New Life

Marie woke up in an unknown location after three days of being unconscious. She was clueless as to where she was. She rose out of bed, going downstairs. She was confused, but amazed of where she was. It was a very spacious house, complete with all the amenities. The lass approaches a woman who was cooking in the kitchen.

"Oh, you're awake?" the lady told her while preparing lunch.

"Who are you?" Marie asked, "Where am I?".

"I'm Cynthia, I am your aunt. My husband, Gabo, went out for a while, but he'll be here in a minute," said the lady.

"I don't understand, where my Mama is?" a confused Marie asked, Cynthia accompanied her to the couch and sat down.

"Marie, don't be shocked by what I will tell you, okay?" Cynthia said, "Lita is dead."

"You're lying" Marie broke down, visibly stunned by what her aunt said "My Mama is still alive."

A man appeared behind her. He was of great built and said. "Marika snapped her neck and threw her body in the river."

Marie was stunned, her face turned pale upon hearing the news.

"No!" she wailed, becoming hysterical, unable to accept the fact that her mother was killed; Cynthia wrapped her arms around the lass to comfort her.

"Gabo, you're adding fuel to the fire," Cynthia told the man.

"We were already too late when we arrived," Gabo explained "You were almost killed; Marika got you in the neck"

"Marie, I'm sorry for your loss," Cynthia added "We did everything we could to save her"

"It's my fault," Marie wailed "It's my fault why they died."

"Don't blame yourself, they're a product of such society's evil exploitation," Gabo said.

"If I didn't fall in love with Edward, they should've been alive by now," Marie said, couldn't hold back her emotions.

Marie sat down on the couch weeping like there is no tomorrow. She wiped her tears and notice a familiar face walking towards her.

"Mang Caloy," she wailed, embracing the old man

Mang Caloy caressed the lass' hair, feeling the guilt and the sorrow of the young lady who has lost her parent.

"They're right Marie," said Mang Caloy "They saved you and even if they wouldn't, you couldn't defeat that woman."

"Marie, do not cry, were still here for you," Cynthia comforted the lass "We will take care of you."

"I want to go to her grave," Marie pleaded, "I want to visit her for one last time."

"We can't do that, they might kill you," Gabo explained "They're hunting you."

"Please, I beg you," Marie cried, "I want to make sure that they're buried properly."

"Let's talk about it later," Cynthia said "But for now, just take a rest, you're still weak."

----

Marie returned to her room to take a rest, while Mang, Caloy, Gabo and Cynthia sat down in front of the dining table, serious and thinking of what would they do with Marie's plea. The two were inconsolable about their decision. The old man sat in front of the table, holding a glass of wine.

"What will happen to her now?" Cynthia asked.

"Poor kid, her life became miserable because of this underground war," Mang Caloy answered "Let's just adopt her for now."

"Her life will be in danger," said Gabo."

"Her life is already in danger," Mang Caloy quipped "The moment she attacked Marika is already an inch closer to death."

"Then what should we do to her?" asked Cynthia.

"I'll put her under my custody," Mang Caloy answered.

"But what about Ryoma?" Gabo asked again.

"I'll take care of everything Gabo," Mang Caloy assured, sipping wine from his chalice.

"Why is that girl calling you Mang Caloy?" Cynthia curiously asked.

"I looked like one," Mang Caloy answered

As the trio continued talking, a tall and handsome young man entered the house, staring at Mang Caloy, who in turn returned the favor, tapping his finger into the table.

"Ryoma," Gabo murmured.

"Where have you been all along?" said Ryoma, staring at the old man.

"I've been hiding," Mang Caloy responded.

"Everything is getting messy right now," Ryoma added.

"Relax," the old man uttered when Ryoma noticed Marie going out of her room.

"Who is the girl?" asked Ryoma.

"We'll explain Ryoma," Cynthia interrupted, "Marie is already an orphan, her parents were killed in Nueva Vizcaya and she had nowhere to go,"

"So you're coddling her?" Ryoma gawks at Mang Caloy.

