutching his copy of "The Spring Lies Eternal", Robin murdered his parents then shot himself after. On the book was an underlined phrase "Since the life we have here feels like hell, everyone would go to Heaven."
Luis was quite a normal boy. He had friends. His family came from a long line of well-respected teachers. He had everything anyone could think of to have a comfortable life. He had good looks. He had a car of his own and his allowance is doubled as compared to other kids his age.
At school, he was brilliant. He was also part of the soccer varsity team. On the day Luis was found hanging on his room, he had a copy of Melvin's book lying on his bed. It was open on a certain page that said, "I am fifty, but I've never been twenty. The sad thing is, my mind had already been burned-up even before I had the freedom to use it."
And so it was decided.
Melvin's book, at first, was banned from being sold to minors. Later, certain religious groups accused him of blasphemy and urged the government to totally ban the book. It was a violation of the basic right of freedom of expression so politicians who were quick to ride on the issue said that, "Freedom entails responsibility. It is our responsibility to filter what's wrong or right for our children. Though we cannot hold the author responsible for the consequences of what he has written, at least we can do something to prevent another tragedy."
May 23, 2003
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Entry No. 4
With whatever phenomenon there was on thenovel he wrote, the public accepted his story with an enthusiasm unprecedented in its time. Phrases coming from the book like "What is the secret of life? You'll know it when you're dead," were very popular among students and academicians. For them, here is an author who could speak in plain language the secrets of one's existence.
Other popular lines from the book were, "If the world would stop believing in love, would love cease to exist?" For many booklovers, it was also a love story set on a passion to feel, to test one's limit, and to define the thin line between illusion and reality.
There were even radio discussions on what he meant on phrases like: "Life is an illusion because it is only our mind that makes out what our environment is showing"; "If freedoms means letting go, then we are free to feel pain. The consequence is not the end
but a beginning. The start of a wonderful new feeling reminding us that we exist"; and of course; "The true search for God is a search for who we really are."
So was the popularity of his book that several web sites were set-up on the internet so people could freely discuss what he said. He was invited on different television programs but he declined them all. Matter of fact, he hated the attention he was getting. As one avid follower would say, "It is the sheer honesty of his work that makes us feel human." Nonetheless, he refused every move to make himself more popular. His book did all that.
Melvin never questioned the wisdom Mark had. He was his friend and he knew his genuine concern for him. They were friends since their school days and the trust they have for one another is like that of brothers. On a Friday that they met, Mark gave Melvin a warm hug congratulating him on the success of his book. He said it was sure to be controversial because it was different. In fact, it contained to many people "The Ultimate Truth". The truth that people have been searching for too long: the truth that everybody
wanted to hear.
He even stated that, "It's a litany of questions dying to be asked." He was just worried though. Mark was afraid as to what extent the book can influence people. Melvin just shrugged at the thought. It seems he was not affected by the popularity he was getting. Until one day, with the events that happened, he himself began to feel afraid on the influence he had weaved out.
Entry No. 4
With whatever phenomenon there was on thenovel he wrote, the public accepted his story with an enthusiasm unprecedented in its time. Phrases coming from the book like "What is the secret of life? You'll know it when you're dead," were very popular among students and academicians. For them, here is an author who could speak in plain language the secrets of one's existence.
Other popular lines from the book were, "If the world would stop believing in love, would love cease to exist?" For many booklovers, it was also a love story set on a passion to feel, to test one's limit, and to define the thin line between illusion and reality.
There were even radio discussions on what he meant on phrases like: "Life is an illusion because it is only our mind that makes out what our environment is showing"; "If freedoms means letting go, then we are free to feel pain. The consequence is not the end
but a beginning. The start of a wonderful new feeling reminding us that we exist"; and of course; "The true search for God is a search for who we really are."
So was the popularity of his book that several web sites were set-up on the internet so people could freely discuss what he said. He was invited on different television programs but he declined them all. Matter of fact, he hated the attention he was getting. As one avid follower would say, "It is the sheer honesty of his work that makes us feel human." Nonetheless, he refused every move to make himself more popular. His book did all that.
