Celestine Agoncillo arrived with her entourage the following day. Bright and early naman ito, umagang-umaga. Madaling-araw itong nagbyahe para makaiwas sa traffic. While Margarette was hip and a bit snotty, si Celestine naman ay polite at refined. She was wearing a branded tweed coord and a pair of nude open back half shoes. Nakalugay din ang mahaba nitong buhok na medyo kulot sa dulo. Wala itong gaanong kolorete sa mukha pero lutang na lutang ang ganda nito.

Carlota was awestruck.

Mukha rin itong mabait dahil hindi ito madamot ngumiti. Celestine insisted on carrying some of her own bags while the others helped with the bigger luggages. She didn't bring any uniformed help. What she had instead was a tall man in a black suit that Carlota didn't notice right away. He just appeared out of nowhere.

Pero nang makita naman niya ito, hindi na naalis ang tingin niya rito. Halos kasingtangkad ito ni Bobet. Prominente ang panga. Makapal ang kilay na kanina pa nakakunot. His lips were a bit full but were pressed into a thin line. Naka-sunglasses ito at naka-style ang buhok para hindi magalaw ng hangin.

When he got closer, that was when Carlota noticed that he was actually wearing a navy blue suit. He looked... intimidating... and hot.

Walang sabi-sabi nitong kinuha ang dala ni Celestine bago siya nito nilampasan. Nauna ito sa pag-akyat sa grand staircase and she couldn't help but stare at his back. Para siyang sinampal sa lakas ng dating nito. Carlota didn't even realize her mouth was still open until Celestine poked her.

"Hi!" bati nito. "What's your name?"

"C-Carlota ho," sagot niya nang mahimasmasan.

"I'm Celestine." She held out her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Nginitian din niya ito. Celestine seemed genuinely nice. "Kayo rin po."

"Pagpasensyahan mo na si Isidro, ha. Suplado talaga sya minsan." Sabay silang umakyat sa hagdan patungo sa entrada ng mansyon. Bobet and Isidro were already walking inside the house.

"Where's her room?" tanong ni Isidro sa kanya pagkapasok nila ni Celestine sa loob.

"A-Ah... dito po, sir." She gestured to the staircase that leads to the second floor. Umuna na naman ito sa pag-akyat kahit hindi naman nito alam kung saan pupunta. Carlota and Celestine silently followed him.

Tumigil lang ito nang nasa tapat na sila ng hallway na puro kwarto ng mga bisita. Carlota walked past him and went to the room at the end of the corridor. Binuksan niya ang pintuan at saka siya gumilid para makapasok ang dalawa.

Isa iyong kwarto sa tatlong pinahanda ni Senyor para sa mga espesyal nitong bisita. Margarette has already settled in one of the rooms like that one. Malaki ang espasyo sa loob. May queen-size bed, malalaking tokador para sa gamit ng mga dalaga, malaking TV na nakasabit sa pader... may mahabang sofa rin sa isang sulok at maliit na coffee table para makapag-entertain ng ibang tao.

The room also had its own shower, something Carlota couldn't imagine having because she shares a room with 5 other maids. Communal bathroom din ang sa kanilang mga katulong. Even inside the house, the difference in their social status was painfully obvious. But it was not something that bothered Carlota that much. Alagang-alaga kasi siya ng mga tao sa mansyon at wala naman siyang ibang ambisyon sa buhay.

"Who decorated this room?" kunot-noong tanong ni Isidro. He removed his sunglasses and walked around to inspect each and every item inside. Carlota bit her lip, afraid that he wouldn't like what she did in the room. Bobet told her to give her inputs to the decorators. Kasi halos kaedaran niya ang mga darating na bisita. She was supposed to have a sense of what they like. Hindi naman din inisip ni Bobet na sa TV lang siya nakakakuha ng ideya kung anong klase ng pamumuhay mayroon ang mga taga-syudad.

"I like it. It's... unique." Celestine gave her a warm smile, assuring her that the room was okay with her. Siguro ay mabait lang talaga ito, but that made Carlota admire the woman. Her only exposure to the rich was through the family she serves and the occasional outsiders who come to visit. She has never met anyone outside of that who has treated her with kindness even without knowing her well first.

