ARRANGED MARRIAGE 

Chapter 9

YEONWOO'S POV

We arrived at Lolo's house early but everything's already prepared looking at the set up of everything in the surrounding. Hindi naman excited si Lolo dahil nakahanda na ang agahan sa labas na sinet up para sa maramihang kakain.

"What's the occasion?" baling ni Nancy sa akin. Pero umiling lang ako.

"Wala akong maalala." I answered.

"This place looks familiar." sabi niya pagkunwa sa dalawang palapag na ancestral house.

"You've been here before?" tanong kong nagtataka.

"I'm not sure pero I think so." matama siyang nag iisip. "I think during mg high school days. With my Dada and Mama." sabi niyang nag iisip pa rin. Maari sabi ko sa isip ko dahil malapit na noon pa si Tito Richard kay Lolo.

Bakit nga kaya mukhang may malaking okasyon? Andito na kaya sila Tito Richard? nasagot ang tanong ko when we saw people coming out from the main door. Si Lolo Pablo, Tito Richard at Tita Myeongju. Humigpit ang hawak sa akin ni Nancy ng makita ang mga magulang.

"I'm sorry, Nancy. I invited them over. Huwag mo sanang isipin na nakikialam ako pero Tito Richard's missing you so much." mahina kong sabi. Tumango lang siya.

"I understand. Thank you Yeonwoo."

"No worries."

"Ang mga apo ko andito na pala kayo!" rinig naming sigaw ni Lolo habang papalit na kami sa kanila. Pagkatapos nagmano at humalik kay Lolo ay humalik din kami kina Tito Richard at Tita Myeongju

"You're here, Ma" matipid niyang tanong kay Tita Myeongju

"Pagdating ng Dada mo kagabi sinabi agad niya na pupunta kami dito at ininvite daw kami ni Yeonwoo. Tinawagan ko ang Tito Pablo at natuwa naman dahil matagal na tayong hindi nakakabalik dito." sagot ni Tita Myeongju matapos kaming humalik sa kanya. "How are you, Anak?" baling naman niya sa akin.

"Fine, Tita. Thank you for coming. Para naman po hindi lang puro baka ang kausap ni Lolo." biro kong sagot at nagtawanan sila Lolo at Tito Richard 

"May sense of humor ka pala Yeonwoo, ngayon ko lang ata napansin." kantiyaw sa akin ni Tito Richard habang lumapit kami at humalik din sa kanya, naramdaman ko ang pag init ng tenga ko. Bigla akong nahiya, ngayon lang ata ako nakapag biro ganito sa harap ni Tito Richard 

"Remember this place, Hija?" tanong ni Tita Myeongju kay Nancy matapos ang tahimik na paghalik nito sa ama, pareho silang walang masabi at ramdam namin yon.

"Looks familiar." sagot ni Nancy habang iniikot ng tingin ang paligid. "I think I've been here before."

"Yes but only once or twice, you're still in high school then. And you refused to come to us anymore kasi sabi mo puro naman matatanda ang nakatira dito." paalala ni Tita Myeongju at nagtawanan muli sila. Nagulat din ako, galing na pala dito si Nancy, hindi man lang kami nagkita noon.

"Baka matunaw ang katabi mo, Yeonwoo. Gutom lang yan." Singit naman ni Lolo at kantiyawan na.

We had a hearty breakfast at kahit pasulyap na nagtitinginan si Nanct at ang Dada niya, I think it's a good sign na ok na sila. Konting push na lang. After breakfast Lolo, Tito Richard and Tita Myeongju had a tea and coffee while Nancy and I excused ourselves, after putting our bags in our room, we got down and sat at the bench under the tree while watching the whole place around us.

"Nice place." comment ni Nancy

"Pero maiinip ka pag puro matatanda ang nandito." biro ko.

"That was ages ago Ms. Lee." suplada niyang sagot.

"So ngayon kahit puro matatanda ang kasama mo, ok lang sa'yo?"

