The House on the Hillside Valley

by:  mahaliahscent


                 

    The House on the Hillside Valley

       (Glimpse of the past)

       The house on the Hillside Valley was one of the oldest types in all of Barangay  Cabuan. It was also a special house in the eyes of Ysa Leal because it was the home of Old Don Benito’s, the most powerful man in the village. People of great importance came and went to this house, and they came to see the only long lost daughter of Old Benito’s. It was a big and grandiose evening I ever witness in my life. Who is this woman who came into their life that for so many years we don’t have any information about her? A woman who had made her own mark on literary life in the other side of the world. It was a great pride, since she had moved here, the only heiress of the Old Don Benito.

      In one sense, leaving my unconscious mind how does it come to be, in other ways, for she had known no other home. Those with families who seek for love and importance, maybe she is not homesick, as I know she had her own family outside the city. Or maybe she comes from orphanage or recently discharges from institution, or lay off from her job, separated from his family, whatever reason is, we see her face glowing, not conscious nor afraid of. Now she counted herself fortunate indeed. She had steady work in an unusually, stimulating atmosphere she had made friends, and she had her Bill.

     She looked around the sitting room and smiled. I had a chance to talk to her, an opportunity to know her better.” Carmela, tell me  what’s going on,” Her breath grew ragged and she buried her face in her palms, trying not to think how Bill had come to her life, how close she had come to losing him. She eased at the feel of Marc’s hands on her shoulders, but her protests were passionate when he turned her round and drew her into his embrace. She was helpless to resist, and Ysa wept in his arms.

   Then she regains her composure and, weak from vented emotion, let her head rest against his shoulder. Suddenly she realized the picture she made- a sobbing, hysterical and bristled, desperate to regain her composure. This is not what I want for him; I don’t want to lose him. The man I owe everything of what I am now. The man who save me from you… and she turned to Marc. This is unfair!

      In one sense, Old Benito understands how Ysa grief too much, her life before were so complicated until Bill came to her life. Now she counted fortunate indeed after a long journey she live a good life because of Bill.

      “I have dreams, sometimes terrible dreams of this, “Tears dropped down the side of her face. He was still inside her, loud and powerful. She ached for completion. The situation was unbearable.

       He wants to marry me. He asked me yesterday. I thought of waking you, but your light was out and you seemed so out of rests since of the high of the storm. I just could not do it.”

    Oh what am I to do? Do I trust him and say yes? I love him but what if we just to pain and he find he can’t break it off with his fiancé. She shook her head and coldly she said, “You are not to see him again or have time to meet him and talk to him. How come he asks you to marry him when he has a fiancé waiting for him in Manila?

     A moment passed, and Ysa stunted at the touch of Carmela’s hand on her shoulder. “You should rest first. I will serve that young man some nourishment.” Maybe she is true… how I will trust a man who is completely stranger to me. At least Marc, I know him and his family. But, I am afraid with his fame temperament. But I want to settled down and have my dream family, a big family whom I never experience in my entire life. “Yes no one knows him as I do,” Ysa said. She looked forward to talking with Carmela and to hearing all the neighborhood gossip.

      “Good morning to you” Ysa returned. Although she looked weary, she could tell that she had been crying.

       “Are you all right?” Carmela asked, being close to Ysa.

        Ysa shook her head, I lost my baby, she said in a near whisper.

       “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you’re pregnant,” Carmela replied softly.

         I wasn’t very far for along. I always lose them. From the first few months, frilled her eyes at once and she shrugged her shoulders in bewilderment. “I don’t know what to do; I want a baby so much.” I want to give him a child. He gives up everything for me and if I can’t give him a child I am afraid maybe I lose him too!”

       Carmela touches Ysa’s hand. I’m sure you’ll have one. Ysa shook her head. I’m not as young as you. I fear I’ll never have a child. The doctor says it’s dangerous for me to carry a child.

     Carmela bit her lips and then, caring Ysa’s hand with hers she whispered, “You could adopt a well baby I know you, in just a little while you would love it just as if it were your own.

    Wherever would I find a child to adopt? Ysa asked.

     Perhaps from the Little Angel’s Homes in Cabuan, I’ve heard they help find homes for infants whose mothers are unwed or who cannot support their children, there are other such places as well.”

     Ysa nodded. But there is something in her soft heart bothers her much. What about if I try to find her…Bills own child. At least if I found her Bill will be happy then. Carmela looked at Ysa and nodded. “I agree with you, but you think Bill will approve that?

     I’ll talk to Bill about it. Perhaps it is the only way for us. Still, I am not ready to give up yet. I want try as long as I can. But this will be your promise… if something happens to me, help find Bill’s daughter.

