2 The Beginning

The Beginning

England, a country that is part of the United Kingdom- previously called Englaland which means "Land of the Angels."

I could feel the cold breeze embracing my bare skin. The hem of my dress dances along with my loose hair and the wind. The breeze was cold but I don't feel anything, my body feels numb. No personification intended, the trees around me are really dancing and swaying with the wind.

I forced myself to let out a sweet smile as I looked at myself from the mirror.

"Meghan." I fixed myself first before turning to face Levi; a living beast and the epitome of conceit, boastfulness and arrogance, if that's what you call that. I maintained myself being composed and fixed, showing him an stoic expression visible on my face.

"Yes?" With firm and low voice, I asked. I averted my gaze away but I could see him from my peripheral vision, I know he's just here to piss me off. Nevertheless, I do not want him nor anyone to see the not so wimp side of me.

"Wala lang," my eyebrow rose. I tried to pull his hair but I did not succeed, his moves were mild yet so fast, mabilis siyang nakalayo sa akin.

"Yeah, whatever. Heidi! Let's go home, I'm tired of Levi's shits. Iwan na natin siya." I walked towards the car.

I was in no hurry because I wanted to go home, but because I was serious about leaving Levi alone here in the Hyde Park.

[Hyde Park - is a Grade I-listed major park in Central London. It is the largest of four Royal Parks that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace.]

"Bilisan mo!" I shouted at Heidi while trying hard to hold back my laugh. Mukhang hindi kami napapansin ni Levi and I could say that's a good idea.

It's up to him to figure out how he can get home! He was stupid because he did not bring his own car, I just wish he had left his wallet and phone inside.

"How's dad?" I asked Heidi, there was a moment of silence prevailed between us. I think she was thinking of an answer. Napakadali lang naman ng question ko!

"He's fine, Ma'am. Miss na miss na niya kayo, I'm sure he'll be happy knowing that you're finally going back." I released a small smile and nodded my head. Nakasimangot na lumingon ako sa labas ng bintana.

Grief continues to engulf my heart, I don't know what's the reason. Maybe because of tiredness? Perhaps my body needs rest and my eyes badly want to sleep. I could see Heidi on my side, watching me silently.

Binigyan ko ng isang masamang tingin si Heidi, causing her to look away. Binalik ko ang tingin ko sa labas ng bintana,

Darkness started eating up the whole surroundings as the feeling of emptiness continues to circulate inside me. I think it was six o'clock in the evening and it was just the right time to go home, I stayed with my brother for almost 3 hours doing nothing and not minding the numbness of my body.

As much as I wanted to enjoy my ass around, there's this something that keeps on bothering me as if I'm not really allowed to do that remembering that I am an Asturia and I live for luxury anyway.

Living in luxury does not always mean a piece of cake, it wasn't always like that. But I wasn't saying I'm not happy with my family, minsan annoying talaga sila.

Whatever I do, I carry my father's surname. Wherever I go, their shadow tails me. Not literally but it seems like that.

Our family is different, we have our own laws, regulations and standards that are need to be followed. There are things that are forbidden to us, I also do not fully understand why. If you think about it, our family seems royal that if described, it is indeed.

Of course, we have the power, the money. We are sovereign.

"Keep your knees and ankles tightly together and slant your legs to the side. Sitting elegantly helps you to keep your demure posture without showing off more than you intended," tumaas ang kilay ko, seeing these chosen ladies teach those little kids etiquette has reminded me of when I was the same age as them.

[Etiquette - is the set of personal behaviour in polite society, usually in the form of an ethical code that delineates the expected and accepted social behaviours that accord with the conventions and norms observed by a society, a social class, or a social group.]

"Chin should be parallel to the ground and hands always at your side. Maintain a straight face but not leaving a grumpy expression. If necessary, smile," they stopped when I spoke from their side, I nodded twice at them and nagbigay ng isang maliit na ngiti.

