Cursed Legacy

Chapter 7: Unseen Traces

Ticia's POV
I stand on the front porch, watching the driveway as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the old house. Its wooden beams and ivy-covered walls have seen generations come and go, yet today, it looks fresh and new, thanks to the recent refurbishments.

Inside, the living room is a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. A deep-blue sofa contrasts beautifully with an antique wooden coffee table, while family portraits and historical photos line the walls. The fireplace, newly lacquered in black, gleams with a sense of pride, and the mantle above it holds cherished family heirlooms.

The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the polished wood, and the soft ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner adds to the timeless atmosphere. This house, with its renewed vibrancy, feels like home in a way it hasn't in years, a testament to the love and care my children have poured into it.

Taking a deep breath, I let the warmth of the place settle over me. It's been so long since the house felt this alive, and today, it's about to feel even more so. My grand-niece and grand-nephews-Tianna, Eris, and Ciarinise-are coming to visit. The thought fills me with a sense of joy I haven't felt in years.

As a car pulls up, I spot them stepping out, stretching after what must have been a long drive. My heart skips a beat with excitement as I descend the steps to greet them. Tianna is the first to notice me.

"Grand Aunt Ticia!" she calls out, waving enthusiastically, her smile as bright as the sun setting behind her.

"Eris, Ciarinise, Tianna, welcome!" I reply, embracing each of them in turn. "It's so good to see you all."

"It's great to be here, Grand Aunt," Eris says, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a nostalgic gleam. "The house looks just as I remember."

Ciarinise nods, his gaze lingering on the old oak tree in the front yard. "It's been too long. This place is beautiful."

I lead them inside, the familiar scent of home enveloping us as we enter. They look around, their faces lighting up with memories as they take in the refreshed yet cozy surroundings.

"Come, sit down," I say, guiding them to the living room. "I've made some tea and snacks for you."

As they settle in, I turn to the maids. "Please, could you help them with their luggage from the car?"

The maids nod and hurry outside to fetch the bags. I then catch Dolores's eye.

"Dolores, dear," I say, "please accompany them to their rooms and help them get settled. I need to talk with you later about something important."

Dolores nods and leads the siblings upstairs, showing them to their rooms and helping with their luggage. After they're settled in, Dolores returns to the living room where we sit and catch up on everything-travels, studies, work. The room fills with laughter, stories, and the warmth of being together again.

As the conversation flows, Tianna suddenly pulls out her phone. "Grand Aunt Ticia," she begins, her tone serious, "we found something in the attic. A journal. It mentioned a curse and someone named Tema Andrea."

The name sends a shiver through me, stirring long-buried memories. "Tema Andrea... I don't know much about her. She was a mystery even to us."

She plays a recording. A voice, deep and deliberate, fills the room: "When Tema Andrea discovered that our great-grandfather was about to marry and had a child on the way, she was furious. She had hoped to claim him for herself. In her rage, she cast a powerful curse on him and his future descendants, intending to bring misfortune to the entire family."

Eris and Ciarinise exchange serious glances. "This confirms what we were told in Aklan," Eris says, his eyes locked on the phone. "The curse was real and intentional."

I feel a cold chill run down my spine. "A curse? I had no idea. We always thought the misfortunes that happened were just bad luck."

Tianna nods. "Yes, the journal and this recording both point to the same thing. It seems Tema Andrea was trying to punish our family for something she could not have."

Ciarinise's gaze meets mine, filled with determination. "We need to find out more. Maybe there are other journals or letters hidden somewhere."

An idea sparks. "I think we should talk to Dolores. She's Manang Lelay's granddaughter. She works here as one of our maids and might know more."

I call for Dolores, and she arrives promptly, wiping her hands on her apron. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Dolores, dear," I say, "we were just talking about Manang Lelay. Tianna, Eris, and Ciarinise are looking for information about Tema Andrea and a curse mentioned in an old journal. Can you help them?"

Dolores's eyes widen in surprise, but she nods. "Yes, ma'am. My grandmother told me many stories. I'd be happy to help."

I smile at her. "Thank you, Dolores. Can you accompany them and share what you know?"

"Of course," she replies, looking at Tianna, Eris, and Ciarinise. "Follow me. We can talk in the library."

The siblings follow Dolores out of the room, their curiosity and determination clear. Tianna turns back to me. "Grand Aunt, we'll start with what Dolores knows. I hope it leads us closer to understanding the curse."

I nod, a sense of hope swelling in my chest. "I trust you'll find what you need."

As they leave, I sit back in my chair, reflecting on the evening. The conversation drifts to other topics-family memories, future plans, and the bonds that hold us together. The sun has long set, but the warmth of our family's love keeps the room bright.

As the night deepens, I look at my grand-niece and grand-nephews, filled with gratitude for their presence. "It's wonderful to have you all here. Our family's stories are meant to be shared and remembered."

Tianna smiles, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Grand Aunt Ticia. We're glad to be here and to learn about our family."

Eris and Ciarinise nod in agreement, their faces reflecting the warmth and curiosity that has always defined our family.

"Good night, my dears," I say, hugging each of them before they head to their rooms. "Sleep well, and we'll continue our stories tomorrow."

As I watch them go, a deep sense of peace settles over me. The old house is alive again, filled with the echoes of our family's past and the promise of uncovering its hidden truths. The mystery of Tema Andrea and the curse lingers, but together, we will uncover the truth.