Melvin never questioned the wisdom Mark had. He was his friend and he knew his genuine concern for him. They were friends since their school days and the trust they have for one another is like that of brothers. On a Friday that they met, Mark gave Melvin a warm hug congratulating him on the success of his book. He said it was sure to be controversial because it was different. In fact, it contained to many people "The Ultimate Truth". The truth that people have been searching for too long: the truth that everybody
wanted to hear.
He even stated that, "It's a litany of questions dying to be asked." He was just worried though. Mark was afraid as to what extent the book can influence people. Melvin just shrugged at the thought. It seems he was not affected by the popularity he was getting. Until one day, with the events that happened, he himself began to feel afraid on the influence he had weaved out.
May 19, 2003
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Entry No. 3
Melvin decided to become a writer. The idea crossed his mind one day when his phonepal told him that he "could catch words in the air and make sense out of nonsense". Yes, he had a phonepal. On the long wait for the morning, Melvin found it an easy escape to talk to strangers on the phone. He met this girl who refused to reveal her real name. Instead, they created code names to hide who they really were. Melvin laughed at himself for he was acting like a teen-ager.
Being the impulsive person that he had become, he bought a computer and started to "scribble" words in the word processor. He liked it. He discovered in him an innate passion to write. It was a practical choice as he himself though. Most of his life, he typed things for other people and wrote letters that did not appeal to him. Besides, he can now put his ideas into his work plus the freedom to say what he wanted.
It was an easy task for him. All he had to do was to connect things and make some sense on how they are linked. He no longer felt the restrictions that he grew accustomed in his old life. His ideas were from observing people and making a stories out of them. With this at hand, he set out with his new goal, which is to create his first novel.
Things were happening so fast that on the fourth Friday that Melvin and Mark met, Mark's reaction came with a question. He said, "So now you're a writer. I wonder what you'll turn up next time we meet." But Melvin wasn't really listening. He was walking towards the dancefloor. His bestfriend's face stared in disbelief.
The first few months flew and by this time, Melvin had the first draft of his novel. It was about an ordinary person given extraordinary twists in life. The title was "The Spring Lies Eternal." It wasn't much, not really literature per se. But what made him satisfied was the
contentment he had while writing his book. Being a neophyte in the publishing industry, he hired an old lawyer he knew back at his office days. He wasn't really worried whether it would be published or not. For him, his part had been done. Now it's time to write another book.
But in just two weeks, he could not believe that some publisher actually took notice of his work. His attorney called him up so that they could arrange a meeting with the publisher. Even the negotiations were simple enough. His lawyer, who acts as his agent,
would oversee the royalties and other details he did not care to find out. There were just one if waiting to be answered. And that would be - if the book would sell.
The funny thing was, the publisher and his lawyer seemed to be more excited than Melvin. He just took everything in stride. For him, the real pleasure lies in writing, the rest are just details. So after two months, the book hit the market with a surprisingly warm welcome. On this event of his life, he never expected it but things would really take a huge turn.
Entry No. 3
Melvin decided to become a writer. The idea crossed his mind one day when his phonepal told him that he "could catch words in the air and make sense out of nonsense". Yes, he had a phonepal. On the long wait for the morning, Melvin found it an easy escape to talk to strangers on the phone. He met this girl who refused to reveal her real name. Instead, they created code names to hide who they really were. Melvin laughed at himself for he was acting like a teen-ager.
Being the impulsive person that he had become, he bought a computer and started to "scribble" words in the word processor. He liked it. He discovered in him an innate passion to write. It was a practical choice as he himself though. Most of his life, he typed things for other people and wrote letters that did not appeal to him. Besides, he can now put his ideas into his work plus the freedom to say what he wanted.
It was an easy task for him. All he had to do was to connect things and make some sense on how they are linked. He no longer felt the restrictions that he grew accustomed in his old life. His ideas were from observing people and making a stories out of them. With this at hand, he set out with his new goal, which is to create his first novel.
Things were happening so fast that on the fourth Friday that Melvin and Mark met, Mark's reaction came with a question. He said, "So now you're a writer. I wonder what you'll turn up next time we meet." But Melvin wasn't really listening. He was walking towards the dancefloor. His bestfriend's face stared in disbelief.