"Kung sila Lolo Pablo at Dada and Mama ang ibig mong sabihin, I don't mind." irap niyang sagot. She's cute when she's like that.

"Bakit ang taray mo?" puna ko.

"Sinong mataray?" sabay irap niyang muli.

"Wala, yong baka kako mataray. Tingnan mo nang hahabol." pag iba ko na lang ng usapan.

"Why so many cows?" Bigla niyang tanong sa kumpol ng mga baka, malayo man ay kita pa rin.

"Malawak ang lupain ng mga magulang ni Lolo Pablo noon. May palayan at nagaalaga rin sila ng mga kalabaw at baka. Yon na ang nakagisnan ni Lolo Pablo at hindi niya yon inalis kahit malayo na sa linya ng negosyo niya ang pagaalaga ng mga yan, I guess in memory of his parents. Kahit nong magka pamilya na siya. Dito rin niya na meet si Lola Minerva kaya mas lalo niyang nahilig ang pag aalaga. Biro nga ni Lolo siya daw ang kalabaw at si Lola ang baka." ngiti kong kwento. "Lalo na at madalas gustong gusto ni Lola ang sumakay sa kalabaw." mahina kong sabi.

"Why I don't see any carabao now?" tanong ni Nancy at bigla akong natahimik. "Yeonwoo?" tawag niyang muli.

"Because of the incident happened years back. Lola fell off habang sakay siya ng kalabaw...it was a bad fall and at her age mahihirapan na siya sa mga procedures if she'll ever undergo an operation..." halos pabulong kong kwento sa mga pag alala sa mga nangyari.

"I'm sorry...for asking..." as I felt her hand on mine.

"It's ok Nanct. Lolo kept the cows dahil na rin nalilibang siya and for Lola. Hindi naman siya galit sa mga kalabaw, it's just the memory of that incident I guess." sagot ko at napatango lang siya. "Actually isang dahilan ni Lolo ay ihahanda niya raw yan para sa kasal ko dahil pakakainin niya raw ang buong bayan." Wala sa loob kong sabi. "That was before he knew about me liking girls. I was high school then."

"I see." nasabi niya lang.

"It's nice to know that your family accepted us. I mean they allowed you to marry me." pag iiba ko ng usapan.

"I guess it's more than monetary reasons. Dada would always tell us how Lolo Pablo believed in him all these years. How your Lolo trusted him so much. How your Lolo become an inspiration to him. How Kuya Xiumin ang Kuya Lay had their own business because of how Lolo Pablo supported them."

"So it's out of gratitude?"

"I don't know, maybe. Or could be a huge debt and Dada could not refuse Lolo. But know what Yeonwoo? Lolo has been a part of our family though I'm not that close to him. Sabi nga ni Dada parang siya daw ang naging Papa niya when lolo passed away. Our relatives disowned him for marrying Mama and he felt it even more when lolo was gone, our relatives kept their distance. Lolo Pablo was there at my Dada's lowest moment." kwento ni Nancy. I don't know pero the only memory I have with Tito Richard was he was always at Lolo's side whenever Lolo would bring me to his office before. He'a one of the few people who remained with Lolo. "And besides sabi ni Dada you're a good granddaughter daw and can be trusted, you'll never take advantage of me." gising niya sa pag isip ko sabay ngiti niyang baling sa akin. "And he's right."

"I'll take that as a compliment." balik ko sa kanya saka ako tumingin muli sa kumpol ng mga baka at naramdaman kong bumaling na rin siya doon. Gusto kong ipagtapat na wala naman talagang utang ang pamilya nila sa amin, na hindi siya pambayad utang

"Yeonwoo, do you imagine yourself having a family?" bigla niyang tanong.

"Hindi ko alam kung kaya kong magka pamilya, Nancy. I'm afraid I can't be a good wife and a mother." I confessed.

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"I doubt that..."

"Doubt what?"

"That you're not going to be a good familywoman." ngiti niyang balik ng tingin sa akin.