"You heard them, right?" Mang Caloy said, "The girl has nowhere to go"

"You're making this an orphanage," Ryoma reacted.

"Look, I didn't mind you making ruckus with different girls," Mang Caloy told the young man, "Now, mind your own business or help poor Marie."

"You're helping other people when your own family is in big trouble," Ryoma answered back "My stepmother was killed because of this useless mob war and I don't even know who my real mother is!"

"Me either," Mang Caloy answered.

"And now Dad is in a relationship with that Karen," Ryoma answered again "And my siblings are being placed in exile."

Mang Caloy bowed down his head in shame and stood up. He raised his head and noticed Marie was staring at them.

"I'll do something about it, so don't you worry," said Mang Caloy "But not today, we'll fix this girl's life first"

"What will you do?" Ryoma asked.

"Trust me when I say so," said Mang Caloy, "I know what I am doing, now take the girl to Riria for help."

-----

That night, Ryoma, Cynthia, Gabo and Marie went to the luxurious Azalea estates, the lass was amazed of its architecture and interior, it like the first time that she entered such a majestic mansion in her whole life, a thing that Cynthia and Gabo were relieved about, lessening her depression and sadness.

"This place is so beautiful" Marie remarked, mesmerized by the marvel of the mansion.

"I'm so glad you did," Gabo responded, "This mansion is really as beautiful as you are."

"It's my first time to see this place."

"I thought this was just in postcards and pictures."

"You can stroll around if you want to," Cynthia suggested "We will meet someone."

"Who would that be?" Marie asked.

"Mang Caloy's sister," Ryoma answered.

Minutes later, a lady went down the stairs, her beauty was timeless yet stunning, just like the wine, the longer it last, it taste better, Gabo and Cynthia bowed their heads before the lady.

"Madam Riria" Gabo uttered, slightly bowing her head as a sign of respect.

"Come, let's go to my office" Riria instructed the three, leaving Marie and Ryoma to stroll around the mansion. The lady sat down in front of her desk and asked the three to sit down.

"What can I do for you?."

"Yes, Madam, your brother wants to inform you that Marika has arrived in the Philippines," Gabo reported "She is in Nueva Vizcaya."

Riria glances at Gabo and Cynthia, sipping a glass of wine.

"I knew this day would come," she quipped, "She is seeking what she believes that rightfully hers."

"What are you going to do?" Cynthia asked.

"I am going to Nueva Vizcaya to observe," Riria responded.

"I don't know, but I think they're scheming for something," Gabo suggested.

"Probably there is," Riria uttered "She is restless, she tried to kill Akiko and Helena, but she failed to do so and something is really cooking."

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked.

"Agatha wanted to return the heydays where Warlords would create fear among farmers, people, and officials in the province," Riria said "My brother and the rest of the gang wiped them out, you know."

"Madame, what are you planning to do now?" Cynthia asked.

"For now, let's leave them," Riria answered "My brother is the only person who can decide on these things."

That moment, Gabo gasped a sigh and stared at Riria.

"Madam, your brother has adopted a girl whose parents were killed by Marika," said Gabo.

"I'm not surprised," Riria bluntly responded, "He is merciful."

"Her name is Marie, and she wants to visit her parents' grave," Gabo raised

"It's too dangerous," Riria lamented, "But I'll join you. No daughter wants her parents to be improperly buried."

--

Meanwhile, Marie continued to stroll around the mansion and the garden. Though her grief and sadness were still visible, she managed to forget all about it and looked at the Azaleas in the garden.

"Looks like you're enjoying the view," Ryoma remarked

"Yeah, it's my first time to be in this mansion," said Marie who smiled at the hermit.

"It's been a long time since I saw these Azaleas," Ryoma quipped "My grandparents used to tend these flowers,"

"Where is your family now?" Marie.

"Oh, they're just around the corner. Being professionals," the hermit said.

