DUST BENEATH THE OCEAN

In Villa Guevara's Residence

After the ceremony of the solemnity of the ordination, everybody moved to the house of the well–known family in town. At the main gate, the words VILLA GUEVARA inscribed at the steel-arch in shape. The letters were painted with gold that would give an idea to everyone, specifically, to those new in the place that it belonged to the Guevara family. Chloe parked her car ten meters away from the main gate for she could no longer enter the parking lot. From the road near the gate, it was already filled with many expensive cars parked in disarray manner. She got out of her car and made a quick observation of the surroundings. On the way toward the house, Chloe saw the different faces of visitors. At the main gate, she noticed two security guards in full alert who scrutinized everyone that would enter the compound. She walked unhurriedly toward the main gate. The two security guards noticed her easily. Possibly, it was because of her sophisticated appearance they thought she was rich.

'It simply shows that money matters most in this world.'

The two men greeted her in unison when she was about to enter. The guard to her left in the old- fashioned barbers cut with broad shoulders and slightly protruded stomach in his five feet and four-inch height perhaps in his forty-six, bowed to show respect. The young, tall and handsome guard with very broad shoulders, bulging muscles, muscular hands in his spiky haircut with a fair complexion; maybe same age with her, greeted her with respect and admiration. She showed them her kind smile and walked the approximately ten-meter pathway before she could reach the main door of the house. While she walked toward the main door, she did not notice the spacious garden. In the beautiful garden, large varieties of roses, lilies, santans and hibiscus and many unfamiliar varieties of shrubs bloomed with gladness to celebrate the success of the ordination of the only son of Mateo Guevara. When the soft wind blew, the flowers danced gracefully. The tapping of its branches and leaves produced soft, romantic and sweet music. But Chloe did not hear it for her mind was still in deep thought of the pain inside her heart that reached already the deepest recesses of her brain.

In her distance, Chloe surveyed the perfect view of the front yard of the house. A three-storey building with a Mediterranean touch of arches curves with many splendid geometric figures which embraced the house that made it stronger and beautiful in a very exquisite way. In her calculation, it was the biggest mansion in town. It was big enough for just three members of the family. The only thing that made the population inside quite big was the house cleaners and workers. She was almost by the door and about to get inside when someone cupped her left arm. She turned her head and saw Selene in her fully retouched face more pinkish and with a conspicuous smile. “I’m pretty much sure Madam Chelsea will be happy to see the two of us here!” In her voice, you could feel her excitement and her eyes sparkled with gladness. “Yes.” She answered Selene scantily while she took a few steps on the way inside.

They entered the house, Chloe was surprised by its magnificent beauty. It was designed elegantly to accommodate people of all walks of life. In front of the wide living room on the right side of the base of semi-spiral stairs, a local band played soft music. Large and long curtains in red and blue surrounded the wide place. Lights were perfected to create cool and colorful ambiance. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged with a combination of red and blue colors. Chloe thought the man who made the skirting was skilled and talented. In general, Chloe thought she was inside a palace. Few moments after being indulged by the amusing as well as the entertaining beauty of the designs from the walls, stairs, tables and chairs Selene made her way in; she traversed across the red-carpeted aisle and stopped near the woman in blue and abandoned Chloe. The woman in blue dress, Chloe calculated, was in her late thirties stood and acknowledged the presence of Selene. They both hailed usual greetings of two persons who are just newly acquainted to each other. They kissed each other cheeks made some few refined gestures and elegant expressions. In every statement, sometimes they burst with such amused laughter. In a couple of seconds, Selene was beyond already the horizon of her eyes. The noise was everywhere!

The house was occupied with so many different people; obviously, most of them belonged to affluent families. On the left side, she saw Mateo laughed with pure happiness welcomed everyone to get inside and celebrate with them the success of his only son. Chloe’s mind could not constellate at least sheer notion why in this world that he allowed his only son to be a priest that she knew most of the heads of the family wanted to expand their race. Mateo wore a dark blue suit matched with the blue bandana held by his left hand. She thought and considered it as his unique identity. In front near the bar, she saw many faces of Chelsea’s business partners. One person that caught her attention was the handsome man in his late thirties. His body was swathed in an expensive black suit that perfectly demonstrated his muscular wide chest. His straight dark hair was combed backward which revealed his wide forehead but not yet bald. His well–shaped eyebrows were thick and dark matched by his two big round eyes. He had a well – chiseled high-bridged nose, nearly aquiline, relatively wide triangular face, high cheek bones and a sharp jaw covered by a well-trimmed black beard.

