A Twist Of Time

twenty five

Jane had her hair up in a bun for the first time in days, Margaux wasn't wearing her usual business attire, the small chef was to be seen nowhere, and I was completely lost on what happened. I could remember last night, when Sergio apologized and all that, but I couldn't remember anything about the palace changing from its original form. It was scary.

"Margaux, what happened?" I inquired as I passed the entryway leading to the kitchen. She was there, checking things off of her list.

"Oh, good morning, Valerie! There's going to be visitors today. Visitors from America. And we're preparing the place. Ah—and Sergio told me to tell you to go upstairs to his room. He wants a meeting with you."

"Back to your duties?"

"Yes. Tiring. Now, go upstairs. He's waiting."

Sergio's room, along with the corridors, were embellished with mesmerizing designs, probably to cover up the negative energy that was still lingering in the air from Quezon's death. He was writing a letter (again?) when I opened the door. A smile on his face greeted me.

"You got my word from Margaux?"

"Yes. What do you need me for?"

"Take a seat."

I sat on a chair in front of him, his hands stacking his papers up and stashing them away so his desk was clear. "Valerie, I guess Margaux told you that there are visitors coming?"

I nodded. "It's about Hisako. She's been staying in the chef's quarters to avoid contact with the soldiers roaming around the household," said Sergio. "And I need you to help me keep her hidden tonight. The name you used was Isabelle, am I right?"

"Yes."

"Keep calling her Isabelle. Copy?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yes, sir."

"That's good. And I have something for you. I know it's not the best gift, but I tried."

From his cabinet, he took out a gold necklace that shined with the sun that beamed brightly on the room. He walked behind me and gently pulled my hair to the side, making way for the necklace. His breathing was unsteady, as though he was nervous. Finally, he was able to put it on me.

"Do you like it?"

I did a double take with my hands lifting it up. It had a small ruby in the middle, guarded by two curved gold endings connecting to the chain. I gasped in amazement.

"I love it. Where in the world...?"

"I've had it hidden in there for weeks, I just couldn't get the courage to give it to you. But I took advantage of the confidence I have now, so..."

And I turned around to hug him. "Thank you so much. How can I repay you?"

"A kiss."

I blushed, but as much as I was flustered, I wanted to kiss him. Badly. So I did.

The day seemed to drag on quickly. I still had the necklace on when I took a bath, and when Jane rushed upstairs to help me pick a dress. I was thankful for her and the many times she would help me with my outfits, but tonight had to be special. So she helped me inside a white Baro't Saya with a red and blue skirt, making me look somehow like the Philippine flag. Nonetheless, I could proudly say how elegant I felt and looked inside the long dress.

Margaux wore a white sleveless dress that showed her collarbones, but was useless because she had a grey shoal atop. Jane wasn't in her usual chef's outfit, but rather in a business outfit that looked exactly like something Margaux would wear. I had made conspiracies about the two of them exchanging outfits for the night.