MINE

Chapter Two

It had been a week since Haven Ceres had summoned us. Having been chosen to be part of the organization, most of the people around were excited for me. I still had no idea how Haven Ceres functioned as an organization. All I know was that it was the most coveted org of all.

Nakilala ko na rin ang ibang mga senior members ng grupo. Ngunit ang karamihan sa mga nauna ay matagal ng grumaduate sa university. Some of the seniors were happy and content. While others were a bit withdrawn and reluctant to speak.

Ayon naman kay madam Beaufort, ang elegante at magandang tagapamahala ng org, ituturo sa amin ng Haven Ceres kung papaano maging isang asset ng aming magiging asawa balang araw. They would teach us the ways of a true lady, to be the best among the society, particulary here in our upscale neighborhood in the town of Salvacion.

Ngunit hindi ko gusto ang layunin ng org. At kahit pa may mga charitable works din silang ginagawa, sa tingin ko ay gusto lang nila kami bihisan at ihubog ayon sa kanilang paniniwala kung para saan at kung ano ang papel naming mga kababaihan sa mundong pinaghaharian ng mga kalalakihan. They wanted us to be demure, modest, and submissive, to be the Maria Clara of the modern world. And as per the org, we, the ladies of Haven Ceres should not only be the epitome of grace and beauty, but also be a model of obedience to our parents and to our future husbands.

I was ready to leave, but Jane talked me into giving the org a chance. Besides that, Mama seemed eager for me to join the org.

Na-ikwento ko kay Carl ang pagtawag sa akin ng organization, ngunit iba ang naging reaksyon nito.

"Umiwas ka sa Haven Ceres. Hindi maganda ang maidudulot nito sa 'yo!" babala niya sa akin. I was surprised at his behavior. Balisa ito at tila bang natatakot para sa akin.

"It's just an org, Carl. Mostly charitable works ang mga ginagawa sa Haven Ceres," paliwanag ko sa kanya.

"You don't know that. Liz, baby, listen to me please. You don't have to join that organization. In fact, you don't have to finish school. Run away with me, please. Let's get married and leave this town."

"Carl!" Nagulat ako sa mga suhestiyon niya. We never talked about getting married before, and now he was throwing suggestions and proposals at my feet. "I cannot do that. I need to finish school. And besides, I'm too young to get married."

"Akala ko ba mahal mo ako?"

"Yes I do love you! But I cannot marry you yet. I'm not ready."

Narinig ko na lamang ang pagbuntong-hininga niya. "When are you expected to be in Haven Ceres again?"

"Tomorrow. May welcome party para sa mga new members," sagot ko. "It's funny actually. Invited din pati mga parents ng mga bagong members."

"It will begin soon..."

"What will begin soon?"

"Never mind. Listen, Liz, is it possible for you to get an invitation for me as well?"

I shot him a questioning look. Why would he want to be in the party if he resented the org? "I can make some arrangements. Pero ba't mo naman gustong sumama sa party?"

"Because I want to be with you Liz. Don't you want to have a date for the party?"

Narinig ko si Jane na magdadala raw ito ng date para sa party. Wala rin namang masama kung isasama ko si Carl sa pagtitipon. At naisip ko na gagamitin ko ang pagkakataong iyon upang maipakilala si Carl kay mama at papa.

Dumating ang gabi ng salo-salo. The party was held at the grand hall of the Haven Ceres building. Ang engradeng bulwagan ay napapalibutan ng mga dekorasyon at ilaw na angkop para sa isang eleganteng party. Ang mga bisita ay nakabihis ng iba't ibang magagarbo at magagarang damit.