"How lucky of you to still have a family." said Marie

When Marie was about to sit on the grass, one of the valet came and approached her

"Miss, you have been invited for a dinner with Madame Riria" the valet informed to which the lass followed him, at the huge dining area, Marie sat beside her uncle and aunt, while Riria in the master's seat, the maids served an all French banquet in honor of her guests, ranging from caviar to lobster to pumpkin soup, however, Marie had a hard time in choosing which utensils to use for a specific course.

"Marie, you don't have to use all those utensils," Riria said "It's just the four of us so you pick the utensils you want."

"Are you sure of this, Madam Riria?" Marie asked.

"Of course, I do so dig in," Riria smiled.

"We're leaving for Nueva Vizcaya tomorrow with Madam Riria," Gabo told the lass.

"I hope that after this one, you can now move on from this," Cynthia added.

"Thank you" Marie cried, thanking the old couple.

---

The next day, the four of them went to Marie's hometown, the first thing they saw was fear, fear among the farmers who defied Agatha, then they went to the hut, but they saw nothing but a pile of rubble and soot, Marie knelt down in front of their burned hut and wept.

"Do not weep over material things," Riria said, prompting them to leave the place and proceeded to the cemetery where they lay down a flower for Tomas and Lita who were mercilessly killed by the landlady

"I promise, I will return and put them into their place," Marie vowed, weeping in front of her parent's tomb. Suddenly a group of men surrounded them.

"You shouldn't have returned Marie," a man told them.

"Well, we will put you in to your place" another man said, taking offensive at the lass, fortunately Gabo jumped in and single-handedly fought ten men, while Cynthia fought five, much to their surprise Marika jumped in and tried to attack the lass, however, Riria was albeit fast that she blocked the attack.

"Well, sister it's been a long time?" Marika remarked.

"I'm not your sister!" Riria yelled to which a burst of intensity drove Marika from a distance

"What's the matter, you can't accept me as your sister?" Marika remarked, attacking Riria who managed to block her attacks, jumping in from one tomb to another.

"I see that we're equally matched."

"I will stop you from here" Riria said, prompting Marika to laugh.

"Do you think someone like you can defeat me?"

"You can never tell Marika."

"Your husband couldn't defeat me, Akiko nor Ricardo couldn't. How much more can you defeat me?"

"Well, I'm confident I could do so,"

"You're still a novice" she told Riria and thrashed her into another tomb, however the latter managed to stand and continued to fight her step-sister, but she saw Marie being surrounded by another group of men, rather than to face her Marika, Riria jumped into Marie and defended her

"Gabo, Cynthia, let's go!" Riria yelled, Gabo and Cynthia went near her, in a matter of seconds, Riria took out her UZI and recklessly fired at Marika and her henchement, allowing them to escape to their vehicle and speedily ranb away..

"Madam Riria, are you alright?" Cynthia asked

"Yeah, these wounds are just nothing," Riria responded.

"Now Marie, see what those people can do to you when you try to return to the province?" Gabo reminded the lass.

"I'm so sorry, Madam Riria," Marie cried again, kneeling in front of Riria who asked her to stand up.

"Oh, don't feel guilty dear," Riria answered "I haven't done such exercise for ages, anyway, hope you moved on with your life okay?"

----

Afterwards, they returned home, Gabo and Cynthia went to the kitchen, while Marie sat down on the couch, seriously looking at the locket Lita gave her. Caloy arrived and entered the house, noticing Marie who stared at the locket.

"Is there something bothering you?" asked Mang Caloy.

"It's about what my mother said," Marie answered "They were not my real parents"

"Did they told who and where your real parents are?" Mang Caloy asked.

"She didn't tell me but she gave me this locket" Marie answered, showing the locket to the old man.

"Oh," Karl was left speechless. His eyes grew big, visibly surprised by the locket.

"Is there a problem Mang Caloy?" Marie asked

"Nice locket," he uttered "But, I want you to finish your studies, I will help you with that."