    Carmela gave her friend a big hug. Ysa wanted children so much that Carmela knows she would go on trying to have her own even though it’s risky and failure brought her new heartbreak.

    She glances toward Bill, Ysa’s husband. As usual, he was at his PC desk in the study room working on web designing and proposals for his new system upgrading and Research Design. Ysa had a good, very loving and kind husband. And she was glad of that because Ysa is not physically strong and ten years older from him. Bill was known to be a very respectable and loving husband to Ysa and no one can question that.

    Carmela was grateful to have known this couple for quite sometimes. When they moved from the city and live in this village and meet Ysa that was the greatest regards for her. That after a long journey they get married and Old Benito's didn't argue and help them settle down. The couple work hard and help Don Benito manage their business. Carmela knew very well Ysa  a good and a loving friend ,and she will always be at her side no matter what happened.

  “I must go now.” Carmela said, squeezing Ysa’s hand, my husband Jacob must be finished by his tea perhaps.” Carmela said.

  “Please come back when you have more time, I enjoy talking to you,” Ysa told her. “But I’m being unfair. I know Jacob will get angry if you don’t hurry.”

   Carmela smiled, everyone in the neighborhood knew about Jacob’s famed temperament. She headed for home. For so many years Carmela was very patient and loving wife to his husband Jacob. Jacob   work as family driver unlike Bill who is an engineer and very understanding and loving husband to Ysa.

   Jacob doesn’t want a big family. He only wants Carmela, only Carmela to his life. He doesn’t want commitment, since she had a three year old baby but that was left to Jacob’s mother in the city, when they moved to the village. That Jacob can’t afford to have her with them. Since Carmela love Jacob so much so she never complain about his temperament.

    Jacob had enough problems with her Boss David without her telling it to be known that she was troubled by his action.

     Carmela made her way home after purchasing goods to Ysa’s merchandize. A full day’s work   awaits Carmela. It was once again a very busy day for Carmela and waited for Jacob to come home very late at night. She want to asked him where spent much of his time but she had shrugged and said, “What a waste of time!” He will not change anyway… he is used to be like that.

     Carmela climbed the old narrow steps to the room over the tenement. She kicked of her shoes, removed her uniform and threw herself across the couch, exhausted. It had been a wonderful evening, physically and mentally exhausting, but nevertheless very useful.

    She closed her eyes and in a moment had dropped off into a dreamless sleep. She sat up sleepily at the sound of voices hearing from downstairs in the tenement. Carmela instantly recognized one voice as that of Jacob. The other she was quite certain, belong to Mr. Parker. She couldn’t make out the word, but she could certainly tell they were both angry. She strained to make out the words, but then she heard the slamming of a door and Jacob’s footsteps and the old narrow stairs.

    Carmela stood up and walked hurriedly toward the door, but before she reached it, Jacob threw it open and stamped angrily into the room. She frowned, smelling the whisky on his breath.

    “What the hell are you scowling at, woman?” he shouted at her. She stepped back. Never before had he frightened her, but the smell of whisky, the tone of his voice, and his expression combined to make her feel threatened. “I’m not scowling,” she protested without raising her voice.

    “Well, I call it a scow! Very unusual and so embarrassing when a man can’t even come home without criticism!” Carmela said nothing.

      “Don’t want your time for lecture or you will not say anything or complain. I better go away and find my peace not for anyone else, not for this dumb house!” Pack up our things were leaving here,” Right now!

      Carmela opened her mouth, not just in surprise but in a deep shock. “Jacob, we have to talk. I don’t understand. What do you mean, pack up our things? Why are we leaving?”

     Jacob ignored her question.”We have time to pack up our things were leaving now.” Again she eludes and his grasp! “No, Jacob, we can’t leave here. Where will we go? 

     He look straight to Carmela, “I said were leaving and we are.” “What happened downstairs? She demanded.

    “I had a fight with that old man, Parker. He gives me words that I didn’t like to hear. You know me… I’m really like this. I won’t let them rule my life nor control me. If they want me to leave then I go, who cares!”

      Carmela blinked… disbelievingly at him. How could he is such thing? In his heart he knew that old Parker only wants him to be on time and do his job.

     She could not imagine leaving now. These people were like family to her; she had no one else. “ I have obligations, she murmured.

    The hell with your obligations! I’m going and so are you.”

    Tears began to fill her eyes. Not because she wanted to cry but because she was so frightened. “We cannot go,” she said even more softly. “We can’t go, not now.”

   He looked at her harshly. “What the hell are you talking about?”

