Chapter 2- The Man Who Refused to be "Kiss and Tell"

So girl, won't you tell me

how to tell her about you

How can I tell her I don't miss her

whenever I am away

How can I say it's you I think…

Source: Musixmatch

As expected, Czarina was awaken and urged by her third older sister to entertain her suitor at the terrace. If July wasn't tipsy and hadn't slept, Czarina was supposedly obliged to sing a song in response to the songs sang by July and his friends for her.

From that time on, after the 'harana', July formally wooed Czarina at her home. When a dance party in their place was conducted, Czarina could dance while her father was watching her. During the dance, only July could dance her as this young man never allowed anyone to dance her.

Having been a loyal friend, she was unable to forget the favor asked from her by Nina. So while dancing to the tune of sweet lovely music, she asked July to return the letter of Nina. Unfortunately, July denied her her request as he told her that it was already a mere ash.

In order not to hurt Nina's heart, she once again told her a white lie... That she forgot to ask him.

July's mother was known to be the most outspoken boastful woman in their place. The courtship of his July to Czarina was broadcast and claimed to be asking the latter's hand from her father. As Nina, Czarina and July were all residents of the neighbourhood, this declaration of a marriage plan reached the ears of Nina. Unknown to everybody, Nina expressed her frustration and depression about her feelings for July. As a protective loving mother, Nina's mom called Czarina to tell her that July is a young man who is good for nothing as he both wooed me and Nina since we are friends. Czarina just listened attentively. Not a word came out from her mouth.

Came the day of July's wooing to Czarina when she confronted him about the letter she was asking to return to Nina. The same answer was given to her by July... The letter was burnt to ashes. Such similar answer forced Czarina to interrogate him.

"Is your intention in courting Nina true or not?" she asked him.

July remained quiet.

"Do you really like Nina? If you do, well.. You can stop wooing me."

Silence prevail..

"Would you like to tell me something about you and her?"

He shut his mouth tightly.

"Since you wouldn't talk even a word, from now on, you should not come anymore unless otherwise you are ready to explain about you and Nina."

July left Czarina's house sadly. Normally, he would not stay home. This time he went home and brooded.

It is not Nina that I desire to spend the rest of my life. My heart, mind and soul hunger for Czarina... Not Nina. But how will I tell Czarina the truth without being a kiss and tell sort of a man I am. Although I don't love Nina even a bit, still she is a woman like my mother, my sisters, my nieces and my Czarina. I was so fool in agreeing with my friends' crazy bet. I was a fool to be tempted to win over a galloon of coconut wine. I was a fool to drink wine for free to my heart's content as a victory party. It was my egoistic attitude that result to my suffering at this moment. Now, how could I resolve this matter without insulting women!?

Think... Think... Think.. July.. You Fool!

Two weeks passed since the declaration of restraining order to July by Czarina. However these two weeks for July seems two decades. He is now beginning to think the despicable means of Nina to hinder his desire for Czarina to be his wife. For him, Nina was a sesame seed compared to Czarina who is a nutty sweetened Pili nut. This voluptuous young maiden who was nurtured carefully by her strict parents like some delicate fragile objects who can't be approached by anyone is every man's dream to spend an eternal life with her. With her good natured reputation as well-disciplined child is a marrying type of a woman to be served, cared, and loved perpetually. Would his dream to be with her all through his life turn into waste just because of Nina?

"No guts, no glory!" according to a well known adage.

Czarina was with her siblings at their home busy doing household chores. While working, they tuned in their radio to listen to a favorite drama they were very fond of listening. All of a sudden a tapping from their front door was heard. Assuming that it was a sound produced by their pet dog, they ignored it and continued working. However, ignoring that sound is not good as it has become louder and louder. Hence, Czarina's attention doubtfully thought that it was not caused by their dog. Curiosity drove her to walk towards their front door to open it. Surprised by the presence of the least unexpected visitor, she immediately closed the door but failed to do so as July was a million times quicker than her to hold the door remained open... And pushed it widely.

"You told me that once I am ready to explain, then I can come back." he said imploringly.

Czarina was speechless as she had no reason to refute her own words coined by July.

The discussion began.

Czarina, please forgive me and bear with my rudeness if you think it is rude for me to say some harsh words. But before it, I would like to tell you that mocking a woman is mocking my sisters, my nieces, my aunts, my mother and even you Czarina. This is the ultimate reason why I refused to talk or tell you the truth two weeks ago.

Czarina I do hope that you knew pretty well what a manly pride is. My pride as a man was at stake and challenged. It was a bet for fun that I agreed with my friends to prove that I could easily swayed Nina to be my girlfriend. Had it not for my pride, I could have easily rejected such craziness of my friends. But... I... Didn't bother to refuse... As I could drink enjoyably with my other friends.

It... Was... Just... A bet... For fun. A joke..

Czarina was dumbfounded.

She was tongue tied.

She couldn't believe what she had just recently heard.

Then... She mumbled... Stammered... And paused for a moment.

She opened her mouth. How about me? What is my status with you? Am I another girl for fun for you? Another human being for a bet over a coconut wine?

July was suddenly confused... He was perplexed... Nonplussed.. But was able to recover his composure.

To defend himself he said..... Only Veannie, Ren and Ben knew that my intention for you is true. I want you, like you and fond of you...

Another speechless moment... Another quiet time that even the sound of a fallen needle could be heard.

It was the same reason why I burnt her letter. I don't want to remember my foolishness.

Back to conversation mode...

Alright come back after two weeks.

That is too long for my punishment. Can you make it two days?

No!

Five days?

No, again.

One week?

Silent mode...

Will one week be enough for you to think about us?

I shall just tell Veannie my answer if one week is enough for me to ponder on.

As he left, he was mumbling.. Hopeless. Hopeful... Hopeless.. Hopeful repeatedly.