Chapter 15 Siquijor
1490 Words
Lucio tends to visit his hometown at least once a year. However, he stayed only for three days and then flew back to Manila. He will just show up to celebrate his father's birthday and to visit his long-lost mother. He wasn't surprised when the headmaster acknowledged his wife. He has to since it was his idea to get married and Aria was the first outsider he let reside on his large estate.
"I am glad that Lucio was able to convince you to live here in the province. I thought you wouldn't like a secluded place like ours," Alexander said humbly.
"I can live and survive anywhere like mushrooms," she answered.
"That's good to hear. How about your family? Are they not concerned about your decision to move?" Alexander remembers to ask Aria.
"No, I am an orphan. So whatever makes my husband happy, I am okay with it," she replied politely.
Alexander told Aria proudly, "You are such a beautiful and very smart girl. You know what? I can say that you are pretty much the same as my beloved wife. She is just plain and simple, and he took care of this family perfectly."
"Where is she now?" she asked.
She finds the family very interesting. First, she has not seen the wife of the Head Master. The second is about their wealth. She can live a lifetime without experiencing financial constraints. She has limited knowledge about the family she was in. She wanted to know more. She asked so many questions, and Alexander was happy to answer them all. The siblings are listening to their conversation while Aria is awed in disbelief that her feelings of anxiety have started to go away. She was sad about leaving her sisters behind, but on the other hand, she was happy that she had finally found a new family.
"I hope I answered all your questions. If there is anything you need, we have house employees to attend to them all. I have to go to my room now," the great Alexander said goodbye.
"Thank you for your kindness. Have a good rest," she replied sweetly.
They were on the veranda, and for them to reach the rooms, they needed to take the elevator. The estate has three floors, and everything she needs has it. It is like they are living in a hotel or a palace.
It's tea time until eight pm, after their dinner at seven. Keila also left just a few minutes after Alexander. The couple remained seated while watching the sky.
"I never expected that you were this rich," Aria frankly said.
"I just don't want you to learn more about me until we are married. Besides, I always want to surprise you." Lucio said.
"I was surprised, amazed, and overwhelmed. I am not used to this lifestyle. I am confused about how I should move into this huge house," she shared with her husband her sentiments.
"No worries, you are still free to do some stuff. Just let me know, or maybe Selda. Just follow the important rules and you will be safe," he added.
Aria learned that there were places in the mansion that remained restricted, and trespassers weren't allowed unless authorized by the Head Master. She understood all that, especially that this mansion might have hidden treasures.
"Let us go to Mom," Lucio said.
He brought him to a large room. It was a sacred and secure room. She has seen the large, fine jar in front of the altar. Lucio holds her hand and they walk toward the altar. He murmured a prayer with his head down. Lucio was proudly talking to his mom.
"Please meet my wife, and her name is Aria. She is beautiful like you. She will become the mother of your grandchildren. She is perfect. We will fill this house with beautiful children." Lucio uttered.
Aria was just listening and continued observing. After a while, Lucio grabbed his wife and kissed her.
"Let us go to our room," he whispered.
She knows what lies next to her after dinner. Lucio wants to devour her for dessert, and that's something he can't get over every time they are together. The couple shared intimate moments until they both fell asleep.
The silence and the cold night fell upon them. However, in the middle of the night, Aria was awakened by strange sounds. She was naive to these things. She could not describe it. She slowly got up from the bed without disturbing her husband, who was soundly asleep. She looked back at him and he wasn't moving. Aria walked to the door and peeped in a small hole. She wanted to check where the strange sound came from. It suddenly disappeared, yet Aria was troubled. She could no longer go back to sleep. She decided to go to the attic just outside their room. She lightly opened the door and went straight to the attic. The place was an open space with potted plants in the corner. She looked up and saw the moon had been fully covered by the clouds. She looked around, but she couldn't see anything. Everything was black, but the temperature was getting colder outside as the wind blew. The door opens and closes slowly. She heard a squeak and, on instinct, she ran back to their room and locked the door.
"What was that?" she murmured.
"Sweetie, what are you doing?" Lucio asked.
She answered, "I went to pee. Let's get back to sleep."
They hug each other. Aria tried to disregard what she heard. It could be just her imagination because she is still trying to adapt to a new environment.
"Good morning! How's sleep?" Alexander asked.
It was six in the morning, and their breakfast was ready.
"Great!" Lucio answered and helped his wife to take her seat.
"How about you, dear?" Alexander repeated his question while looking at her.
"Oh, I did not sleep well. Maybe because I am trying to adjust," she replied honestly.
"I think that is normal. Next time, you will appreciate the solemness and peacefulness of this place," Alexander told Aria, who was convinced.
"That's for sure, dad," she answered, and took a glance at Keila.
"Are you going somewhere after breakfast?" Alexander asked.
"I will tour Aria around the city and maybe we will do some traveling to the beautiful destinations here in Siquijor. Right, sweetie?" Lucio said.
"That sounds great. How about you, Keila?" Alexander asked his daughter.
"I will come with you, Head Master!" Keila answered.
Aria was a bit anxious about the way Keila addressed her father.
"Why is she calling Dad Head Master? She is her daughter," she wondered, but she kept it to herself.
"If you want, you can join Aria and your brother. It's been a while since you have been together. I think it's about time for the two of you to have some sibling quality time," Alexander pushed through with his idea.
"Maybe next time. For sure, they wanted to make use of their time together as a married couple while Lucio is here with us. Remember, he has some business in Manila to attend to. It's their quality time that matters the most. We can just bond together some other time," Keila insisted.
"Alright, when will you go back to Manila?" Alexander questioned Lucio, who did not react to her sister's response.
"I am sure after I feel like Aria is comfortable, I just couldn't leave her like that. Besides, we are working out to become parents. I want to have kids playing around here soon," Lucio announced.
"I couldn't disagree with that. I am excited to nurture the young ones. I have never had time to do that during your younger years, but I'll make it up to my future grandchildren," the great Alexander's response to Lucio's announcement
Keila's face went blank and hard, but she was able to cover it up with a smile.
"Keila, where is Jack? I have not seen him since yesterday," Aria asked.
Keila answered, "We do not live together. He is just my partner, not my husband."
She doesn't know how to react or respond to Keila. Instead, she nods in agreement. She doesn't like to have a premature argument with her sister-in-law.
The couple took the elevator to their room to get ready for today's activity. Aria was excited to see what Siquijor had for her. She's been searching and different stories are popping up on the internet. The most mysterious stories may have been the result of her not being able to sleep last night. She wants to see the place herself. She would like to explore and learn more about her new residence. She is willing to do everything for her husband and their future family. She has no idea where they are going. All she knew was that she would go places she had never been.
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