"Why?" tanong ko.

"I know." simple niyang sagot. saglit na katahimikan.

"What if Lolo would ask again for his apo?" she asked out of nowhere.

"You think he's serious?" I asked instead.

"You think he's not?" balik niya.

"Sometimes Lolo's naughty."

"So you think he's just being naughty that time?" kulit niya. Gusto ko ng kainin ako ng lupa, dko na alam isasagot ko.

"I don't know." sagot ko.

"How come? Don't you know your Lolo that well?" kulit niya. Suko na ako. I turned to her and held her face with my both hands and move my face closer to her.

"Daig mo pang batang makulit, Nancy. You ask too much." mahina kong sabi.

"B-because you don't answer my question." sabi niya na mukhang nagulat sa ginawa ko.

"No kissing in public." rinig namin at sabay kaming lumingon sa nagsalita.

"Lo, we're not kissing." depensa ko habang dumistansiya ako kay Nancy na mukhang naalangan sa sinabi ni Lolo.

"Hindi ba? But it looks like you're about to kiss your wife which is hindi naman masama kasi nga asawa mo na." rason ni Lolo. Isa rin itong makulit, sabi ko sa isip ko. Sasagot pa sana ako pero nagsalita na muli siya. "Sorry to interrupt you girls but we're going out, ipasyal natin si Nancy, kain tayo ng lunch sa bayan, tapos balik tayo dito ulit sa bahay para maghapunan. Ok ba sa'yo yon Hija? Para naman hindi ka mainip dito at balikbalikan mo ang bayan namin." maluwang na ngiti ni Lolo. Madaldal din talaga si Lolo, komento ko sa isip ko.

"Yes, Lo I love that." mahinang sagot ni Nancy

"O siya tayo na." aya na ni Lolo.

"Are you sure Lolo? Kaya niyo pa ba ang mag gala?" may pagaalala kong tanong.

"Anong tingin mo sa akin? Sa dami ng mga binibigay ng doktor mong bitamina at gamot na maya't maya ay tinatanong mo sa nurse ko kung naiinom ko, sa tingin mo ba hindi ko makakaya ang mag libot maghapon?" balik sa akin ni Lolo.

"Lolo, it's your doctor not mine." I corrected him.

"Doktor mo kasi ikaw ang sinusunod hindi ako." may himig tampong sagot ni Lolo.

"Kasi po matigas ang ulo niyo. Pati nga nurse niyo iniiwanan niyo."

"Kasama ko naman ang driver ah."

"Kahit na po, iba pa rin ang may kasama kayong nurse."

"Hay naku kung oras ko na, oras ko na." sabay talikod ni Lolo. "Sunod na kayo, iba na talaga kabataan ngayon matanda na ang pinagsasabihan."

"Lolo, naman. Mahal ko lang po kayo."Habol ko sa papalayong matanda.

"Mas mahal kita Apo." sagot niya lang sabay taas ng kamay habang nakatalikod na sa amin.

"He's sweet." tinig ni Nanct

"Kaya nga diabetec siya eh." sagot ko naman. Nancy looked at me with frown face.

"Is that a joke?" tanong niya.

"Yes?" alanganin kong sagot.

"Corny." komento niya lang sabay lakad.

"Hey! You sure it's not funny?" habol ko at umiling lang siya. Corny ba talaga? tanong ko tuloy sa isip ko.

NANCY'S POV

We just had our lunch at one of the reataurants co-owned by Lolo Pablo. I also learned from Dada that Lolo Pablo has helped a lot of people in the town and as a sign of gratitude to Lolo he's been offered a share from those he helped. Oftentimes he refused but then he accepted them for the benefit of his foundation and other beneficiaries. I was amazed at what I heard but Dada also said that Lolo Pablo always keep a low profile eversince. I can see Yeonwoo in her.
We're walking out from the restaurant when Lolo spoke.

"Saan mo pa gustong mamasyal Nancy?" alok ni Lolo.

