Chapter 3: Unveiling Happiness and Freedom

Celestine decided to roam around the farm while her parents went to work in Manila, as the Mintavilla company was located there. Being in the province of Iloilo, she enjoyed the serene beauty of the farm, relishing the freedom to explore on her own.

"Thank you, Mom," Celestine said gratefully. She had a heartwarming birthday celebration, and her mother had gifted her a cellphone. Instead of having an extravagant party, Celestine chose to have a simple celebration, which was exactly how she wanted it.

"The numbers of Nanang Tessi and others are saved in the contacts. If you need anything, never hesitate to call them," her mother lovingly added.

"We have to go," her mother said, bidding goodbye and kissing both her head and her father as well.

During her birthday, Celestine made a thoughtful decision to treat the farmers who work on their farm. These hardworking individuals, though living nearby, rarely had the chance to interact with Celestine and her family due to the farm being separated by a high concrete fence. Nevertheless, on this special occasion, Celestine reached out to the farmers and spent time with them, showing her appreciation for their dedication and efforts. And on that day, she really got along with Dezlo.

The next day....

Dezlo seemed unusually silent as they roamed around their mango farm. It was a Sunday, and she was with him. Hilda and Greta had visited their family, leaving only Dezlo, Chef, and Manang Tessi with her.

"Kuya Dezlo," Celestine awkwardly started, "how was your day here?" she asked. "I should call you Kuya since you are older than me," Celestine added, her voice tinged with shyness as she bowed her head.

"I am already 21, Celestine, and yes, you must call me Kuya," her Kuya Dezlo replied. "That's why if someone is giving you trouble, just call me, and I'll scare them away with these muscles," he said jokingly, playfully flexing his muscles while making a funny face.

Celestine giggled at the sight. "I thought you were a serious type of guy and not approachable," she said, "Seeing you like this has changed my impression of you."

Dezlo flared her nose along with funny and creepy smile on her face. "Am I? as he still doing it.

"Pfttt" Celestine was laughing so hard. She was bending over while touching her stomach while pointing on Dezlo's face.

"You're so funny with that look".You are like an orangutan" ,while whiling her tears with so much laugh.

Dezlo flared his nose again, wearing a funny and creepy smile on his face. "Oh, really?" he asked, still maintaining the expression.

"Pfttt," Celestine burst into laughter more. She bent over, holding her stomach while pointing at Dezlo's face.

"Whahahahha hoooooooo!!!!" she giggled uncontrollably, trying to get over the intense tingling she felt because of his expression.

After a little while, Celestine had calmed herself.

They became quiet for a while, but then Celestine burst into laughter again, unable to get over it. "Whahahaha, damn, I can't get over it! Whahahaha. Stop this, it's too funny! Damn.

"Hey hey! you have to stop that or else-" Dezlo began to say.

"Or else what?" Celestine interrupted with a sassy look.

"You look cute...", while staring at her. It was meant to stay on the back of his mind, but he couldn't stop himself from uttering it. Fortunately, the words did not reach Celestine's ears.

"Why are you turning red, Kuya?" Celestine innocently asked, a hint of concern on her face. "Is there something wrong with you, Kuya?" she added, with a touch of panic in her voice.

"Damn, this girl is so naive and innocent," thought Dezlo to himself.

"No, I'm okay. I think we should go home already. You haven't eaten lunch yet," Dezlo said.

Celestine agreed, and they went home together.

As Celestine and Dezlo were walking home, she couldn't help but notice how tall he was. It dawned on her that he could be an ultimate crush of girls out there. Celestine, who is 12 years old now, stood at 5 ft tall.

Celestine knew what a crush was. After Greta recommended it to her, she started reading a romance book and downloaded an app. She became fascinated with the stories she had read, and they ignited her imagination.

While Celestine was watching ocean discoveries on TV, Greta approached her.

"Tin?" she disturbed. "I have always seen you watching discoveries and studying books. You should read something different."

"What is it, Gret?" Celestine asked.

"It's supposed to be a romance, but I don't think your parents would allow you to read something like that," Greta said, concerned. "Shhhh," she gestured with her hand, "Don't let them know," Greta whispered.

"Wizzz," she squeaked silently, an expression of excitement from Celestine when she was feeling thrilled.

While the TV was still on, she started reading the book.

Celestine was busy reading the book that she was fell asleep on the sofa.

"Celestine?" She felt someone tapping her cheek gently. "Hmmm?" she replied, moaning and turning to another angle. She couldn't open her eyes just yet; she was still sleepy.

"Hey, wake up," Nanang Tessi said softly, gently caressing Celestine's leg. "Don't you want to come with us? We are going to the supermarket."

Celestine suddenly sat up, her eyes wide with excitement upon hearing the invitation. "I wanna come!" she exclaimed eagerly, quickly getting off the sofa and rushing to her room to take a bath.

They went to the supermarket and filled their shopping cart with groceries. While in the car, Celestine couldn't contain her excitement and curiosity, asking numerous questions and acting like a child.

Every time she spotted something interesting, she would exclaim, "Wooowww!" as if it were her first time seeing such a thing. And indeed, she hadn't experienced many of these everyday wonders before.

Later, they found themselves at the park, enjoying their ice cream treats. Celestine's face lit up like a child's as she savored the sweet delight. Her enthusiasm for the ice cream was evident, as she ended up with some on her shirt, completely absorbed in the melting deliciousness.

Nanang Tessi and the rest couldn't help but chuckle at Celestine's childlike wonder and joy. Seeing her so free-spirited and full of life reminded them of the magic of simple pleasures and the beauty of experiencing things anew.

""How are you feeling?" Denzo asked, inquiring about the day they had spent together.

"I am super happy," Celestine replied with sheer joy in her voice. "I've never felt so overwhelmed with happiness and a sense of freedom like this before. Thank you for bringing me here," she said, a heartfelt smile lighting up her face, her eyes almost teary with happiness.

As they basked in the glow of Celestine's shared experience, they knew that this day would forever hold a special place in her heart. It was a day when her soul discovered a profound sense of happiness and freedom, woven together by laughter, curiosity, and a genuine friendship that had the power to make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

"It is still 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Let's go to the port to buy fish," Manang Tessi suggested.

"Where's the port?" Celestine instantly asked.

"You will know later. I know you will enjoy it," Dezlo replied with a playful smile.

"Why do I feel like you're going to do something? I don't like that smile," Celestine said in a suspecting tone, her eyes narrowing with curiosity and a hint of playful suspicion.

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