Cambiar Las Mareas: The Beginning

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER NINE:

December 12, 1874: Third Operation: Define womanhood

Jimena could only grimace as she placed yet another batch of roses in front of their home's biggest statue of Mother Mary. Ever since August, Diego has been sending her flowers like clockwork and although she would want nothing more but to throw it away, she can't damper the happiness echoing from her mother whenever a bouquet is delivered to their home.

Jimena tried to do damage control concerning Diego, she really did. However, considering that they have had little to no interaction these past few months, it was impossible to do such a feat.

Not to say that Jimena was okay with that, however. She has been having nightmares because of this issue and it has gotten so bad to the point that Jimena had once gone to school without sleeping.

"Señor Diego is so sweet, Señorita," Maria said as they placed the finishing touches on the roses. "Will he be your future betrothed?"

Jimena tried not to choke at her saliva because of that statement. Engaged to Diego? Under her own free will? Over her own dead body. She would not have married anyone, but if she will be given to choose? She would not choose him.

"It's too early to tell Maria. And besides, I am too young for that sort of thing don't you think?" She said instead while sporting a tight smile. "But I do hope for everyone's sake, that my parents will choose someone kind and nice. Someone who will always be there for me and will not resort to hurting me when times are rough."

Jimena then proceeded to wipe her hands on the damp cloth that Maria had prepared for her when she decided to do some flower arrangements.

"In another news," She continued, her smile turning into a relaxed one. "I do hope that you don't have plans this afternoon, Maria. I am hoping to visit the cathedral to give out prayers for the day."

Maria nodded and smiled.

"I don't have plans, Señorita." She replied.

While waiting for the afternoon, Jimena found herself in her usual activity of reading her books, cooking with her mother, and writing missives to her friends.

Although trivial and most definitely activities that her past (or future) self will hate, Jimena quite believed that these activities helped her so much in keeping her head afloat. Boredom is dangerous. Most especially to someone like her whose mind can go a mile per minute.

When afternoon came, and Jimena and Maria were already seated in the kalesa to go to the cathedral, Jimena couldn't help but wish to see Josefina again. Jimena just needed the affirmation - a sign, anything that would suggest that she did not doom the whole Baltazar family.

In all honesty, the main reason why she had decided to go to church was to pray for guidance. Her emotions just needed something to hold on to, and prayer was one of the things that can give her that.

The Manila Cathedral was still under construction during 1874 but when compared to its state back when Jimena first saw it on the streamer, it looked so much regal now. It looked taller and much more imposing and under the heat of the afternoon sun, Jimena felt that she was being swallowed by its shadows.

Since it was a Saturday and the next service would not be until five o'clock in the afternoon, there were not that many people around. The only people present were people like Jimena who were planning to place their daily prayers and the merchants who were selling different kinds of merchandise that would entice churchgoers.

As customary, Jimena went inside the church and said her prayers. She prayed to have clarity with the situation that she was in and to have guidance with her next actions - to make it add value to her family rather than giving detrimental issues.