The First Love

In their modest home, Marie was in her room, getting ready and applying makeup in front of the mirror. Her mother, Lita, entered and began to brush her daughter's hair.

"You look beautiful," Lita remarked.

"Thank you, Mama," Marie replied with a smile. "I'm so excited for the party."

"Just remember to mind your manners," Lita gently reminded her. "The guests there are part of high society."

"I will," Marie promised as she slipped into the powdered blue cocktail dress that Nenotchka had lent her.

"I heard Old Man Mang Caloy helped you out," Lita mentioned.

"He did. He saved me from some drunk men who tried to bother me," Marie explained.

"That's the first time I've heard of him stepping out like that to help someone," Lita mused. "Just be careful around him—he's quite mysterious."

With that, Lita left the room, leaving Marie curious about Mang Caloy's enigmatic identity.

At six in the evening, Marie arrived at the Serrano Estate, which looked like a palace to those from her village. As she entered the lobby, the guests couldn't help but stare at her from head to toe. Fortunately for Marie, she was the recent beauty pageant winner, not just an ordinary farmer's daughter.

Doña Agatha was busy attending to her guests, with food flowing from the tables and trays carried by the maids. It was a lavish party, fit for royalty, especially since the prized guests were members of the powerful Marino family.

Rina, Emi, and Riho sat at the head of the long table, beside the most influential lady in the province. The three were enjoying the night, full of food and entertainment. Rina was scrolling through her phone, checking for messages when she noticed Marie approaching.

"Oh, there you are!" Rina exclaimed, offering Marie a seat. "Come, sit with me."

Marie hesitated, nervous as she felt the sweat forming on her forehead. She glanced at Rina, unsure of what to do.

"Don't be shy," Rina encouraged with a smile, and Marie reluctantly took the seat beside her.

"Are Muro and Charee coming over?" Emi asked Rina, her almost stepdaughter.

"No, they're busy," Rina replied before turning to Marie. "So, I heard you entered the contest to help pay for your college education?"

"Yes," Marie said quietly, lowering her head. "My parents can't afford to send me to college, so I have to work hard."

"I could offer you a scholarship in exchange for some work if you're interested," Rina proposed, causing Emi and Riho to exchange surprised glances.

"You're not the mayor of this town, so why would you offer that?" Riho questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Why shouldn't I?" Rina replied with a confident smile. "I can do anything, even if I'm not the mayor."

Riho and Emi just stared at Rina, perplexed by her usual carefree attitude. As the dinner and conversation continued, one of the townsmen, Domeng, began a conversation with Agatha.

"Madam, you've invited some of the wealthiest men in the province, but we noticed you didn't invite that old man who lives near the plaza," Domeng, a town councilor, remarked.

"Who?" Agatha asked curiously.

"That man, Mang Caloy," Domeng explained. "He arrived in our town six months ago. He's been helping people, has two bodyguards, and seems quite wealthy."

"I don't know him, so why would I invite him?" Agatha responded, sipping her wine.

"Mang Caloy helped cover all my expenses for the beauty pageant," Marie interjected, drawing raised eyebrows from the socialites.

"He came to town six months ago, and Karl disappeared around the same time," Riho murmured, narrowing her eyes at Rina. "Do you really know where your father went?"

"That's for me to find out," Rina replied bluntly.

"As his daughter, you should know," Emi added.

"Even the wife here doesn't know where her husband is, so how would the daughter?" Rina quipped with a grin. "He disappeared to avoid causing trouble, isn't that what he said?"

The room fell silent as Emi, Riho, Marie, and the other guests absorbed Rina's words. Unbothered, Rina continued to enjoy her meal.

"If you don't mind me saying, your father did a lot for the farmers here," Domeng said. "He ensured we could work freely, without interference from rebels or warlords."

"Good for him," Riho muttered, letting out a sigh as she stared at her plate.

"Madam Marino, Madam Takahashi, Ms. Rina, I'd like you to meet my son, Edward," the host introduced. Edward, a typical-looking man with long hair, fair skin, and a tall frame, had studied at Yale University. Though the Marino family wasn't particularly impressed, they politely pretended to be.

