I heard Niyong fall to the floor. The lit candle he had been holding earlier rolled into the room.
"Nyong!" I woke him up several times but he remained unconscious like Sebastian. I immediately ran outside to ask for help but I was shocked to see everyone around him lying on the ground.
The people's who were walking was lying on the dirt road. The carriage riders were also unconscious, even the horses and the carriage were on their sides. The shopkeepers and vendors who had been busy closing their shops earlier were also unconscious.
Darkness now reigned as a few lamps and gas lamps were lit in each shop. I began to walk towards the center, wondering if there might be at least one person who was somehow conscious at this hour.
I have no idea what's going on. Does my turning off the lamp have anything to do with this?
A moment later, I stopped when I felt dizzy. I touched my forehead. It seemed like everything around me was spinning until my vision completely went black.
I woke up when I heard soft whispers. I first saw the dazzling light from the window. I slowly opened my eyes, the room I was in now was familiar.
"She's awake!" a woman said then quickly ran out of the room. I held my head and tried to get up. I felt a woman holding my arm. "You rest first" she said, I stared at her for a moment and my eyes widened when I recognized who she was, Amalia.
We heard footsteps one after another and when the door opened, Aling Pacing, Mang Pedro, Aling Lucia and Lolita were standing in front of me. "How are you feeling, hija?" Aling Pacing asked worriedly then took my hand.
"Are you hurt?" Aling Lucia asked.
"I'll just call a healtc---" Mang Pedro couldn't finish what he was going to say because I had already spoken.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," I replied, Lolita suddenly sat next to me and hugged me tightly.
"We were so worried about you, sister Tanya. Where did you go?" she said, causing me to look at them in surprise. Their faces showed intense worry. "Lolita, Tanya might not be able to breathe," Aling Lucia said, causing Lolita to let go of my embrace and wipe away her tears.
I just noticed that my long hair was loose but I was wearing a shirt and pants. "You've been gone for almost two months, hija. Like before, you didn't even tell us you were leaving" said Mang Pedro. I looked at them one by one again. I couldn't believe that they remembered that I was Tanya, who used to stay with them!
"Y-you remember me?" I barely blinked as I looked at them. "Sorry, hija, we couldn't let you stay last time." Aling Pacing smiled, I couldn't tell them that I didn't feel bad because they didn't really remember me at that time.
Is it possible that when i off the light of the lamp had something to do with this,causing all the characters in this story to lose consciousness?
"Oh, you can rest for now, Tanya. Just tell us if there's anything else you need or want to eat," Aling Pacing ordered as she stood up. They couldn't neglect the Panciteria downstairs because people were flocking in this morning.
"Get some rest, sister Tanya. Don't make yourself too tired," Lolita said, then adjusted the blanket. "By the way, why are you wearing men's clothes? Sister Tanya," she continued, staring at me as I was wearing them. My fake mustache had also been erased. She didn't recognize me as Arturo.
"Ah—" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because she had already spoken.
"You harvested rice in the other town, didn't you?" she said then smiled and made me lie down on the bed again. "I also wear a shirt when mom and dad harvest rice," she added while smiling then walked out of the room.
I was just stunned by the events. I couldn't believe they remembered me!'
I came to my senses when the door suddenly opened again, Amalia came in carrying a cup. Her skin was brown, her eyes were bright and her long hair was straight and shiny. She sat on the chair and handed me the small cup she was carrying. "This will help you feel better" she said, like Maria Florencita, the character she plays is modest.
I looked at him before I drank it. The medicine tasted bitter and a bit salty. When I finished it, he took the cup from my hand. "I would like to know why you introduced yourself to my family as my friend from Bulacan?" she asked but she didn't seem to be arguing.
I bit my lower lip hard, "Mom and dad brought you here last night unconscious. According to them, they found you on the road. I couldn't even ask them who you were because they themselves told me that you were my close friend at the convent."
I just bowed my head, "Don't worry, they don't know that we don't know each other" she continued, I just took a deep breath while staring at my nails which were now peeling and pale.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie, I just..." I looked at her, she was listening to me intently. Amalia is a kind character whose only role is to escape from a guardia civil and die in the next chapters, which will be the main reason why the rebels will start to get more angry with the government.