They deprive these children of the right to feel enjoyment. However, teaching them etiquette would be a great help for them especially when socializing. It's a good idea, I just want them to have a good youth life. Let them play even for a short period of time.

"Heidi," mahinahong tawag ko sa aking secretary, "Yes, Ma'am?"

"Kailan pang nagsimula sila?" I asked with a raised brow, parang ang bilis.

"Sorry but I am not sure when they started because I do not hold the schedule of events or happenings outside." I was stunned for a moment. Sabagay, hindi na mahalaga sa akin 'yon.

Though confused, I could hear every subsequent giggles of the children being taught by etiquette with the help of duenna.

[Duenna - an older woman acting as a governess and companion in charge of girls, especially in a Spanish family; a chaperone.]

I nodded to them for a moment before turning my back and walked straight to my room, "I don't want to go back yet, not now. Why can't I just stay here?" I whispered, natigil ako nang makarinig ng sigaw.

"Boom! Headshot sa ulo!" Headshot sa ulo? That's redundant lol, my brother is really dumb and stupid. And how did he get back so fast here? I forgot to check if he left his phone and purse, nevermind.

"What's going on here?" I almost shrieked when Levi showed me a bird bathing with its own blood.

"You're such an ew, Levi! Get off me! Isusumbong kita! You have no manners, you suck." I said, shivering.

"Arte mo talaga! Don't Englishing me, Pilipino ako," napakurap-kurap ako.

"And so am I. Tsaka, for your information, what you are doing is not allowed. Let's see if what consequence you'll face once the Gramp knew about this." I stuck my tongue out and crossed my arms.

"Edi marapat lamang na mag-Tagalog tayo! Tsaka, anong consequence, consequence?! Do you think I will let the Gramp find this out? There's no way! I am not as submissive as you, sissy."

"But we're in England, besides, we both know that I'm not accustomed in that language the fact that I only lived in Philippines for approximately 4 years. I wasn't raised and born there, I spent most of my life here in England. Hah! Then I will tell him about this, as if you can stop me, there's no way too. Fucktard." I sniffed, seeing him rolling his eyes didn't escape my eyes.

"Edi ikaw na, suntukin ko ulo mo, eh. Arte mo, nakakainis." I scoffed at him.

Little did he know, I was annoyed by his presence as well. The feeling is mutual, duh!

Tinalikuran ko siya, seeing his disgusting face makes me feel sick.

I was about to get back on my room but I saw my father's room open, I was not interested in what was in his room especially since I had already entered it before but something had caught my attention, a trunk.

I first looked around, risking that no one would see me. I don't think there is anything wrong with entering his room especially since he has moved to the Philippines a year ago if I'm not mistaken, and naninigurado lamang ako.

There, I got the chance to see the trunk closer, "Zu meiner geliebten," was engraved on it.

I was sure at the thought that this trunk has been hidden for ages because it looks antiquated with dust all over its corner.

I failed to see the contents of the trunk, I did not have the key to open it, sinubukan kong hanapin ang susi sa loob ng kwarto but I failed.

But I am sure its contents were all about my mom, based on what was engraved on it.

Minutes later, I just found myself walking towards the dining room.

To my surprise, I was welcomed by the clean and organized long table. Plates and cutlery are also arranged perfectly on top of it.

"Anong meron?" I whispered, caressing the chair next to me.

If I am not mistaken, there are approximately 20 seats surrounding the table.

"Heidi, what's up? Bakit nanggugulo lahat?" Heidi seemed shocked by my question, she didn't seem to expect that I didn't know what was happening and what would happen later.

"Ano po? Wala pong nanggugulo, Ma'am. Chaos is strictly forbidden inside and outside the mansion, if you do not remember. Or what you mean is, nagmamadali or everyone seems busy?" Oh yes, I should just speak in English, why kasi trying hard?

"Pardon me, just answer my question please. You're wasting my time," she stoop down a little, "Gramp Asturia is going back together with your cousins and father," I was stunned, I don't know what to feel.

