Crown to Lay (Viva Maravilla #1)

Simula "Oh my goodness! You are absolutely gorgeous, Arira!" Rotchel squeeled. I smiled as I reluctantly pulled my gaze away from the mirror. "Thank you," I said, almost tailed with a small sigh. "Let's put this on you," Tita Ezbeth said as she moved closer to my side after the makeup artist made way for her. She opened a red velvet box, and inside lay a beautiful diadem resting on its cushion. I marveled in silence. I glanced at her, my eyes filled with a questioning look. This is the first time that I saw it. "Ganda!" Rotchel can't help but speak out. "Magkano kaya 'yan kung ibebenta? For sure millions!" The gold band shimmered in the soft light of the vanity mirror, designed intricately with swirling patterns of vines and curves that seemed to flow effortlessly forming its delicate structure. The vines twisted and interwoven are adorned with tiny diamond accents. An oval cut diamond served as its centerpiece. Every detail is exquisite. "I think it's time for you to have this." "It's too... s-striking. Isn't too much?" I hesitated. Her gentle gaze barely met mine as she carefully lifted the crown from its resting place. "Your mother would have love to place this on your head," she said, almost a whisper. I swallowed hard, the uncomfortable shift in our conversation settling heavily on me. I turned back to the mirror, reigning my heavy breathing. Pinanuod kong maingat niyang ilagay sa ulo ko ang diadem. Squaring my shoulders, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. "You really look like a princess!" komento ni Rotchel at hindi na napigilang tumayo sa tabi ko. "You deserve your own kingdom, girl." She giggled. I gave a tight, restrained smile. Tumayo si Tita sa aking likuran. Marahan niyang hinawakan ang balikat ko. "Held your head high," she mumbled as she leaned in to kiss my cheek. Napalunok ako para alisin ang bara sa lalamunan ko. Maybe it's just the nervous tension, knowing I'll be facing a crowd. The thought of all those eyes on me, waiting and expecting for something—anything— from me makes my stomach tighten. The weight of the moment feels heavier as I imagine standing in front of them, speaking or simply existing under the pressure of their gaze. "I'll give you a moment then we will go," ani Tita bago lumabas ng kuwarto. "Let's go, Rotchel." "Huwag kang kakabahan. Ang ganda ganda mo kaya," pahabol ni Rotchel bago sumunod kay Tita. Naiwan akong mag-isa. Took a deep breath. Finally, I smiled and consoled myself that everything would turn out just fine. I stood up and turned toward the full-length mirror to check my overall look. Wearing a fit-and-flare mermaid silhouette dress in gold, with full glam makeup, I felt like I looked a little older, but in the best possible way. This dress perfectly accentuate my curves. It is overlaid with glitter-printed lace tulle and Swarovski crystals scattered like stars, and with mermaid godets that add volume and character to the skirt. Meanwhile, the feather-embellished straps elevate the look. A deep plunging neckline and back gives off the gown a bold, daring edge without stealing its elegance. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I admired the way the dress made me feel. Ilang sandali kong pinagmasdan ang sarili sa salamin. My phone on top of the vanity rang for a message. Kinuha ko iyon at tiningnan. It's a message from Marius. Marius: Have you already left? I can't wait to see you. I love you. I was about to type my reply nang may kumatok at bumukas ang pinto. "Tara na?" Sumilip si Rotchel. "Yeah." Pumasok ang stylist at ang kanyang team para alalayan ako. Si Rotchel na ang nagdala ng clutch purse ko. Inalalayan nila ako hanggang sa makapasok sa Range Rover. "Dito ka na sumakay," sabi ko kay Rotchel. Sa isang sasakyan si Tita. Umiling siya. "Hindi na. You need the space. See you sa venue." She closed the door. After I settled in, the vehicle moved forward. Nauna ang sasakyan nila Tita. Saka pa lang ako nakapag-reply kay Marius. To Marius: Yup. See you. I watched outside the window. The traffic is kinda heavy. Mukhang matatagalan kami. The first choice was to stay in the hotel to avoid the hassle, but just a few days ago, I changed my mind. In three months, Marius and I will be getting married. Tonight is our engagement party, hosted in one of the most prestige hotel and resort of the country. It is expected to be grand, as it should be. I was all energized while planning it all kaya hindi ko maintindihan itong nararamdaman ko ngayon. Marius proposed to me two months ago. Honestly, we are moving quite fast. I don't understand why I am thinking about it now. I did not feel any hesitation when he asked my hand in marriage in front of our families. Besides, our relation might be short, but I really felt that I am willing to spend the rest of my life with him. He is a dream guy; kind, smart, rich and handsome. He is a prince charming. I looked back to check kung nakasunod pa ang sila Tita Ezbeth. I can see them kaya tumuwid ako sa