   “I’m pregnant, we need our job. Please Jacob, go to Mr. Parker and apologize. I know he’ll take you back. I know he’ll give you another chance.”

      But it was as if he only heard part of what she said. “Pregnant! How could it be? How did you let it happen? That’s not what I need, a bubbling wife and a screaming kid!” He kicked the side of the table, and then looked into her eyes.”You stay here and have that baby with you, I’m leaving! Not again this time, I cannot afford to have another one… I said you only and no one else, understand!”

     He kicked the door and while Carmela watched in slummed silence, he threw his things together and tied them into an untidy pack.

    “Please,” Carmela murmured. Please don’t leave us!” She held out her hand toward him, but he did not respond.

     She was beyond crying. She trembled violently why was he behaving this way? Perhaps all the things people had said about him was true.

    He picked up his grab bag and bag pack, turned and without looking back, slammed the door behind him.

    Carmela sat on the chair,” perhaps when the effects of the drink wore off. When he had time to think about it clearly, perhaps then he would come back. But if he did not come back, what would become of this child, of our children. Oh, God Almighty help us, please!”

    She wipes her tears and went to her secret hiding place behind the old picture frame hang in the wall. There she had some money given to her by Jacob’s mother and some extra money given to her by her friend Ysa. She gets the envelope and opened it carefully. Her mouth opened in surprise. It was empty! Only Jacob could have taken it! She drops the envelope… now there was nothing! Nothing left! She didn’t have even one peso. What more she is going to do?

    Weeks went by and feeling great sadness. Carmela moved back into a small room. He moved to a small studio type apartment, but organized. There was less time to think about Jacob, less time to wonder where he was and if indeed he would come back… weeks went by and she missed her third blood and then her fourth. It was nearby the middle of April and the sun was warmer the days longer.

      Carmela while in the front yard, watering the plants, when her neighbor Anna handed her a letter. Carmela looked at the envelope curiously. The handwriting was neat and carefully written. It was not his handwriting but seems familiar with her. She remembered when Jacob left,Lavinia followed him. Lavinia, is the girl from the tenement building where they previously lived. This is her handwriting perhaps.

     Carmela sat down in a nearby chair and opened the letter, unfolding it carefully. It was indeed from Jacob written by someone. It was not an announcement that he was returning to her.

      Dear Carmela,

                 I am having this letter written for me. I have decided to go and venture

      to another country and take opportunity to make life more meaningful and raise

      money. I won’t let this opportunity taken for granted. I will be leaving the village

      on the 25^th of April with Lavinia. I hope this won’t be too hard for you.

                                                                                                                         Jacob   

    

         What? She read the letter again and again. Did his marriage vows mean nothing to him? There   wasn’t a single word about sending for her later, about carry for her child. There wasn’t even so much as such, “I Love You,” “I’m sorry,” even nothing except leaving me, leaving us.”

        In her condition right now, she had to face having a child alone and rearing it with no money. She had to work, and working what she could for her and for the baby and her 3 year old baby left to her mother in law. This time she must be stronger and tough for all the things she is facing now.

          “Are you all right?” Anna asked. “Oh, yes, Carmela answered. Jacob’s going out of the country with Lavinia. Maybe that is good for him, for us. There’s a lot of opportunity there. If he’ll not send for us…, Life will continue for me, for my baby and for our first born.”

        Carmela pulled herself out of the chair,” perhaps, “she said. Turning   away, knowing it would never happen. She picks up her things and ready for work. That afternoon she would meet her new boss and will be assigning to manage a flower shop. She needs to be compassionate and patience not for herself alone.

        Years had passed and no news from Jacob and Lavinia. Carmela owns the flower shop now and her two children grown up and in their college taking up bachelor’s degree. For Bill and Ysa , they ‘re love grow  stronger even they don’t have a child. They just support and help Carmela raise her children. They were good partners in business and expand more branches in the city here and abroad. God is so good to us; he is so merciful and blessed us with all his graces.

     From the distance hiding in the big wagon, a familiar man now in his middle 50’s, gray hair and ravish, looking at them, with teary eyes, he said in a soft voice…” I’m sorry, “I failed. He turned his back squeezing his hand looking up in the sky. “Did you see him, the old man? Cristina, the eldest …seems familiar to me; I just don’t remember where I saw him!”Whatever, ate we must bring this to Daddy Bill and Mommy Ysa, today is their 20th wedding anniversary, Remember! And they went to the hotel where the celebration held with they’re mom driving the car. Yes, mom… why did  you stop the car? No, maybe not him, forget it. Carmela closes the window of the car.” Let’s go, girls.”