Exhilaration and fear were mixed with turmoil. I was happy knowing that I'm able to see my father again but fear prevailed knowing that my grandfather would be here as well.

Wearing a white plain yet surrounded by pearls above the knee dress, I decided to let my hair loose and just stay calm at my back while wearing a fascinator that perfectly fits my dress. In our home, hair tying is forbidden especially on special occasions. Unless the Gramp said so.

Wearing revealing clothes is also one of the strictly forbidden policy to us, we can't expose excess skin for the sake of our safety. Especially that I, as the only granddaughter, needs to dress modestly and be conservative.

"Meghan!" I almost jumped because of Levi's shout. Crossing my arms, I raised a brow before facing him, "What now?"

"Bilisan mo gaga, we need to go right in front of the grand gate. Sasalubungin natin sila." I rolled my eyes.

"Is that even necessary? Para saan pa't we need to welcome-" I wasn't able to finish my words when he pulled me without giving me his words.

"What the fuck, I'm wearing heels bro!" He seems deaf, he couldn't hear me. Mas binilisan niya pa talaga ang lakad!

Ang kapal ng mukha hawakan ako!

"This bitch is really trying to piss me, huh? I'mma rip his head and tomb it underground." I was caught off guard when he tighten his grip on my hand, I was sure that he heard what I said.

It was hard for me to remove his grip, I cringed when the thought that he's touching my precious skin came into my mind.

Malay ko ba kung may virus siya!

"Gago!" He half-shouted, not facing me. I don't even know why he's in hurry, sasalubungin lang naman namin relatives namin!

My mind was clouded with thoughts at this moment but, "Ms. Meghan, fix yourself." I returned to my senses when Heidi spoke.

"I'm fixed," may halong pag-irap na sabi ko, the cold breeze was embracing our skin as I managed my posture. Para kaming namatayan na naka-stand dito sa gilid ng gate, waiting for our relatives cars' arrival. We're even wearing white attires!

"Why so sudden?" I asked Levi with a very soft voice so no one could hear me aside from him, "Malay ko aba, why don't you ask them yourself," I literally stomped my foot over his, making him squeal like a dolphin or whatever you call that.

"I'm asking you nicely, why are you being so sarcastic?" With annoyed voice, I asked.

"Why are you being so sarcastic? Nyenye," he mocked me, he even made his voice screechy!

"You really have the guts to make a mockery of me, hah?!" Sa sobrang inis, I pulled his hair so hard, not minding the people around us. My brother and I are always like this but it's always his fault too!

"What's with the commotion?" I was stunned hearing that voice.

"Dad!" I shrieked as I pulled hard on Levi's hair, I felt how his nails scratched my arm.

Nabitawan ko ang buhok niya. I didn't notice their car, huh!

"Ouch!" Reklamo ko, I gently stroked my arm seeing a small amount of blood flowing from Levi's scratch. I even got hurt because of him! Siya naman may kasalanan!

"Daddy! Look, oh! I got sugat because of Levi, he scratched my arm!" I faked my expression although the scratch was a bit prickly.

OMG! Baka magpeklat 'to! Eww!

"Look, I didn't mean to hurt you nor scratch your arm. It's just that your filthy hand won't let go of my hair, masakit kaya sa anit!" He stated in a defensive tone as he brushed his hair continuously with his right hand.

"It's all your fault! You know, I'm asking you nicely tapos you answered me with full of sarcasm, you even mocked me!" I said and almost pricked him but immediately stopped when I felt a not so tight grip on my arm.

I looked at the guy who held my arm with an irritated expression visible on my face. I was in awe, can't even utter any word, "Granddy," I bit my lower lip, sa kanya lang ako natitiklop!

"What's happening here?" His twitched eyebrows and frowned lips were visible, making me shiver in fear.