pagkaka-upo. "Francis, could you please turn the air conditioning up? It's getting a bit hot in here," I said after feeling uncomfortable. Tumingin siya sa rearview mirror. "Yes, Miss." "Thank you." Napahawak ako sa leeg ko. I feel stiff. Shifting my weight, I tried to look outside kung malayo pa ba kami. Nahilo lang ako sa ilaw ng mga sasakyan. Napapikit ako at nasapo ang noo. I feel suddenly feel dizzy and sleepy. I opened my purse. I fumbled for my phone. Parang nawalan ng lakas ang kamay ko kaya nalaglag ang phone ko. Yumuko ako para maabot ang phone ko sa sahig, that made my clutch drop on the floor as well. My things flew out of the clutch. "S-stop the car," I declared nang lumala pa ang nararamdaman ko. Nahawakan ko ang phone ko at maghigpit na hinawakan. "What's the matter, Miss Arira?" Franscis asked, nasa daan ang tingin. "Stop the car," I repeated, my tone firmer. Hindi niya pa rin ako sinusunod. Turning to my phone, I tried to call Rotchel. "Ihinto mo sabi!" I still demanded. My vision turned hazy but I was able to dial her number. "Rotchel," tawag ko. "Something is off..." I am helplessly drowsy at this point that I'm not sure if she understood it. "Huh?" "No—" Before I can say another word, I blacked out and collapsed. I regained my consciousness. Lifting my heavy eyelids, darkness greeted me. I am lying uncomfortably. Nanghihina ako. Mabigat ang katawan ko. Thinking I am still in the back seat, nangapa ako at agad na na-realize na nakatali ang mga kamay ko. My eyes widened in horror. Kumalabog ng malakas ang puso ko. With panick kicking in, I was rattled. Pinakinggan kong maigi ang paligid. I can hear the overwhelming sound of the crickets that I have only heard a few times in my whole existence. Sinubukan kong bumangon. I feel a tiny relief nang maramadaman ang mga papa ko. They are free. May naririnig akong boses kaya sinubukan kong makinig. "Bilisan mo na r'yan! Ano ba, umihiihi ka pa!" "Sandali lang! Ang ingay mo. Baka magising 'yan. Malalagot tayo nito." "Mas malalagot tayo kapag hindi natin naihatid sa tamang oras!" "Tumawag na ba ulit si Sir Marius?" The unfamiliar voices send the hair on my nape rising. Napasinghap ako. Marius? "Hindi ka pa ba tapos d'yan?" "Ito na. Ito na. Atat mo!" My heart hammered. I was frantic. Sa kadilim, naging determinado akong makalabas at makatakas. Gulo-gulong ako at nanginginig pa sa takot at taranta. My heart rate leaps a pitch higher nang makarinig ng click. Buong puwersa kong tinulak. Bumukas! Walang pang lakas ang mga binti ko kaya nalaglag ako. Nakalabas ako kahit tumama paharap sa damuhan. I heard the slamming of the doors and then the engine roared to life. Mabilis itong humarurot paalis. Mabilis ang paghinga ko habang tinatanaw palayo ang kotse. Was it our car? I can't tell. I am still disoriented and in pain from tripping off the car. Gumalaw ako para makatayo na. Wala pa rin akong makita. Sobrang dilim. The sky is dark without stars and moon, so it's pitch black wherever I look. "Ah!" I screamed when I felt like falling from a high place. Tuloy tuloy ang paggulong ko. I can feel something sharp piercing my skin, probably grass and roots. I can also hear the crisp ripping of my dress. It somehow slowed me down dahil sumasabit. My head hit something that made me unconscious. Nang muli akong magising, may naaaninag na akong konting liwanag. Most likely it's nearing dawn. Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili. Sobrang hapdi ng mga sugat ko. My whole body is sore. Small movements and it makes me flinch. Inangat ko ang kamay at napansing maluwag na ang pagkakagapos ng tali kaya tinanggal ko na. Breathing heavily, I pushed my hands on the ground to get up. Napadaing ako sa sakit, but it's the least of my concern. Ininda ko ang lahat ng nararamdaman. I take a deep breath and hold my tears. Bracing myself, I made my way into the woods with my bare feet. Maraming malalaki at nagtataasang puno. Ang mga d**o o kung anong halaman ay halos lagpas na ng baywang ko ang tangkad. I am shivering from the cold and the horror I went through, dagdag mo pa ang takot sa kung anong ligaw o mababangis na mga hayop. Ginamit ko ang katawan ng mga puno para suportahan ang sarili. Humahawak at humihilig ako roon kapag hinihingal na at nangingibabaw ang sakit ng katawan ko. Hindi ko alam saan ako pupunta. I am not sure if I am taking the right way. I don't know what to do. I am just so lost. Tumingala ako at may pagmamakaawa. It's like asking someone from there to come and rescue me. I felt some weight hanging on my torn dress. Para din may nakatusok sa right thigh ko. Yumuko ako at unang napansin ang konting kinang. My eyes squinted. Mabilis kong kinuha—it's the diadem! It was like I saw a miracle. Hinawakan ko ito ng mahigpit. It bruised my soft palm and fingers. Mas naging determinado akong magpatuloy. I reached a stream. Maiksi lang pagitan sa kabila at mukhang kaya namang tawirin. It doesn't look deep. Mahina lang din ang agos. Sa una, reluctant ako dahil paano kung malalim pala. Although, I know