     "It’s me Carmela," Jacob grasp… "Carmela...my sweet  Carmela!"

                                                        The End

                      “In all our doubts and weary God is always with us. Remember HIM always!“

-To God be the glory.

*Mahaliahscent

                                                          

   

                                                                                        

                                                                                                 

   

    

Ilocano Version- The Monkey and the Turtle

Subject: English I
Level: First Year High School
Topic: Narrative

                                     
                                                 
                                                                   

THE MONKEY AND THE TURTLE

IlocanoVersion

                A monkey, looking very sad and dejected, was walking along the bank of the river one day when he met a turtle.

"How are you?" asked the turtle, noticing that he looked sad.

The monkey replied, "Oh, my friend, I am very hungry. The squash of Mr. Farmer were all taken by the other monkeys, and now I am about to die from want of food."

"Do not be discouraged," said the turtle; "take a bolo and follow me and we will steal some banana plants."

               So they walked along together until they found some nice plants which they dug up, and then they looked for a place to set them. Finally the monkey climbed a tree and planted his in it, but as the turtle could not climb he dug a hole in the ground and set his there.

              When their work was finished they went away, planning what they should do with their crop. The monkey said:

"When my tree bears fruit, I shall sell it and have a great deal of money."

And the turtle said: "When my tree bears fruit, I shall sell it and buy three varas of cloth to wear in place of this cracked shell."

              A few weeks later they went back to the place to see their plants and found that that of the monkey was dead, for its roots had had no soil in the tree, but that of the turtle was tall and bearing fruit.

             "I will climb to the top so that we can get the fruit," said the monkey. And he sprang up the tree, leaving the poor turtle on the ground alone.

"Please give me some to eat," called the turtle, but the monkey threw him only a green one and ate all the ripe ones himself.

             When he had eaten all the good bananas, the monkey stretched his arms around the tree and went to sleep. The turtle, seeing this, was very angry and considered how he might punish the thief. Having decided on a scheme, he gathered some sharp bamboo which he stuck all around under the tree, and then he exclaimed:

"Crocodile is coming! Crocodile is coming!"

The monkey was so startled at the cry that he fell upon the sharp bamboo and was killed.

Then the turtle cut the dead monkey into pieces, put salt on it, and dried it in the sun. The next day, he went to the mountains and sold his meat to other monkeys who gladly gave him squash in return. As he was leaving them he called back:

             "Lazy fellows, you are now eating your own body; you are now eating your own body."

              Then the monkeys ran and caught him and carried him to their own home.

"Let us take a hatchet," said one old monkey, "and cut him into very small pieces."

But the turtle laughed and said: "That is just what I like, I have been struck with a hatchet many times. Do you not see the black scars on my shell?"

Then one of the other monkeys said: "Let us throw him into the water,"

At this time  the turtle cried and begged them to spare his life, but they paid no heed to his pleadings and threw him into the water. He sank to the bottom, but very soon came up with a lobster. The monkeys were greatly surprised at this and begged him to tell them how to catch lobsters.

             "I tied one end of a string around my waist," said the turtle. "To the other end of the string I tied a stone so that I would sink."

The monkeys immediately tied strings around themselves as the turtle said, and when all was ready they plunged into the water never to come up again.

And to this day monkeys do not like to eat meat, because they remember the ancient story.  

            

The Creation

                                                  

                         





An Igorot Folk Tale

                In the beginning there were no people on the earth.Lumawig the Great Spirit, came down from the sky and cut many reeds. He divided these into pairs which he placed in different parts of the world, and then he said to them, :You must speak." Immediately the reeds became people, and in each place was a man and a woman who could talk, but the language of each couple differed from that of others.

               Then Lumawig commanded that each man and woman marry, which they did. By and by there were many children, all speaking the same language as their parents. These, in turn married and had many children. In this way there came to be many people on the earth.

               Now Lumawig saw that there were several things which the people on the earth needed to use, so he set to work to supply them. He created salt, and told the inhabitants of one place to boil it down and sell it to their neighbors. But these people could not understand the directions of the Great Spirit and the next time he visited them, they had not touched the salt.

              Then he took it away from them and gave it to the people called Mayinit. These did as he directed, and because of this he told them that they should always be owners of the salt, and that the other people must buy from them.

             Then Lumawig went to the people of Bontoc, and told them to get clay and make pots. They got the clay, but they did not understand the moulding, and the jars were not well shaped. Because      of their failure, Lumawig told them that they would always have to buy jars and he moved the pottery to Samoki. When he told the people there what to do, they did just as he said, and their jars were well shaped and beautiful. Then the Great Spirit saw that they were fit owners of the poetry, and told them that they should always make many jars to sell.

