Las Dos Marias

Chapter 28: Intimacies

Once everything else had been settled, Trinidad and Isabela agreed to wash at the nearby river before turning in for the night. They walked along the grassy path, lit by the soft glow of the moon, the breeze brushing their skin and raising gentle goosebumps.

"This is quite unusual," Trinidad remarked, walking beside Isabela, her heart fluttering with excitement. "I haven't bathed in the river without prying servants around in ages. I hope Manang Celis won't say anything about my dismissing her attendance tonight. She's fiercely loyal to my mother."

Isabela waved a dismissive hand, her laughter bubbling forth. "Don't worry, Trinidad. She and my mother are busy in the kitchen. They'll hardly notice we're gone."

They passed by the tall grass with only a torch and the light of the moon guiding their way. Isabela reminded Trinidad to be careful so her skirt wouldn't hitch on the brushwood, to which Trinidad responded with a carefree laugh.

"You know, Isabela, one of the things I really admire about you is your confidence. I just can't help but admire your spirit," Trinidad exclaimed. "It's what makes me feel alive whenever I'm with you."

Isabela smiled at the compliment. "You have that same effect on me, my love." She slipped her hand into Trinidad's. "Can you hear the water?"

"Yes," Trinidad replied, her breath hitching slightly as the sound of rushing water grew louder with each step. "It's almost like it's calling to us."

"I love bathing in the river. It's one of the luxuries of living in the hills. The rivers in town look polluted."

As they reached the riverbank, the scene before them took their breath away. "It looks like something out of a painting. It's so beautiful," Trinidad whispered, gazing at the glimmering water. The stars in the dark sky were like a vast backdrop, with the moon casting its silvery light upon them.

"Standing here, I feel bolder—like I could do anything without the world judging me," said the noble girl.

Isabela held Trinidad's hand as they stepped closer to the water's edge, the cool breeze brushing against their skin.

"Here, in this serene evening, with only the stars as our witnesses, you could let go of all those noble titles and simply be yourself."

"You're right, Isabela. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this bath," Trinidad replied with a giggle.

With a quick glance back to make sure they were alone, Trinidad tugged at the hem of her baro't saya, the soft fabric sliding over her skin.

Isabela watched, entranced, as Trinidad's figure became more visible in the moonlight. She hadn't realized the human body could be this beautiful. She had painted many nudes, but she had never had a real person to model from. Looking at Trinidad, it felt like she wanted to immortalize this moment. Heat rose in her cheeks as her gaze lingered longer than she intended.

With a teasing smile, Trinidad stepped closer to the water, the soft splash echoing in the stillness of the night. "Come on, Isabela. The water is so fine..."

Without a word, Isabela felt a surge of courage as she listened to Trinidad giggling in the water. She, too, began to undress, baring her skin beneath the silver glow of the moon.

As they entered the water together, the coolness enveloped them, a striking contrast to the warmth Isabela was feeling. Laughter bubbled up as they splashed each other playfully, the water glittering around them. Trinidad's voice rang like music in the night, pulling Isabela closer.

"Do you feel that?" Trinidad asked, her voice low, excitement twinkling in her eyes.

"Yes," Isabela replied, her breath catching as Trinidad stepped nearer, their bodies nearly touching in the water. "I want to kiss you."