Chapter 2

When I arrived home, there was no one there. I'm not sure. I'm still reflecting on what happened. I'm to blame for what happened to Dad.

I simply lay down on the bed. I looked at our family photo on the wall, which was taken when we visited our ancestors' home. I can also see how big the house behind us is. I, too, became entangled in the necklace. I can't help but cry once more. But I was bewildered when my phone rang.

Mom is calling.

"Darling? Where have you gone?" Mom inquired. "A-at home, Mom," I explained. "Get dressed there," Mom said. Which surprised me right away.

"Yes? Why? What are we going-" Mom had interrupted what I was about to say. And it spoke once more. "S-sorry, D-darling," Mom said, as if crying. "Where? Where have you gone? Are you in tears? What's the reason for your tears? What actually occurred?" Mom interrupted what I was about to say and spoke again.

"I-I'm in the hospital-" Mom said. Because of that, I felt cold. I'm not sure why, but I jumped out of bed and was thrown out of the house. Mom hadn't finished what she was about to say when the phone was picked up. "Mom!?" I'm even now hollering.

"Just come here, sister," said Karlios.

Karlios took it. "A-what happened-" I shouted.

I hadn’t finished what I was going to say when the line was cut. At the same time, Karlios texted me about the hospital where they were. The weather is bad, so I took a taxi.

I'm now at the hospital's main entrance. As I walked inside, I was briefed of what had happened to Dad. As if my entire world is collapsing around me.

I had not made a mistake. Karlios was hugging Mom as she lay down. I bolted in their direction. "Mom!" I yelled, and they all turned to look at me.I noticed Mom's face turn pale. It's almost as if I don't want to be near her. I feel bad for her. Every time I moved closer to her, it felt like I was stepping on broken glass.

"Darling," Mom said, standing right next to me. Karlios, however, let go of her embrace.

"W-what happened?" I stammered. Until now, I could not stop my tears from flowing.

"I'm sorry for not informing you and Karlios right away that I was sick." Mom stumbled.

"Why is that, Mom? We're here to assist you. Please, Mom, don't abandon us. I am confident that we will be able to solve-" Mom interrupted what I was about to say and spoke again.

"Stage four pancreatic cancer." Mom answered. It just seemed to be looking straight at the ceiling. I also saw her tears dripping. I felt my legs shaking and suddenly I just fell on the floor.

"Karmie!" I heard Karlios yell. My world appeared to be collapsing. I just wiped my tears away. I was at a loss for what to do. Dad is no longer alive, and I will soon lose my mother. Karlios appeared to assist me in standing.

I think I just want to lock myself away so no one can bother me, and then I'll lose myself in caring for those around me.

"From now on, your uncle Kramo will be in charge of our company. He is also aware of my illness, and he believes that once you graduate, you and our c-company will be fine." Mom stated. She had been staring at the ceiling until now. I couldn't keep myself in check any longer. It is excruciatingly painful for me. Why didn't she inform us of this?

"Mom! Tell me you're not going to die! Mom!Why didn't you forewarn us of this? Why? Why!? "My query was cut short by her unexpected slap.

"Karmie, wake up to the truth!" Mom clamored. She paused for a moment, as if sighing.

"I'm sorry because..I didn't tell you this. I don't want you to worry about me. I'm also sorry because I kept this a secret from you ... only your Tito Kermo and Kramo know about my illness." Mom said, and Karlios and I were just stunned.

"This disease has bedeviled me for a long time. I discovered I had this disease a year after your father passed away." Mom also added. As she touched my face at once.

"S-sorry kids. Because I kept it a secret from you." said Mom and finally burst into tears.

After a Month. Mom died.

I called Karlios that we were going today to Grandpa’s house in the province. Even before Mom died, she told us to go there first to get out of trouble here in the city.

Later, Karlios also came.

He just came to pick me up. We went there as a group of four. There are now only two of us left. Dad and Mom had both left, and we were both in college. We took a business management course so that we can manage the company on our own in the future and not rely on our relatives.

Karlios and I are currently on a travel. I was just being quiet while Karlios was driving. I directed my attention to the scene outside the window. I couldn't stop myself from thinking deeply. So, far more than possible, I would have kept myself entertained. So that I can bring it back on track.

When we arrived, I greeted my grandfather. We've showed up in front of my ancestors' home. "How are your grandchildren? Are you tired from the trip?" Grandpa asked. But I didn't feel like answering and just smiled.

"Oh hey ... I know you're tired. Let's go and-so you can rest." Grandpa said while Karlios brought all the things.

"Auh ... Grandpa. Why did you let us stay in this mansion?" I asked.