The first few months flew and by this time, Melvin had the first draft of his novel. It was about an ordinary person given extraordinary twists in life. The title was "The Spring Lies Eternal." It wasn't much, not really literature per se. But what made him satisfied was the
contentment he had while writing his book. Being a neophyte in the publishing industry, he hired an old lawyer he knew back at his office days. He wasn't really worried whether it would be published or not. For him, his part had been done. Now it's time to write another book.
But in just two weeks, he could not believe that some publisher actually took notice of his work. His attorney called him up so that they could arrange a meeting with the publisher. Even the negotiations were simple enough. His lawyer, who acts as his agent,
would oversee the royalties and other details he did not care to find out. There were just one if waiting to be answered. And that would be - if the book would sell.
The funny thing was, the publisher and his lawyer seemed to be more excited than Melvin. He just took everything in stride. For him, the real pleasure lies in writing, the rest are just details. So after two months, the book hit the market with a surprisingly warm welcome. On this event of his life, he never expected it but things would really take a huge turn.
May 17, 2003
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Entry No. 2
The first few weeks of his newly found life was never dull. He tried things he never did before. Things like sleeping on a morning then waking up early at night to watch television 'til his eyes grew tired. He had cable installed in his home and had a marathon
of movies moving before his eyes.
He tried painting. He would scribble images, though not on canvas, but on the walls of his apartment. He would try sculpting using clay. He would then build a display stand, trying his hands on carpentry. He would put some of his works there. He made pottery and built objects that had no real use but he just wanted to do something so that his hands would not be idle. Melvin dared not call it art but was accused of it in the future.
During the first Friday that he and Mark promised to meet, the first question his bestfriend asked him was, "When did you start smoking?"
The bartender asked for their order. Since Mark has to work from eight to five, sometimes eight to eight, they agreed to meet at nine o' clock and stay there until eleven. Melvin, as far as Mark knew, drinks only beer. And he can handle as much as two bottles only. You can imagine the look on his face when Melvin said, "This time I'd have tequila, then whisky, then bourbon."
They talked about how Melvin was doing and Mark kept saying how it was at the office. He would soon get the promotion promised to him with a hint that Melvin would have been in the same position if he did not resign. He talked about the raise he would get and the other perks of the promotion. Melvin did not seem to listen. In fact, he was eyeing the dance floor.
Entry No. 2
The first few weeks of his newly found life was never dull. He tried things he never did before. Things like sleeping on a morning then waking up early at night to watch television 'til his eyes grew tired. He had cable installed in his home and had a marathon
of movies moving before his eyes.
He tried painting. He would scribble images, though not on canvas, but on the walls of his apartment. He would try sculpting using clay. He would then build a display stand, trying his hands on carpentry. He would put some of his works there. He made pottery and built objects that had no real use but he just wanted to do something so that his hands would not be idle. Melvin dared not call it art but was accused of it in the future.
During the first Friday that he and Mark promised to meet, the first question his bestfriend asked him was, "When did you start smoking?"
The bartender asked for their order. Since Mark has to work from eight to five, sometimes eight to eight, they agreed to meet at nine o' clock and stay there until eleven. Melvin, as far as Mark knew, drinks only beer. And he can handle as much as two bottles only. You can imagine the look on his face when Melvin said, "This time I'd have tequila, then whisky, then bourbon."
They talked about how Melvin was doing and Mark kept saying how it was at the office. He would soon get the promotion promised to him with a hint that Melvin would have been in the same position if he did not resign. He talked about the raise he would get and the other perks of the promotion. Melvin did not seem to listen. In fact, he was eyeing the dance floor.
May 15, 2003
THE ULTIMATE TRUTH
Entry No. 1
He decided that he have had enough of the old life he had so he quit his job. The truth is, he doesn't have any idea what lies ahead of him after he made his decision. It was just a spark of the moment, having worked as an office clerk for eleven years, he really felt he needed a break. Confident that his minimal saving would last him for more than a year, he ventured into the world unknown instead of being content with the security that his work offered.
