Del Rico #1: Say Amen

Kabanata 30

Kabanata 30

Amen

Since I first gained understanding, I've held the belief that life is not truly ours but merely borrowed, and the time will come when it's reclaimed by the Father. We are His children, left in a playground to frolic, and when evening arrives, He'll lead us back to His abode.

In the playground He left us, we encounter a multitude of people. Some will guide us towards goodness, joy, and wisdom. Others may tempt us towards wrongdoing or pretend until they lead us astray. We might stumble while running or falter while walking, but it's within us to decide what comes next. Will we stand and take another step, or will fear make us retreat?

God watches over us, observing and guarding. If His child falls and can't rise, He sends guidance, someone to lead the child who has found the courage to play the game of life once more. Yet, the choice still rests with the individual – whether to be led forward or... to simply let go, remaining in a corner until the evening of His return.

I, persevered through everything despite hardships, pain, and uncertainty on the path I tread, in the game I sought to finish, now gaze upon the bright corner of the playing field, alongside those who, in the end, guided me towards good deeds.

I was afraid to approach Him after realizing how many times I had tarnished His name. Through the repeated calls to Him by my immature mind back then, with each utterance of "Amen," I also confessed my sins that had not yet taken root in my conscience. I will change that, Father. I have changed that, Father. With each mention of the final word, I am certain it is filled with glory and truth.

"Give me Dilay for now, hija. Go on and join in with your cousins," Tita Regina stated.

I smiled softly. "Thank you, Tita," I mumbled.

She chuckled at that.

"No need to worry, Rouge. Dilay is lovely. I can't believe she's turning two a month from now on. Malaking pagtitipon ulit iyon."

Tumango ako sa kaniyang sinabi. Noong nakaraang buwan pa pinag-iisipan ni Abuela ang magiging pagtitipon sa Hacienda de Sol. Marami na rin siyang nakausap na bibisita upang tuluyang ipakilala ang kauna-unahang apo niya sa tuhod.

"Ganoon na nga ho. Unang apo ho siya sa side ng mga Soler."

"Aristokrata," aniya. "Siya rin ang una rito sa Del Rico. Pangalawa ang anak ni Cora at ni Troi."

Marahan niyang kinuha si Dilay. My daughter giggled cutely.

"Mamasi," she cooed.

Tita Regina bid me a goodbye and went to her husband. Sinuyod naman ng aking mata ang kabuoan ng pagdiriwang. Soler and Del Rico's hosted this. Ito ay tuluyang pagsasanib ng kompanya ng aking asawa at ng mga Soler. I am the first one to get married among the Solers. Abuelo gave me my part of the company which he knew, Cirolius will handle very well.

Many individuals within the business realm eagerly gathered to witness the intriguing encounter between two prominent families.

The setting itself was a breathtaking spectacle, adorned in resplendent shades of gold and red, exuding an unmistakable air of aristocratic charm that captivated every onlooker's admiration.

Guests congregated, engaging in animated conversations on the pursuit of elite status, reveling in the privilege of belonging to the renowned city of Afortunados, and cherishing their profound connections with the illustrious Del Ricos.

"Ah, Ananias had quite discerning taste in selecting his associates. A Del Rico was unquestionably the perfect fit for him."

"I heard that Micandro was still harboring resentment, isn't that right? Even with his opulent wealth, he failed to secure acceptance from the Soler patriarch. Ananias truly possesses a shrewd sense of discernment!"