Hindi sa takot talaga ako, Gramp really just have this deep cold voice that always startles me to the point that it gives me creeps.

"Sorry, it's just that-ugh! It was Levi's fault, Granddy!" I said and pointed at Levi, accusing him. It was all his fault naman talaga, he's just really annoying!

Come to think of it, if you were asking someone so nicely and they answered you sarcastically tapos s/he mocked you pa, what would you feel? That's really obnoxious kaya!

"Wow! Says by the one who pulled my hair, shouted and almost pricked me! Are you really my sister?" I rolled my eyes secretly, ang kapal ng mukha!

"He's your brother, Meghan. We never taught you this, why are you arguing with someone older than you?" Nagulat ako sa biglang tanong, I really hate that kind of mindset!

Imagine using the 'older than you' card on me, nah, not today. Not me.

"Just because he's older than me, I don't have the right to argue with him na? He's not the one who is always right. Stop normalizing that thought, Gramp! Older ones are not always right, you're just being biased. You don't even know why we were arguing," inis na inis na sabi ko.

Maybe the reason why we fought was too superficial but he was so obnoxious as well!

"Meghan," with a calm and low tone, my Dad simply called my name.

"Fine, I'll shut my mouth. Whatever, loser!" I stuck my tongue out at Levi before turning my back at them.

That's why I've never wanted their presence around me, especially the Gramp's-we're always ending up fighting and arguing each other! He's really an opinionated and a self-centered person, he's never willing to listen to anyone even to his own relatives. If ever there is a fight between us, the first one who gives an statement, that's what he would believe! How weird and ridiculous, right?!

Or just like what's happening right now, if the elders are having a fight with the younger ones, which is me, he would always believe them! Little did he know, it was always my cousins' fault! He should have always known about this, he's our Gramp.

"Badtrep si pensan." I raised my brow at Warren, seeing him wiggling his eyebrows like an idiot is really annoying.

Everyone and everything surrounding me is annoying!

"What the fuck are your purpose here? No one told you to come here nor asked for your presence though." I was pertaining to all of them, I would be happy if it's only my dad. But no, most of my annoying relatives are here.

He ignored me and just shrugged his shoulders before heading inside the mansion.

"Pleasantries, my wonderful grandchildren. I didn't like what came to me a few minutes ago but I'll let it slide, let's all have a seat anyway," sitting right in front of my grandfather would really be the end of me.

Imagine, I will eat dinner facing him! Hopefully, we'll not end up arguing each other again. I'm sick of it.

"So why are you guys here? You traveled approximately 14 hours without even telling me!" I hysterically said.

"You're overreacting, Meghan. Would it be called surprise if we told you that we're going here?" Naiinis na tanong ni Uno.

My gosh, we are really relatives by blood, sarcasm runs in our veins, huh! I just hate their guts, the way they are being sarcastic although I am too. Pero kapag sila na, nakakainis na!

"But why nga, eh?!"

"Do we really need to answer that question? We all know that you're going back tomorrow in Legazpi but who knows if you ever planned of escaping, right? We know you very well, Meghan," halos matawa ako sa sinabi ni Val.

"Excuse me? How am I supposed to escape the fact that I'm not making money? Like, I have cards, yes. But do you think that's enough for me to separate? No freaking way. Nagsayang lang kayo ng pera," grabe naman sila!

As much as I wanted to stay here, anong magagawa ko? They feed me, they give me all I want tapos tatakasan ko sila? Lol, I can't even imagine myself doing that thing.

"Nagsayang ng pera? Coming from you, huh? As if mauubusan kami ng pera, I'm richer than you, FYI!" Inirapan ko si Warren.

"Whatever, so we're all here because we missed you so much! Our lovely baby girl," I mentally winced at my father, he's baby-ing me again!

"Ew! That's gross, dad." I said, shivering. It's weird, I'm 21 years old for fuck's sake.

"Ehem," granddy faked cough, I zipped my mouth and focused myself to the foods served by the cooks.