"That's why I couldn't think of any other way. I don't know anyone here, I don't have anywhere else to stay," my heart felt like it was pounding when I said that. If I hadn't let the lamp light die before, I would definitely be with my real family now.
Amalia couldn't speak, we were both silent for a few seconds. "I feel like you're not a bad person. You can stay here, I'm leaving on Saturday. I have to go back to Bulacan" she said, at that moment I was just speechless with her. By the time she returned there, her character would die in just a few days.
She stood up and walked towards the door, "By the way, we can be real friends too" she smiled, making me feel even more guilty.
I was walking back to the Garza family mansion. It was noon, and Aling Pacing fed me lunch before allowing me to leave. I told them that I was working for the Garza family but I didn't tell them that I was pretending to be the man who was Maria Florencita's coachman and bodyguard.
When I entered, I was stopped when I saw Maria Florencita and Sebastian in the living room. They were talking while Orinina stood to the side. "Here you are!" Maria Florencita stood up and immediately ran towards me. She was going to hug me but Ornina and the other housemates would definitely be surprised when she hugged Arturo.
"Where did you go? We've been looking for you all night," she said, looking at Sebastian who was now just looking at me. I managed to look away from him, "Ah, I just went to see my friends. Sorry if I didn't tell you," I replied, Maria Florencita nodded twice, her face showing that she was worried about me.
"Have you eaten yet? Come eat with us in the azotea" said Maria Florencita then she quickly ordered the maids to bring the food to the azotea. "Ornina, you can rest now. Only Arturo will come with us" said Maria Florencita, Ornina nodded and went to the kitchen.
I was going to refuse but I couldn't do anything because I knew Maria Florencita wouldn't let me down, she felt more comfortable talking when I was with her because Ornina was reporting to Don Florencio what she heard from the señorita.
Sebastian also stood up and followed us to the azotea. There was a round table there and four chairs. Sebastian pulled out a chair to seat Maria Florencita. The girl politely thanked him. He was about to pull out a chair next to it for me but I immediately pulled out the chair and sat there.
He sat down to the right of Maria Florencita who was in front of me. "The sky is clear and the breeze is fresh. Isn't the weather beautiful today?" Maria Florencita smiled, Sebastian and I looked at each other but I was the first to look away. We both just nodded at what Maria Florencita said.
I know I shouldn't be confused with Sebastian but I have a strong feeling that he also remembers that I'm Tanya, his spy who used to track down the rebels. I've been gone for two months before and now I've been gone for a few months again, pretending to be a man and pretending not to know him.
Maria Florencita led the prayer and we started eating. "By the way, what happened last night? Why were there carriages and horses on the side of the road?" Maria Florencita asked Sebastian.
I stopped eating, did they have no idea that they had also lost consciousness? "According to those who saw it, almost all of the horses were weak. The government has also issued an order to extend the precautionary measures due to the suspicion that a disease is spreading now," Sebastian explained.
I noticed that he wasn't eating the raisins mixed with the vegetables in the dish that I don't know what it's called. "What's happening is worrying," Maria Florencita said, then modestly took a sip of water.
A short while later, a carriage stopped in front of their house. Don Florencio got out. Maria Florencita immediately greeted him. Sebastian and I stood up to greet the Don. "Maria, my daughter, I need to talk to you for a moment," the Don said, then motioned to us that he would speak to his daughter in his office first.
Sebastian and I just looked at each other when they left. I wanted to leave there to rest but Sebastian spoke. "Wait a minute..." I stopped and looked at him, he pointed to the food on the table. "We can't leave the food like this" he continued, we haven't finished eating and it's unfortunate in this day to waste food and just leave it on the table.
I was just speechless, "Y-you're right" I said then quickly sat down. I wanted to hurry up with my food so I could leave but I didn't want him to think that I hadn't eaten for a few days. "By the way, I want you to stop hiding in your Arturo persona" he said causing me to stop eating and look at him.