"You will?" Marie asked as tears came out of her eyes "Thank you Mang Caloy."

----

The young lady emotionally embraced Mang Caloy, whose eyes are still locked at the locket the Marie was holding. Later that day, Gabo and Cynthia took their niece into a high end mall to unwind, still for Marie, it was her first time to enter such place, and after all there was neither mall nor amusement park in the province, visibly mesmerized by the majestic beauty of the building.

"Only the Marinos can build such beautiful landmarks," Marie remarked.

"Yes, they do and they're remarkable" Gabo added "Only Mako Marino can make such buildings like this"

"I want to meet them someday," Marie said "I want to say to them that I admire them a lot."

"You sure will admire them more when you really meet them personally," Cynthia said "Those people are so down to earth, their humility is immeasurable, I just don't know with their kids"

"If they themselves are brattier, these kids are the brattiest," Gabo remarked.

"But, Karl and Riko Marino raised those kids as they want them to be," Cynthia added.

The three of them walked down the mall towards the iconic mall pool of INNVOARE, Marie was so amazed that she tried to jump off the pool, fortunately Gabo and Cynthia managed to grab her.

"Marie that's not a swimming pool!" Cynthia exclaimed, holding the lass' arms "That's a mall pool but not a swimming pool."

"Oh I'm so sorry," Marie apologized for her actions; it happens that one of the executives was also strolling around the mall. She was tall, chinese eyes and a fair complexion, her hair was fixed as she walked down the aisle of the mall.

"Madam Madoka" Cynthia bowed her head in respect.

"Gabo, Cynthia, it's nice to see you here," Madoka responded.

"We're just taking our niece to a little stroll at the mall," Gabo said.

"Oh, very well, enjoy the mall strolling" Madoka answered back, leaving the couple and Marie.

"She's so beautiful" Marie was mesmerized of Madoka's appearance.

"Former pop idol turned executive, that is Madoka Ong," Gabo remarked.

"They're so amazing," Marie said.

---

Marie laughed lightly, shaking her head at Mang Caloy's playful jab. Despite his tough exterior and sharp words, he always managed to bring a sense of humor into their conversations, even when the subject was serious. She leaned back on the porch chair, staring out at the bustling street. Jeepneys passed by, their colorful paint jobs blending with the vibrant life of Manila's neighborhoods. Kids played in the streets, vendors called out their wares, and the sound of distant music echoed from nearby homes. Yet, amidst the noise, she couldn't shake the sense of uncertainty she felt about her future.

"I'm serious, Mang Caloy," Marie said after a moment. "I don't want to just sit around and watch Uncle Gabo struggle. I want to be able to stand on my own two feet."

Mang Caloy looked at her, his usually sarcastic tone softening. He knew Marie had been through a lot, and despite his teasing, he respected her determination. "I know you do, anak," he said, calling her 'child' with that fatherly tone he sometimes used. "But it's not easy out here. You've got to find something that fits you, something you're good at."

Marie sighed, her eyes drifting to the passing people. "But what if I don't know what I'm good at?"

Mang Caloy scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well, everyone's got something. You're not bad at thinking things through, and you've got a good head on your shoulders. But you can't just jump at the first thing that comes along. You have to find something that will make you happy too, not just something to survive on."

"But time's running out," Marie said quietly, her voice tinged with frustration. "I don't want to keep relying on Uncle Gabo and Aunt Cynthia."

Mang Caloy leaned against the porch railing, looking out at the street with her. "You know, when I was younger, I had no clue what I wanted to do either. I wandered around a lot, doing odd jobs, just like you're thinking about. I even thought about being a jeepney driver, believe it or not." He chuckled softly. "But then, life has a funny way of pushing you where you need to go."

Marie smiled at the thought of Mang Caloy as a jeepney driver, trying to imagine the gruff but kind man navigating Manila's chaotic streets. "What happened then?"

"I realized that sometimes, it's not about what you want. It's about what's in front of you. You take what you've got and make the most out of it. You keep learning, and you find your place in the world. It's not always glamorous, but it's yours."