Edward approached Rina and kissed her hand, showing respect not only to the daughter of a legendary statesman but also to a beautiful woman.

"It's an honor to meet such lovely ladies," Edward greeted them.

"Nice to meet you too," Rina responded, placing a hand lightly on Marie's shoulder. "This is Marie, the new Miss Nueva Vizcaya."

"I didn't realize there was such a beautiful young lady here," Edward remarked, kissing Marie's hand. The gesture left Marie speechless and trembling, clearly captivated by his presence.

"Anyway, let's discuss the Santacruzan," Doña Agatha suggested.

"Madam Serrano, my siblings and I can't guarantee that we'll be able to stay more than three days," Rina regretfully informed her. "We've been called to a meeting in Tokyo about my father."

"That's unfortunate to hear," Doña Agatha responded.

"But Marie would make a great Queen Helena, and your son could be Constantine," Rina suggested.

"That could be arranged," Doña Agatha agreed. "What do you think, Marie?"

"Uh... I suppose," Marie stammered as Agatha looked her up and down. Unable to meet the Hermana Mayor's gaze, Marie was visibly intimidated.

"I should go," she suddenly said, rushing toward the exit. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into Edward, knocking herself to the floor.

"Are you alright?" Edward asked, kneeling to help her up.

Marie, struck by his good looks, was momentarily speechless. She quickly stood up and ran out of the mansion, just like Cinderella fleeing the ball.

------

The morning after Rina and her aunts left Nueva Vizcaya, Marie lay in her bed, her thoughts swirling with excitement about the upcoming Santacruzan. She stared up at the ceiling, a dreamy smile playing on her lips as she recalled the events of the previous evening.

"He is so handsome!" she suddenly exclaimed, her heart fluttering at the memory of Edward.

Just then, Lita appeared at the doorway, her eyebrows raised in amusement. She had overheard her daughter's excited outburst and couldn't resist teasing her. "Feeling flirty and giggly, aren't you?" Lita said, stepping into the room with a knowing grin.

Marie quickly sat up, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "No, I'm not!" she protested, though her voice lacked conviction. She tried to hide her face with her hands, but Lita's teasing look was relentless.

"Alright, alright," Marie finally relented, peeking out from behind her fingers. "I admit it. Edward is really handsome."

Lita's laughter filled the room as she moved closer to her daughter. "Ah, my daughter has a crush," she said, sitting down on the edge of the bed and gently ruffling Marie's hair.

Marie sighed, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. "But there's a problem, Mama. He's rich, and I'm just a poor provincial girl. We live in different worlds."

Lita's expression softened as she stroked her daughter's hair, a mother's wisdom shining in her eyes. "It's okay to have feelings, Marie," she said softly. "But remember, our lives are very different from theirs. It's better to guard your heart, to avoid getting hurt."

Marie nodded, understanding her mother's concern, but the excitement in her heart refused to be dampened. She couldn't stop thinking about Edward and the way he had looked at her.

Later that day, before heading to the cathedral for the Santacruzan rehearsal, Marie decided to take a refreshing bath in the river near their humble hut. The sun was shining brightly, and the water glistened like diamonds as it flowed gently over the rocks. Wearing only a kamison, a thin, sleeveless silk shirt that clung to her wet skin, Marie waded into the cool water.

As the water flowed over her hair and cascaded down her body, she closed her eyes, savoring the refreshing sensation. She splashed her face and let the water trail down her arms, feeling the tension in her muscles melt away. For a moment, she was completely lost in the tranquility of the river, unaware that she was being watched.

Edward, who happened to be passing by the river, stumbled upon the scene. He froze in place, his breath catching in his throat as he caught sight of Marie bathing in the water. The way the sunlight danced on her wet skin, the delicate curve of her figure, and the serene expression on her face captivated him completely. Her kamison clung to her body, revealing more than she probably realized, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from the sight.

