empty crown

Chapter 1

It only takes a moment to change fate once more.

-

"Kaia."

A soft nudge woke me up from my slumber. I brush it off until someone is pulling my hair.

Unang sumalubong sa akin ang malaki niyang ngiti.

"The midsummer fest is today!"

She screamed. All of the girls are busy combing and braiding their hair. Some are even picking up dresses to wear.

Nakaupo lang ako sa aking kama habang nagkakagulo sila, too tired from reading last night.

"Bakit hindi ka pa nag-aayos?" Briar asked. One of the oldest kid in this convent.

I never knew them at first but they said that we are sisters here. Tinanggap ko nalang kanilang paliwanag at hindi na nagtanong pa.

There are sixteen girls living in this convent. Many of them are orphans like me while some are just dropped off to learn some discipline.

The room is cluttered with white robes and accessories. Their bed has not been made which I think would kill Sister Mary.

"What so exciting about it?" Inaantok kong tanong. Natigilan ako sa paghikab nang tila tumahimik ang buong silid.

"Kaia.." many of them are looking at me with bewildered eyes.

"Today is coronation day!" Gaile screamed as if she was running out of time.

"We are invited to the castle! Do you understand?! The castle!"

"Imbitado tayo! Witnesses to the royal coronation!"

Inalog alo pa ako ni Rory. Her eyes were dreamy as she continued.

"We will meet the royal family!" All of them shared the same excited expression.

Halos magsisisigaw pa sila habang inaalala ang unang beses na bumisita ang unang prinsipe sa kumbento.

Tumayo na ako at binitbit ang gamit bago dumeretsyo sa paliguan. The bathrooms are empty which I'm thankful for.

Nagiisip ako sa kunganong dahilan ang pwedeng magamit para hindi ako masama sa okasyon.

Not that I hate the royal family. I just do not like their wits.

Mabilisan lamang akong nakapaligo dahil narinig ko ang pagtawag para sa almusal.

These girls may be graceful and kind, but they will fight for food.

Basa pa ang buhok ko nang  makaupo ako sa lamesa. The wooden table is large enough to sit as all.

Napuno ang lamesa ng mga pitsel ng gatas, tinapay at iba't ibang uri ng palaman.

Rory put some bread and meat on my plate while she was still eating herself. I thanked her for her generosity while I continued to dry my hair using a small towel.

"Girls." an authoritative voice.

Many stopped on their track. Some, especially the new ones, have fear-stricken faces while the old ones display their blank expressions.

Tumigil ako sa aking ginagawa at dumiretsyo ng upo. From the corner of my eye, I saw Mother Joan. The highest form of authority in this place sat in her seat.

Nakikita lang namin siya tuwing kakain dahil palaging tambak ang kanilang mga ginagawa.

"Nagdasal na ba kayo?" Many of the nuns looked ashamed, tila nahuli silang nagkakasala.