Love Me, like the Old Times

Chapter 5: The Damsel in Distress

Mateo

I gaze into the scenery of what I called home 5 years ago, reminiscing my childhood. Manila, Philippines.

I was sent abroad by my mother at a young age to study Spanish and their culture. I was 10 years old when I went to Spain, with only my older brother to accompany me.

I did not complain at the time, because I also needed to fill the missing part of my life. I wanted to find my father.

He was a Spanish man, came to Philippines when the colonization first began. They both fell inloved to one another and secretly married.

It was when I was born when society found out their marriage.

Filipinoes were considered "Indios" by Spanish people. A second class citizen. Not worthy of a proper education and life.

People began to scrutinize and shamed my mother. Accusing of bewitching my father or seduced him into marrying her.

Eventually, his family found out about it and ordered him to come back to Spain. It broke my mother's heart. She became depressed and prone to illness.

My father's family was loaded. He was at that time serving the battalion as a general. My mother never really knew his family background.

My mother's family wasn't out of pockets either. They have a business of their own. Still they're considered second to spaniards.

What I know is that they were head over heals inlove.

If it was not from my mother's letter I wouldn't have come home. I haven't found my father yet.

She mentioned in her letters that she was gravely ill. Missing us deeply and wanted us home.

My brother did not came with me. He was still busy with some business and mentioned he will come home soon but not now. 

I sigh deeply as I remembered my mother's words.

My Dear Mateo,

The days here in Manila seems so slow.
How are you both my sons? I really want you home. You and your brother Miguel. I am not getting any younger and stronger. I miss you everyday it taunts me. My health is not getting better. I would like to see you grow up into a fine man, marry and have children.

I regretted my past decision of sending you both to Spain. But you deserve a proper education and for you to experience what it's like to be spanish. You are half spanish after all.

Please come home my sons. I want you to enherit our coconut lumber business. You can continue your studies here in Manila.

I love you.

Mamá

I comb my hair with my hand out of frustrations as the ship about to dock into the port of Manila.

Luggage in my hand I cross the narrow bridge of the ship. I was greeted by the Captain.

"How was your trip Iho? Welcome to Manila." the captain bid farewell and smiled.

"It's more likely welcome home. I'm a Filipino." I corrected him.

I can't really blame him. The way I looked. People will perceive me as pure. They'll treat me fairly but when they discover I'm half. They'll have a change of heart and would looked at me differently. But luckily, I'm a Filipino at heart purely, I'm proud of it.

He was taken aback by my answer and his smile disappeared.

I quickly pace forward before he could say anything.

I was about to walk towards the street  when I heard a splash of water. Then a woman screamed just behind me.

I automatically turned my head and saw. A girl fell in the water. She's drowning.

My instincts kick-in. I let go of my belongings and ran towards the port.

As I resurface out of the water.

People helped me arise from the water while I clutch my arms around her waist.

I quickly did a cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Glad I learned it when I was in Spain. It's a basic requirement if you are a swimmer. People started to fuss about the commotion. Her mother was crying, worried about her unconscious daughter.

With one last mouth-to-mouth. She began to throw-up the water she inhaled. I distance myself a little to give her some air.

She's pure Spanish. No doubt on that.
With her long honey colored hair and white skin. Freckles spread in her cheeks. When she opens her eyes. A beautiful bright hazel eyes met mine.

I froze and smiled at her pretty face as I felt goosebumps spread through my nape.

I immediately stood and the crowd started to gather. Snooping and buzz about the scene.

I reached for my things and someone approached me.

"Iho, I would like to introduce you Mr. Emilio Manuel Da Rosa." the captain extended his hand for me to shake but then quickly gestured his hand to his right while introducing a man. Still looking irritated by our conversation a while ago.

This man with no uncertainty is Spanish. His built was very masculine. His looks if you guess, maybe at around mid forties. With strands of gray hair, peppered gray and black beard and mustache. I believed this man would make any girl fall for him when he was at his prime age. He smiled at me and offers his hand for me to shake.

His eyes were hazel. It stuns me. He's the girl's father.

"I'm glad to meet you..."he paused wanting to know my name and extends his hand.

"Mateo Lorenzo Ruiz, senior." I answered and shaked his hand.

"Mateo, I'm very greatful of you saving my daughter just now. I owe you one. Please tell me how can I repay you?" he smiled at me and I saw his sincerity.

"There's no problem Senior Da Rosa. Your gratitude is enough for me. Will you excuse me. I'll better go. My mother might be waiting for me." I said with much respect in my voice.

"I insist. Please tell me in the future if we meet again." he persisted.

I only nodded. Smiled then turned my attention to see that our carriage has been waiting for me. I walked in it's direction and went inside.
  
The Captain must have told him by now that I'm a Filipino. He will probably feel relieved I rejected his offer. I thought to myself while on the road. Unaware that the carriage has already stopped.

I smile when I saw a beautiful woman beaming at me lovingly.

I'm home.

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