Chapter 6 Celestina

It is not hidden at all. Her plan to come at Villaverdes house. She had mention it first to her grandmother Trinidad. It also reached to Don Rafael.

"You will make a wrong decision," Don Rafael said emphatically.

Hesitation come about while thinking what the Don has told her.  She may be called so hard-headed again. That was what prevailed in her mind. Her grandfather said the same words again. It's just like what her mother said before, it was her plan working abroad which has been suppressed. But what does she really cares to what Don Rafael has said. And one reason she was disappointed so much is the Don's pretention. If she hadn't heard it from the Don's mouth she would still believe that she is going to a wrong decision. What is being told to her is a lie. Her decision wasn't really wrong. She knew her grandfather was glad. That she is getting along well with Miguel. The reason why she didn't  know yet. This will she find out soon. What matters to her first is she will do everything, to find her aunt Stella's son. It will make her grandmother happy. Her grandmother was the one she should look to. But is that really the reason. It isn't because she already feels love for someone who belongs to the Villaverdes clan.

'Zavaih use your brain, please. Remember that the top part of human is the head where each person's brain is located so that it can be followed by every movement of the body, not the heart' she sermonized herself.

And another thing that came accrossed to her mind was what she heard at Mang Sendo and the Don talking about.

"What happened was regrettable. If I could just turn back time I would change what I did. One last chance hope is Zaviah. It would be better for her and Miguel to be get close. That is what should have happened," Don Rafael said.

That is what she heard completely from the Don's mouth. So she couldn't believe that Don Rafael would even tell her that her decision was wrong.

How and when did you heard that Zav?" her grandmother asked.

"I never thought he would be there at the stable that early. I was just far away but wondered, that's why I came closer to them. It was strange that he was there talking to the horse keeper," she replied.

"Didn't they notice you were there?"

"Yes.They didn't notice I was there. I became interested in the continuation of what should I need to hear more. Then I squeezed harder on the door of the stable to hide myself and hear everything.

"Miguel and Zaviah are better off and in that way my grand daughter can easily find out if the Villaverdes have anything done with Stella's son." That's all Don Rafael said according to what she heard.

"Oh! Is that true, Zav?"

"Yes, grandma. And I got confused that grandfather was the reason, for the loss of aunt Stella's son. But why is that Villaverdes were involved."

Zaviah had the right hunch. So she came to an idea that Miguel can help her. She left quickly the stable that morning so the two could not see her around.

'I can't be wrong Don Rafael. I've thought about everything' she whispered it to herself.

*Think it carefully, "her grandmother Trinidad said.

Zaviah was also able to speak after a few minutes. She remembered what she heard and her mind made sure that Don wasn't worried but still grateful despite the pretenses coming out of his mouth. She has been at the Hacienda for a week so she noticed that.

They are at the table. Simultaneously eating breakfast. She said goodbye to her grandmother Donya Trinidad  and Don Rafael strongly opposed. Silva shows no reaction. It was as if she isn't there eating breakfast too.

"Miguel wanted to pick me up. But I said not I'll go to their Rancho by myself."

"But Zav....maybe."

Donya Trinidad couldn't continue what she wanted to say. Zaviah immediately replied.

"I'll be fine grandma. Believe me."

She gently held her grandmother Trining's hand tightly because it was obviously worried about her again. Zaviah stood up first and went out of the kitchen  to her room and arranged her choices to wear at the Rancho. She was walking to the stable when she noticed her phone in her pocket ringing. She could feel the force of its vibrato. She stared at the number and the name she saw calling. Miguel Villaverde calling' her mind reads silently the name on her phone screen. How did she got Miguel's number. She did not asked it. And it's in her contacts. Who saved it? She did not answer it out of thought.

'Maybe that was when I was on the stream. He saved hia name in my contacts' she answers her own question.

"I'm outside waiting' Miguel text message vibrated.

Her forehead furrowed even more at Miguel's message.

'How could he possibly wait for me outside when we haven't talked about it yet' she is talking to herself.

She carried the hand carry bag in which was carrying inside her belongings.

"You came here eventhough we haven't talked yet, "she said to Miguel.

"Maybe I just came here. But it seemed that you were also prepared."

Zaviah had nothing to say. Maybe all are just in a coincidence. She get in the car. Sit comfortably and have not spoken beforehand while the car is running.

They passed through the woods where she had escaped from Silva's men. She looked at the big tree where she had been hiding. And on the big living rock where she sat, there were moments when she didn't think anyone could help him. It is a vast forest that seems to have a sanctuary for big birds. And in front far view ahead is a mountain.

"Would you like to come down first," Miguel suddenly asked her.