As we walk inward. We also took a seat here in the living room and the three of us sat down. I first looked around the whole house. The sizeable and obvious signs of its old age.

"I see you're wearing the necklace your father gave you from Grandma Karmen." Grandpa said, and I turned to look at him while holding the necklace. "You know dear. That's why I let you stay here. To let you know who our ancestors are. Didn't you ask that to Filla?" Grandpa said, and I immediately remembered. Sure, I asked about that.

"Yes? How did you know?" I asked Grandpa but he just smiled. "It's the right time, dear." Grandpa said that I immediately wondered what they were saying was the "right time". What is it? How does Grandpa know what I asked? And how did he find out? I was just in my first year of college. That was years ago.

Their minds are sharp. Later, I just ignored what Grandpa said and I spoke again. "Lo ... I'm sorry I need to rest as well as Karlios. We're just tired from the trip." I'm said. Grandpa immediately stood up as he understood what I was trying to point out.

"Oh well... I'll take you to your rooms." Grandpa said and led the way wherever we were going.

I wasn't expecting this mansion to be so huge. Because when I first arrived here. I didn't check with anyone else who was with Dad and Mom.

Grandpa and I soon stopped in front of the very first room. Grandpa eventually began to speak.

"Karlios. This will be your room. Put your things down there." said Grandpa. Karlios handed me my luggage and Karlios immediately entered the room. It looks tired as well.

"Come on. I'll bring you too." said Grandpa and started walking as well. I immediately followed it. I looked across to where there was a vacant room just next to Karlios's room. The door was a little ajar, so I could see inside. There was only one bed and on the other side there was a small racket of books.

Later, Grandpa stopped in front of a door. "Here we are, dear." said Grandpa and opened the door. I was amazed at what I saw. This room is so spacious that I can see a ukulele hanging across the table.

"W-who owns this room?" I questioned abruptly. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It appears to be a haunted house. Oh my goodness! Okay, I'll try to remain calm.

I immediately turned to face Grandpa. "I'll tell you later after we have dinner." Grandpa said and I nodded as I agreed.

"Filla will take you around." Grandpa said that I was immediately surprised. "Yes? Where?" I asked more.

"You're going to go around the hacienda. The people here want to know you as well, dear." Grandpa said and I nodded. I looked at my wristwatch. It's okay, it's only 3pm. Grandpa finally went out of the room and I was left alone. I just rested deeply. What do they mean by "the right time?" Why would Lola Filla and Lolo look at me like that?

Later, Lola Filla also arrived. "My dear. Let's go... I'll take you around. "said Grandma. I immediately got up and walked with her. I'm not sure where we're going. I just silently followed Grandma. I'm not sure. But I really wanted to ask her a question. I was standing right behind Grandma and was taken aback when she turned to face me.

"I know you have a lot of questions. I'm old." Grandma said and I was immediately surprised. "W-how did you know?" I stammered.

"Come and sit here." said Grandma. I obeyed her command and sat down under a huge tree. I did not realize that we were in the forest. I rolled my eyes. At the same time, the wind blows, and I can hear the birds singing through my ears. The province is really different than the city. You can still breathe fresh air. While in the city, you can inhale car smoke and pollution. I stared for a moment in my seat.

I was surprised that Grandma was no longer beside me. "G-grandma?" I said, but she didn’t answer back. I got up immediately. "G-grandma!" I shouted around but no one spoke. "Lola Filla !!!" I shouted again while running somewhere. But she is still not answering. Then something went through my mind.

It was as if someone was speaking in hushed tones.

Do you want to go back in time? And no one has a problem like people do today? Thanks. Because it is not only your request that will be fulfilled as well as you will meet in the past.

"W-what!? Who are you? Where's Lola Filla!? " I shouted like a fool talking into the air. Later, the necklace that Dad gave me chapped at the same time it fell. I quickly picked it up. I don't know, but I'm confused. I was alone in the forest and Lola Filla was still missing. When I found it, I immediately ran. I no longer knew where I was going. Later on. I didn’t see that there was a branch of the tree blocking my path, and I bumped and fell in the pain I was feeling. But I still didn't let go of the necklace. I just bear the pain.

I would have looked up when a man spoke.

Binibini (The word binibini is one of the older words in the Filipino lexicon that was originally used to refer to a young and unmarried female of high standing.) Are you all right?" I don't know who that is. Wait, what? Binibini? Am I in a historical period or something?

"I don't need any help. I'm fine." That was all I could say, and I no longer looked up for fear of whoever it was. I was about to get up but I was surprised because my clothes were different.

Huh?

What!?

Why am I wearing baro't saya!? (In the Philippines, a traditional outfit for women, consisting of a collarless blouse and a long wraparound skirt.)