Field of Emotions

Chapter 16

Just seconds after that, Sian came. He looked so nervous.

"Mom, nandito si Iris." sabi niya.

I was shocked to hear Iris was here. I should leave, hindi niya ako pwedeng makita dito. All of the sudden, Tita Felize's mood changes from being bright, to now a serious one.

"I told you, Sebastián. No girl aside from Ysabelle and Anastacia." mariing sabi ni Tita Felize.

Sian was terrified andlooked at me pleading. "Ysabelle, can you hide for the–" he said but he was cutted by Tita Felize.

"She will not hide, Sian. She belongs here and your girl must adjust." Tita Felize looked at me. "Ysabelle, anak, come with me."

As Tita Felize motioned for me to follow her, I felt a mix of confusion and apprehension. Hindi ko alam kung bakit biglang nag-iba ang mood ni Tita Felize ng mabanggit ni Sian si Iris.

Trying to make sense of the situation, I followed Tita Felize into another room, away from Sian. Tiningnan ko pa ng huling beses si Sian na nagtatanong pero umiling lang siya.

Inside the room, Tita Felize closed the door behind us and turned to face me. Her serious expression softened slightly as she spoke. "Ysabelle, my dear, I apologize for the sudden change in atmosphere. There are certain family traditions and expectations that we hold dear. "

Tumango na lang ako kahit hindi ko pa alam kung anong nangyayari. Tita Felize continued, "You see, Ysabelle, our family has a long-standing tradition of choosing a suitable partner for our children. It is important for the family's legacy and unity. You know Sian is our unico hijo and our miracle child. Sian's intended match has always been you, and we have been preparing for your union since childhood."

Natigilan ako.

Anong preparing? What the heck!

I felt a wave of shock and disbelief wash over me. Sian was always my best friend walang tataas pa sa pagtingin na yon, and the idea of being his intended match was something I had never considered. Crush is lang crush naman! Crush is just paghanga.

Tita Felize must have noticed my confusion because she reached out and gently placed her hand on mine.

"Ysabelle, I understand that this news may come as a surprise to you. But I assure you, it is a decision made with careful consideration and love for our family and your Avó. Every girl Sian met, you're the only one who passed the high criteria. I know it will take time for you to process this, but I hope you can find it in your heart to understand and accept our traditions."

So that's why sinabi niya na "ako lang" ang pinagkatiwalaan niya pagdating kay Sian?!

As Tita Felize spoke, I could see the sincerity in her eyes. She genuinely believed in the importance of family and tradition. It was clear that she cared deeply for both Sian and me. I took a deep breath and tried to gather my thoughts.

"Tita Felize, I appreciate your honesty and the trust you have placed in me. This is a lot to take in po, and I need some time to think and understand my own feelings. Can you give me that time po ba?"

Tita Felize nodded understandingly. "Of course, Ysabelle. Take all the time you need. Just remember that our family and the whole Gomez clan is here to support you, no matter what you decide."

As I walked back into the living area, I couldn't help but notice the tension between Sian and Iris. Iris had an evil smile on her face, as if she was happy in the discomfort she was causing.

Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Tita Felize. Her parents turned her into someone she wasn't. I felt a rush of pity towards her. Her parents must have wounded her so much that she chose to change.