Forevermore Book 2 Simula ng Walang Hanggan

Part I Raffy / Rafael Castro Syquico

" I am three months pregnant Mamay .."  Martina confessed to Metring, who simply looked up at her from her knitting.

"... to a mestizo Chinese tradesman  from Sta Cruz, Manila. His name is Rafael Castro Syquico" she added nervously half expecting the worst.

" A baby... a new life into the De Gracias clan!" Finally, Metring said, and stopped to place her needlecraft down.

" Come Bunso...come here to me, you will always be my baby, no matter what happens."
She hugged Martina tightly, and after lightly touching her belly, she continued.
"So tell me more about this man... Tinang!"

"Mamay Metring... Raffy's full name is  actually Rafael Castro Syquico, he comes from a long line of Chinese silk traders." Martina continued.
" In fact Mamay Metring, Raffy sent you this as a gift!"
Martina proudly handed her an aqua coloured satin cloth, with intricate golden-lined embroideries of orchids at various stages of blooms.

" Oh... thank you!
" What lovely color and the design, so elaborate!" Metring said.

"...and also Mamay, I brought this out of the safe today. I have received it as part of Mama Fausta's  bequeathals to me."

Martina brought out a satin satchel from which she pulled out a jewellery box made of rosewood, with white metal and mother of pearl inlay depicting two birds drinking from a cup. The box also has a Bramah lock, a side drawer fitted for jewelry and a liftout tray.

"I still remember it so clearly, like it was only yesterday...
' Tinang hija, the time has come for you to inherit this.'
Mama Fausta gifted me this right after my 18th birthday.  It's so stunning!" Martina explained.

Metring stared for a few minutes at Sinag-Tala, the Forevermore hair brooch. Mesmerized by its beauty and history, she said. " Bunso... Tinang, I have seen it and have heard of its colourful history.
Indeed, Forevermore's beauty lies not only on its material attributes, but more so, with the rich stories that have been part of it."
" Yes po, Mamay Metring...help me put in on please!" Martina exclaimed with excitement.
The elderly woman obliged, and stared at the grown woman in front of her. " Ayyy Tinang, not a day goes by that I don't thank our dear Lord for keeping you safe!"
She felt so proud of her daughter. 

Martina checked herself in front of at the mirror in her room, smilingly she kissed Metring on her forehead.
"Mamay Metring... am ever so thankful to you, you were a true mother to me, right from the day I was born. I want you to know that, with or without the label of mother, you were
and forever be my true Mamay!"
She said and gave Metring a tight hug.

" Look Mamay... Mount Kanlaon is shining brightly again tonight; but 'she' seemed content and happy too, unlike the last time I was crying in this same room." Martina pointed out.
Metring watched the young woman as she stood by the window. In her qcoiffured hair, the Sinag-Tala brooch glimmered much like a mini crown.

" Tinang does not have the typical De Gracias's mestiza features, but she has the spirit and soul of the powerful clan..." She assured herself.
" How I wish that Nanay Maria was still alive to see her lovely granddaughter, turned from a duckling to an impressive lovely swan!!" Metring said a quick thank you prayer.

Suddendly a knock at the door brought the two ladies to attention.

The Mayordoma- Perla, in her well-starched uniform, walked in with a handsome man. He appeared slightly nervous, his dark curly hair popped out as soon as he removed his buri hat from his head to bow.

Metring heart skipped a moment.
She knew exactly who he was despite his prostrated posture.

" Oh my sweet Lord... Pepito!
My dear brother!"