3 Infatuated

Long, lustrous black hair...

Brown eyes that glittered naturally...

Skin so fair and soft...

Supple and succulent lips...

"Eduardo..."

Huh?

"Eduardo..."

Wait. Were those sweet lips calling out his name?

He turned to face her and he was instantly stunned by her beauty.

Alas! The radiant fairy was staring directly at him and she was indeed calling out his name. Ah, such delight!

"Eduardo..."

"Hmm?"

"Wake up"

Uhh, what?

"Wake up, you brat! Stop dreaming things. Get back to reality. The sun is almost up!"

The fairy's face slowly morphed into that of an angry old woman, causing his body to shiver.

Eduardo startled awake with cold sweat and a somewhat palpitating heart. Dear heavens! Old Aunt Rosa still haunts him even in his dreams. There was simply no escape from the strict mayordoma.

With a sigh, Eduardo got up and prepared for another day's work. He was a servant boy with no particular assigned area or designation. He simply does whatever task he is given. Most of the time though, when he isn't an aid for driving the coaches, he was to maintain the front lawn and the garden at the back of the house. It was a task he had started to enjoy recently because of obvious reasons — that being the young lady of the Herrera family.

Lady Isabela was rather fond of flowers. Eduardo noticed that she would always pass by the flowerbeds either during the early morning or around the late afternoon. Oh how beautiful she looks whenever she smiles after smelling them.

Lady Isabela had always been such a natural beauty. Hers was the refreshing kind — one that reflected the innocence of youth. Her thirst and curiousity towards the vast world only added to her charm. But of course, this may be from Eduardo's somewhat biased point of view. Because no matter what lady Isabela says or does, she would still remain perfect and pristine in his eyes.

Eduardo also noticed that the young miss enjoys spending time in peace during Sunday afternoon, just casually leaning against the old mango tree by the town's lake, either quietly reading a book or at times, lightly dozing off.

He would know. He'd often drive the carriage for them. Upon returning home after the mass, the family would share a meal together. Then, Lady Isabela would drag her reluctant nursemaid off to the old lake.

Though Eduardo wasn't a part of a rich family, somehow he can still understand where the young mistress is coming from. This is because everyone had their own set of problems they have to constantly face each day. You do not have to be rich or poor to be stressed out or to worry about your circumstances in life. But the relaxing afternoon breeze seems to blow away all the raging thoughts in one's head. Taking a deep breath, you can feel your body and self calming down.

Not to confuse everyone or lead your thoughts astray. He doesn't join them in their habits of basking in the sunlight while hiding in the shade of a sturdy tree. He would often stay by the coach or sit by a different tree nearby to stand guard for the young lady's safety.

Pfft. Who are we kidding? Eduardo would often stay at a place where he can freely take a glimpse of his mistress' face without worrying about the repercussions. A bit creepy, yes. But he simply couldn't help it.

She was a carefree soul yet had a heart as big as an elephant. The way she cared for others, whether rich or poor, with no prejudice or discrimination whatsoever only proves she has a heart of gold. She was brave and determined, a fiery glint ever-present in her wide, bright eyes. But she also knows what is right and what is wrong and lives her life in acquiescence to God. She was filial and respectful to everyone. Furthermore, her beauty is surely unrivaled in the whole of San Simon.

Whether he is aware or not, his admiration and adoration for the young beauty got Eduardo to be more attentive in everything that concerns her. He started to notice a lot of things about her and with each new discovery, his feelings for her only grew stronger.

It wasn't a mere curiosity or adoration anymore.

It was turning into something more.

He was captivated!

Well, not like he minded anyway.