No one could really blame Melvin. He was the type who graduated college on time, started to work on time, and managed to become independent on time. He doesn't have a wife because as he reasoned out, there was no one to meet at the office except old maid Bertha, who seemed not to take notice of him too. He did not take his non-existent lovelife as a curse but a simple problem that would be resolved in its own time. Needless to say, he patterned his old life to a time plan he himself made. There was a time for everything and everything has its own time. Using the term he used on the only book he wrote, it was a boring life.
One Friday, the last day of his stay at work, his officemates gave him gifts and threw a small party for his early resignation. Frankly, it was for him one of the few happy occasion that happened in his days at the office. A thought came over him that it is true that people never truly value the existence of someone until that someone would be gone.
He wanted his departure to be as silent as possible, no fuss whatsoever. Everything must be in order even for the last time. Talking with his boss one afternoon, he revealed his plan of quitting work and handed out his resignation letter. Melvin's boss was reluctant to let him go. He had earned the trust of the company and even stated that;"it would be a great loss for the corporation" and a word of advice was made. "Things would never be the same for you," his boss said. He knew that. But that was what he wanted; he wanted things to be different.
His best friend Mark cautioned him of being too hasty on deciding. He warned him that it would be very difficult for someone his age to find another job. When one is over thirty, at the middle of one's life they say, people find it unwise to go venturing into something new. They say you're too old for a new career and too old to learn something else. By that time, you are expected to stay where you are. After several futile persuasions, Mark, who also happen to be his companion at work, gave in. They agreed to meet at a local bar downtown twice a month on a Friday just to exchange pleasantries.
For Melvin, the plan was simple. There was no plan! He was to have a good time. A month before he resigned, he promised himself that things would be different. This time, he would take over.
Entry No. 1
He decided that he have had enough of the old life he had so he quit his job. The truth is, he doesn't have any idea what lies ahead of him after he made his decision. It was just a spark of the moment, having worked as an office clerk for eleven years, he really felt he needed a break. Confident that his minimal saving would last him for more than a year, he ventured into the world unknown instead of being content with the security that his work offered.
No one could really blame Melvin. He was the type who graduated college on time, started to work on time, and managed to become independent on time. He doesn't have a wife because as he reasoned out, there was no one to meet at the office except old maid Bertha, who seemed not to take notice of him too. He did not take his non-existent lovelife as a curse but a simple problem that would be resolved in its own time. Needless to say, he patterned his old life to a time plan he himself made. There was a time for everything and everything has its own time. Using the term he used on the only book he wrote, it was a boring life.
One Friday, the last day of his stay at work, his officemates gave him gifts and threw a small party for his early resignation. Frankly, it was for him one of the few happy occasion that happened in his days at the office. A thought came over him that it is true that people never truly value the existence of someone until that someone would be gone.
He wanted his departure to be as silent as possible, no fuss whatsoever. Everything must be in order even for the last time. Talking with his boss one afternoon, he revealed his plan of quitting work and handed out his resignation letter. Melvin's boss was reluctant to let him go. He had earned the trust of the company and even stated that;"it would be a great loss for the corporation" and a word of advice was made. "Things would never be the same for you," his boss said. He knew that. But that was what he wanted; he wanted things to be different.
His best friend Mark cautioned him of being too hasty on deciding. He warned him that it would be very difficult for someone his age to find another job. When one is over thirty, at the middle of one's life they say, people find it unwise to go venturing into something new. They say you're too old for a new career and too old to learn something else. By that time, you are expected to stay where you are. After several futile persuasions, Mark, who also happen to be his companion at work, gave in. They agreed to meet at a local bar downtown twice a month on a Friday just to exchange pleasantries.
For Melvin, the plan was simple. There was no plan! He was to have a good time. A month before he resigned, he promised himself that things would be different. This time, he would take over.
May 3, 2003
(UNTITLED)
Entry No. 4
But the clothing of the night, with its dark seams and black vesture, could not keep within its cloak the entirety of the secrets it held. Such an irony that a time for rest could be a time of torment for some – the stars being silent witnesses, keeping vigil, providing hope that there would be no rain on the break of dawn.