Celestine is to be wed to Domingo. In Carlota's mind, that was like giving the woman a death sentence. Domingo is the worst out of the three sons. Even though they were friends when they were kids and they could still tolerate each other's presence, she couldn't say that Domingo would treat any woman well. Celestine was already slowly becoming a saint in Carlota's eyes. If she were to decide, she would pair her up with the gentlest son, Dario. But the thought suddenly brought an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.

–

"You're giving the poor maid a scare," Celestine told Isidro after Carlota left her to settle in. Isidro was arranging her shoes and clothes in the closet.

"Did you really like how they decorated the room?" taas-kilay nitong tanong. "It looks so dated. Ano 'to, 2003?"

Celestine let out a laugh. Mukhang bago lahat ang gamit sa loob at bagong pintura ang buong kwarto. Isidro was right. It looked dated, like the decorator has not caught up with the latest designs and trends yet. But she didn't want to say anything. It would be rude to complain about it. They were only trying to make her feel welcomed...

The floral wallpaper was not particularly her taste. The floral rug also didn't suit her aesthetic. Truth be told, she would rather have a room with sleek and minimal design. But they didn't consult her about it and she would be staying for just a couple of weeks. There was no need to make a fuss.

Isidro, on the other hand, got up and started taking pictures of the room.

"What are you doing?"

"Your father would want an update."

"But why take pictures of the room?"

"Because it was ugly," was his nonchalant reply.

Celestine sighed and got up from the bed. Lumapit siya rito at kinuha ang phone mula sa kamay nito. She checked his phone's gallery and deleted the pictures he just took. "Did you send these to dad?" Ipinakita niya rito ang picture niya habang tulog sa sasakyan. At ilan na kuha habang naglalakad siya kanina.

"I've been sending him pictures of you every hour."

She grunted and pushed the phone back into his hand. Wala siyang kasamang yaya, pero kasama niya si Isidro. Kahit saan siya pumunta, palagi itong nakasunod. He was personally hand-picked by her father to be her bodyguard and babysitter. Kampante ang ama niya kapag kasama niya ito. Isidro was almost as overbearing and overprotective as her dad.

–

Kinagabihan, inimbita ni Carlota ang mga kaibigan niya sa bayan para makisali sa handaan ni Senyor. Walang ganap sa plaza nang gabing iyon dahil alam ng lahat na tradisyon ng bayan nila na si Senyor ang magsisimula ng pyesta. Pagkatapos ng prosisyon mula sa simbahan, paikot ng bayan, at pabalik, ay nagsipuntahan na ang mga tao sa malawak na lupain ng matanda para makikain.

Don Sandro had set up a stage in the front yard and invited a DJ from Manila. Carlota was allowed to get out of her uniform to mingle with her friends. Isa sa perks ng pagiging pinakabatang katulong, everyone was doting her. Basta may okasyon at nagawa na niya nang maayos ang trabaho, papayagan na siyang makisali sa kasiyahan.

She took the opportunity to invite her friends to the mansion. Suportado siya ni Biboy doon.

"Mamsh!!"

May kasamang irit ang kaway ng magkapatid na Isabelita at Pacita Santos nang makapasok ng gate. Both were wearing short, glittery dresses. Nakatira ang magkapatid sa magkaibang bahay. Magkahiwalay kasi ang mga magulang ng mga ito. Pacita was living with her father. May malaking sari-sari store ang mga ito sa bayan kung saan madalas bumili sina Carlota. Si Isabelita naman, kasama ang nanay nito na may-ari ng malaking panaderya. Doon bumibili ng tinapay si Carlota dahil mahilig sa tinapay ang Sir Dario niya.

Magkasunod namang dumating ang magkapatid na Carmelita at Carlos Canlas. May pwesto sa palengke ang mga ito na madalas bilhan ni Carlota ng seafood. Biboy supported her request to invite her friends because he likes Carmelita. It was a secret everyone in their circle of friends knew.

