Las Dos Marias

Chapter 2: The Journey Home

The bumpy path through the countryside made the journey even more exhausting. By nightfall, Trinidad felt the ache in her body, the soreness in her backside, and the strain in her legs. To distract herself from the discomfort, she chatted with Mang Carlito and watched the houses along the road.

She marveled at the humble bamboo and wooden homes, gasping when they passed ones made of stone and brick. The latter reminded her of her family's brick house in San Felipe. As night deepened, she and Mang Carlito grew more alert. Some stretches of road were pitch-dark, and whispers of rebeldes and bandidos lurking in the countryside haunted her. These groups resulted from the Spanish government's imposition of heavy taxes, forced labor (polo y servicio), and restrictions on the freedom of the native population. While rebeldes were often motivated by a desire for freedom and justice, bandidos emerged as individuals who resorted to robbery or violence, sometimes for personal gain or survival, but who were also sometimes seen as freedom fighters by the oppressed. Both groups were viewed as threats by the Spanish authorities.

Trinidad clutched her rosary, whispering prayers until she fell asleep, her mind drifting to the scary stories the madres told in the convent. At dawn, she woke to the sight of the calesa entering San Felipe's plaza. Relief washed over her as familiar sights came into view. The chapel remained the town's most prominent structure, unchanged by time.

"We're finally in San Felipe, Señorita," Mang Carlito said, exhaustion in his voice.

"Yes, Mang Carlito," she replied, dabbing her face with her mother's pañuelo. "How long has it been?"

"Ten years, Señorita. Except for a few short visits when you were young."

She sighed, nostalgia sweeping over her as they passed the fields her family owned—fields that would one day be hers. As the only daughter of the Buenavista family, she understood the sacrifices ahead: marriage, maintaining the estate, and continuing the family line. She pushed these worries aside as they rounded the last corner, her family's land coming into view. "Now we can rest," she said softly.

"I hope so, Señorita," Mang Carlito replied, a hint of hesitation in his tone.

"What do you mean, Mang Carlito?" she asked.

"Your parents have arranged a piging. I doubt either of us will get much rest today."

Her face fell at the thought of a piging or a social gathering after such a long journey. But knowing her parents, she wouldn't be able to refuse. After all, today was her sixteenth birthday.

***

"Mi amada, hija! Thank the heavens for bringing you back safely!"

Trinidad laughed as her mother embraced her. "Oh, Mama! I'm happy to return after ten years of being locked in the convent."

"Dios mio, child!" Doña Esperanza exclaimed. "Convents are places of education, not prisons!"

Trinidad resisted the urge to roll her eyes, remembering her mother's sensitivity about faith. "I know, Mama," she said, linking arms with her as they walked toward the old brick house. "I'm grateful for the education you and Papa gave me. Not every girl is so fortunate."

"Good. Never forget we sent you to the convent to become a proper woman. Just look at you now—your beauty and grace are impeccable. You're ready to enter society."

"Now, now, Esperanza," interrupted an elderly voice. "Your daughter has just returned from a long journey. Save the lectures for later."

Beaming, Trinidad turned to her grandmother. "Oh, Lola! I've missed you so much."

"And I miss you, too, my child. I'm so grateful you're finally home."

Trinidad smiled at the two strong women in her life: her mother, with her sharp gaze and devotion, and her grandmother, Lola Alma, whose presence felt like home itself. Just then, her father emerged from the house. "My beloved Maria," he said, walking briskly to embrace her.

"Welcome back, mi hija, and happy birthday!"

"Gracias, Papa!" Trinidad replied, allowing him to kiss her cheek.

In his barong Tagalog, Don Arnulfo Buenavista, the Alcalde Mayor of San Felipe, looked like a powerful gentleman. "Being Alcalde Mayor suits you, Papa," she said, smiling.

"Ah, except for the receding hairline," he joked, making her laugh. "All right, ladies, let's go inside so our Maria can rest before the piging."

Though Trinidad longed for sleep, she knew today was notable for her family, so she just had to get through it with a smile.

"I'm happy you're back, Maria. How was the trip?" Don Arnulfo asked, offering his arm as they walked to the house.

"Tiring, Papa. And the dark stretches of road were frightening."

"Don't worry," he said warmly. "You'll see your amigas at the piging, and I want you to meet a young man from Manila. A wealthy Don interested in asking for your hand. I think he would make a good match."

Trinidad's heart lifted at the thought of seeing her childhood friends, but the idea of meeting a potential suitor filled her with unease. And as her father continued speaking, she hoped he wouldn't notice the disinterest hidden behind her smile.