            In this way Lumawig taught the people and brought to themall the things which they now have.

Narrative- The Monkey and the Turtle

Topic: Narrative
Subject: English I
Lesson 1- A Film - The Monkey and the Turtle ( A Filipino Fable)
Skill: Appreciation of the Narrative read
Level: First Year High School

                                                 

                                          

Everlasting Love By: Mahaliahscent

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    Editor’s Note: Every series of the contents of this story are purely fictitious, from the characters, events and incidents is a product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance of these characters to actual persons, living or dead, or of author’s fictitious events to any events that may have occurred at that time, is purely coincidental .Mentioning also those previous poems and short stories posted by Mahaliahscent were only but all fictitious. Thank you for reading the poems and stories.  Enjoy reading and God Bless you all.

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                                                    Everlasting Love

                                                    By: Mahaliahscent

   “Zhaidec…” Noemi spoke in a near whisper. Why are you doing this to me? Why am so important to you? I must admit… without you there would be no life for me. With you I can bear anything that happens, but without you I am nothing.” Looking at him with her sweetest smile, he leaned down and kissed her cheeks. And whisper…”It’s the same for me,” he said softly. “I need you, Noemi.” His lips found the soft sweetness of her skin, and he began to move quickly, he wants the world stop for seconds, he wants to enjoy being with his woman.

        They missed each other so much, their body seemed to melt together naturally, and they need each other. “Noemi, my Noemi,” he whispered, again his lips moving against her mouth, drawing out her passion. “Are you afraid with me?” with his big eyes try to scared Noemi, “ha ha ha ha… Noemi,   my Noemi”. He touched her long black hair, breathing deeply, allowing himself to enjoy the moment fully, and never knowing what tomorrow might bring. He wanted her as much today as always, and he would love her forever….

                         He stood at the bus station, glance his wrist watch and look at the people comes from the bus. He walked towards the ticket window asking the in-charge what time the next bus will arrive. A glint from the afternoon sun accenting the hard lines rugged living had etched into the brown skin of his handsome face. His curled black hair was brushed up and held his arm to it. His qurtha … he uses to take it off and just wear shirt and jeans. He was in city which is not so familiar with him. He must not look too “Indian,” although that was almost impossible, for everything about him was Indian. He dearly loved to wear white and brown but he likes all colors. He spends much time in his computer, studying and surfing, system analysis, encoding, and a lot more. He wants to help his family and work for them let his brothers attend their family business and he will work for them. He was so afraid with his mom and always hides his interests. No one knows where he is now, no one knows he travel far from his place just to see and meet her girlfriend. Three hours he spent waiting for her woman… “Where are you now? Noemi, my Noemi”, he is beginning to get upset now. His face is getting red wants to clinch his fist… but he can’t do anything just to wait for her. He can’t call her because he left his mobile no where that he can’t remember where he drops his mobile. “If she won’t come then this is it… I have to go back and never see her anymore”. He sits on the long bench inside the passenger’s booth, the air-conditioned room is so cold but he is sweating and feels anxious. What he did is to hold his hands to his face offer prayers,” Please God let her come and see me”.

                 “What are you thinking?” The soft voice came from his right side. He turned to look at his woman, his Noemi girl, who had just arrived from the last trip. It had been a hard journey to Colorado from the place he came but he had to come for Noemi and it irritated him that she had to come at all very late.”Why just now... can’t you come on time? What did you do the whole day? Are you busy with others... maybe your job again? His eyes drifted from her lovely face back to the bus where she rides then to the rutted streets over which cars clattered amid the bustle of a growing city. “I’m thinking about if what would happen to me if you will not come to see me; maybe I will just sleep here in this terrain or catch up the next flight and won’t see you anymore.” The airport is 40 minutes travel to the bus terminal, so if Noemi won’t come Zhaidec will just go back to the airport and returns home.

                   “Look at me--- standing here in white man’s clothes because I don’t dare to come to city dressed as what they call me.” Noemi says, “As an Indian, but look at yourself you’re an Indian”. He met her eyes again. “I’m not I said, and you have to wear that tight uncomfortable ‘proper’ pink woman’s shirt and jeans instead of the tunics you like so well, and without scarf or nakab, just so you aren’t scorned in the streets.”

                    She lay on her side watching him, studying the lean, slim body that remained so tame but strong despite his younger age as 33 years. There was nothing hard or muscular body figure about Zhaidec Khan, except perhaps a few extra lines on his forehead and deep seated eyes. The pointed nose that I love to touch, the thin lips that I love to kiss, fine beard and mustache that tickles me because of that I miss him so much. Noemi was surprised when he call for a taxicab, now where we going to your place or my place? “I rent a pad in case you will not show up,” said Zhaidec. Noemie just smiled, “Now you sound like Swift Arrow”.

