DECEMBER 27, 1896 – 8:31 PM
The streets of Ermita, Manila light brightly as Tiyo Jose and Liam walk to Makaraeg residents. The mansion was huge as this is owned by the Philippine General. They went inside hearing the loud noises of classical songs.
"Ah, Don Jose! How are you?" Tiyo Jose was greeted cheerfully by the General. He is obviously not a Filipino for Liam as he assumes his features are way far from Filipinos. He is a tall, tan colored man with deep brown eyes that can make you confess for all your sins. He obviously likes drinking as he holds his wine elegantly to his right hand.
"Ah, General Makaraeg. I am doing fine. Thank you. This is my nephew, Lisandro " Tiyo Jose introduced Liam in a different name as a pseudonym.
"Ah, what a wonderful blood of yours, you must be an engineer also like your uncle" the General said.
"Indeed, general" Liam replied.
"Very well. I believe this good looking and clever man is ready for marriage" the general said as he gestured his hand to his beautiful granddaughters sitting politely in front of a round table. Liam was really attractive. He is a man with neat black hair and dark onyx eyes but still can't avoid the Filipino features in his face. But the perspective of a lady for him is either they are mesmerized by his beauty or they are jealous for his intelligence.
"Oh, no, no… I am not looking for a wife." Liam responded which shocked the General because no man refused to wish for his grand daughter's hand. The General turned his attention to Tiyo Jose. "How are your wife and kids? Jose" the general said.
"They are currently out of town for vacation," Tiyo Jose lied. He doesn't want to mention his family around other people. "I believe Marissa, your granddaughter, is able to arrive safely. Have you seen her?" Tiyo Jose said immediately to change the topic.
"Ah yes, the bookworm. She's in the garden as usual. Anyway, the dinner is ready. Don't forget to eat" the general said while slowly walking away from them.
"We will. Thank you" Tiyo Jose said and quickly went to the garden. He avoided numerous questions of Liam while on their way because he'll know her anyway in the end. As they reach the garden door, stands a beautiful backyard full of lively plants and flowers. A fountain is laying in the middle while a woman is sitting by the edge of the fountain. She is wearing a cream Baro't saya that fits her tan skin. Her hair is tied elegantly into a bun. Liam did not find her beautiful but Marissa does look descent, innocent, and pure for him.
"Godfather!" She shouted and stood to approach Tiyo Jose.
"I miss you" Tiyo Jose said as she hugs Marissa tightly. Tiyo Jose pulls back and gets a book from His bag and hands it to her.
"I brought you something," he said and Marissa accepted it with a smile on her face. She scans the book and smells the page "I love it" she said and gives him a hug again.
"I just remove the cover for your safety" he said and felt grateful that her goddaughter loves it without knowing what the book is about. He remembers that they are with Liam.
"Ah, this is Lisandro, my nephew," he said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Marissa" Liam said. Marissa stood still feeling unpleasant to meet him. She put her hands in front of her. As Lisandro held her hand to kiss the back of her hand because it's what he knows how men greet the ladies in 1890s, she twisted her hand for a handshake.
"Don't greet me like a lady, greet me like a human" Marissa said which surprises Liam. He was used to girls flirting with him but Marissa is not like them.
"Sure, if you say so" Liam said as they pulled their hands away. Marissa turned her attention to Tiyo Jose and said,
"Godfather, my mother told me to remind you that she's looking for you"
"Ah yes, I almost forgot." Tiyo Jose said. "Before we eat, why don't you take Lisandro for a walk?" he added. Marissa looked at him with a bewildered expression.
"A walk? Is that even necessary? You didn't make a request like that before" Marissa said.
"Yes, a walk. I'll come back once we are ready for dinner" Tiyo Jose said while heading back inside the house.
'But he could…" Before she could finish what she's about to say, Tiyo Jose is out of sight. She went back to the fountain to take a seat and dive back into his book.
Since Liam doesn't have any idea about Marissa, he presses the side of his glasses and asks for help.
"Tony, are you there?" Liam ask
"Yes brother, I'm here" Tony said. He could hear the voice of Tony inside of his head like the glasses are connected inside his brain.
"Can you help me to search for this lady in front of me?"
"Ok, just stand still in front of him. Around 1 meter away"
"1 meter?" Liam said in a natural voice which did not bother Marissa even though she heard him.
"Fine, do you want the info or nah?" Tony said and Liam walked closer to Marissa.
"Ah yes and lift her face coz I'm not able to scan her beautiful face"
"How dare you, Tony?" Liam said in a normal voice which lifted Marissa's head with curiosity.
"Thats is great book of yours" Liam said which caught Marissa's attention
"Gotcha!" Tony cheered as Liam sat beside Marissa.
"Well, Have you read it?" Marissa asks.
"Noli me tangere, right? A hundred times" Liam said confidently. In the future, students are required to read Rizal's works.
"How? This book is banned " she asked as her brows knitted.
"Tiyo jose gave me a copy" he lied.
"Of course, he will," Marissa responded and went back to her book.
"Brother! I got something!" Tony cheerfully said "her full name is Eleornor Marissa De Los Santos Makaraeg. She is kinda wealthy and famous she is currently studying at Ate neo Municipal De Manila taking the course of Fine arts. She is 18 years old now and she has been selling her paintings since she was 15. God, their family connections are strong. Unfortunately, she died on . . ." Tony stopped for that moment as if his heart skipped a beat "anyway, Rizal is her close friend and mentor. I'm afraid that would be all Liam. Work on your charm." Tony said and Liam thanked him for the great effort he gave.
"Are you angry?" Liam asked
"I beg your pardon? Gentlemen " Marissa asked and closed her book.
"I just notice that you have the character of being snobby and quiet"
"Really? You have a bad impression then however you don't know me yet, muchacho" Marissa stands and tries to walk away but Liam caught her hand.
"I know who you are. You are Eleonor . . ."
"Forgive me but it's no good for us to be seen together. And my name doesn't even contribute to who I am. It's just a title that my parents gave me" Marissa said and walked away leaving Liam hopeless while sitting on the fountain. A moment later passed and Tony understood what just happened.
"Oh, brother, don't tell me your . . ." Tony said but Liam disconnected with him.