I stared at him dumbfounded while my mouth was still full of food. "Once others find out that you're pretending to be a man. They'll definitely take you to court, they'll find out why you're hiding your identity. You'll be accused of being a spy or maybe a thief hiding something," he explained as he continued eating without looking at me.
I just took a deep breath, he was right. It's harder to say no when you're caught in the act. "They don't have any evidence that I'm a spy or anything. This is better than being the wife of some big-ass official," I replied, then drank some pineapple juice. It tasted a little weird because there was no ice in it.
"Maria Florencita told me that the reason you're pretending to be a man is because an official wants to turn you into a prostitute," he said, leaving me speechless. I haven't even become a prostitute yet, but he's seen everything about me.
"I'll take care of Don Severino" he continued causing me to gasp. He looked at me, "Close your mouth" I realized what he said and took a sip of water. "How did you know I was talking about Don Severino?"
"Didn't we hear what he and my father were talking about when we hid in..." he couldn't finish what he was going to say when he remembered how I hugged him inside the closet. He suddenly choked and drank water.
I just bowed, it's just that I've been so bold and aggressive towards him so many times. "I don't know why the brain of the old man is so dirty---" I stopped speaking when I realized what he had just said.
He remembered that we hid in the closet! That means he remembers me as Tanya!
I looked at him carefully, not wanting to rush into anything. Besides being embarrassing, he was too smart for me to fool him again. I was shocked and then adjusted my seat, wondering for a few minutes how I would know that he had actually remembered everything in full.
"Have you heard about the new song that's being sung in the other town?" I asked, he looked at me. That's how Sebastian is, look at me so I can get your full attention.
He just stared at me for a few seconds, waiting for me to ask him what it was. "Don't you want to know?" I continued, smiling a little to seem friendly in front of him.
"Because you don't have a taste in music. You don't even know how to sing, you're both left-footed so when you dance, you're like cement" he didn't seem to understand what I said. He stopped eating, folded his arms, and looked straight at me.
"What do you mean?" his face became serious. Why was he the one angry? I should be, because he's the snobber and there's no point in talking to him.
I didn't give up either, I just shrugged. "My point now is, don't be too rude about it. Yes, that's exactly your character, but it's annoying. I was going to make a joke out of it, but you're already ruining the mood."
"I don't understand what you're saying," was all he said, then shook his head. I realized that I couldn't really blame him because I was the one who created his character. That's exactly how he is, grumpy, tight-lipped, and straight to the point.
I took a deep breath, this is one of the biggest challenges for me. I need to get along well with these characters. "Like this, when I say knock knock... Tell me, who's there" I said, I need to be more patient when it comes to him.
He just looked at me, I smiled to let him know that he wouldn't fail in what I wanted to happen. "Hus der?" he said, I just closed my eyes and tried to hold back my laughter. I have to make this happen.
"That's right! Let's do it again" I smiled, trying hard to stop myself from laughing in front of him.
"Knock knock?" I continued, then gestured as if I were knocking on the door.
"Hus der" he said as if he was a professional and we had a serious meeting today.
"Dubidubidiwapwap" I smiled, I had to hold back my laughter. I couldn't wait for him to say this iconic line.
"Isn't that the secret word you said the two of us would use?" he said, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. He remembered!
"I don't want to know why you disappeared for so long. I'm no longer in position, if you still want to serve the government as a spy for the rebels, talk to Roberto" he said then drank some water. "I'm leaving" he continued then stood up and walked out.
Ornina even told him that the conversation between Don Florencio and Maria Florencita was about to end but he said he had to leave. I was just speechless and looked the carriage he was riding away.
I don't know if he was angry at my knock knock joke? or at the fact that he's no longer a general? or maybe because I disappeared for two months again?
"I think it would be better if you stopped pretending to be Arturo," said Maria Florencita, we were sewing in her room now. I didn't want to sew, but I couldn't think of anything else to do here.
"I spoke to Sebastian earlier, he suspected that Don Severino was the officer who had a crush on you" she continued, I took a deep breath. "Yes. I'm talking about Don Severino"
Maria Florencita stopped sewing and looked at me in surprise. "Sir Sebastian is just so smart. I didn't think his suspicion was correct," she smiled to herself.
