Celestine And Helios | A Novelette By Arki Aaron

Prologue

Marriage— I once thought of this thing before. Akala ko isang larong bata lang, bahay-bahayan, kung saan may mama at papa tapos may aarteng anak nila. Akala ko madali lang, akala ko masaya, akala ko laro lang. Iyon ang akala ko.

I didn't know that the "kasal-kasalan" that I once played before with my childhood friends would be a reality for me this early. Everything went fast, and then I realized that I am already in front of the mirror, letting these people put makeup and powders on my face.

In this grand mansion, amidst the mesmerizing décor of my room, I stand, a reluctant figure adorned in white, preparing for a wedding that I never desired. The room, though adorned with riches and luxury, feels more like a cage than a sanctuary.

As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I see not a bride filled with joy but a prisoner of doubt and sadness, trapped in a life not of my own making. The weight of expectation hangs heavy upon my shoulders, suffocating me with each breath I take.

The scent of flowers fills the air, their sweetness a bitter reminder of the choices I do not have. Outside, the sun rises, casting its warm glow upon the world, but to me, it brings no comfort, only the stark reality of the life that awaits beyond these walls.

Servants move about the room, attending to every detail with meticulous care, yet their efforts only serve to deepen my sense of isolation. They fluff pillows and arrange flowers with practiced hands, it was beautiful, yet I don't feel anything by looking at it.

The room was bright, bright enough to let me realize what will happen to me in a few minutes. The chandelier hanging on the ceiling gives light to the white and beige room. I can see the fancy bed behind me, as well as the closet full of luxurious dresses.

That's when I realized that I am getting married.

I don't want to but I had no choice. I'm just eighteen years old, I still want to enjoy my life but I can't. Para akong nakakadena sa isang kasunduan na ako rin naman ang gumawa. Funny isn't it? Nagrereklamo ako pero kung iisipin, ako naman ang may gusto na pumasok sa kalokohang ito.

I am Celestine Fernandez, 18 years old, an incoming college student, and I am getting married to the peculiar heir.

***

As I stepped into the mall, a rush of cool air greeted me, a welcome relief from the warmth of the summer sun outside. The interior was bright and spacious, with high ceilings that made the space feel expansive. Soft lighting cast a warm glow over the polished floors, reflecting the hustle and bustle of shoppers milling about.

Rows of stores lined the wide walkways, each one beckoning with colorful displays and enticing offers. The air was filled with the sound of people chatting and laughter bubbling up from groups of friends and families. Overhead, cheerful music played softly, adding to the lively ambiance.

As I made my way through the groups of people, my heart pounded with anticipation. I was here with one goal in mind, determined to find a job that would help me make ends meet. Napakabigat na responsibilidad ang pasan ko ngayon, and that is to find a job but I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the opportunities that lay ahead. With each step, I felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that somewhere in this bustling mall, my chance awaited.

Marami akong nakikitang kabataan na kaedaran ko rin, may mga magkakaibigan, magkasintahan, at ang iba ay mag-isa lang. Hindi ko maiwasang mainggit sa kanila.

Ano kaya ang pakiramdam ng maggala na hindi mo iniisip kung magkano ang magagastos mo?

Siguro hindi ko 'yon kailanman mararanasan. Marahil ay pumasok sa isip niyo kung bakit gusto ko mag-trabaho? Let me clear that thought. Hindi ko gusto, pero kailangan ko.

Stepping into the mall, my heart felt heavy with worry for my mom. She was battling cancer, and the medical bills were piling up. We needed money, and we needed it fast, dahil kung hindi ay baka malagay sa panganib ang buhay niya, at iyon ang pinaka ikinakatakot ko. The mall was bustling with activity, lights flashing and people everywhere. It was overwhelming, but I had to push through.

The stores were filled with colorful displays, tempting shoppers with their wares. The air was a mix of scents - from the sweet fragrance of perfumes to the savory aroma of food from the nearby eateries. It was a stark contrast to the heaviness weighing on my shoulders.

But amidst the hustle and bustle, I kept my eyes peeled for any opportunity. Each store held the potential for a job that could help ease the burden on my chest. I passed by clothing stores, electronics shops, and cafes, my determination growing with each step. Para akong naghahanap ng karayom sa gitna ng talahiban, makahanap lang ng trabaho. I looked at every door that I passed by to check if they are hiring.

In the center of the mall, a grand fountain stood, its waters cascading gracefully into a pool below. It was a serene sight, a brief moment of calm amidst the chaos. Sandali akong natulala sa ganda nito. Bihira na lang ako makalabas ng bahay dahil pokus ako sa pag-aaral. Sinabi ko pa noon sa sarili ko na kung lalabas ako at pupunta ng mall ay isasama ko si mama, but that is a bit impossible with her condition right now,

Even if I was astonished by the beauty of this mall, I couldn't afford to linger. My mom's illness didn't wait for me to admire the scenery.

With each passing moment, the weight of responsibility bore down on me. But I refused to let it crush me. I was here to find a job, to do whatever it took to support my mom in her fight against cancer. And no matter how daunting the task seemed, I wouldn't give up until I found a way to help her.

Hindi ko naman talaga kailangan dapat mag-trabaho e, kung hindi lang nabaon sa utang ang magaling kong ama bago siya sumakabilang-buhay. Nilustay niya ang pera na pinaghirapan ng nanay ko sa ibang bansa ng halos dalawang dekada, at ngayon na kailangan na niya ang pera na akala niya inipon ng tatay ko, wala. Wala siyang magamit para magpagamot.

Sobra akong naawa kay mama, ginawa niya lahat para sa akin dahil ako lang ang nag-iisa niyang anak, kaya gagawin ko rin ang lahat para sa kaniya. Hinding-hindi ko iiwan ang nanay ko kahit gaano kahirap ang sitwasyon namin, 'yan ang pinangako ko sa kaniya dahil 'yan din ang pinangako niya sa akin noong maliit pa ako.

Wala na akong paki kung bumaba man ang tingin ng mga tao sa akin sa kung anong trabaho ang mahanap ko. Wala akong magagawa, mas uunahin ko pa ba ang pride ko bago ang sarili kong ina?

Isa ring pinanghihinayangan ko ay ang pag-aaral ko. Dapat ay nasa kolehiyo na ako ngayon, pero pinili ko na tumigil muna sa pag-aaral at maghanap ng trabaho.

Mabuti na nga lang at may nakuha akong pitong libo mula sa gobyerno dahil grumaduate ako bilang batch salutatorian kaya mayroon akong pang-gastos sa pag-a-apply.

Hindi lang ako ang nanghihinayang, pati mga previous teachers and classmates ko, sayang daw ang talino ko kung hihinto ako. May iba na nag-offer ng scholarship pero tinanggihan ko iyon dahil hindi sasapat kung part time job lang ang papasukin ko.

Mas mahalaga sa akin ang nanay ko, dahil siya na lang ang mayroon ako.