                 That was ten years ago to be exact, now they’re married and shares interest in raising their children to good school and work hard for their children’s future. Zhaidec never change still the same man when he meets before.

                    That was also the side of him she understood best, which was why she understood him, his family, lifestyles, living and belief. He was raise good by his family. He has a loving parents, brothers, sisters and relatives. A fine living that everybody wants in life. He never suffers pain and sorrow because his way of life. Everybody loves him because he is the youngest son. Then she met Noemi that changes his lifestyles, his interest and dreams. He wants to change Noemi’s life, be with her in times of needs but they are far from each other. Even if he wants he can’t afford to do that. He has to continue his studies and be professional. He is doing that not because of his family but because of Noemi too. He has only one direction to take this time to be with Noemi for a week, a month or maybe a year. “But not forever”, Noemi said. “Why not, time will come and God will make a way… just trust Him.

                      She can’t do anything but to follow for she know that Zhaidec will do his promise to her. This old dilapidated house owned by his uncle Noah maybe best for you,” Noemi guide him to the house. He sighed and staring up at the ceiling. “I know, but what else can we do? Your family won’t allow me to stay in your house, its fine for me at least I can see you and talk to you more often.” He still can’t accept why Noemi’s family want him to be separated with him, because she left Noemi and escape his responsibility as husband and father of their kids. Ten long years of waiting and only now he show up, for what? To disturb Noemi and make her life complicated again? “I don’t know if this time you’re for good, but what’s in my mind is you’re my husband and I should not hide you from our children. “She says.

               He sighed and ambled over to her and carries Noemi into his arms, his animal grace reminiscent of wild things and the outdoors. He begun unbuttoned his shirt and began to remove it, revealing a slim figure, firm chest and muscular arms. A young good looking man now on her front, she is no longer dreaming … this is reality. “He rolled to his side, resting on his elbow and looking down at her. She always felt dwarfed beneath his tall, slim frame. He had inherited his powerful body from his brown father, who has been a very big man. His hard-edged leanness came from his Indian side, as did his brown skin and the piercing blue eyes that sometimes could almost hypnotize her, even after all the years they had been together. He ran his fingers lightly over her throat and chin.

                       “Still the same Noemi I love so dearly, I do,” he told her, forcing a smile for her. Things had been hard enough on them the last four days waiting for him to come and the hours he spent in the bus terminal almost an agony for him. At least he could try to keep his mood even. “Every time you talk like that I think about the eighteen-year-old girl I meet on that love bus, and how she try to escape from me as I follow her impatiently to her auntie’s house in Green Meadows and how she took that bamboo and threw unto my face.

                        She smiled sadly at the memory. She’d lost her dad when she was still a baby that’s been her mother told her and never see him. She grows in a family of her mom’s brother and her mom married another man and raises her own family. How painstakingly her life was because his poster father was so very strict not even split of seconds she receives beat and punishments for every mistake she committed. She even hurdled herself to work then study and took scholarship for her free education in college. That’s the reason why I came to see her to end up her misery. She studied the provocative smile that had made her melt when she was eighteen that still made her melt, nineteen more years and four children maybe later if it is our destiny. I want too but how will I start if we will end up with nothing.”Imagine! After all the years you’ve been telling me everything will be all right, no one will interfere even my mom, my relatives, friends and your family too.” Now it was she who was getting upset, despite her intention to calm down Zhaidec.”So this is the end of everything we had shared together,” took her scarf and sit. She met his blue eyes and they were dancing as he studied her lovely face. Her skin was still soft, thanks to the cream she used, and her soft long black hair showed no sign of gray. Zhaidec Noemi girl was still firm in the right places.

                       “Why on earth are you smiling, Zhaidec Khan?” she asked with a frown. “Nothing, I enjoy seeing you get angry,” he answered.”You’re prettier when you’re angry.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Besides, if we can’t see a little humor in this dammed life, we might as well end it here and now, Noemi.” His smile faded then. “Things are going to get worse, I’m afraid. The day is coming when it will be a lot harder to smile.”

                      Their eyes held, a million memories flashing through both their minds….. Years gone by…. those first years spent with Zhaidec was heaven for her, no worries, no problems, everything is but happiness and sweetness… the hardships of surviving in a wild dreams far away from him will just ended with nothing.

                      There had been so many challenges and sacrifices, so many nights of crying since she’d come west and had fallen in love and married the half-breed fellow from western coast. Fate and necessity had separated them far too many times, but always he’d come back. Always her Zhaidec had returned to hold her, protect her, and provide for her needs.