Marie nodded, absorbing his words. "But where do I even start? I don't even have a degree or anything."

"You don't need a degree to make something of yourself," Mang Caloy said firmly. "Education's important, sure, but what matters most is how you handle life. You've got heart, kid. And sometimes, that's all you need."

Marie looked down at her hands, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "I just want to do something that makes a difference, you know?"

Mang Caloy chuckled. "Well, you could start by not overthinking it. Get your bio-data ready, make a plan, and see where that takes you."

Marie looked up at him, her eyes filled with a renewed sense of determination. "Alright, Mang Caloy. I'll do it. Let's make that resume."

Mang Caloy grinned, pulling up a stool and sitting beside her. "That's the spirit. Now, let's make sure you don't sound like some backwater farmer applying for a city job."

Marie laughed, grabbing a notepad and a pen. "I'm ready."

"Good," Mang Caloy said, leaning back and folding his arms. "Now, tell me, what have you done that's worth putting on paper?"

Marie paused, her pen hovering over the notepad. "Well... I used to help out at Aunt Cynthia's store. Does that count?"

"Of course, it counts!" Mang Caloy said, nodding. "Any experience is experience. Write it down."

Marie began scribbling notes, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was the first real step she was taking toward something more, toward independence. 

"And don't forget to mention you're good with people," Mang Caloy added. "I've seen you charm those vendors at the market."

Marie rolled her eyes playfully. "That's not a skill, Mang Caloy."

"Sure it is," he said, grinning. "In fact, that's one of the best skills you can have—knowing how to deal with people."

They worked together for the next hour, crafting a simple but solid resume for Marie. Mang Caloy dictated with his usual mix of sarcasm and wisdom, while Marie jotted down every suggestion, careful to make each word count.

When they were finally done, Marie held up the paper, reading through it with a sense of accomplishment. "It's not perfect, but it's something," she said, smiling.

"It's a start," Mang Caloy agreed, patting her on the shoulder. "And a good one at that."

Marie folded the resume carefully, tucking it into her bag. "Thanks, Mang Caloy. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He gave her a small, knowing smile. "You'd figure it out, kid. You always do."

As the evening settled in and the hustle of the community started to quiet down, Marie felt a little lighter, as if the weight of uncertainty had lifted, if only just a bit. She didn't know exactly what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she had a direction, a plan. 

And with Mang Caloy's support, she was ready to face whatever came next.

-----

The room at the Teodoro residence was filled with the soft glow of the television as Mang Caloy, Gabo, and Cynthia watched the historic event unfold. The atmosphere was tense, not from the usual pressures of their everyday lives but from the weight of the moment on the screen.

Marie quietly entered the room, her footsteps barely making a sound as she approached the couch where Mang Caloy sat, his eyes glued to the television. She had noticed the solemn expressions and the flicker of excitement in their eyes as the broadcast focused on the Vatican.

"What's going on, Mang Caloy?" Marie asked, her voice curious but soft, not wanting to interrupt the gravity of the scene.

Mang Caloy didn't immediately answer, his eyes still on the screen, where a massive crowd had gathered in St. Peter's Square, awaiting the anticipated signal. It was Gabo who responded first, his voice tinged with anticipation. "It's a conclave. We're about to witness the election of the new pope. The smoke will come soon. White if they've made their decision."

Marie glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing slightly in concentration. She had heard about the conclave but hadn't paid much attention to the proceedings. The gravity of the event, however, started to settle in as the minutes ticked by.

Minutes later, the anticipated moment came. A puff of white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals had elected the two hundred and seventieth pope. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the camera zoomed in on the smoke as it curled into the sky.

"Four Filipinos in the conclave this time," Cynthia remarked, her voice almost in awe. "Cardinals Marino, Del Castillo, Cacas, and Almario. It's quite something."

Marie nodded, her interest piqued. "That's incredible. Do we know who got elected?"