The garden within her father’s house became their refuge, safe from the prying eyes of men. Amelia would wait for him by her window, discreetly let him in, and then lead him to the garden that was their lonesome. She would check if the governess was fast asleep while he waited at a corner – silent, discerning, and alert at any movement from the entrance door.
Amelia was more beautiful than the previous nights of their tryst. With her high-bridged nose and skin as pale as the moonlight, she could illuminate any room with her knowing smile. Her blue eyes and straight black hair, a heart-shaped face with a delicate chin – in the eyes of Francisco, nothing could be more gentle, a breath of fresh air he would volunteer to be engulfed to.
On his part, when Francisco was young, the midwife predicted that his handsome face and slightly tanned skin would bring him far. But she also warned that some people are afraid of such beauty, like those of butterflies whose wings are said to cause blindness.
Until the first crow of the rooster in the morning, Francisco and Amelia would talk and stare at each other, each with deep admiration and interest. The flowers and plants around them, lit up by a single candle that Francisco made, were the same colors as the conversations they had. Amelia would run her hands on his wavy hair while he rested on her lap. They would hold hands, tighter each time they suppress a muffled laugh. She found out that the scars on his arms were caused by melted wax spilled one time when he was eight years old. With a loving gesture, she held that arm and rubbed it with her cheeks.
“Francisco, I’m beginning to be afraid,” Amelia whispered.
“What are you afraid of?” Francisco asked.
“I think the governess is beginning to get suspicious,” she replied.
“That’s what you said last week, when you asked me to stop bringing you roses,” he said, smiling.
“Well, yes. But this time it’s different. I don’t know. There’s just a fear within me that I can’t put out. I don’t know what it is but it’s there.”
Amelia stood up and continued. “I know you might find it stupid but it’s just there. Something I could not fathom, and it’s making me nervous.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of my dear,” he tried to calm her fear. “I don’t think the governess would say anything to your father. With him gone, you still are the master of the house. In the first place, who do you think would your father believe?”
“Don’t you see,” she suddenly said. “Everything is bound to be revealed. I’m not afraid of the wrath of my father. I’m more afraid I would never see you.”
Francisco gave a soft laugh. “No one could stop me from seeing you. I may be poor but I’m not a coward. I would tell my father about us and ask him to speak to your Papa.”
He went beside Amelia and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t ever be afraid. When your father comes home today, tell him about me so I could come and visit you anytime. I promise to work hard for us. With you by my side, I know I could become whatever I want to be.”
The next moment was silence, with a thousand words it spoke. It was as if they danced on a silent tune played by the atmosphere of night – the warm embrace, the look upon their eyes – and when their lips had touched, both of them handed one another courage. They say that even if the future may be bleak, no amount of darkness could stop the radiance of a couple in love.
“Amelia, will you marry me?”
Tears slowly fell down her face. “Would you really want to marry me?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Oh Francisco, I would be very happy to be your wife.”
He almost shouted out of joy. Like a child given a precious gift, he glowed like the sun. “Please do tell your father of our plans. Today would be the beginning of a wonderful journey for both of us. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” said Amelia.
Just then, the first crow of the morning was heard. Francisco left Amelia; both of them flooded with joy, with the promise of the coming dawn. They agreed that arrangements within their families would be made that day. Nothing could go wrong.
That morning, Amelia’s father arrived from Madrid. He brought with him lavish gifts for Amelia; clothes of the finest thread, silk and jewelry, adornments each of high value.
“Papa is in a good mood,” she thought. “Thank God. Wait ‘til he hears the news.”
While they were having coffee, she decided to tell him of her plan to marry Francisco. Her father’s smile suddenly turned into a frown and slapped her pretty face. It turned out that the gifts he brought were from a high ranking public official that he had arranged to be wed to Amelia.
Entry No. 4
But the clothing of the night, with its dark seams and black vesture, could not keep within its cloak the entirety of the secrets it held. Such an irony that a time for rest could be a time of torment for some – the stars being silent witnesses, keeping vigil, providing hope that there would be no rain on the break of dawn.