"Tara na! Nagsisikain na sila doon!" yaya niya sa mga ito.

She was wearing her mini skirt and a nice blouse na regalo ni Bobet noong birthday niya. All of Carlota's clothes were either hand-me-downs or gifts from people in the mansion.

Pagdating nila sa bulwagan ay nagsasayawan na ang mga tao. May espasyo sa tapat ng stage kung saan pwedeng magsayaw ang mga tao. Tapos ay may mga lamesang nakaikot sa sayawan. Nasa isang sulok ang buffet table na may mga serbidor na nakaabang para maglagay ng pagkain sa mga nakaabang na plato.

Carlota led her friends to the table she had reserved for them. Malapit iyon sa stage at sa buffet table.

"Hoy, may pasabog ba ngayon si Senyor? Last year meron syang pinamigay na sampung libo e," tanong ni Isabelita sa kanya.

"May pasabog yata pero hindi ko alam kung pera," nakangisi niyang sabi.

"Nasa'n na si Dario my love?"

Pacita rolled her eyes at what her sister asked. Kung may tao man para irepresent ang salitang "delusional", si Isabelita iyon. At si Pacita ang paulit-ulit na sumisira sa daydreams nito.

"Hindi ko alam kung pupunta sila e."

Sumimangot si Isabelita. "Ano ba yan! Nagpaganda pa 'ko tapos hindi pala nya 'ko makikita!"

"Gaga. Ikakasal na yun, di ba?" singit ni Pacita.

Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ni Isabelita sa sinabi ng kapatid nito. Carlota had been wondering about them too. Tinulungan niyang mag-ayos ang Mam Celestine niya bago siya magbihis, pero hindi pa ito lumalabas.

Nagulat sila pare-pareho nang biglang umirit si Carmelita saka sinabunutan ang kapatid nito.

"Aray ko, ate!" reklamo ni Carlos.

Carlota looked around and just as expected, she saw Bobet nearby. Naglalakad ito palapit sa handaan kasama si Biboy. Naka-itim na slacks si Bobet saka maluwag na itim na button up shirt na nakabukas ang tatlong butones. His hair was casually tousled, parang nilagyan ng effort sa style pero hindi halata. Carlota watched her friend go slightly feral when Bobet pulled the sleeves of his shirt up. Tumigil ang dalawa sa paglalakad and Bobet leaned towards Biboy to tell him something. Tumango si Biboy at nag-thumbs up.

"Bobet! Biboy!" tawag niya. She raised her hand and waved enthusiastically. Halos mapupusan ng hininga si Carmelita nang tumingin sa gawi nila ang dalawa.

"Girl, kaya pa?" natatawang tanong ni Pacita sa kaibigan nila.

She waved her hand again to motion them to approach. Bobet looked at his watch and patted Biboy on the shoulder. He gave Carlota a look before turning around and walking away. Bumuntong-hininga si Carmelita at sumimangot nang si Biboy lamang ang lumapit. He sat on the empty chair across from her.

"Uy, welcome! Bakit hindi pa kayo kumakain?"

"Inaantay namin si Ganda," sagot niya.

"Speaking of..." Isabelita pointed towards the gate. Napalingon sila nang sabay-sabay.

"Gusto mo salubungin mo na rin?" sabi ni Carmelita sa kapatid nitong nanghahaba ang leeg sa pagtingin.

Mariposa looked like a vision in the dark. Lutang na lutang ang puti nitong bestida sa malamlam na ilaw ng mga poste. Nakakapit ito sa braso ni Aling Marites na mukhang proud na proud dahil pinagtitinginan ang mga ito.

"Bakit kapag sya yung may flower sa ulo, mukha syang nasa telenovela? Samantalang ako napapagkamalang baliw."

"Depende kasi sa mukha yan, sis," sagot ni Pacita sa kapatid.

Carlota was amused too. Pwede palang gawing accessory sa buhok ang gumamela nang hindi ka magmumukhang tanga? Maybe it only worked because Mariposa has that face. She could wear banana leaves and still look like she came out of a magazine.