"Lo, ako na lang po ang magpapasyal kay Nancy. Pahinga na lang po kayo sa bahay. Mainit na po eh." Yeonwoo pleaded.

"Mag isa lang ako sa bahay?" Lolo asked "Mabagal na ba akong kasama?" he sadly asked.

"Lo naman..." Yeonwoo called out holding on Lolo's hand.

"Lo, hindi po sa ganon nagaalala lang po si Yeonwoo sa inyo. Ganon din po ako. Why don't you stay at home with Mama and Dada na lang po at si Yeonwoo na lang po ang kasama ko." I said convincing the old man. "Diba Dada, Mama?" I asked my parents.

"I think that's a good idea Tito Pablo. Mainit na rin at baka mapagod kayo agad." Pag sang ayon naman ni Dada sabay kindat sa akin. I smiled back at him, we're doing ok so far now sabi ko sa isip ko.

"Hay naku wala na talagang magawa ang matanda sa mga panahon ngayon." pagsuko na ni Lolo Pablo at lahat ay nagtawanan.

-

We're travelling now back at home and it's almost dark. I enjoyed the whole day, much more because I'm with Yeonwoo. Maghapon kaming magkasama pero parang wala bakas ng pagod at hindi alintana ang init ng paligid.

"Did you had a great day?" Yeonwoo suddenly asked that made me looked at her.

"So much." I simply said smiling. "Thank you."

"We can always go here and do this anytime you want Nancy." she said with assurance.

"Really?" making sure and she nodded.

"What if it ever conflicts with your working schedules?" I asked doubting her.

"That can be arranged." she said as she glanced to me and back to the road. I don't know if I have to push some more but I'm afraid to know her answers. I don't know if I'm part of her schedules or will just remain in the sideline. "What are you thinking?" she suddenly asked maybe I've been silent for a while.

"Wala naman." sagot kong umiiling.

"Yan talaga ang mahirap isipin." she said smiling back at me.

"Ah what?"

"Mahirap isipin..."

"Ang alin?" I said confused.

"Ang wala lang...mahirap talaga isipin yon." she answered and she started laughing.

"Are you being funny again Ms. Lee?" I asked with a serious face.

"Why? Isn't it funny?" she asked changing her expression and I suppressed my laughter.

"No!" I flatly said.

"I'm really such a lousy joker." she said shaking her head but deep inside I'm laughing. The whole surrounding is already dark and I can see the stars above us. We're riding a 4-wheel pick up truck which Yeonwoo named Bully because of how big its tires, intended for the place, with all the hills and rough roads. I'm looking around when I saw what it looks like lights everywhere.

"What are those?" I asked Yeonwoo pointing at what I saw.

"Ahh...yon?...Mga roving guards, watchers ni Lolo." she said then she suddenly stopped.

"Why?"

"Do you want to walk, Nancy? or pagod ka na?" she asked looking intently at me.

"It's dark in here." sabi ko lang.

"It's ok, we're safe...But if you—-"

"Ok, let's walk." I cut her, maybe she's thinking I might be scared because of what happened to me at the bar.

"Sure ka?" tanong niyang nagaalala.

"Yup, you're here with me. I'm safe sabi mo nga."

"Ok then, let's leave Bully here." sabi niya and she got down from the truck and moved to the other side opening the door in the passenger's seat. "Let's go?"

"Are you sure you'll gonna leave Bully here with the engine and lights on?"I asked

"Yup, mamya lalapitan na yan ng isa sa mga watcher's at susunod sa atin." she said winking. She took off her hooded jacket and stepped in front of me "Suot mo to, malamig ang hangin at baka mahamugan ka." she said as she let me wore her jacket and pull the hood over my head. Then she held my hand and we started walking. "I usually do this everytime I'm here. One time kasi nasiraan ako on my way home, gabi din yon, as I got out from the car. I looked up and saw those stars, minsan naman maliwanag ang buwan. It's refreshing. It's still 2 kilometers from the house, there, look." she said while pointing at their house.