'Handsomely blended races with a heavenly aura and genteel upbringing. I’m afraid to say that he is almost perfect.'

In her calculation, he had Brazilian genes. Chloe admired Brazilian people for their unique characteristics. She thought they were the perfect creation of God: from the shape of their faces; the length of their necks; especially for the ladies and the shape of their bodies which were very proportions to the length of their legs gave a perfect symmetry. She urged herself not to stare at him for so long but in just an instant his image registered instantly in her mind.

She changed the direction of her line of sight and thought of her parents. If they were in the country; they were one of those faces but unfortunately not around because they went to Australia for urgent business appointments. Her mind and eyes were wandering and wondering here and there when a voice of a man caught everybody’s attention as he introduced the Guevara family. The three came out from different angles and different acquaintances walked and simply stood in the top of the winding stairs on the left side just enough for everyone to behold. The noise had vanished for a while and all eyes were centered to the three of them for respect. Chloe’s mind made a quick observation that Alex had similar characteristics to Madam Chelsea that for so long years only this moment she had noticed it. She looked for any physical traits that would match to Mateo, but she desperately found none. Madam Chelsea was the one who talked first while Father Alex and Congressman Mateo just stood beside the lady with the warmest smile in their faces.

Madam Chelsea with a slender body and average height for a woman was still glamorous at the age of fifty–five. In her lips, the lines of her earnest smile were evident and welcomed the visitors with great pleasure. A well – tailored and ostentatiously embroidered Filipiña dress with eye – catching and transparent bolero enshrouded her body which made her look ten years younger. Her small visage scintillated when the wandering rays of lights coming from a chandelier struck her neck cased with gold necklace ornamented with precious stones in dark red. Around her wrist was noticeably a stone encrusted bracelet that seemed very heavy. Around her ring finger was a diamond ring. Her right hand held a wireless microphone revealing her fragile and thin hands with well – manicured fingernails in dark maroon, while the middle finger of her right hand, she had a 24- karat gold ring with an incised image of the Holy Mother. Her shoulder length – light - blonde hair in volume 80 slightly curled at the end, danced smoothly as she moved her head in different angles and made some gestures. Chloe thought it was the hair that made her look younger and not the fashionable dress or perhaps the blending of the two elements had contributed most.

Madam Chelsea made four steps forward and started few introductions. She acknowledged first the presence of her friends, colleagues, and visitors followed by giving such dramatic remarks. “The state and the church as we know are really different and opposite, but they can be joined as one in a family that wholeheartedly serves the people inspired by love, compassion, unity, harmony, and understanding provided by God.’’ She spoke softly but with power and authority in the common dialect of the town for them to understand her better, a fortiori by the common people. “My husband and I have provided your basic needs. We did not abandon you in any cases and circumstances because we love you and we are eager to serve you. Now, my only son is ready to serve us and to guide our souls toward God. He will help us to pray to God for the progress of our beloved town for us to live happily, productively and peacefully.’’ She added some more statements that made Chloe not to listen anymore for her mind was occupied by the Brazilian man. She did not know the reason for his abrupt appearance in the unconscious part of her mind. Her thought was redirected again when Chelsea made a conclusive statement, and everyone gave her a round of applause of admiration.

The next who spoke was Alex Guevara. With his romantic smile, he acknowledged the presence of his father’s colleagues who are allies in the politics, from the Senator who lived in the Province, the Governor, Congressman of the First District, Mayors from different towns up to the Barangay Captains of the Municipality. He also acknowledged the presence of the Bishop of the Diocese accompanied by the nuns, the Sisters of Sacred Covenant. Chloe noticed the sixty-five- year-old bishop smiled widely who seemed like a father very proud of his son. He sat in the left side relative to her location. Standing at the back of the bishop was a good-looking nun without a hint of any emotions in her face. She wore a white veil with blue lines that traced the oval shape of her head matched with her white dress with a blue belt that made the nun look thinner and unappealing. Chloe could not know if her soul was happy for the vocation she had chosen. The said soul in her calculation was to be fifty-two years old and the private nurse of the bishop. At the fifth row from the left of the private nurse of the bishop was her eye – catching colleague, she wore the same dress like the private nurse; perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties with a sexier belly, smiled widely that made her more beautiful among them and seemed with similarities with the nurse of the bishop as if a mother and a daughter. Chloe thought, perhaps, they were both wearing the same dress.