                       But their last separation had brought the most pain. The family of her and him had torn them apart, sending Zhaidec east and leaving Noemi vulnerable in a city of thieves. Zhaidec’s pain at not being there in her most dire time of need could be read in his blue, loving eyes, especially in their intimate moments. Over all their years together, he had always protected her. He’d risked his life for her more than once, and he’d always sworn he would not allow her to be hurt. Yet he had failed her that one time, and he will not forgive himself, never forget it. Noemi! His beautiful, faithful Noemie-girl,I will never forgive myself and all my life I will never forget this. So much! They had been through so much together…. and survived! Always it seemed that their pain and loss came through in their lovemaking, mingled with their joy and laughter. Each time they made love the experience was enhanced by the deep secrets they shared, the special things that only two people who had been through what they had and who had survived could appreciate. His sweet kisses smothered her, and within moments they were both in the midst of excitement. It was as though this was all, as though this was the only way they could prove that as long each had the other everything would be all right. This was something no one could take away. No one!

                      In these wonderful moments all sorrow and pain were left behind. The end of everything, the unpredictable future was not to be thought of now. For all those years at least they were still together. Here, in each other’s arms, lay their power, their determination to survive against all odds. This great love could endure. “Sometimes it hurts to think about our future,” Noemi said. But I have to accept the real you. He kissed her eyes. “I know, but that’s life, Noemi girl. Everybody needs to move on.

                     She ran her fingers lightly over his handsome mouth. “I don’t want to think about that…about us getting separated….the children getting older. But if that would be our fate I am willing to sacrifice. I am just here waiting for you and will never close the door for you. She smiled through her burgeoning tears. “Oh, I look forward to that!”

                      “You are to me. And you’re, by God, beautiful enough that I have to keep a close eye on you in these wild cities. If you can only go and stay with me but life for us is so unfair. I have to leave you not because I don’t want responsibilities but because of fate that hinders our relationship. This will not take for a long time, trust me.”He shook his head at how fast he deep breathes looking again to Noemi’s beautiful face.

                       Three hours had passed still no Noemi in the bus terminal; he has to go to catch up the last trip bringing him to the airport for his flight to Colorado. “She will never show up”, said Zhaidec. He kneels down to kiss his youngest son, hugs his children for the last time. “I have to go now, I’ll be back soon, please tell your mom how much I love her.” The children wave their hand, “come home soon daddy.”

                       “I will you take care of yourself and your mom, I love you.” Zhaidec close the window and one last glance but there is no Noemi. She is there hiding in the corner looking for the departure of his Zhaidec. This time she knew that he will not returned home. It will be forever leaving her alone again. Race and breeding that’s the reason why he need to leave them. What a mixture of sentiments she needs to be brave and accept because of her children. If she will give up what will happened to their children. “I trust you God; you will give the way for me.”Noemi held the hands of her children and leaves the bus terminal. This time she needs to be compassionate for her children future.

                        They walk towards their car when someone catches her attention, a familiar voice calling her name and the children.”Noemi, my Noemi…. My God I can’t leave you! I don’t care about fame, race and breeding. It’s you, only you and the children is my life.” Zhaidec hugs and kiss Noemi and embraces their children. “This time, I won’t leave you anymore. I am your protector, your family and your life.” We can live a simple life with us alone, for us nothing is impossible. I’ll be good husband to you and good father of your children.” He grinned and ran a hand over her smooth skin and kisses her lips. “All I see is my pretty little Noemi, and you‘re still like a young girl for me, never grow up, hmmmmm.” Zhaidec replied with flirting smile. “Oppps… there are minors around, can’t you wait until we gets home.” Children say.

             They leave the place with smile.From then, the family live happily ever after.-end

                                          

                                                         




                                                      

                                                                                                               

                                                                 

                   

                   

                      

                      

 

A Woman name Zheshkah, "Life Trail"