"Oh my God," Edward murmured to himself, his heart pounding in his chest. "She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Marie, still oblivious to Edward's presence, continued her bath, running her fingers through her hair and letting the water cleanse her worries away. When she finally emerged from the river, the water dripping from her skin, Edward quickly ducked behind a tree, not wanting to be seen. He watched as she gracefully walked away from the river, her wet hair clinging to her back, and he couldn't help but think that she looked like a vision from a dream.

At the cathedral, the participants of the Santacruzan had assembled inside for the rehearsal. The grand arches and stained glass windows of the cathedral cast colorful patterns on the floor as the group gathered, each person preparing for their role in the procession. Marie stood nervously beside Edward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she tried to calm her racing heart. She could feel his presence beside her, strong and reassuring, but it only made her more aware of her own nervousness.

Edward noticed her unease and turned to her with a concerned expression. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle and full of concern.

Marie quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "No, nothing's wrong," she replied, but inside, her thoughts were a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety. She stole a glance at him, admiring the way his features were illuminated by the soft light filtering through the cathedral's windows. "Oh dear," she thought to herself, "he's so handsome. Look at his face, his eyes… his whole presence is just so overwhelming."

Despite her attempts to calm herself, Marie couldn't stop her heart from racing every time Edward spoke or even just stood close to her. She felt as if she was floating on air, barely able to focus on the rehearsal.

After the practice session, Edward turned to her with a smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Can I walk you home?" he offered, his voice warm and sincere.

Marie's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a surge of happiness bubble up inside her. "He's walking me home!" she thought, barely able to contain her excitement. Her mind raced with thoughts of what this could mean, but she quickly composed herself and nodded. "Yes, I'd like that," she replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

As they left the cathedral and walked side by side along the narrow path leading to the Rafaras' hut, the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sounds of the evening filled the quiet spaces between their conversation.

"So," Edward began, glancing at her with a curious smile, "do you have a boyfriend?"

Marie's heart skipped a beat at the question, and she quickly shook her head. "No, I don't have one," she said, her voice a little shaky.

Edward looked at her with a mix of surprise and admiration. "You're so beautiful. I'm sure there are plenty of men who would love to be your boyfriend."

Marie blushed at the compliment, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. "I'm flattered," she said softly, "but right now, I'm focused on finishing my college degree. That's my priority."

Edward nodded, impressed by her determination. "That's admirable," he said. "But what if love comes your way unexpectedly?"

Marie smiled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "If it comes, then it comes," she replied with a playful shrug. "Destiny will bring me to the right person at the right time."

As they approached the Rafaras' hut, the sky had darkened, and the stars were beginning to twinkle overhead. Marie stopped at the entrance, turning to Edward with a shy smile. "Thank you for walking me home," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"It was my pleasure," Edward responded with a gentlemanly bow.

Marie hesitated for a moment, then decided to be a gracious host. "Would you like to come in for some water or coffee?" she offered, hoping to extend their time together just a little longer.

Edward smiled, but shook his head. "No thanks," he said gently. "It's getting late, and I should head home."

Marie nodded, understanding, though a part of her wished he would stay. She watched as he turned and began to walk away, his figure slowly disappearing into the night. As she stood there in the doorway, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—excitement, longing, and a touch of sadness—knowing that their paths would cross again soon, but not knowing what the future held for them.

----

Marie lay down on her bed, closing her eyes as a smile spread across her face. The memory of Edward walking her home still played in her mind, filling her with a warmth she couldn't quite shake. She let out a small giggle, the kind of laugh that comes from pure joy, but it wasn't enough to calm her racing thoughts. Unable to sleep, she decided to take a walk outside to clear her head.

Stepping out of her hut, she was surprised to see Mang Caloy sitting on a bench nearby, his silhouette softly illuminated by the moonlight. The old man looked up as she approached and sat beside him.

"It's late," Mang Caloy said in his usual gentle tone, turning his gaze to her.

"I know," Marie replied, still smiling. "I just couldn't sleep. I'm too happy."