After the formal acknowledgment, he gave thanks for the support and prayers. He said those were his tools for him to attain his vocation in life. He further added that with their continuous prayers and support it would be his ladder to be a good servant of God. Bewildered by his image, Chloe did not pay much attention to what he said. She wished to God to forgive her for what she thought about him.

Alex Guevara, now Reverend Father Alex Guevara was a straightforward man. She thought of him as an American model than a servant of God. He was the type of man that every woman hankered after to feel his warm presence in the bed. Chloe remembered once when they had an overnight outing together with close friends and some of her classmates except Selene for she was abroad that time. They were dead drunk almost when they crossed the boundary of the line that the church would not allow. ‘’s*x is sacred. It is only allowable for the married couple. If you do it outside marriage you’re committing a sin.’’ The voice of Sister Marylou Sta. Ana during Values Education subject echoed to her mind. She had the feeling of guilt in her heart that she offered her body outside married life because of uncontrollable emotions during her teen age years to the one she loved. However, she never regretted what had happened and she thought perhaps, God forgave her already and the only thing she could do was to forget it forever. However, Chloe did not know what idea crossed his mind to change his destiny to become a priest instead of being a lawyer like his father and eventually marry her.

Father Alex had his expensively crew cut and fashionable dark hair. Alex was a Moreno with tan color type of skin dominating in his genes. But because of some whitening capsules that are ready to be taken and can be bought in the drug stores, he had now a very fair skin which outlined impeccably the shape of his high – bridged nose. He had deep black eyes and quite full and kissable red lips. The enticing features of Father Alex that complemented the masculinity of his face were his well - shaped, clean and hairless jaw with a broken chin.

The last to deliver a speech was the head of the family. As usual few words for greetings, introduction and acknowledging the presence of his political partners, financers, colleagues, religious orders, friends and the large sum of people that supported him and would support again in the upcoming election.

Mateo Guevara was elected into the public office at the age of 29 through the party list system where he became once the Benjamin of the 13th Congress. The Benjamin was a title and recognition given to the youngest member of the representatives. He was able to make a remarkable total of 13 legislations which gave noble significance to the country. His great and distinctive performance during his first term in Congress made him gain victory during his second and third terms. He is known for his many laws he proposed in Congress that helped the people particularly the less- privileged individuals. After he finished the last term, he sent himself to the U.S to study and for some business appointments. He stayed in the U.S for almost six years and went back to his country. In his hometown, he spent serving people through private practices for more than twenty-five years. Through the encouragements and supports of his old friends, he pursued again his political career and now on its second term again. This time, he was the principal author of the most controversial bill of the year – The Health Care Bill. A recondite question hovered Chloe’s mind.

'Why a political figure with a son who is a priest created the said bill which is against the will of the church?'

Mateo Guevara in his early sixties was still healthy in mind and body because of his desirable lifestyle. You can see in his face the mark of a happy and successful individual. No line for bitterness and regrets. “The church and the state are two separate entities. So, they said to be different in many ways. The church as we know is simply confined within the realm of religion and the teaching about God while the state is for political matters. These are like two different roads and meet at a common endpoint...” He raised his voice now higher than usual.” ...and that endpoint is you my beloved people.’’ This time Mateo Guevara deserved a round of applause. As the sound faded, he started again. “My son and I represent the State and the church. We differ in our point of views, opinions, and aspirations but I can vouch for you my dear beloved people that despite those dissimilarities; the common denominator of our differences in views, opinions, and aspirations is for the common good of the constituents. “Another round of applause followed. “We, as both leaders, my son governed by God and me by you my beloved people are ready to serve you all. Today, that not only two but we are three servants with open arms and hearts willing to give all the services that we can offer at our very best. I will not make my speech longer. But for the time being, I want you all to enjoy this party. This is our sign of love and gratitude to all of you for your support and prayers for our family.’’ A long round of applause was heard from the crowd almost deafening and unending as the three climbed down the stairs. As they reached the landing of the stairs, a lot of people approached them for social chores. It signaled that the party was about to start.