"Lorenzo is smarter. Sebastian is just a charot," I said, remembering Lorenzo's behavior the last time we talked. I would go crazy if another character went astray.
"Charot?" Maria Florencita asked in surprise. I just laughed, it wasn't appropriate for her to say that word.
"Charot... Those are like Sebastian's moves. Sometimes he acts like a star. He and Lorenzo are both stars." I took a deep breath and then firmly sewed the pillowcase.
"That's why I'm stressed out about the two of them because they're doing things they shouldn't do. They'll say this. They'll say that. They'll say what they want to say. They'll also do what they want to do. Yes, I know it's my fault that this story is confusing, but their actions don't match the flow of the story" Maria Florencita frowned, trying to follow everything I said.
"Did they do something wrong to you?" she asked, I just took a deep breath. Fortunately, Maria Florencita's character is kind, obedient, respectful, and modest, so she doesn't get infected by my madness.
"Forget about it. I'm just lost in myself" I replied, she just nodded then continued sewing.
"By the way, you can still stay here in our home. You'll be Ornina's replacement," she smiled.
"What will happen to Ornina?" I asked, they weren't that close to each other either. "She can help in the kitchen or just go home to them if she wants" she replied, leaving me speechless. I can't take over the role of a character. The story would definitely have a big gap again and it would be incomplete because I don't exist in the book itself.
I shook my head, "No. Ornina needs a job. Besides, I can't leave Doggie. I've fallen in love with him."
"Who is Doggie?"
"Your horse," Maria Florencita thought about my answer.
"Guilliermo is the name of my horse," I looked at her. It turns out that Maria Florencita named her horses better. It seems that her horse is angry with me because it has a better name.
We were silent for a few minutes. I also focused on sewing because I was almost done. "Tanya. Sebastian also told me that if possible, he would find someone to replace you as my coachman and bodyguard," she said, causing me to lose focus on sewing and look back at her.
"I don't know how he knew you were a woman, but I think it was because of your training," she continued. I couldn't speak.
"He wanted someone skilled in fighting to be my guard so that I wouldn't get hurt." I didn't know what to feel.
I know I shouldn't be in this position and I don't want to put my life in danger, but I don't know why I was hurt when I found out that Sebastian was more worried about Maria Florencita's condition and didn't trust my abilities.
"In fact, he has a point. You will also be in trouble. The two of us" I said nothing more. I just nodded. I also don't want the day to come when he will blame me if something bad happens to Maria Florencita.
TWO days passed. I had already packed all my belongings. It was only one sack because I didn't have much stuff here and the Garza family's salary wasn't that big.
"Be careful. I hope you visit here often too" said Maria Florencita while hugging me. The two of us were here in my small room. Almost everyone already knew that Arturo was leaving. I just told Maria Florencita that I was going to dress like a girl again and become a waitress again at the panciteria of aling Pacing.
I nodded to her. I'll miss her and their beautiful mansion where I can sleep and take a bath in her room.
The two of us went out. The maids were waiting in the kitchen, a few told me to be careful on my journey back to the province but most of them said that I had finally grown up and would stand up for my pregnant girlfriend.
Before I could leave the door of their mansion. A luxurious carriage stopped in front. Roberto got out, "Good morning, binibini Roberto greeted Maria Florencita as he looked straight into the young lady's eyes.
What is he doing here?
Before I could speak, they were inside and Maria Florencita warmly welcomed the guest.
I'VE been staying at Panciteria for two days now. I didn't have any trouble because I'm used to it. I just had a little trouble getting dressed again because it's more comfortable to move around in a shirt and pants.
Panciteria's sales were up again. Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro often said that I was lucky, a gift from heaven, or a fairy because their restaurant's revenue increased when I returned.
We are now standing outside while Mang Pedro's friends are one by one carrying Amalia's belongings onto the kalesa. Now it's the journey back to Bulakan. Aling Pacing and Lolita can't help but cry as they hug Amalia. Mang Pedro is quiet and bowed.
I want to stop her from leaving but this is the setting in the story I made. If he doesn't die. There will be no rebel uprising next that will bring down Roberto as general.