how to swim, I don't think with my state right now I will make it through. Wala na rin akong pagpipilian. There were no houses or even a hut back there maybe on the other side there are villagers who I can ask for help. I have to continue and persevere even more. My dress is a mess. Poor one. Even our rags at home look more decent than this. I gathered the hem and hugged it while I crossed the stream. Domoble ang panginginig ko sa lamig ng tubih. I was not breathing properly while I tried not to slip or be carried by the flow. Nakatawid ako. Nagpalinga linga ako. Puro puno pa rin at mga halaman. Nagpahinga lang ako saglit at nagpatuloy na. I swallowed hard nang may humalong tunog sa mga kuliglig. It's quite loud. Nakaramdam din ako ng kung anong malamig at madulas sa paanan ko. With my chest pounding fast and hard, I run as fast as I can, walang lingon lingon. Kahit na sumasabit ang palda ng damit ko diretso lang ang takbo ko. Malayo layo rin ang tinakbo ko. Napahawak ako sa mga tuhod kong halos bumigay na sa pagod. Mabilis ang paghinga ko na pakiramdam ko I will have a heart attack. Nanunuyo pa ang lalamunan ko. Tumigil muna ako para makaipon ulit ng energy. I lifted my gaze and saw a cabin not so far from where I am. I saw hope and gained some strength. Hindi ko maalis ang tingin sa cabin, thinking it might turn out as an illusion because of my desperation. "E-Excuse me!" My strand voice was too weak kaya mas nilakasan ko. "I'm sorry to bother! I am not a bad person I am just asking for help." I waited a bit. There was no response. "Tao po?!" Kumatok na ako. "Hihingi lang po ng tulong." Wala pa rin. Could it be that nobody lives here? "I have no weapon or anything here. I'm just really asking for him. I am lost. Please? Anyone?" Pressing my ear on the door, I tried to catch some movement from the inside. Baka takot lang magbukas lalo na sa oras ngayon. Walang nakabukas na ilaw. Maybe there's really no one staying here? "Anybody home?" Sinubukan ko ulit. I looked around. Wala ng ibang bahay o kahit barong-barong. Reluctantly, I still reached the door's knob. Pinihit ko at nagulat na bukas ito. Lumingon lingon pa ulit ako bago tuluyang binuksan ang pinto. Hindi pa sapat ang liwanag sa labas para makita ko ang kabuo-an. Nangapa ako sa dingding baka sakaling may switch ng ilaw. After a while, I halted and thought that maybe there is no electricity here. I roam around. The place is small. It's like having everything in just a few steps. Pumasok ako sa kuwarto. There's a small bed. Nilapitan ko at kinapa. There's a thin mattress above it. "I promise I'll pay for this," I uttered under my breath. I lay my exhausted body, giving myself a rest after fighting for my life. Matigas pa rin ang higaan kahit may sapin. This is nothing compared to my comfortable mattress in my room... but this is all I have now... It's not even mine. I hummed to calm myself down. I quietly consoled myself in the darkness of this stranger's room. Tears rolled down my face. I wiped it with the back of my bruised hand. Holding the diadem, I placed it on my stomach. I closed my eyes and thought about how I almost died—and if I had, it wouldn't have mattered. My inexistent won't change anything. I am not supposed to exist anyway. I am bane to my mother and father's life. So I should just probably perish. But what if I still want to live? For myself. For my younger self who dreamed of true love and a family? After all, maybe I have the right to live in this world, too? Maybe there is a space where I am the only one who can fill it? Maybe, just maybe, my existence matters. Wala namang masamang umasa, hindi ba? "Sino ka?!" A stentorian voice disturbed my slumber. Mahina akong umungol dahil sa pagkakaisturbo ng mahimbing na tulog. I stirred a bit. A heavy and intense stare finally pushed me to wake up. Opening my eyes, I am expecting the familiarity of my room. A half naked man is standing on the side of the bed. He looks like an unarmoured knight. A worn out faded blue jeans hangs loosely on his waist. It's so low that I have a perfect view of his prominent v-cut which I cannot see the end of it. Muscles are rippling just below his brawny and broad chest. There are traces of sweat trickling on every canal of his abdominal muscles. His skin is golden, refined by the warm weather and probably frequent exposure to the sun. Napakurap kurap ako kasabay ng mabilis na pagdagundong ng dibdib ko. My heart seems to jump off my ribcage. I wet my bottom lip with the tip of my tongue as I stared wide awake at the tip of the long single-edged knife pointed to me. It's like a weapon used to slay wild beasts in a blink. "Sino ka?" He repeated his question, naniningkit ang mga mata at halos magdikit ang makakapal na kilay. The gentleman... I mean, the not so gentle man advanced that I winced and pushed back myself like a cornered rat. "My name is Arira!" I grimaced sa takot na mahagip ng talim ng hawak niya. Tumalim ang titig niya, hindi na-satisfy. "Auria Rafeeqah Vega Vera." Kumunot ang noo niya.