Las Dos Marias

Chapter 7: The Treatment

Isabela's eyes adjusted to the dim light in the room as she caught a hint of Trinidad's sweet, feminine scent. She tried to focus on the faint sound of the piano playing downstairs, but being here, alone with Trinidad, made her heart race.

"This is her room," Trinidad said, knocking softly. The candlelight illuminated her delicate features. "Let's hope she hasn't fallen asleep yet."

They entered, and Isabela took in the simple elegance of the room—embroidered linens on a heavy bed, a small chest of drawers, a vanity mirror, and a carved table. Every detail spoke of the refined taste of the nobles of this era. Nobles would often showcase their furniture in ornate salons, where the pieces could be admired as much for their artistic merit and practicality. She heard the sick Doña was addicted to such.

"Lola?" Trinidad's voice broke the stillness.

"Aguy! This stomach pain..."

Doña Alma was propped up in bed, wincing as she rubbed her abdomen. Isabela felt a wave of sympathy; the old woman had been a friend to her family for years, and seeing her in pain stirred her deeply.

"I'm here now, Doña," Isabela said, stepping closer. "I'll help ease the pain."

"Oh, thank the heavens, my dear," exclaimed Doña Alma. "I thought you aren't coming because of the celebration."

"My mother never forgets her patients, Doña."

Isabela quickly began work, pulling herbs, oil, and slender candles from her bag. With practiced hands, she unwrapped sambong for pain, lagundi for inflammation, and tanglad to soothe the stomach. She crushed the leaves to release their aroma, added a few drops of oil to a clay bowl, dipped the herbs in, and lit the candles. As she worked, she felt the weight of Trinidad's gaze, which made her heart pound even harder. But she kept her focus, moving with the fluidity from her Babaylan ancestors.

"This will help," she told Doña Alma gently. "I'll place the herbs on your abdomen to draw out the tension. You'll feel warmth, but it won't hurt." The old lady nodded, relaxing slightly. Isabela applied the herbal compress and gently massaged it. "The warmth will spread through your body," she murmured.

"Oh, that feels nice," Doña Alma whispered, her eyes closing.

"Tomorrow, you'll see a physician," Isabela said, though she knew the Doña didn't care for doctors. "Doña Esperanza will be furious if you refuse again."

"I don't want doctors. I have you, and we've been doing this for years. What difference will it make now?"

"It will make your daughter-in-law feel better."

"Don't worry about Esperanza. I'll be fine tomorrow, you'll see," Doña Alma replied with a stubborn smile. Isabela chuckled, admiring the old woman's spirit.

"Still," she said, clasping the old woman's wrinkled hand, "I don't want to cause chaos between you and your daughter-in-law. Besides, she said the doctor is coming tomorrow."

Doña Alma scoffed. "That woman—she always gets what she wants in this house. By the way, child, how's your mother? I was so sorry to hear about your father."

The question caught Isabela off guard, trying to steady herself. "My mother is well. Busy with the farm and her patients... It was hard losing him, but we don't have the luxury of dwelling on sadness."

Doña Alma patted her hand. "You're strong, both of you. I'm sure Jose—bless his soul—is proud."

Just then, Doña Alma's eyes flicked to the doorway, where Trinidad was watching quietly. A glimmer of amusement appeared in the old woman's eyes as she gestured for Trinidad to come closer. "I suppose you've met my granddaughter. She just came from the convent."

Isabela's heart quickened as Trinidad smiled, a dimple appearing in her cheek. "Yes, Doña. She even offered me a meal when I arrived."

Doña Alma's eyes twinkled. "Ah, that sounds like my Maria. Always looking out for others."

Trinidad blushed, shrugging modestly. "It was nothing," she said softly, though her gaze lingered on Isabela. "I just thought she might be hungry after her journey."

"Well," Doña Alma said, settling back, "I'm grateful to you both. And, Isabela, you should stay the night. It's too dangerous to travel in the dark."

"Doña, I don't think—" Isabela began, but the old woman cut her off.

"No arguments. You've done enough for tonight. You've helped me, and I won't have you risking your safety. Who knows what those rebeldes and kastilas are capable of!"

Isabela exhaled, seeing there was no point in arguing. "Very well," she agreed reluctantly. "I'll stay. But I'll leave first thing in the morning."

"Of course," Doña Alma said with a faint smile. "Trinidad, my dear, show her to the guest room?"

"Gladly, Lola!" Trinidad said brightly. "Come with me, Isabela."

As Isabela followed Trinidad down the dim hallway, her heart beat faster. The thought of staying at the Buenavistas unsettled her, but even more unnerving was the quiet thrill she felt at being near Trinidad. As each step brought them closer to the guest room, she wondered if Trinidad felt the same unease.