Once upon a Time

CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO: Fireflies

Yana

I am trembling in fear as Don Manolo waits for my answer.

Why do I love Ramiel?

Bakit nga ba? What is my reason for loving him?

"No answer?" Don Manolo asks.

I look at him with scared eyes. What am I going to tell him?

"Is it because of his connections?" Don Manolo asks as he steps closer to me.

Umiling ako as I step back.

"Don't tell me it is because of his good looks." he said in a sarcastic tone.

"Hindi po." I whimpered in fear.

Don Manolo's eyes became even darker as he took one step at a time closer and closer to me.

I step back on every step Don Manolo takes towards me until I hit a table and there is no more room to escape him.

"Is it because of money?!!!!!!" he shouted making me close my eyes.

I slowly open my eyes and saw his furious face. My whole body started shaking. Kaya pala ako pinapaiwas ni Azrael dati sa kanya.

"Hindi din po." mahina kong sagot.

Tumalikod sya sa akin then he walks towards the window at tumingin lang sa labas.

"If wala kang maisasagot sa akin then I am sorry but I won't allow you to see my great grandson. Makakaalis ka na." he said without even looking back.

I turn around and headed outside the door. Agad naman akong sinamahan nung mga tauhan ni Don Manolo palabas.

I take one last glance at the mansion in front of me. I can still hear the soft music playing. I could only imagine Ramiel looking handsome in his suit tonight.

I came all the way here for nothing and just because I can't answer one question hindi ko na muli pang makikita si Ramiel. I haven't even said a proper goodbye to him.

Finally I turn my back at the beautifully lit mansion and I started walking. They didn't even gave me a ride out of the ranch.

I was almost halfway ng makarinig ako ng lagaslas ng tubig. I look at my right and saw a pathway leading somewhere. I saw light at the end of the path.

Ano kayang meron doon?

"Haist! Ayan ka na naman Yana eh! Napaka usisera mo kaya lagi kang napapahamak!" I argued with myself.

I force myself to walk again pero nakakatatlong hakbang pa lang ako ay huminto na agad ako.

"Sisilipin ko lang talaga." I said then I turn towards the pathway.

Madilim na sa paligid pero dahil sa ilang poste na may ilaw ay di ako nahirapan sa dinaraanan ko. When I reach the end of the pathway I saw a river at kaya pala maliwanag ito ay dahil nakaparaming mga alitaptap sa paligid.

It was a magnificent view.

Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng ganito kadaming alitaptap. Sabi ng aking Lola dati kapag may mga alitaptap sa pligid ibig sabihin may puso ang lugar na yun.

This place must be full of love.

I heard noises coming from nearby. I steadied myself at nakiramdam. Paano kung isa pala yung malaking sawa? Anaconda? Aswang? Warewolf? Kabayo?

Kabayo?!!!!! (O____o)

Napakurap ako ng ilang beses to see a gray horse walking outside the bush a few feet away from me.