The garden within her father’s house became their refuge, safe from the prying eyes of men. Amelia would wait for him by her window, discreetly let him in, and then lead him to the garden that was their lonesome. She would check if the governess was fast asleep while he waited at a corner – silent, discerning, and alert at any movement from the entrance door.
Amelia was more beautiful than the previous nights of their tryst. With her high-bridged nose and skin as pale as the moonlight, she could illuminate any room with her knowing smile. Her blue eyes and straight black hair, a heart-shaped face with a delicate chin – in the eyes of Francisco, nothing could be more gentle, a breath of fresh air he would volunteer to be engulfed to.
On his part, when Francisco was young, the midwife predicted that his handsome face and slightly tanned skin would bring him far. But she also warned that some people are afraid of such beauty, like those of butterflies whose wings are said to cause blindness.
Until the first crow of the rooster in the morning, Francisco and Amelia would talk and stare at each other, each with deep admiration and interest. The flowers and plants around them, lit up by a single candle that Francisco made, were the same colors as the conversations they had. Amelia would run her hands on his wavy hair while he rested on her lap. They would hold hands, tighter each time they suppress a muffled laugh. She found out that the scars on his arms were caused by melted wax spilled one time when he was eight years old. With a loving gesture, she held that arm and rubbed it with her cheeks.
“Francisco, I’m beginning to be afraid,” Amelia whispered.
“What are you afraid of?” Francisco asked.
“I think the governess is beginning to get suspicious,” she replied.
“That’s what you said last week, when you asked me to stop bringing you roses,” he said, smiling.
“Well, yes. But this time it’s different. I don’t know. There’s just a fear within me that I can’t put out. I don’t know what it is but it’s there.”
Amelia stood up and continued. “I know you might find it stupid but it’s just there. Something I could not fathom, and it’s making me nervous.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of my dear,” he tried to calm her fear. “I don’t think the governess would say anything to your father. With him gone, you still are the master of the house. In the first place, who do you think would your father believe?”
“Don’t you see,” she suddenly said. “Everything is bound to be revealed. I’m not afraid of the wrath of my father. I’m more afraid I would never see you.”
Francisco gave a soft laugh. “No one could stop me from seeing you. I may be poor but I’m not a coward. I would tell my father about us and ask him to speak to your Papa.”
He went beside Amelia and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t ever be afraid. When your father comes home today, tell him about me so I could come and visit you anytime. I promise to work hard for us. With you by my side, I know I could become whatever I want to be.”
The next moment was silence, with a thousand words it spoke. It was as if they danced on a silent tune played by the atmosphere of night – the warm embrace, the look upon their eyes – and when their lips had touched, both of them handed one another courage. They say that even if the future may be bleak, no amount of darkness could stop the radiance of a couple in love.
“Amelia, will you marry me?”
Tears slowly fell down her face. “Would you really want to marry me?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Oh Francisco, I would be very happy to be your wife.”
He almost shouted out of joy. Like a child given a precious gift, he glowed like the sun. “Please do tell your father of our plans. Today would be the beginning of a wonderful journey for both of us. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” said Amelia.
Just then, the first crow of the morning was heard. Francisco left Amelia; both of them flooded with joy, with the promise of the coming dawn. They agreed that arrangements within their families would be made that day. Nothing could go wrong.
That morning, Amelia’s father arrived from Madrid. He brought with him lavish gifts for Amelia; clothes of the finest thread, silk and jewelry, adornments each of high value.
“Papa is in a good mood,” she thought. “Thank God. Wait ‘til he hears the news.”
While they were having coffee, she decided to tell him of her plan to marry Francisco. Her father’s smile suddenly turned into a frown and slapped her pretty face. It turned out that the gifts he brought were from a high ranking public official that he had arranged to be wed to Amelia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
It seems that everything that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does is bound to be criticized. Except for press releases issued by Malaca...
-
Not surprising Why am I, along with most of my colleagues, not surprised by the testimony of Election Commissioner Ressureccion Borra at a r...
-
By the time this article gets published, it would be 10 days before Christmas. As Catholic tradition would put it, it is now time for the Si...