Las Dos Marias

Chapter 23: A Declaration of Love

As the three of them stepped into the Buenavista residence, a tense atmosphere settled over them, like the stillness before a storm. None of them spoke as they approached the door; each was preoccupied with thoughts of Doña Esperanza's possible reaction.

Meanwhile, Doña Esperanza stood rigidly by the window, fingers clutching the curtains, her back straight. She examined each of their faces in turn, saying nothing at first. Her gaze, however, narrowed sharply on her husband. "What's the meaning of this?" she asked calmly, though her tone was laced with clear contempt.

Don Arnulfo, struggling to find the right words, managed to explain the situation. And although Doña Esperanza said nothing about his strenuous explanation, the tight clench of her fists and narrowed eyes spoke volumes.

"I also wish to accompany Isabela on her visit with her mother tomorrow," Trinidad declared after the tense conversation. Another wave of shock rippled through the room, intensifying the heavy atmosphere. Every face-even Isabela's-reflected disbelief and concern.

"Maria, it's too dangerous," her father protested.

"Mang Carlito and Manang Celis will be with us, Papa. You said it yourself-we're to keep a close eye on Isabela."

Doña Esperanza scoffed. "I'm going to my chambers now."

"Wait," Don Arnulfo said, his brow furrowing as he stepped forward. "Aren't you going to say anything about this arrangement?"

Doña Esperanza's gaze flickered over Isabela, then landed on Trinidad, irritation and frustration mingling in her eyes. "Why bother?" she snapped bitterly. "No one pays attention to my opinions in this house anyway. Just do as you like."

The group watched in silence as Doña Esperanza stomped away.

After a moment, Don Arnulfo turned to his daughter, his expression softening slightly. "Maria, please take Isabela to the bedroom she occupied before. The calesa will be prepared for your early departure tomorrow."

Trinidad nodded, gratitude washing over her as she heard her father's words. She glanced at Isabela, whose eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Come on, Isabela," Trinidad urged gently, a hint of a smile breaking the tension. She moved toward the doorway, waiting for Isabela to follow.

Trinidad could not help but be pleased with the current situation. Suddenly, her fantasies about being with Isabela had come true. And while the very reason was grave and dangerous, she just could not deny the fact that she did not harbor any guilt from her happiness. Besides, this was the only way for her to protect the woman.

Once inside the room, Trinidad could no longer contain her emotions. She threw her arms around Isabela, holding her tightly and inhaling the natural scent on her neck. "I was so worried," she whispered. "What if something happens to you again?"

Isabela held her close, and they stayed that way for a few moments before Isabela gently pulled back, their eyes meeting in mutual understanding.

"I know they won't stop-"

"Nothing will happen to me again, Trinidad," Isabela said softly, cupping Trinidad's face in her hands. "I promise you."

An intense silence enveloped them, their breaths mixing in the small space. Trinidad's heart pounded as Isabela's icy fingers brushed the side of her lips. In that moment, all worries and the outside world faded, leaving only the electric emotion between them.

Before she could second-guess herself, Trinidad leaned forward and claimed what she had always longed for...

Their lips met, softly at first.

Trinidad melted into Isabela, feeling the warmth of her skin and the softness in her chest. And as the kiss deepened, they tasted their tongues-building a sensation that was too intense and too delicious for Trinidad to bear.

"I am in love with you, Isabela," she whispered between ragged breaths. "It will kill me if I won't tell you now."

Isabela's face broke into a radiant smile, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"I love you too, Trinidad. From the moment I first saw you, you have already captured my heart."

Trinidad felt a surge of happiness at Isabela's confession. She could hardly believe someone as vibrant and strong as Isabela could long for the love and companionship of another woman.

"But this is dangerous, you know..." Isabela's voice broke through the reverie, tinged with worry and sadness. "You come from a prominent family-your future is meant to be secure, not entangled with someone like me. And besides, we're both women. You know what happens to people like us in a society steeped in religious authority. Loving like this could be dangerous for you, Trinidad. I would only be a burden."

The weight of Isabela's words hung between them. Trinidad stepped back, meeting Isabela's coffee-brown eyes. "You are not a burden," she insisted, her voice trembling with urgency. "You mean everything to me."

Isabela shook her head. "No... you don't understand," she said, fixing her gaze on the floor. "I come from nothing. My life is... chaotic. You deserve someone who can offer you everything-a secure future, a respected name, a place in society."

"And what about what I want?" Trinidad interrupted. "I don't care about any of that. I only care about you." She gently lifted Isabela's chin, their eyes locking once more.

"But-"

Her protests dissolved as Trinidad kissed her again. "I am not scared to fight," Trinidad murmured between kisses. "We will do that for each other."

Isabela looked at her, a tentative smile breaking through. "God knows I would die for you, Trinidad," she replied, sealing the gap between them with another hungry kiss.