"So," he uttered, trying to get something from his pocket.

I was shocked seeing a pear-shaped diamond ring with baguettes, it was so cool!

"Is that for me?" Nangingiting tanong ko.

"I want to have a great-grandchild," I almost choked with my own saliva, great-grandchild?!

"What? How naman? No, no, no! I can buy myself a ring or Dad will provide," halos lahat kami ay nagulat sa tanong. I'm too young for that and I don't even have a boyfriend!

"No, use your card rather," my father laughed, "Pa!" I complained, it's really beautiful and I would love to get that ring!

"Take a look. Touch it, caress it, do what you want! To the one who can give me what I want, then the ring is yours," my grandfather is really ridiculous! Does he even think right? Parang there's always something wrong with him, as in palagi!

He's really grumpy pero sometimes I'm thinking if he's sane or not.

I bit my lower lip, kitang kita ko kung paano pagpasahan ng cousins ko ang diamond ring, "Pwede nang isangla 'to, eh!" Warren and Levi stated, nagtawanan pa sila!

"No! Mahal 'yan, give me!" I snatched the ring from them. The ring was sparkling, it's such a good and beautiful view. It suits my finger well but I don't like the bet.

"Nah, I can buy my own. I don't need yours, Gramp." I said while shaking my head before giving it back to him.

"Bakit hindi na lang ikaw, Lo? Pwede pa naman siguro." I burst out a laughter, napaka-asshole ni Warren talaga!

"Hahaha, gago ampota!" Levi stopped laughing when Dad inserted a spoonful of food inside his mouth. They really do have loquacious tongues, mga bastos. Fucktards.

"You really have the guts to say that right in front of the Gramp, huh? Hahaha." I winked at Warren, everyone in the dining room were quiet except me, Levi and Warren.

"And you have the guts to laugh?" He rolled his eyes at me. Woah, I thought we're allies?!

"I find it funny, okay?" I said while still laughing.

"Krizxyrene." I pressed my lips into a thin line, trying to suppress my laugh. The Gramp's obviously fuming mad! Si Warren kasi!

"Sorry, I can't hold back my laughter." I bit my lower lip and glared at Warren who is now trying to suppress a grin.

If only I could raise my middle finger, but no way, why would I do that by the way? We're in front of the grace, that's way too rude.

After eating, everyone decided to go in their designated rooms as I'm sure that all of them are tired knowing that they came from a trip. While I decided to go outside just to take some fresh air.

The deafening serenity prevailed and surrounded the entire mansion which is very usual. Hindi na ako magtataka pa.

The moon's up upon with the twinkling stars, the cold breeze brushes my porcelain skin while a few strands of my long brown hair are swaying along with the gentle caress of the wind. I hugged and caressed my shoulders up and down, trying to seek some familiar heat. My mind was clouded with thoughts and memories.

I closed my eyes, seeing nothing but darkness. Minutes later, a beautiful lady appeared in my sight. Everything became vivid, the sun's ray was touching her features. She has this warm smile where her bright and white teeth can be seen.

After reminiscing, I came back to my senses. I was trying so hard to remember the lady's appearance... realizing it was my mom. Lagi na lang ganito, my set up is always like this. I was in the verge of crying but I managed not to cry.

Going back in Legazpi was never my plan, I just want to stay here. Besides, this is my hometown but yeah, what can I do? It's their decision, whether I like it or not, I will end up there.

I just miss her so much, she who gave me everything. The love, tender and care. Charot not charot, it's true though.

I've always felt hatred about memories because every time it suddenly appears in my mind nor hit me up all of a sudden, I feel nothing but a heavy pain on my chest. It makes me feel vulnerable, especially that the memories invading my mind were created in Legazpi, Albay.

Sooner, I accepted the circumstances and embraced the memories that were giving me mixed emotions, either sadness or joy.

But who knows if some thrilling phenomenon and mystical events will take place soon?

...