The room fell silent again as the camera shifted to the front of St. Peter's Basilica, where the Cardinal Deacon, Pedro Cardinal Rodriguez Arresmendi, emerged onto the balcony. The anticipation in the room mirrored that of the crowd gathered at the Vatican.

The Cardinal Deacon's voice rang out, solemn and formal.

"Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" The words echoed across the square and into homes worldwide.

The next words came quickly, announcing the name that would forever be etched in history:

"Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Iulium, Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem Marino, qui sibi nomen imposuit Ioannis Vecisimus Quattuor!"

A hush fell over the Teodoro living room as the name was processed. For a moment, no one spoke, then Gabo let out a long exhale, breaking the silence.

"Well, it's done. Julio Cardinal Marino is now Pope John XXIV," he remarked, shaking his head slightly. There was no trace of surprise in his voice, just a quiet acknowledgment of the inevitable.

Cynthia's face lit up with excitement. "The Marino family must be overjoyed! He's their own—what an honor for the family."

Mang Caloy, who had been watching with a calm but attentive demeanor, finally spoke up, his voice more measured. "I wouldn't say that too quickly," he said, standing up from his seat. "They didn't just gain a pope. They lost another patriarch."

The weight of his words hung in the air. As much as the Marino family might celebrate Julio's rise to the highest position in the Church, they had once again seen a key figure depart from their fold. It wasn't just a victory but a poignant reminder of the sacrifices such elevation entailed.

Marie, sensing the deep undercurrent of meaning behind Mang Caloy's words, turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "Do you think it's what he wanted? To become pope?"

Mang Caloy paused at the doorway, his hand resting on the frame. He glanced back at her, a glimmer of insight in his eyes. "No one really wants that kind of responsibility, child," he said quietly. "But sometimes, the world demands more of us than we are ready to give."

With that, he disappeared into his room, leaving Marie, Gabo, and Cynthia to watch as Pope John XXIV, now wearing the traditional papal white cassock, emerged onto the balcony to greet the waiting crowd. His familiar eyeglasses reflected the bright lights shining upon him as he waved humbly to the throngs below.

Marie watched closely as the new pope began to speak. His voice was warm, humble, and filled with gravitas.

"Good evening, my dear brothers and sisters," he began, his Italian-accented voice carrying across the square. "The purpose of the conclave is to elect a new bishop of Rome, to guide the Lord's flock toward the good and the light. The cardinals have looked to the other side of the world, and they ended up electing me—a man from the other side of the world."

His words were greeted with applause, and he continued to offer prayers, his hands clasped together in a gesture of reverence and humility. The cameras zoomed in on his face, capturing the weight of the new responsibility he now carried.

Back at the Teodoro residence, Gabo shifted in his seat. "Now that's a man who's going to change things," he mused, more to himself than to anyone else.

Cynthia smiled and nodded in agreement. "A Filipino pope. It's historic."

But Marie, her mind still lingering on Mang Caloy's words, felt a subtle unease. There was more to this than just the pomp and ceremony. The Marino family's involvement, the political and spiritual weight of such an event, left her with a sense that this was just the beginning of something much larger.

The screen continued to show Pope John XXIV as he descended from the balcony, disappearing into the halls of the Vatican, where his new life would begin.

Marie remained seated for a few more minutes, processing the events, before finally standing up. "I think I'm going to head back to my room," she said softly, glancing at Gabo and Cynthia.

Cynthia waved her off, still absorbed in the broadcast. "Go ahead, dear. We'll be here."

Marie offered a quiet smile before retreating to her own space, her thoughts swirling with everything that had transpired. There was a quiet storm brewing in her mind, one that wouldn't settle easily.

In her heart, she knew that while the world celebrated the election of a new pope, her own life remained fragile, shadowed by the constant threat of Helena and Agatha's schemes. And now, with Mang Caloy's words weighing on her, she couldn't shake the feeling that the Marino family's influence was far more complex and dangerous than she had ever realized.