Four eminent people who were impeccably dressed approached Mateo. They were Victor Gino and Ramon Cho. Beside them were their respective sons, the Mayor of the town of Gubat and of Bulusan with their smile congratulating the whole family. The two old men were best friends and both in their late fifties. The two had different characteristics and qualities. Victor Gino had a balding head in front while Ramon Cho’s started from the middle. Victor had a protruding stomach while Ramon had the healthy physique. Victor was slightly short and quite rounded while Ramon was tall. Victor was dark, while Ramon was quite light in his complexion. But both men were handsome even if their faces are lined with age.

In the far west part of the house, Chloe saw Madam Chelsea approached the woman named Norma Gricalda. The two women embraced each other tightly that lasted for twenty-eight seconds.

'A childhood friend.' Chloe thought.

In their faces, they were delighted to see each other. She thought of her best friend Selene and the emotions she saw enhanced her love for her. The noise had started again! “I’m so happy to see you here.” She heard a very familiar voice came from her shoulder. She turned around to face him. He embraced her firmly that lasted for few moments. “I’m so happy for you, Congratulations!” Only the words she could utter. She tried her best to act normally avoiding his eyes for him not to see the reflection of pain inside her bleeding heart. If he only knew how it caused so much pain to her. While she talked to Father Alex, Chloe noticed Mateo Guevara had introduced someone to the two prominent Mayors of the nearby town. The said man was the one she saw while she crossed the pathway that made her heart to tingle and beat faster. But this time he wore a red long-sleeved polo and black pants which made him more alluring. His clothes enhanced more his personality and captivated her heart. A few minutes later, the man in red long- sleeved polo disappeared.

In the far left, someone lurked behind the great rounded pillar. She was holding her cell phone and caught her attention when it signaled that a text message had recently entered. She never expected someone but Sassy.

Sassy: (Did Apollo approach Zeus?)

Dianna: (I think he’s shy for his father is quite busy for a while.)

Sassy: (Did you see him, anyway?)

Dianna: (Yes. His view is perfect in my place.)

Maia had lied. The truth was she lost him. She could no longer see the handsome man in a white T-shirt with a slogan in front, ’NO BAD DAYS’, which augmented his well-framed chest. It seemed it was really her bad day and not for the man that she was about to shadow.

Sassy: (Okay, inform me for new movements.)

Maia did not reply. She missed a special moment in this event that would lead her to know the identity of the king of the gods – Zeus. But, was this enough for Sassy to see the connection? Maia turned left and saw Father Alex and the woman named Chloe Santos – her soon to be co-teacher. Maia’s mind thought something which was across the line. She simply stared at them talking with a grin in her face and a malicious thought formed in her mind.

“Thank you for coming. I hope you will enjoy the party.” Father Alex’s voice dropped almost unable to hear. But because she knew how to read one’s lips she knew that he was thankful for her presence.

'For my presence especially,' she thought.

Then a question ran to her mind. Does he still love me?

It was three years ago, she decided to end their relationships for she knew nothing good would happen. First week in the month of May after Chloe struggled with her mind and heart, she finally phoned Alex for them to meet again. The memories were still fresh in her mind. Alex arrived after ten minutes of waiting. She was at the seashore; her eyes locked at the sun ready to hide when she heard someone ran toward her direction. She turned around and saw Alex with a smiling face, fresh and handsome. He was almost heaving. As far as she knew, Alex had just arrived from Belgium for he studied Philosophy in the said country. He embraced her heartily out of gladness without any idea in his mind that it would be their last time to see each other as lovers. ‘’I miss you so much, Chloe. You are my strength while I’m abroad. You’re always in my heart and mind.’’ In his clear voice, Chloe can feel his eagerness to see her. ‘’Alex…’’ Alex saw the sadness in her eyes and already read what was inside her mind. ‘’Is there any problem Chloe? Don’t tell me you will end this relationship?’’

‘’I want to continue but…’’ ‘’But… what? We can keep it a secret forever. I love you. I don’t want to lose you.’’ ‘’I love you too, Alex. Heaven knows how much I love you, but I don’t want to commit a sin for the rest of my life against the God.’’