The halter dress was hugging her body deliciously, smoothed over the curves that could make any man drool and every woman envious. Wala itong suot na alahas. Red lipstick lang at saka yung gumamela sa ulo nito. Mukha itong bida sa pocketbook.

Tumayo si Biboy. "Dito muna kayo ha." Sinalubong nito ang mag-ina at saka dinala papunta sa may likod ng stage.

"Wow. Importante sila? Kailangang nakahiwalay ng table?"

Magkukumento sana si Carlota nang makita niyang papalapit sina Celestine at Isidro.

"Mga beh! Sya yung sinasabi kong bodyguard nung bisita namin." She discreetly pointed at Isidro, who was wearing a pair of denim pants, striped shirt underneath his black leather jacket and a pair of running shoes. Carlota never thought he would be wearing such a casual outfit. Si Celestine naman ay naka-cocktail dress din na kahit hindi niya makita sa malapitan ay alam niyang ubod ng mahal ang pagkakabili nito doon.

"Pogi nga, beh," sabi sa kanya ni Isabelita. "Pero parang di ka papatulan."

"Uy, si Sprite!" bulalas ni Pacita nang makita ang babaeng nakasunod kina Celestine. Naka-mini skirt din ito kagaya niya, pero maganda ang style. She paired it with a long sleeved body hugging cropped shirt. Tapos ay naka-boots ito na hanggang tuhod. Dumiretso ang mga ito sa may likod ng stage.

"Kumuha na tayo ng pagkain para makarami," yaya niya sa mga kaibigan. They took turns getting food para may nakatao sa lamesa nila. It was already almost 8PM when the music was turned off and a host appeared on stage.

"Kumusta kayo, San Andres?!" bati nito sa mga nandoon. "Enjoy ba? Nakakuha na ba lahat ng pagkain? Marami pa po tayong refill sa loob kaya huwag kayong mahihiya!"

Naghiyawan at palakpakan ang mga tao.

"Bago po tayo magpatuloy sa pagsasaya ay atin po munang iimbitahan ang ating butihing sponsor ngayon, si Don Sandro Jimenez!"

Mas lalong lumakas ang palakpakan. Carlota stood up and clapped for the Don, who was smiling as he took the steps slowly towards the front of the stage. Nasa likod nito si Bobet.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Don Sandro raised his hand to signal the crowd to quiet down. Nang hindi na masyadong maingay ay saka ito nagpatuloy. "Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagpapaunlak sa aking imbitasyon. Welcome to our humble abode, everyone.

"Espesyal ang gabi na ito para sa akin dahil nandito ang aking tatlong anak para maki-celebrate sa ating lahat." Don Sandro turned to Bobet and the latter quickly walked off the stage and came back with the three sons. They were all wearing suits and two out of three looked like they didn't want to be there. Si Danilo lamang ang nakangiti sa mga tao, clearly loving the attention he was getting. "Mayroon din akong gustong ianunsyo ngayong gabi. I'm sure it will come as a surprise to all of you, pero sana ay suportahan ninyo ang aking desisyon."

Bobet left and came back again, with Mariposa this time. Don Sandro motioned for her to stand next to him. "Ikinagagalak kong sabihin sa inyong lahat na..." Hinawakan nito si Mariposa sa kamay. "Ak–"

Carlota's eyes widened when Domingo suddenly walked up to the two and took Mariposa's other hand. May hawak din itong mic, na hindi agad napansin ni Carlota dahil nakatingin siya kina Mariposa.

"We would like to formally announce my engagement to Mariposa Salamanca."

Ilang segundong natigilan ang mga tao. Mariposa turned to Domingo, her eyes wide with surprise. Don Sandro looked displeased with what he did.

But the expressions on their faces quickly changed when the crowd erupted in cheer.

"Hala bakit sya?" Carlota muttered to herself. She didn't know what was supposed to happen or whose engagement was supposed to be announced, but she was sure Mariposa was not on the list of brides the old man chose for his sons.

O nagkamali ba siya ng pagkaintindi?