           The true of childhood and giving up is fascinating experiences and joyful moments that she treasures a lot, she works hard and was inspired with too much care and love of her father, though most of the time she was beaten up for any mistakes she committed.Always her uncle depend her most of the time do the tasks given to her and finished that on time.But, it didn't took too long for he died when he was 25 years old because of cancer.Yes, she used to remember  in her childhood, she must  get up as early as 3:00 o'clock in the morning to cook for breakfast and  at 4:00 o'clock , she had to go with her grandfather to harvest vegetables in the farm to be sold in the market and at 6:00 o'clock, before sun rises she had to bring the horse to the field and while riding on his back she is  singing  a lullaby song she learned from her mom. She needs to go  back to the house before 7:00 for her to get ready for school, a daily routine assigned to her with no complain. That would not end up to that... she had to bring some chocolates, biscuits, bread and candies not for her snacks but for sale.She only had to study and read her lecture notes while selling those items to her classmates and teachers.She had to sleep very late at night for she need to finished the chores and 20 minutes before bedtime she had to answer her school assignments, but that was almost 12 midnight.For every mistakes she got,   she always been punished, they do that  to discipline her. A training for her to be tough, to be a strong woman, but she will not enter in military for she is just a petite and weak person. But what is the world outside? She is only happy and feel comfortable if she is with her friends and classmates, she feel calm and secured if she is praying in the house of God. She feel the  importance and proud if she excels in school.There is only a piece of doubt that bothers in her mind, why only her was treated like that. All of her sisters are not doing anything , they enjoy their childhood, they wear new and nice clothes and they don't even washed clothes, cook and went with her father to the farm only her. She always wish her auntie would come again to visit her. It was a long time that she didn't see her,  after her marriage to his American boyfriend.She always  remember, she was treated" like  a little princess" when her aunt was still with her. What she recalls... when she was in grade school when her aunt bade goodbye and go with her husband in America. Always her aunt send money for her but, since they were too many so she didn't bother to  ask for more. Until she had the courage to apply for a scholarship and  study for free. She never complains even when she was in her college years she still don't stop the routine work for her.She gets matured in her early age. For all her painstaking work she graduated with honors. And for her that was the most important day in her life seeing her father smile and hug her saying with pride and confidence, "that's my daughter! I am so proud of you!"
                   With the rule of reason and repression, sacrifices to awaken the inner self, storm, they says, "it almost dreaded her, because she woke the being she was always hulling, and stirred up a craving cry in her childhood and grow as unsatisfied and craving for love and care of a father, of a family. That she needs  to be good, faithful and must excel in all aspects for her to be loved and be given attention and importance."This longing, and all of a similar kind," was necessary to knock on her head, which she did  it  figuratively, after the manner of pain, suffering and a big question that only now she realizes and understand why she is treated like that, and another why... she suffer much pain and struggle to live, to earn and crave for the love and care she didn't feel in most of her childhood, until a man came to her life, succumb..., but she saw the light, the hope, the care, happiness and willingness to understand what life is.
                     Although it is true that she is reticent and evasive about her past, it is not true she evade it entirely, nor it is true that the sources of her purest misery must remain a mystery to the reader.Although it was not describe specific events of her childhood and young womanhood, she does describes the pattern of them.Her marriage seems a repetition of the pain and struggle in her childhood , you see her happy outside but crying inside.
                    When you asked her a lot of her childhood... grief, trouble and sacrifices she weep... but seen in her beautiful face, she never feel regrets nor asking for more, for a new life, the family where she grows,still the family she will keep and choose in spite of the truth that she never felt happiness and  accepted by them. No respect was given to her even though she help her father to support them in their studies, that she has to set aside her priorities, her own life just to follow his father to help them. Still her sisters were so mean to her that gives her a  lot of pain, and ask herself again ..." why?... why they are like that? What have I done?", All her life, she help her father to send her sisters in good school and she never complains, never heard she is complaining of anything she does for the family.
                  Well, where was I? Not only in what spot of her suffering, but in what she is now! As she tells me, she will continue her struggle and overcome adversity without noticeable damage of whatever may come for her in the future. They are like clouds, that sometimes cloudy, windy and stormy , because for her past gives her completeness, "she loved the past". Her part and her obstacles in her part prevent them from fully inhabiting the present and confidently looking forward for her future. this is not possible for her, in where past too much has gone wrong.
                  "A sudden amazement at her own perverse proceeding stretch like a bow upon me". I saw her courage, her strong determination in spite of all her experiences, a trail she could have done better had I known herself better.
                Talking with her , spending much time listening to her, she leads a useful, independent life. She can take pride in knowing herself successful in the face of almost insurmountable odds.For it is the victory of solitary, and I know, because she told me, that this is not enough for her. She has always hoped for a happy marriage, of a complete happy family in which she can express and fulfill her hidden inner self. She is such so wonderful and lovable woman of courage and inspiration."The artist can cry, can laugh, can fight, can heal wounds of distress, as Zheshkah does, she shall not stop hoping!" for she believe in this world chaos and struggle is just a battle to fight for, to move on... just keep the faith and confidence, and think the most high who always keep us and guide us here in our hearts,... in this world... and... in paradise.-"To God be the glory!"
-mahaliah