‘’No…’’ Alex clasped Chloe’s shoulders. He bowed his head with closed eyes. He shook slowly his head while he tried to control his emotion. ’’No…Chloe, please. You are not committing a sin. To love someone is not against the law of God. Don’t leave me like this. I don’t know how to live without you in my life.’’ ‘’We need to start a new life again, Alex. We must accept the fact that we are not destined for each other.’’ ‘’No…, Chloe please…’’ He clasped her face by his both hands. Their Cimmerian eyes had met. ‘’I’m ready to break the standard norms just to prove to you that we are destined for each other.’’ Chloe saw beads of tears started to form in the corner of the eyes of Alex. ‘’Please Alex. Don’t make it hard for us to accept the reality that we need to face when the time comes.’’ Chloe’s eyes oozed with tears. She could no longer hide the emotions she had in her heart and unconsciously out in her eyes. ‘’Chloe… before you leave… Could I embrace you for the last moment?’’ Tears already rolled down in the face of Alex. Chloe simply nodded. Her lips were shivering and could feel a lump in her throat as the pain gripped her. After a year, Alex went to Italy to study Theology.

But this time her heart still assumed that his answer was a big ‘YES.’ Her reverie was cut as they were about to get their food when Selene joined their circle of existence. Instead of joining many prominent people, the three chose to be at the back of the house near the pool. Chloe prepared the place while the two got inside for the foods. The weather was so humid because of the ridge of the high-pressure area that made the pool so ravishing to the eyes and enticing to the body. It took not too long for them; Chloe saw Selene and Alex with two housemaids behind them carrying foods as they approached her. Alex held two glasses of wine. One was white, the other was red. Selene at the left side of Father Alex was holding also her wineglass. Alex sat across Chloe while Selene sat beside Alex. This made a pint of pain in her heart. Selene was right she cannot deny the fact that she still loved him. Jealousy was the proof. “This is for you, Chloe.” He gave to her the wineglass with a very charismatic smile. “Thank you, Alex. I mean Father Alex.” She gave a coy smile.

They were in the middle of their conversations when Chloe saw Madam Chelsea walked toward them while her hips waved gracefully with a handsome man on her right side. The three of them stood to approach Madam Chelsea and the handsome guest. “Oh, my dear Selene and Chloe, I’m so pleased to see the two of you. I’m sure my son Alex is glad to see the two of you.” She kissed them as she always did. “By the way, are you enjoying the party?’’ “Yes, Madam Chelsea.” They answered her almost in unison. “A perfect reunion for the three of us.” Selene said with her sweetest smile. “Yes, of course. But I don’t mean to bother you.” She paused and turned her attention to the man behind her. He was the man that got Chloe’s attention while she was inside the house. “I just want you to meet Menses. Alejandro Menses.” Alejandro stepped forward and approached first Father Alex for a handshake. “Congratulations, Father Alex.” His voice was above baritone and very much sincere. Then, he turned to the left to face the two ladies. ‘’Nice to meet you, Selene.” Chloe saw him bow and kiss the middle finger of the hand of Selene. Then to her, she extended her hand. Chloe met his eyes and in the near distance she saw his light – blue eyes that enhanced more his good-looking face. He moved forward then bowed his head a fraction of angle to kiss her hand. As he moved his head, air brushed her nose which made her smell his hair wax and expensive perfume. It was very masculine but still had no effect on her. She did not know why this man made her feel very unusual, but his image still stuck in the nerves of her mind. She urged herself to erase him in the back of her head. “Madam Chelsea is right. The two of you are really beautiful.” His cool and mellow voice was so pleasant to the ears.

'He is another business partner and investor to Chelsea’s company.' Chloe thought.

“Mr. Menses and I, together with the other investors, are planning to make some great improvement to the town.” Madam Chelsea’s soft voice was very kind and you would always admire her. “It would be a great help to everyone.” Chloe made few words with such admiration. “Of course, you’re absolutely right my dear. A modern town that we dream of and will come true which will give ease to the life of everyone.” While Madam Chelsea talked about her dreams for the modernization of the town of Gubat, Alejandro just nodded. A few moments more, she asked permission to exit leaving Alejandro to them. She walked away until she was swallowed by the wide door. The conversation was almost ceaseless. They talked about everything under the sun that made them enjoy every moment and forgot the time. It was already dark outside when Chloe had excused herself and left the Guevara’s residence leaving all the bitterness behind.