"Latrice, where you at?
Let's meet up
I'm going to be with Ate Celestine.
Oh my! It's been a while.
We're both excited to see you. Xx"
I got a message from Elena, so I called her up right away. She informed me that they're coming to Ilocos tomorrow because they're both free over the weekend. According to her, they'll be staying over until Monday.
To be honest, my relationship with them has been working well despite the evident oddness between Manuel and me. It's been their third visit at my place since I had moved in. When I told them not to divulge my whereabouts to Manuel, they were hesitant at first. They were insisting that I should already inform Manuel; I was adamant though. Yet they eventually understood me when I explained them my side.
I don't have any idea how would Manuel react once he learned about this little treachery, but I am literally keeping my fingers crossed that this won't reach Manuel's awareness.
__*__*__*__*__*__*__
"Hi! How are you and my nephew?" Celestine asked me and caressed my womb.
"He's been behaving quite well," I smiled. "You're looking wonderful as Mrs. Benedict Gomez," I added up.
"Thank you! He's been a great husband you know." The twinkling in her eyes proved her statement.
"Elena - you look fabulous!" Vanessa interrupted.
"You look magnificent yourself, Ate Vanessa."
"Where's the gorgeous man you were with the last time we were here?" Celestine asked Vanessa.
"Hush. He won't be here today; I told him to take a rest. He's been quite tired from last night's performance." Vanessa giggled naughtily.
"Ha-ha! He's a good catch. What's his name again?" Celestine continued her query.
"Sebastian Lopez." Vanessa uttered as if she was on cloud nine.
"In case you're no longer interested with him, just inform me. I know girls who'll be more than willing to catch him right away. He's a hottie."
"He's a private property," Vanessa remarked and she laughed out loud.
"By the way, may I speak with you privately?" Celestine directed to me.
"Sure. Would it be okay with you if we'll have our conversation in the library?"
"That would be great."
"Vanessa, kindly keep Elena entertained for the meantime. Remember, she's still a kid." I reminded Vanessa because I am aware of how impish my cousin is at times. She talks to everyone like they're of the same age.
Celestine and I headed off to the library. We sat on the sofa bed and she started off speaking.
"We're actually here to tell you something Elena and I have learned recently," she paused.
"Keep going. I bet it's important."
"There was a time when Elena was asked to go to Cassandra's house to inform her about a party that was held last week. As expected, she was being stubborn and contesting to send another person instead. Papa was firm though so she didn't have any choice in the end. When she got into Cassandra's place, it was the maid who let Elena in and told her that 'they' were in the pool area. Then so Elena proceeded to where they were without any idea who was Cassandra with at that time."
Oh my! Could it be possible that Cassandra has another boyfriend and that she's also against her arranged marriage with Manuel? All of a sudden, hope was yielding inside me. There's still a chance for Manuel and me. I kept the thoughts to myself.
"And do you have any idea who she was with and what they were doing at that time?" Celestine asked me.
"Her boyfriend who's definitely not Manuel, right? And - they were making out?" I said intriguingly.
"Gracious! You're right, it wasn't Manuel and they were sort of making out."
"Whoa. Does Manuel know about this? And did Elena recognize the man?"
"Easy. One question at a time! Certainly, my brother didn't know about it yet. And yes, Elena recognized the woman."
"Wait - woman? What do you mean?! I don't get it?"
"Latrice Faith! What do you think of someone who is a female and makes out with another female?"
"Gee! You mean Cassandra is a homo?"
"What else? She's a lesbian!"
"Gosh! I couldn't believe it! But she has been showing great finesse all the time?"
"That was a front."
"Did Cassandra know Elena was there?"
"Yes. Obviously, Cassandra had the greatest astonishment of her life! She hurriedly approached Elena and told her not to tell anybody about what she saw. Cassandra even promised Elena that she would grant her any favour Elena would wish for. My sister neither disagreed nor agreed; she informed Cassandra about the party and went home. And what would you expect - Elena, needless to say, reported to me what she witnessed and everything that Cassandra said."
"I was agitated to tell Manuel about it, but I refrained myself from doing so. Now, here we are and we want to hear your say about the matter."
"I think it's best if we speak to Cassandra. If you won't mind, I want to speak to her myself."
"Sure. We may ask her to come over tomorrow. Would that be okay with you?"
"But she might disagree to travel from Batangas up to here."
"I'll call Benedict to secretly drive her here."
"Thank you, Celestine. Thank you for being so nice to me." I held her hand and squeezed it; she did the same.
"Don't mention it. From the start, you're like a sister to me. I am always here for you most especially now that you are carrying my nephew."
"Juan Andrei - that's his name."