Zaviah looked outside. Suddenly she was interested in exploring the place. It was only then that she also saw that kind of scene. Unlike to what she just saw in the  cities of Manila.

"All right. Is there any nice view to see around?

Miguel just smiled

It no longer answered her. But just opened the door for her.

"I dont want to . We might break the rope and fall to the bottom if the woods destroyed." Zaviah nodded in disagreement.

"You can see the sanctuary of birds after crossing. And there is a little paradise there where different kinds of beautiful flowers that spontaneously appear and grow there. Flower that are the only ones in the little paradise  can be seen. And as they said that's where the place Rodolfo and Stella met then."

Zaviah wants to see it. But she will afraid to cross the bridge made of woods. Its too deep down she saw under the bridge. A deep ravine beneath is a dead river.

"Is there no other way?" she asked Miguel.

"Yes, there is. But we'll still have to go a long way."

She had no other choice but to cross the wooden bridge with a rope at the top. It's scary but she will try to fight it. That's the most intense challenge she could overcome if she can do it.

"For you to overcome the fear. I have a suggestion but I won't tell you. I'll just do it later."

"How come you call it a suggestion if you don't tell me. But all right. Just make sure you do. And that suggestion is in favor for me, Miguel."

"Oh yes! You agreed. That means I have permission to do so.

"Come On. Let's go." Zav said.

The two of them have already started to cross. Her hands hold tightened on Miguel's waist. She felt like she was going to fall. The wind was blowing harder at the top of the bridge. She was a little dizzy. And seemed to lose consciousness. So she said it right away.

"Please. I can't see anything. My vision is getting dark. Is it still far?"

She has closed her eyes. To reduce her dizziness. Even before she lost consciousness, she felt Miguel's lips. It touched her lips and her weakness gradually disappeared. The flame engulfed her feeling firmly. Her blood came alive and she seemed electrified. Throbbing and strange joy enslaved her. Like was as if she was already  walking on the cloud at that moment. She was unable to complain. She just drifted on. Ad when she noticed they were at the end of the bridge.

"You deceived me. Is that what you said you would do a favor to me?"

"I'm sorry. But that's really what I can do to mislead your dizziness."

She was speechless. What else can she do. It has all happened. But she ashamed of herself. She enjoyed the kiss. What had she shown was something different than to what she felt. Pretend to be mad but in the depths of her heart she became happy. But she can't accept it because she thinks its too shameful. She is good at hiding her feelings. And it is her aunt Stella's son that she must prioritize  most. One at the last reason was not to fall in love to Miguel who was Villaverde. That something she bear on her mind. Not because Miguel might also aimed at revenge to a woman like her who is Mondragon.

The sorroundings she sees are so beautiful. It's fun to listen to the birds chirping. Especially the seemingly a paradise place indeed. She was right to call little paradise. The flowers around are strange. It was only then that she saw such a beautiful flowers. Zaviah turned around, her predictive mind looking for where her aunt Stella and Rodolfo used to sit. Then they left the area a few hours later. She remained silent. She still doesn't want to talk to the man who she thought took advantage to her. They got back to the car. Until they entered at arched Rancho Villaverde. She got also amazed at the beauty of the surroundings. Large trees sloping. They are the same size that were obviously planted at the same time. There are healthy cows on the fence. She look at the mound of grass. There were sheep and goats that were there in the same fence. There is another animal on the other side of the fence. There are tree houses where you can see the animals around.

"Can we stop here." She had no other choice but talk again.

Miguel looked at her, as if wanting to clarify what he heard. He stopped driving and the key was turned down so the engine died.

"Why? Have you changed your mind? I didn't think you were undecided. You were ready when I arrived. "

"Yes, I was decided."

"So, why do you want me to stop here?" Miguel asked.

Zaviah had not yet answered when they saw both vehicles pass them. Her gaze followed.

"Who's in that car?" She is curiuos to know who else she meets at Miguel's house. And what she would say why she is there.

"Celestina," Miguel calmly answered.

"Did she know you had a Mondragon visitor?"

"Don't be intimidate by her."

Zaviah was not convinced. How will she do what Miguel said. Celestina is a kind according to what her grandmother Trining told her.

"Shall we go now?"

She began to worry for herself. Celestina was the woman who caused the breakdown in the good relationship between the Mondragon and Villaverde. An annoyance welled up in his heart. She wants to know Celestina's personality. The woman who first became love of her grandfather.

"Okay," she sparingly replied.

She gathered her courage and resilience with the woman she would encounter. She whispers to herself that Celestina is not the woman who will beat her. For her great-grandfather who had a heart attack and died of resentment. And for the land it seized from their clan. She suddenly felt like she is Mondragon on that moment.