Fate In Ink

chapter 16

"I apologize for having a coincided meeting," Doña Valentina said. She brought the cup of tea to her lips and leaned back on her chair. "But I believe you must be comfortable with each other, seeing as it was Julian who recommended you to me."

Actually, she kinda had it all backwards. I got the feeling the guy did it to spite me or something. He did know I was literate, but judging from his carefree and jesting demeanor around me, it didn't feel like he was doing it for my sake at all.

"Of course. We don't mind at all," Julian smiled.

Liar.

"I'm glad," the doña heaved a breath of relief. "Miss Catalina, I'm truly glad you decided to come, but I'm afraid I have a previous meeting with Señor Julian."

"No worries, Doña," he said. "I could look around the hacienda first, and then we could talk after."

I glanced between them. Doña Valentina was quiet, pondering what to do. Had I known they were going to meet today, I would have gone to the river instead. Mother sent me here so that I would be shielded from the problems back home, but it wasn't too different here.

"How about you come with us?" Doña Valentina asked.

My eyes widened. "Me? Where?"

"To the hacienda." She opened the large fan hanging through a string around her waist and started fanning her face. "I planned to give you a tour of the home and the inner gardens had you accepted our offer, anyway. We could do it now, if it suits you."

I took a sip from the tea, hiding the distaste I have for it. I could not bring myself to be fond of it. It gave me the illusion that I was in for something delicious, then suddenly dumped with the taste of hot water. The tea experience was quite the disappointment for me every single time.

"That's okay, I guess." I placed the tea back on the side table. The madam smiled, and told us to come with her.

****

I suspected Doña Valentina to be in her late thirties or early forties, and as far as history books went, the ladies of this era were poised, graceful, Maria Clara-esqu. But man, one should have seen her walk on soil. She's quicker than wolf hunting for prey, despite the stony earth we were walking on.

I, for one, huffed desperately after her.

I sipped the oxygen from the air, struggling to keep up. Blades of grass licked my legs and the sweat from my feet mixed with the dust that clung to me.

"Put your skirt down."

I halted my steps and turned around. I released my skirt and placed my hands over my waist. I stared Julian down with defiant eyes. "Why? You bothered by a girl's legs?"

"Obviously," he growled, crossing his arms over his chest.

I raised my eyebrow. "Really? Well, I find wearing long sleeves in this weather insane, so could you please tear them off?" I said, emphasizing the sarcasm in my tone.

"That's none of your business, my dear miss," he answered.

"And my legs are your business? It's too hot out, and I'm burning in these clothes for the sake of modesty," I snapped and turned away from him.

I quickened my pace, but the murky moisture and bits of pebbles made it difficult. I could see rows and rows of coconut trees up ahead, and Doña Valentina was already far ahead of us.

I stepped onto my skirt and lost balance, my foot sliding sideways into the grass. I lifted my arms up to regain my footing, but a sharp pang of pain cut through my ankles. I faintly caught sight of Julian stabbing his hand in front of me to help, but I fell to the soil with a soft thud.