Love over Desire

Chapter 6 A Plea for the Farm

Aunt Macy and I may not be related by blood, but I feel deep in my soul that she considers me a true Gonzalez, just like the couple who adopted me. I stood and walked to the wall where an old photograph of the three of us hung. Sunlight, filtering through the windowpanes of our humble farmhouse, warmed my calloused hands as I traced the lines on the faded image. A younger me, face radiant with joy, stood between my adoptive parents, the vibrant green of the Gonzalez family farm a familiar, comforting backdrop. This land, this life—it was my everything.

From childhood, I walked those fields with my adoptive father, my small hands learning the language of the land—the secrets whispered by the wind through the rice paddies, the rich, earthy scent of the soil after a rain. I poured my heart and soul into this farm. It was more than a responsibility; it was my lifeblood. The dream of owning it, of securing the future of my workers, was woven into my very being. But even though I yearn for it, the farm won't be mine. It was willed to my adoptive father's son , Alex. The agonizing truth is that he plans to sell it—a thought that shatters me. A raw ache settled deep within, a constant reminder of this impending loss. Tears welled in my eyes when a knock echoed from behind my bedroom door. I fought back the tears, struggling to compose myself.

“Who is it?” I called out, my voice trembling.

“It’s Nanay Annie, Sadie,” came her gentle voice from the other side of the door.

I went to the door and opened it. “What is it, Nanay?” I asked.

“Come downstairs, Sadie. Your late breakfast is ready. Your Tito Alejandro is waiting for you at the table,” she said.

“Tito Alejandro?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. Hurry now, he’s been waiting for you. He’s talking with your Aunt Macy.”

“Okay, Nanay, I’ll be right there. I just need to wash my face.”

As I headed to the dining area, I heard Aunt Macy and Tito Alejandro engaged in lively conversation. They are relatives-in-law; Aunt Macy and my adopted father, Marcelo Gonzalez, were siblings. Tito Alejandro and my adopted mother, Alejandra, were also siblings—twins.

“Good morning, Tito, Aunt,” I greeted them, reaching for Tito Alejandro’s hand to perform the traditional mano gesture of respect.

“Good morning too, Sadie. God bless you,” Tito Alejandro replied, tapping my head—the same affectionate gesture my adopted father used to do. A pang of longing for Papa Marcelo shot through me.

I kissed Aunt Macy on the cheek and sat beside her. “Good morning too, sweetheart,” she said with a warm smile.

“So, let’s dig in,” I announced, and we began to eat. Tito Alejandro and Aunt Macy continued their conversation, and I chimed in whenever they addressed me.

Suddenly, Tito Alejandro called my name, drawing my attention.

“Yes, Tito?”

“Thank you, Sadie,” he said, sincerity resonating in his voice. “I don’t know what magic words you used with my daughter, but he changed in the blink of an eye,” he added with a chuckle.

“It was nothing, Tito. Don’t mention it,” I replied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

“You know, Sadie,” he continued, “if you were a man, I would have loved for you to marry my daughter. I know you’re the one who could completely changed her out.”

I was speechless. All I could manage was, “Tito…”

“Anyway, I’m here to see you specifically,” he continued, his voice turning serious.

“Why, Tito?” I asked.

“Maria already told you that we’re going to the city to train her in managing the company,” he said.

I nodded.

“I’m asking you to check on the hacienda and the villa while we’re gone. It’s not that I don’t trust my staff and overseers, but I need someone like you to keep an eye on things,” he added.

“No worries, Tito. I will,” I assured him.

“Thank you so much, Sadie. I’ve set aside a significant amount to—”

“That’s not necessary, Tito,” I interrupted. “Actually, I have a favor to ask, and I hope you can grant it,” I said hesitantly.

I glanced at Aunt Macy, who was also looking at me, as if she already knew what I was going to ask. She shook her head slightly, signaling me to drop it. Ignoring Aunt Macy’s subtle pinch, I began, “Tito, I don’t know if you’ve heard about Alex’s plan to sell this farmhouse and the farm.” My voice thickened with emotion.

“I’ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into keeping this farm afloat, and I won’t let it go easily. I know it might sound greedy, but I’m thinking about Nanay Annie, Aunt Macy, and all the workers who depend on this farm. What will happen to them—to us—if Alex sells it to just anyone? What if the new owners evict us?” My voice cracked. “So, I’m begging you, Tito, please, be the one to buy the farm and the farmhouse. I know you have the means. You’re far wealthier than the Gonzalezes.”

Tito Alejandro took a deep breath before speaking. “If only you and Alex shared the same vision… If only he cooperated with you, this farm could thrive. But don't worry, Sadie. It’s no problem for me. I’ll talk to Alex about it. The only issue is we haven’t been able to contact him lately. He’s vanished.”

“Thank you so much, Tito,” I whispered, relief washing over me.

“We have to help each other,” Tito replied. “We're family.”

HAPPY READING ♥️

_TAGAILOCOSNAK