The Silken Crown

CHAPTER 3

Dolores returned home filled with rage. She couldn't stop thinking of ways to destroy Ligaya. After several hours, she still couldn't sleep. And before she knew it, the chicken was already growling, and she still hadn't gotten any sleep.

She was awakened before the light, peering into emptiness, trying to think and ponder. She walked downstairs and noticed her reflection. She raised her lamp up to the mirror and looked at herself. Her eyes were puffy and her skin was pallid. It was evident that her delicate face has been stressed lately due to circumstances.

Her unkempt hair, which made her a fourth when she should have been a two or a one with her lovely face, was unexpectedly lovely in its own way. At least, that's what she thought. As her lips formed a lovely grin, she felt acceptance. Her heart felt warm once more. The kind of warmth she wished Ligaya wouldn't feel.

Dolores wondered if Ligaya ever felt the same way when she looked in the mirror. Is she feeling the warmth as well? Or does she grieve at herself as she peeks in the mirror, deprived of the luxury she would have if only not met with one unlucky flaw? And does she often feel as empty as she does?

Then, out of nowhere, a piece of a newspaper flew straight in front of her. Scaring her so much that she almost screamed. "I thought it was a cockroach," she said quietly. She has always despised bugs, or so she claims. But the truth is she had never disliked cockroaches until they acted like butterflies hovering around her.

She approached the paper gently and read the word "plastic surgery" from a distance. As it turns out, a doctor from another city came to their town with the intention of performing plastic surgery for as little as 300 Piloncitos. She paused for a moment, then exhaled a big sigh of relief. And before she realized it, she'd devised a strategy. In a town where beauty is prized, plastic surgery is frowned upon. Plastic surgeons are frequently considered as cheaters.

Dolores was particularly cheerful the next day. Although perplexed, her mother can't help but smile as she watches her daughter run their shop in a playful manner.

"Good morning, what can I provide you, Madame?"

"Oh, yes, we have it right here." It's perfect for you, madame."

"Oh dear, how I wish I could be as beautiful as you are"

The usual customers can't help but feel flustered by Dolores considering it was the first time she had ever been that friendly to the customers. This made her mother a little worried but deeply touched. When the day ended, she counted their profit and it was double than usual. Dolores jumped in joy as if she had just won the lottery.

"I told you, sweetheart, that by being kind to customers, we may achieve more. That's why you shouldn't fight-"

"Hush, it's not the time to talk about it, mother; let's go to the market and get your favorite inun-unan for dinner," Dolores said.

Everything went smoothly for Dolores and their shop once she got friendlier to the clients one day after another. She was able to put her plan into action and not long after that, she had saved up 300 Piloncitos.

Dolores went straight to Ligaya. She posed as one of their customers. As soon as Ligaya saw her, she knew something unpleasant was waiting for her.

Dolores begged, "Ligaya, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Ligaya, is that your friend?" her mother inquired. Ligaya was ready to walk away when her mother motioned her out to the garden. Ligaya suspected Dolores was up to no good.

Dolores reasoned that if she couldn't ruin Ligaya's heart, she might at least ask for her hair. "Ligaya, I'll tell you the truth: I asked a fortune teller about our future, and she asked for your hair, and it will change my future."

Ligaya considered it for a moment. But what does she expect to gain from it? Not only would she end up bald, which she despised, but Dolores was also mistreating her the entire time.

"That's not my problem, please madam-"

"I shall solve your problem about your face. I'll make you beautiful just please-"

"Dolores, you see, my hair is used to make clothes. It grows very quickly whenever it is cut off with a special scissor that will turn it into a yarn, but if you wanted my hair, I have to wax it off."

"Then do it," Dolores insisted.

"What? No"

"Please, I can make you beautiful, and we can turn ourselves into ones."

"How so?" Ligaya said, surprised.

"There is a doctor in the west of the country who provides plastic surgery."

"Plastic surgery? of course not, that would be ungrateful."

"Oh, think about it. You will never have to worry about your face or being mocked again," Dolores drew Ligaya a little closer. "I have the 300 Piloncitos with me, Ligaya; I can make you beautiful; all you have to do is say yes," Ligaya pondered about it for a second.

"But the p-people will hate me for it," Ligaya remarked.

"People only recognized you because of your hair; you could wear a wig and no one shall notice you."

Ligaya understood that deep within her heart was that little insecurity that had haunted her for years. She understood deep down that she, too, wished to be one of the gorgeous girls. To put on their clothing and live their affluent life. Being called beautiful, adored, respected, and, most importantly, loved. To be entirely and completely adored. She desired to be acknowledged, to shine. She desired the spotlight. She desired the things that only beautiful girls may have. Her heart felt heavy in her chest. She was well aware that she was never satisfied with herself.

People only liked her when she turned her back on them. She could feel the disappointment in the people's eyes as she turned and showed her face to them. She could hear their incredulity in their murmurs.

She tried to run away, knowing she had no choice. She flatly refused. No, she couldn't be as ungrateful as society suggests. Dolores, on the other hand, tightened her grip. "Just say yes," she said as she looked Ligaya in the eyes. And before Ligaya knew it, she agreed to Dolores's plan.