Mang Caloy chuckled softly. "What's making you so happy?"

"There's this guy," Marie began, her voice full of excitement. "He's so handsome, and he walked me home today."

"Oh?" Mang Caloy murmured, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"His name is Edward Serrano," she continued, her words tumbling out. "He's the son of Madam Agatha, the haciendera. I'm trying not to fall in love with him, but it's hard."

Mang Caloy smiled at her enthusiasm. "Kids these days," he muttered, shaking his head slightly. "But it's good to be happy. You're looking forward to the Santacruzan, right? I'll be there to watch you."

Marie beamed at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. She leaned over and embraced the old man, her heart full. "Thank you so much for everything, Mang Caloy. I couldn't have done this without you."

"You're a sweet girl," Mang Caloy said, patting her back affectionately. "Keep up the good work, but it's getting late. You should get some rest."

"I will," Marie promised, standing up with a bounce in her step. She waved goodbye as she headed back to her hut, feeling Mang Caloy's warm gaze following her until she disappeared inside.

The next night, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The Santacruzan. The small town buzzed with excitement, and the church was filled with people eagerly waiting to see the procession. Inside the church, Lita and Tomas couldn't take their eyes off their daughter, who stood dressed in a stunning blue gown. Marie looked every bit the confident young woman, though there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes.

"Look at our daughter," Lita whispered to Tomas, her voice full of pride. "She's so lovely."

Marie blushed, feeling both proud and a bit embarrassed. "Oh, Mama, you're making me blush."

"You shouldn't be embarrassed," Tomas chimed in, his voice warm with pride. "You're the most beautiful woman in this province."

Marie's heart swelled with love for her parents. "Thank you so much for your support," she said, pulling them both into a tight embrace. "I love you, Mama, Papa."

The church bells began to chime, signaling the start of the procession. The participants filed out of the cathedral, moving gracefully through the town, past the Serrano estates, and toward the plaza. The night was filled with the sounds of music, and the streets were lined with people watching the beautiful display.

As they walked, Edward caught up with Marie, his eyes shining as he looked at her. "You look beautiful tonight," he said softly.

Marie smiled, her heart skipping a beat. "Thank you. You look nice in your costume too."

Edward hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "Marie, if you don't mind, could I talk to you after the procession?"

Marie's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded. "Of course."

As they continued walking, Marie caught sight of Mang Caloy sitting on a bench along the route. She smiled warmly at him, feeling reassured by his presence. He nodded back, his eyes full of pride as he watched her pass by.

After the procession, the crowd gathered around the cathedral to watch the fireworks display. The sky exploded with color as Marie and Edward made their way to a quieter spot near the fountain, away from the noise and the crowd.

Edward turned to Marie, his expression serious but filled with emotion. "Marie, there's something I need to say," he began, taking her hand in his. "It's been three weeks since we first met, and I've been thinking about you every day since then. You're an exceptional woman, and I can't stop thinking about you."

Marie felt her heart race as she listened, her eyes locked on his. "Why don't you just get to the point?" she suggested, her voice gentle but curious.

Edward took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I want to court you, Marie," he said, his voice sincere. "I like you, and I want you to be my girlfriend. I know we've just met, but I've never felt this way about anyone before. I'm serious about this, and I want to prove it to you."

Marie was taken aback by his directness, but she appreciated his honesty. She looked down at their joined hands, thinking for a moment before responding. "We just met, Edward," she said softly, "and just because I'm a province girl doesn't mean I'm easy to win over."

"I know," Edward replied quickly. "But I'm serious, Marie. The moment I saw you, I felt something… something magical. But I understand if you need time. I'll do whatever it takes to show you that I mean what I say."

Marie looked up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. She felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of hope. "Alright," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Let's give it a shot. But I want you to court me the traditional way."

Edward's face lit up with a smile, and he squeezed her hand gently. "I will, Marie," he promised. "I'll do it right, for you."

As the fireworks lit up the sky above them, Edward and Marie stood by the fountain, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes.