Amalia looked at me and hugged me, "You take care of mom and dad first. We've only been together for a short time but I'm happy to feel what it's like to have a sibling" she smiled, then let go of my hug and held my hand.
"You just don't know how to be respectful because you don't call me sister" she smiled, causing me to smile too. She's a year older than me according to her age in this story but I'm not used to calling her sister.
"Be careful, sister Amalia" I smiled and we laughed together. At least the guilt I felt for her lessened. She may not be the protagonist of this story, but her death will continue in the next chapter of the novel.
That same night, I caught up with Lolita in the kitchen. She was learning to read and write. "The Panciteria opens early tomorrow, go to sleep," I said and sat down next to her. I put down the glass of water I get.
"I can't sleep, ate Tanya. I miss ate Amalia," she said, then continued writing in a notebook.
"My mother said, I can also follow the convent if I want to but we don't have enough money" she continued, I held her hand and taught her how to write the letter M correctly.
"Besides, I want to get married," she insisted, making me laugh. It's a good thing I can talk to her like this again.
"I'm sure Niyong will fall in love with you too," I smiled but she didn't smile. She just continued writing. "He's not the one I want to marry, sister Tanya. I'm referring to Mr. Arturo," I was left speechless by what she said.
"I heard that Mr. Arturo has returned to his hometown to marry his girlfriend who is pregnant," she said sadly. Now I know why she is sad and alone now.
"I haven't even been able to return his kindness. I haven't even been able to show him my admiration because he's different from the men I've met. He has a helpful heart" I don't know what to say. If only she knew that I'm not really a helpful person.
"It's a shame you didn't meet him, sis Tanya. I'm sure you'll fall in love with him too," she said, smiling at me. I smiled too, if only she knew that Arturo and Tanya are the same person.
I watched her closely, not wanting to let her be sad like this. I remembered what I had promised Niyong and her before, "Will you do anything else tomorrow?" I asked her, she just shook her head.
"Then, we're going somewhere," I smiled.
We left the Panciteria at TEN AM after people had arrived for breakfast. I prepared fruits and bread. Lolita made suman and other snacks. We put them in a basket and then happily walked to the bookstore.
It's Sunday. The bookstore is closed today. I smiled when I saw Niyong riding a horse-drawn carriage. It was in front of the store. I spoke to him this morning and he insisted on coming with me today.
"Binibini, I know you just arrived but I want to rest now because I'm still sad about my friend leaving. He didn't even say goodbye to me," Niyong said, as we lined up at the bakery to buy pandesal.
"Which friend?"
"His name is Mr. Arturo."
I just held my forehead, forgetting that he didn't know that Arturo wasn't a man. I didn't even get to say goodbye to him in Arturo's persona.
"So come with me later. Let's have fun."
"Where are we going?"
"That's enough. We'll see you to the market later. Bring the carriage so we have transportation."
"Nyong!" I called to him, he looked up in surprise when he saw Lolita holding onto my arm. I put the basket inside the carriage and Lolita and I got in. "Sorry if it took me so long to fulfill my promise to you. We're going boating on the river now!" I smiled at the two of them.
Lolita didn't react, she was just quiet and a bit shy in Niyong's presence. She was probably still thinking about Arturo.
Niyong didn't say anything, he still looked sad about Arturo leaving. "Come on. Let's go. We should be there before lunch," I continued, but suddenly the door of the bookstore opened.
My eyes widened when I saw Sebastian there, he was wearing a red shirt and white pants. This is the first time I've seen him wear a shirt but I can tell it suits him very well, especially with both sleeves pulled up to his arms.
He locked the shop door then walked towards the carriage. "Binibini, this carriage belongs to Señor Sebastian, that's why he said he would come with me," Niyong said, while scratching his head.
We were just surprised when he suddenly got on the carriage. He was next to me now. Lolita and I were in the middle. "Are you ready?" Niyong asked. Lolita just nodded while Sebastian didn't react.
Meanwhile, I just sit there dumbfounded, like a statue unable to move, while the idea that we were having a double date played around in my mind.