Absolutely Yours

Chapter 2.

At the c***k of dawn, Aling Mian and Mika made their way to the Hacienda, the crisp morning air tinged with the earthy scent of dew-covered fields. They decided to pass through the resthouse for a shortcut. Just as they were about to step through the kitchen that led to the Hacienda, Aling Fe called out warmly from the wooden dining table.

"Mian, Mika! Come, have some coffee first before heading to the fields. It’s still early, no need to rush," Aling Fe invited with a smile, her voice carrying the warmth of an old friend.

The two women exchanged glances and nodded, their pace slowing. They knew Aling Fe’s kindness was genuine and hard to decline. "Alright, Aling Fe. Coffee does sound good this early," Aling Mian replied.

"Paul! Could you bring out the freshly baked bibingka? Let’s share it for breakfast," Aling Fe called to her son, who emerged from the back carrying a small tray.

Paul grinned as he placed the tray on the table.

The four sat together, the small dining area filled with the comforting aroma of roasted coffee and freshly baked bibingka.

The small wooden hut stood like a sentry amidst the vast sea of pineapples. The workers changed into their harvest gear, the sun now painting the sky in hues of amber and gold. Paul and Mika immediately got to work, carefully selecting the ripest golden pineapples.

"Mika, take a look at this one!" Paul called out, holding up a particularly large pineapple. "This one looks like it belongs on a magazine cover."

Mika chuckled, wiping sweat from her brow. "Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks."

Paul peeled the pineapple skillfully with his bolo knife and carried a few juicy slices over to Mika, who was now resting under the shade of a towering mango tree. He handed her a piece.

"Here, try this. Freshly harvested and freshly peeled," Paul said with a grin.

"Thanks, Paul," Mika replied, taking a bite. Her face lit up as the sweet tanginess hit her taste buds. "It’s delicious! You’ve got quite the skill with that knife."

Paul leaned against the tree, popping a slice into his mouth. "By the way, Senyora Elena’s son, Andrew, arrived last night. He said he wants to visit the big mango tree surrounded by rocks tomorrow morning. You know the one?"

"Oh, I know it well. It’s such a serene spot," Mika said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Are you going with him?"

"Yes, and I was wondering if you’d like to join us. It’d be nice to have some company," Paul offered casually, though his tone hinted at eagerness.

Mika nodded. "Sure, why not? But don’t bother picking me up. I have some errands to run early in the morning. I’ll just catch up with you there."

"Deal," Paul replied, smiling. After a brief pause, he stood and brushed the dirt off his pants. "I need to head back to the resthouse for a while. There’s something I need to take care of, but I’ll be back soon."

"Take your time," Mika said, watching as Paul walked off toward the path leading back to the resthouse.

It was nearly nine o’clock when Andrew finally stirred, the remnants of a deep and restful sleep still clinging to him. He stretched lazily and made his way downstairs to the kitchen, drawn by the smell of breakfast. Paul was already there, rinsing his hands at the sink after returning from the Hacienda.

"Good morning, Senyorito," Paul greeted with a smirk. "Finally decided to join the land of the living? Nanay’s been calling you for breakfast, but you were dead to the world."

Andrew laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. I guess the trip really took a lot out of me. But Paul, drop the 'Senyorito,' will you? We’re practically the same age. Just call me Andrew—it’s less awkward that way."

Paul hesitated for a moment before smiling. "Alright, Andrew it is. I’ll keep that in mind."

"Where’s Aling Fe and Kuya Mark?" Andrew asked as he grabbed a plate and started helping himself to the hearty spread on the table.

"Nanay is at the Hacienda, helping with the harvest. Kuya Mark’s in town, running errands and buying supplies," Paul explained.

Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "Hacienda, huh? Mind if I tag along? I’d like to see the fields."

"Of course, let’s go after breakfast. The workers are in full swing this morning—it’s quite a sight," Paul replied.

As they ate, Paul added, "Oh, by the way, you’ll get to meet my friend Mika tomorrow. She’s coming with us to the big mango tree."

Andrew’s interest was piqued. "Your friend? Tell me about her."

Paul grinned. "Mika’s great—hardworking, quick-witted, and she has this deep love for the countryside. I think you’ll get along."

The Hacienda was alive with activity, the workers moving in unison like the gears of a well-oiled machine. When Paul and Andrew arrived, the rhythmic sound of knives slicing through pineapple leaves and the chatter of workers filled the air. But Mika was nowhere to be seen.

"Where’s Mika?" Andrew asked, his eyes scanning the rows of pineapples.

Paul turned to Aling Mian, who was carefully sorting pineapples into baskets. "Nanay Mian, have you seen Mika?"

Aling Mian looked up and smiled. "She went home, Paul. She mentioned having some important things to take care of."

Andrew seemed slightly disappointed but nodded. "Well, I guess I’ll meet her tomorrow then."

Paul clapped him on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, Andrew. You’ll meet her soon enough. Tomorrow’s going to be fun."

Paul crouched low, his bolo knife glinting as he sliced through the thick leaves of the ripe golden pineapple. His movements were swift and sure, a rhythm borne from years of practice. Andrew watched, curiosity lighting his face. He couldn’t resist giving it a try.

"Paul, let me try that," Andrew said, his tone eager.

Paul chuckled as he handed over the bolo knife. "Alright, but don’t blame me if you lose your fingers. Just kidding—watch how I hold it, and keep your grip firm."

Andrew mirrored Paul’s posture and sliced at the leaves, struggling a bit with the knife’s weight but managing to get the hang of it. Soon enough, he had his first pineapple harvested.

"Not bad for a rookie, Andrew. You might just have a future in this!" Paul teased, clapping him on the back.

Andrew laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "This is actually pretty fun. I’ve never done anything like this before."

After hours of harvesting, the workers gathered at the small wooden hut in the center of the Hacienda. The shade offered reprieve from the sun’s scorching rays. Everyone sat on the bamboo benches, their laughter and chatter echoing through the fields.

Paul and Andrew settled at the edge of the hut. Andrew leaned back, stretching his arms while Paul peeled a pineapple with his trusty knife.

Moments later, Aling Fe arrived, carrying a tray laden with snacks—sticky rice, freshly brewed coffee, and slices of bibingka. She handed them out to the workers, her ever-present smile making the small gathering feel like a family reunion.

"You must be Senyora Elena's son," Aling Mian said, her voice warm and curious as she spoke to Andrew. "Such a hardworking and handsome young man. Our place here is beautiful; I’m sure you’re going to love it."

Andrew blushed slightly, caught off guard by the compliment. "Salamat po, Aling Mian. I already feel at home. Everyone here is so welcoming—and the view is incredible."

Paul chimed in, cutting into a slice of pineapple. "Speaking of views, we’re heading to the big mango tree surrounded by rocks tomorrow. Mika’s coming along too."

Aling Mian’s face lit up at the mention of her daughter. "That’s a great idea, Paul. Show the Senyorito around our place so he won’t get bored. Bring Mika along—I’m sure the two of them will get along well."