"Yeah I can see that, I thought you're not a lover of nature but only a lover of stocks." pabiro kung sabi and she looked at me with poker face and I instantly raise a peace sign fingers.

YEONWOO'S POV

Malapit na kami sa bahay, walang nakaramdam ng pagdating namin because we're on foot when we got home. Masaya naming binabagtas ang daan papasok ng bahay. I'm contented to see Nancy enjoyed the whole day tour. Naaamoy na rin namin ang pagkaing naluto na.

"Wow that must be Mama's dish." bulong ni Nancy ng malapit na kami sa may pintuan. We saw Lolo and Tito Richard na parang seryosong nag uusap. "They looked serious." pansin din ni Nancy. "It must be about business, don't you think?." baling niya sa akin pero kibit balikat lang ako as we can clearly hear them, hindi nila pansin ang paglapit namin.

"Saka na lamang Richard, pag nakita nating malapit na talaga sila sa isa't isa." we heard Lolo said.

"Kayo po ang masusunod Tito."

"Sana patawarin tayo ng mga bata sa naging kasunduan natin."

"Mababait naman po ang mga bata Tito. Well actually, I'm more afraid kay Nancy. She didn't know na kasunduan lamang natin ito, at walang ibang dahilan rather than for her to be grounded—-"

"What???!" malakas na boses ni Nancy and immediately the two shifted their eyes on us.

"N-nancy." mahinang tawag ni Tito Richard 

"Andito na pala kayo Yeon—-"

"What did you just say Dada?" matigas ng tanong ni Nancy.

"P-princess..." paghakbang na lapit ni Tito Richard sa amin. Hindi ako makagalaw. Ito ang hindi ko inaasahan at siguradong hindi rin inaasahan nila Lolo at Tito.

"Stop right there, Dada." pigil ni Nancy sa ama. "Is it true? You agreed on this just so you'll keep me grounded?" ulit niya sa narinig namin kanina. "You think I'm that wild for you to tame me this way?"

"Anak" tawag ni Tito

"You and Lolo played our feelings, ruined our lives just because of me.!" mataas ng boses ni Nancy "I agreed knowing it's the only thing I need to do to save us...to save you!" sabay turo niya sa ama. "I love you that much Dada, the reason I agreed knowing at least even if you find me wild and rebel i can prove you that I can do something in this family." naiiyak na niyang litanya sa ama. "Nandamay pa kayo."

"Nancy..." mahinang tawag ko sa kanya. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng guilt. Bumaling siya sa akin.

"What, Yeonwoo? Aren't you mad of what you heard. They played with our emotions, our personal life." parang bata niyang pagsusumbong sa akin. Wala akong masabi. "What?" tanong niya sa akin at nanatili akong tahimik. "Do you know about this?"tanong na niya ng makitang wala akong reaksiyon sa narinig namin.

"Sweetheart, Yeonwoo has nothing to do with this." singit ni Tito.

"I'm not asking you Dada." matapang niyang balik sa ama at muling bumaling sa akin.

"Tell me, Yeonwoo...Alam mo ba ang usapan nilang ito?" may diin galit niyang tanong. Hindi ako makasagot. "Don't make me ask you again please." pakiusap na niyang sabi. Wala na akong magawa, hindi ko magawang magsinungaling kay Nancy

"Yes, Nancy per—"

"How could you do this to me, Yeonwoo? I thought we're both victims of this play. Ako lang pala ang napag laruan niyo. All of you. How could you all do this to me!" sigaw na niya habang dinaanan niya lahat kami ng tingin.

"Nancy..." tawag at hawak ko sa kanya pero marahas niyang tinabig ang kamay ko.

"Don't touch me!" sigaw niya sabay takbo paakyat. Rinig ang galit sa bawat yabag ng kanyang mga paa sa pag hakbang niya paakyat.