----

The next morning, Marie woke up and rose out of her bed upon hearing a commotion outside their hut, Edward was helping Tomas in the rice fields, much to the surprise of their neighbors.

"What are you doing?" Marie asked, standing in the paddies.

"Just as what I've said, I want to prove to you that I am serious in courting you," Edward answered "If you want to get the heart of the girl you love, you have to get the heart of her parents."

"Win their heart, you mean," Marie corrected him "anyway, good luck."

While Edward continued to help Tomas, Marie returned to her room. She couldn't help but show her joy and excitement, her crush really meant it and took effort in winning her heart.

"Oh yeah, the hermit is right, give him more time in order to prove that he is really worthy of my heart" Marie reminded herself and went out of her room to observe Edward once again, after which she went into the kitchen and cooked lunch for him and for her father.

It was nine past twelve when Marie finished cooking their lunch, Tomas and Edward went into the hut to join Marie for the scrumptious lunch. She cooked Milkfish stew, swamp cabbage salad, and dried fish.

"That's all we can afford," Marie told Edward "So dig in."

"That's okay," Edward answered, eating the salad and the dried fish "This is delicious, you're really are a good cook."

"Thank you for the compliment," a flattered Marie responded, but deep inside her mind it was more than flattery.

That night, Marie contemplated on what would be the next thing that she would do with Edward. She walked on the street again and sat at the bench.

"Looks like you're thinking of something deep?" Mang Caloy said, popping out of nowhere, as usual, "I heard about the commotion in your farm. Maybe you might do a second thought about it."

"You're right, you're really right, hermit!" Marie responded, turning her back towards him, Mang Caloy nodded, staring at the stars, breathing deeply.

----

Edward made the same routine, but gave Marie some surprises that she wouldn't expect. One month later, Edward was busy carrying sacks of rice towards the storage when Marie approached her. The lass was speechless upon seeing the lad's body; it was as hard as stone, hardly formed chest, those six-packed abs.

"Is there something wrong?" Edward asked Marie, who was stunned upon seeing his body.

"Yeah, I want to invite you to go to church this afternoon," Marie responded, visibly sweating.

"Okay, no problem" Edward responded.

------

It was five in the afternoon, Marie and Edward went to the church to hear the mass, and afterwards they walked at the park, eating fish balls and cotton candy, and then sat on the bench, overlooking the fountain.

"Marie, It's been one month since I started courting you and yet I didn't have any answer," Edward complained.

"Don't you want to hear the answer?" Marie asked him, "Well if you don't want then I wouldn't tell you."

"What do you mean?"

"I asked you to come with me here at the church because I want to know the answer and I want to say that it's a yes."

Edward was completely surprised of the answer. It took him five minutes to absorb that he was finally Marie's boyfriend, because of his overwhelming joy; he embraced the lass so tight.

"All those hard work was worth working for," Edward told the lass "I promise that I will be the best boyfriend that you will have."

"We're still on the adjustment phase, so there will never be any kiss for a while," Marie cautioned him.

-------

Marie arrived at their house just past six in the evening. It was a great timing that the news just started, Tomas and Lita sat down, seriously watching the headlines.

"There was an attempt on the life of Senator Jiena Marino at the Continental Hotel just this afternoon when a group of men peppered his car with bullets, the two senators is unhurt, the assailants was quickly arrested, Innovare CEO Jasmine Marino condemned the attack and vowed retaliation once she finds out who the perpetrators are," The news reader stated.

"What is going on with that family, just last week Jessica will marry a Japanese politician who is ten years older than her," Lita reacted "Bianca Marino had the most expensive divorce ever"

"It's their life, we shouldn't meddle with them," Tomas said "It's the media who keeps a nose at them"

"Let's just leave them alone, it's their life," Marie intervened, "It's not for us to mingle with."

"Say, what happened to your date with Edward?" Tomas asked.

"We're already a couple." Marie frankly answered, visibly joyful while talking to her parents, after which she went to her room. Tomas and Lita were looking at each other, visibly anxious; their hearts were pounding fast while grasping air.

