Forever Agape [FS#1]

CARICIA AÑORANZA

Tama nga siya, sa gilid ng daan na tinatahak namin ay makikita ang malawak na palayan. Sa gilid ng daan, may mga taong nakaupo at nagkekwentuhan. Panahon na ng anihan sa kanila ngayon. Nanatili akong tahimik, I'm busy appreciating the new sight. Masyado itong maganda para maging totoo.

When we reached its central, I think it is, because there are some establishments and buildings. But not as big as those that are in Manila, there were a lot of people too but what's fascinating is, there are only a few cars.

"What's the mode of transportation here? I mean, kaunti lang ang sasakyan..."

"There are many, nasanay ka lang na puro sasakyan ang nakikita mo kaya akala mo ay kakaunti. But yes, people use tricycles..."

Tumingin ako sa labas at nakita ang isang kalabaw na may hatak na kariton, may mga taong nakasakay ko roon habang marahan itong lumalakad. They are using that too? Out of a sudden, isang manghang tawa ang napakawalan ko. It's amazing, to know that there is beauty in simplicity.

To at least, realize, that the world does not revolve around extravagance and money.

"This is Marahuyo, the central city. Nandito ang mga unibersidad at iba pang tanyag na paaralan. Carineños chose to stay here rather than to transfer..."

"Bakit hindi ka nag-aral dito? The life here, I think, is perfect." I commented, ibinalik ko sa kanya ang tingin at nakita ang pag-ayos nito ng upo.

He stopped playing with his lips he looked at me with amusement. "Gusto ni Dad na sa Manila akong mag-aral ng highschool..."

Hindi ko na dinagdagan ang aking tanong gayong nabanggit niya ang kanyang ama.

"Caricia Añoranza is enticing, you're right. I'd be glad to live here when I get old..." It was almost a whisper. "I'd choose to be here if only I have the chance to choose."

"When you finished College, babalik ka rito?" Tanong ko.

"As soon as possible, I want to."

I gazed away. I just realized that Manila is not his choice, he doesn't want to live there. He wants to stay here, I won't question his choice of living here because maybe, this place reminds him of his Mom. After I finally ruined this insanity, maybe you can finally be here. I'd be glad to see you here.

Lumagpas na kami sa Marahuyo at tinahak na namin ang daan papunta sa Precioso Nacion, nandoon daw ang hacienda ng pamilya ng kanyang ina. Matapos ang mahabang diretsong daan ay lumiko na ang sasakyan.

"The end of this road is the Hacienda, nasa paanan ng bundok. A private premises..." 

Tama nga ang sinabi niya, matapos naming tahakin ang lupang daan ay bumungad sa amin ang isang arko. Ang paligid ay wala ng bahayan, puros puno at mga halaman na lang ang makikita. Hindi masukal, sa tingin ko ay inaalagaang mabuti iyon. From the outside, silence became defeaning. I can only hear the chips of the birds, the small blow of the wind felt different... It was as if someone is welcoming us.

Hacienda Proserpina. Iyon ang nakaukit sa bakal na arko, sa dalawang poste ay may mga batong anghel. Bumukas iyon at isang mahabang daan na naman ang bumati sa amin. If you want to kidnap someone, bring that person here. He will never get a way.

"Naiinip ka na?" I laugh a little and nodded.

He stopped the car, I immediately looked at him when he did that. He stared at me as he unbuckled his seatbelt. The side of lips rose and that's the death of me.

"Maglakad tayo, para mas makalibot ka..."

Iniwas ko ang tingin at ginawa rin ang sinabi niya. Kinuha nito ang aming mga dala mula sa backseat at sabay kaming bumaba.