"What happened?" rinig namin at sabay lingon sa kinaroroonan ng boses. Si Tita Myeongju na galing ng kusina. Pero walang sumagot sa aming tatlo kaya nagamamadali siyang sumunod sa anak. "Nancy!" habol niyang tawag. Ilang saglit akong parang tulala. Pakiramdam ko naging manhid ang katawanwanwan

"Bakit hindi mo sinabing wala kang alam, Anak?" mahinang tanong ni Tito Richard

"Alam ko po, Tito." at kita ang gulat sa kanilang mga mata."I was there at Lolo's private room, narinig ko po ang paguusap niyo Lo." baling ko kay Lolo. "Nancy's right pinaglaruan natin siya." mahina kong sagot.

"Apo..." tawag ni Lolo sa akin.

"Excused me po." I said and slowly walked away from them.

-

I have to face this once and for all, it's now or never sabi ko sa sarili ko while I come near at the door of our room. The door's slightly open and I can hear Nancy's voice while talking to her mother

"I trusted her Mama. She betrayed me. I was so stupid to believe that we're both been played by Lolo and Dada. She knew! she knew it from the very start!" she almost shouted I can sense her disappointment and frustration in her every word.

"Can I talk to her Tita?" mahinahon kong bungad sa pinto.

"No! I don't want to hear anymore lies from you, Yeonwoo!" galit niyang sagot.

"Calm down, princess. Listen to her first." pakiusap ni Tita Myeongju. "Please?" Nancy didn't answer then Tita walked passed me. "Maiwan ko muna kayo, Anak." mahina niyang sabi.

"Thank you Tita."

It was a deafening silence after Tita Myeongju closed the door. I don't know how to start.

"N-nancy..."

"I trusted you Yeonwoo, you could've told me what you know. Pinag mukha niyo akong tanga."

"I'm sorry."

"That wouldn't change anything anymore, Yeonwoo."

"I know." sagot ko and I saw her fixing her bag.

"I'm leaving." she said without emotion and walking towards me.

"Nancy, pakinggan mo muna ako." pigil ko sa kanya.

"What for? For another lie?" galit na niyang boses.

"Please, Nancy." pakiusap ko, matama muna niya akong tiningnan saka siya sumagot.

"You got five minutes. Five minutes and I'm outta here and out of your life, Yeonwoo. 5 minutes." madiin niyang sinabi.

"I...I just want you to know why I played along, as you said, in this set up...." As I felt my whole being is shaking. "I allowed it...to stop this stupid heart of mine that's been beating for you since the night we met in our gathering. To convince myself that you'll never fall for me. So I would stop...So this stupid heart will stop longing for you...so my restless mind would stop thinking about you..." I confessed. "But it's a mistake, and this is my karma, I should've stayed in my shell, I should've kept my distance, I should've stopped it from the beginning." nag umpisa ng pumatak ang luha ko. "Never thought that I'll have good memories of you, Nancy." sabi ko ng nanginginig. "I decided to come here to talk to Lolo to ask him that this should be stopped. Because I can't fight it anymore, Nancy. I'm dying inside because...." I paused. "I'm deeply falling in love with you." I said looking straight to her eyes that I can see her tears are starting to fall,too.

She slowly came close to me, I can't stop the tears falling from my eyes. I felt her hands in my face and her thumbs wiping mg tears.

"I'm sorry, Nancy." the only words I can say now.

"That's all I need to hear." she softly whispered and I felt her lips next to mine. Soft and gentle. Surprised and I felt like dreaming, but I chose to close my eyes and wanted this dream at this moment to happen than to open my eyes afraid to see that Nancy is gone. I responded with her kisses, gentle and slow. But I'm longing for her for so long that felt I'm hungry for her so I kissed her deeply and I felt my arms at her back pulling her closer to me and I felt Nancy's arms around my head. Our kisses turned more passionately, as if we missed each other so much. Deep and hungry for each as if we've known each other and parted ways for so long. I need her I want her, that's what my whole being is shouting at this moment. The next thing I know is that I'm slowly laying her down in bed without breaking our kisses.