"Now we have to prepare this kind of things," Tomas told his wife "I don't know what Doña Agatha will do once she finds out that her son is dating our daughter."

"Let's just hope that everything will be fine," Lita added.

-----

Marie couldn't help but be thankful and happy after she felt relief when she answered Edward's prayer to be his girlfriend. She sat down at the rice paddies, staring at the sky wondering what will be the next for them, Mang Caloy happened to pass by and sat beside her.

"You look so happy," Mang Caloy said.

"I said yes to Edward," Marie said, smiling that there is no tomorrow.

"I know what it feels like to have a first love," said Mang Caloy, "I still remember when I fell in love with my wife."

"What happened?" Marie asked.

"It was like lying down in the bed full of flowers, it was paradise. When you wake up each morning and you will see her face, it was always a good day," Mang Caloy said, "It was the happiest days of my life."

"I hope I would have the same feeling as you had," Marie replied, "I could feel what you have already felt before."

"Of course, you will feel it soon."

"Thank you for being here for me, Mang Caloy." Marie thanked him

"I will always be here for you" Mang Caloy smiled, leaving the lass alone.

------

The next morning, Marie did the same routine, going down and cooked breakfast, but much to her surprise, Edward was already in the rice fields, planting rice. The lass went out and wiped the lad's face full of sweat.

"Wow, you're really are a hard worker," Marie told him "I'm so happy that you're still doing this one."

"Anything just for you," Edward said suddenly kissing the lass in her cheeks.

"You're really are a cheater," Marie yelled when suddenly the lad pulled her, plunging her and the lad on the mudpit, instead of rage, the two enjoyed playing at the mud like kids, wiping each other's face with mud.

"Stop it!" a giggled Marie told Edward, who eventually stopped tickling her, the two were drenched in mud, visibly looking like a pauper asking for alms in the street, so they went into a well to remove the mud using water, while Marie splashed herself with water, Edward was amazed and stunned, the fact that the lass was just wearing a see-through shirt, her body was seen, it was demonic, she had the most perfect body a man would ever want to see.

"What are you looking at?" Marie asked "Are you like a pervert of something."

"Nothing," Edward answered "I'm just so lucky that I have you as my girlfriend."

"You've always said that now and then," Marie said.

"I mean it."

Slowly Edward leaned his face at Marie, caressing her cheeks, smelling her fragrant hair. Slowly he locked his lips into the lass's lips, Marie closed her eyes, feeling the softness of the lad's lips sticking into hers, and Edward placed his hand into the lass' waist, while Marie caressed the lad's stone-hard chest and abs, slowly pouring water over his head.

"Looks like it's getting hot in here" Marie said, walking away at Edward. Suddenly one of Doña Agatha's messengers rushed in, panting.

"Sir Edward, your mother is looking for you," the messenger said.

"Why, why would he look for me?" Edward asked

"She wants you to meet some investors in the province," the messenger responded.

"I wonder what she is up to now," Edward wondered and left the place, prompting Marie to feel something unusual.

------

At the Serrano estate, Doña Agatha was drinking coffee at her garden when Edward arrived, she quickly noticed her son's feet soaked to the mud.

"Where have you been?" the landlady asked.

"I fell into a mud pit," Edward tried to reason out.

"No, you were working in the rice fields" his mother interrupted "And it seems you are smitten by that farmer's daughter."

"No, I'm not, I was just helping them," Edward reasoned out

"If I found out you're having an affair with that low-class lady, the two of you will really see my wrath," Doña Agatha warned "You know, I didn't let you go abroad just to marry a hapless girl, I want her to be one of us."

"Mom, I wouldn't, If it would disappoint you, I wouldn't do that," Edward reasoned out.

"Now you better change your clothes and tomorrow Jasmine Marino will finally be here," the landlady said.

Unfortunately, Edward kept the relationship between him and Marie to his mother, fearing that the landlady might do something to the lass.