Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 25: Time Unfolds

"There are no secrets that time does not reveal." -Jean Racine
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Denis

It's been years since the last time I came to Cuizzini, a small Italian restaurant by the seaside serving only Italian foods and the best wine I've ever known in town. Linda and I were some of the couples who fell in love with this place, not only because of the staff's congeniality, but foremost of its tranquility and natural ambiance. We loved to sit in one corner facing the sea as the breeze gently caressed her, sending frills to her silky long hair. The place was adorable. We had our first wedding anniversary dinner date in this place. And the staff made it even more romantic when they lighted our favorite corner with heart-shaped lamps and scented candles all around us. Now, that corner looked empty and lifeless.

The waiter approached me as I gained entrance and led me to a table I reserved earlier this day. I looked at my watch - 5:23 in the afternoon. Mr. Aragon would be here any minute.

I remember the surprise on his voice when he received my call this morning. Inang told me that the man could possibly be a help to solve the mysterious death not only of Linda, but her ascendants as well. I was skeptical at first but Inang trusted him too well.

"He's a good man. He's like a father to your Denise. He treats her a family and I'm sure, he can really help you." She insisted one morning while tapping my shoulder for assurance that the man could be trusted. And I didn't want to spoil that trust, so I kept to myself all my doubts about Mr. Aragon. But Inang would not settle until she was sure I would consider her way. So, she came to me a second time, held my hand and stared straight to me with her penetrating and pleading eyes, "I'm an old woman. I do not want to die bringing Denise' hatred in the grave. Please, do something. Now is the right time to make things right before everything is too late."

How could I ignore such plea from someone who gave all her life and love for me? One who suffered from the pain I had for so many years? Who stood by me even in the worst decision I made? And saved me from wretchedness through her sincere countless prayers which God could never deny. It was only for my Mom that I would completely trust a stranger.

It's not easy to take chances with someone I hardly know, to trust him with something bigger than life. God, with all His providence, has been my only refuge, comforting my soul in the hardest struggles I constantly fought within. A small still voice would always remind me that the battle had already been won. All I need is to claim the victory awaiting for me. Only, I didn't know where to start.

I was in deep thought, when a husky voice interrupted my reverie. A man was standing tall infront of me, wearing a collar blue shirts matched with leather vest and and black jeans. His eyes were covered by a pair of shaded sunglasses.

"A waiter led me in this direction. You must be Pastor Romano, right?" He smiled showing a gold plated tooth glistened under the light as he extended his right hand and I received it gladly.

"And you must be Mr. Aragon. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Have a seat." I cordially offered the seat infront of me and signalled the waiter for some drinks.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Pastor. You got an admirable place here, huh?" He said while looking around the area.

"My wife and I loved this place so much. It's our sanctuary."

"Anyone who discovers this place will surely keep coming back here. It's awesome. Caroline will surely love this."

"How is she?"

"She is still desperate to know where Denise is. Any news about her?"

"She is exactly the reason why we need to talk. Inang thinks you can help. And I also believe you can, although honestly, I'm not sure why I need to trust you. All I know is that, I have to."