Ancestral House

Maria POV

"Senyorito!" I heard someone shouted

I was in my art room next to the staircase, sketching. I stop and put my charcoal pen down and listen.

"Seyorito, Senyorita is having a rest and doesn't want to be disturb" that is Luz and she sounded scared and panicking at the same time, I think they are in the staircase.

"Doesn't want to be disturb, huh?" I heard a very sarcastic voice with a low evil laugh "We need to talk." the voice continued "We needed to talk about the wedding." He said in very authoritative way and I can hear the anger in his voice.

then I heard the heavy footstep coming closer to my location.

"She is not allowed to withdraw from the wedding!" I heard it as if he is telling it to me and the way he says it is very threatening.

When I stand up and face the direction of the hallway I saw his furious eyes looking at me

my knees got weak, I felt scared but I need to be strong and face him, I raise my left eyebrow to hide my nervousness "Gaston?" I said trying to sound normal

He turn his head to the sketch of Ge-an that is place on a wooden drawing stand

"Just as I thought, You wouldn't back out from the wedding for NO reason" he get my sketch with his left hand and holds it very tight in front of my face "Is this the person whom you choose to replaced me with?"

"Who is this ing assh0le!?" he asked but I could not answer, a little tear escape in my eyes because this is the most terrifying feeling that I have experienced in my body.

"WHO IS HE!!?" He shouted more loudly and it taken me a back

"Give that to me" I said trying to grab the drawing from him

"PACK" he slaps me hard that makes me fall into the ground. I touch my left cheek that is burning.

"Senyorita" Luz try to go to my direction to help me get up but then "PACK" she also got hit hard that made her stumble down.

I stand on my foot and as I look at him I can see how Gaston looks de-ranged with so much anger, he kicks the drawing table after slapping Luz and then turn to me again. He hold my neck then push me to sit on the chair.

"I would not let anyone take you away from me!" he said while crumpling the sketch "You would not bring shame on me" he commanded and torn the piece of paper he is holding apart.

He gave me an wicked look before going his way.

"Senyorita!" Luz run into me crying her right cheek is also burning red because of the slap that she receive  "Are you okay?" she asked concern

And all I could response is a worried look on my face.

I cry that night to sleep.

The Next Day

"He is lucky we came from different time or else I already broke all his bones because of what he did to you" Ge-an said full of compassion and care. her words relieves me and warm my heart.

"I don't think he would let me be in peace if I won't marry him" I said worrying of what else can Gaston do to me and my family. If it was Ge-an I wouldn't have a second thought to get married.

"I think it is best for you to leave, we don't know what else he would and can do to you."  Yeah that's what I am worry about, I sigh thinking how complicate my life is

A tear started to come out of my eyes "Maria"  she calls me, I tried to stop my tears from flowing

"Are you crying? she asked in more concerned way

"I wish we have met in the same particular era. . . If only I could race up with time to be with you"  I paused a little "I would rather die for that" I said sincerely

Ge-an POV

"Are you crying? I asked as I hear her sob, it breaks my heart to know that she is hurt and in pain.

"I wish we have met in the same particular era. . . If only I could race up with time to be with you" she paused a little "I would rather die for that" and I can hear the sincerity in her voice

"Maria go to manila" I tell her persuading, it is the only way that I could do to save her or to protect her.

"I do not know anyone leaving there" Maria said still worrying

"Lets meet one another there" I said hoping for a positive response

"Are you losing your mind? did you forget the time distance between us?" she said

I did not pay attention to what she just said "I will give you my address in manila"

"45 years Ge-an that is the long distance we need to conquer" she said hopelessly

"I would wait for you"

"Even if you wait for me, we wouldn't be suited for each other. I would be very old and ugly. Lets be true to ourselves" She said and I know it is the truth but I am not giving up without us trying. I don't want to regret

"Let's Just give it a try please?" I said persuading and desperate "Now, take note of my address" I added before she could even answer

"106 Dao street Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila" I dictate to her my address slowly

"I do not know this place, what if. ." she said but I interrupted her before she could even finish "Just try, let's meet" I said to her with a low voice

"I will wait for you." I said firmly "Please wait for me too" I asked begging

I did not hear a response from her instead I heard someone shouting from the other line.

I could not understand the words clearly but I know something bad is happening because I heard someone scream

"Maria I asked" I asked panicking but no one answer

I hold my left chest as I felt it tightens and my heart beat up so fast.

I got on my knees, "How can I be so worthless?" I asked myself

All I could do is hold the telephone in my hands "Maria" I said crying in fear

I also heard banging of the door from the other line, I don't understand why but I suddenly get out of my room "Maria" I shouted because I felt I needed too, I looked around the hallway it is so gloomy, it feels like it is enclosed with something.

"Ge-an" someone called me from behind

I turn around and saw my brother

"Who are you calling? He looked at me asking while holding his lollipop

"Nothing" I shrug

"Are you okay Bro?" he asked worriedly and hold my forehead

 "Nothing, Nothing, I'm okay" I answered defensively

"Are you sure?" He look at me doubting

"Yeah, I'm fine!" then I turn my back immediately to go back in my room before he could interrogate me

* * * * * * * * *

"I'm Sorry" I said apologetically

"I'm Sorry Marics" I said it again then turn to her "Let me make it up to you" still no response from her "Give me a chance, let's go out even just for today"

she faces me and I look into her eyes "I'm sorry"

We went to the fountain garden at first I was uncertain about it because I felt sad and worried but I tried to hide it and just agree.

We walk around enjoying the surrounding while sharing stories to each other, she is so cute in some ways.

"Ice cream" she shouts in joy like a kid

I turn my head and saw an Ice Cream Vendor passing across the small bridge "You want some?" I asked

she nod her head and give me a puppy eyes with her lips pouting

I chuckled with her answer "What flavor?" I asked smiling

"Chocolate" she answered with sparkling eyes

"Nice choice, sit here" I said making her sit to the bench beside us "I'll go buy us some ice cream" then started to walk to the direction where I can get it

We shared a lot of things while eating our Ice cream, I had cheese mix with Vanilla Flavor while she enjoys her 3 layer chocolate ice cream.

"I am taking up Business administration and I also have taken some classes in photography because I like capturing moments" I said to her smiling, I felt comfortable around her

"Really?" she asked in amazement

"Yeah, I think I got a little skill now" I laugh a little

she smiles at me "Show me your portfolio sometime"

"Sure I will" I answered her

"I really hope you meet Mamang soon, she has a lot of insights about life" she paused and smile again "about love" she said mesmerizing

"You know what's strange, is even how old Mamang is, she was able to push me away just to save my life that day" I said feeling grateful towards her grandma

"You know what's weird? Ever since we've met I am still thinking until now where did we meet" she said thinking and I just gave her a feign smile

I look at her intently, for the first time I was able to examine her face, she have lovely brown eyes with long lashes, perfectly curve eye brow,  a celestial nose, heavenly red kissable lips "hey wait! that is to much already" I said inside my head restraining my self but anyway, the person in front of me is undeniably beautiful and so captivating...

But wait her looks is so familiar, I felt weird because I saw her, I can clearly saw her and the only difference is the hairstyle. Marics have a modern styled brown hair while Maria have a long black curly hair. No it cannot be "I shake my head" may be just a resemblance and may be because i miss that later so bad.

I was startled when Marics claps in front of my face "Hey!"  she snap "Are you okay? you seemed lost" she asked worried

"Ah, Yeah! Yeah, I am just remembered something" the I gave the best smile make her believe my excuse.

When we decided to finally go home I drop off Marics back to the hospital and went home immediately to check the telephone.

Its been a week since I talked to her, I always wait for the same time for her.

I pick up the phone and sit on my bed while holding a frame that contain the very beautiful creature who stole my heart.

I remember the last time we talked. I heard the shouting, the screaming, the banging of the door, the fear is their.

I want her to pick up the phone just like what she always do

I miss her so much, I miss her angelic voice, 

, I was so worried thinking what had happened to her.

I look at the my watch it has been an hour since I hold the telephone towards my ear, "1 more hour, please answer" I told my self

15 minutes had started to pass by

30 . . .

40 . . .

45 minutes had passed still no sign of her over the phone

10 . . . I am starting to loose my hope again

5 . . . Oh please

4 . . .  Answer

3 . . . I am still waiting

2 . . . deep sigh

1 . . .

I was about to put done the phone when suddenly...

someone says "Hello?"

* * * * * * *

Author's Note: thank you again everyone. What do you think happened to Maria?