Chapter 14

My hearing was blurry but my mother's voice was clear. I was only 6 years old when I fell into the swimming pool, my mother let go of me because she was also holding Fate. The water slowly pulled me down, the entire water was covered in foam as I watched the round rays of the sun from above.

Mom quickly jumped into the swimming pool to pull me back in. And because of that incident, I never tried to learn to swim until now.

I woke up because of that memory. I immediately got up from my bed. I held my head, which now seemed shocked because of my sudden rise. I slowly looked around. I didn't know where I was, whose house this was.

My eyes widened when I saw that I was now wearing a large robe and a long skirt. I was now lying on a small bed made of bamboo and covered with a mat. I was inside a small hut.

The windows and doors were closed but I could smell smoke from outside. I stared blankly at the inside of the house. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. There were many voodoo dolls hanging on every wall and there were knives stuck in them.

The pots were also scattered on the table, there were also dolls there submerged in boiling water in a small furnace inside. I just swallowed with fear, it looked like I had stumbled into a witch's house. I immediately got up from the bed, I quickly searched for my things. I couldn't leave my clothes, shoes and especially my mother's earrings and necklace.

I saw my belongings under the bed in a sack then quickly walked towards the door but I was surprised when the door suddenly opened. A woman in her fifties appeared in front of me. She wasn't that old yet but her hair was almost white.

"Take a rest, hija" she said then entered the house. She was holding a box containing various types of plants. She placed it on the table then carefully rubbed it. "T-thank you but I have to go---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because she had already spoken

"Eat breakfast here first. You need to regain your strength," she said while still turning her back to me, I looked outside the door, what if I ran out?

I looked at that old lady again, if she hadn't caught me, she might have already grabbed a strand of my hair and bewitched me. I just took a deep breath then walked towards her, "Hey..." I started but couldn't continue because I didn't know her name.

Besides, I didn't make any witch characters in Salamisim. "You don't need to know my name," she said, then put the leaves in the boiling pot. Isn't that where the doll was placed earlier?

"T-thank you so much for saving me. I'm not hungry, I'm going home. Thank you very much," I said and bowed in front of her. I was about to leave when she stopped what she was doing and looked at me, "I didn't save you. I don't know how to swim, hija," she said and then continued to grind the leaves again.

I was stunned, I saw a man jump into the river to save me but I couldn't see his face well because I lost consciousness before he could touch my hand. "W-who saved me?" I asked but she walked closer to the boiling pot, she added more ingredients to it.

"You don't need to know," she replied, a few minutes later. I really wanted to leave because I was already scared of the rituals she was performing. "If you want to go home, you can walk now," she said without looking at me.

I bowed and thanked her again, then walked out the door and left the area. I continued walking through the dense forest, following the dirt road leading to town.

IT WAS DAWN when I reached the town, people were busy closing their shops. People turned their heads to me, I looked like a homeless person who had lost her mind again. I was wearing a loose-fitting shirt and pants that were faded and had many holes.

My hair was also loose. I also had no shoes on, I wanted to wear my high heels but it was more painful to walk in them. Besides, it was definitely a big eye-catcher.

I felt tired, hungry, and thirsty as I slowly walked through the middle of town, clutching the sack containing my clothes and shoes. I turned to the side when I passed a wall where people were gathered.

I stopped walking and watched for a moment to see what they were up to. Is there free food there? I started to walk closer, they moved aside when they saw me coming. They seemed afraid of being grabbed or beaten by a crazy woman.

My eyes widened when I saw what was posted on the wall. A sketch of a woman who looked like me! "Who is that woman in the picture?" a manong asked in a bar. They were in front of me, staring intently at the drawing.

"According to rumors, she was a prostitute who stole a lot of money from Don Severino," the ale replied, 

"There are women who are really greedy for money. Don Severino must have been obsessed and deceived by that woman," which everyone agreed. I slowly walked away, hunched over like a ghost so they wouldn't think I was the woman in that drawn picture.

"A woman who is exploitative and looks like money!" an angry manong said, while others criticized my picture. I just closed my eyes in annoyance, I wanted to scream, defend myself and tell everyone that Don Severino is spreading fake news, but I can't because I might get caught. I don't want to end up in prison again.

I quickly left there and walked towards Panciteria ala Pacita. Some children playing outside ran into their homes as I passed. I looked like a ghost with my long hair which I also covered in my face so that no one would recognize me.

When I arrived at the Panciteria, I found Aling Pacing counting money at a table, while Mang Pedro was carefully wiping down the tables. "Aling Pacing! Mang Pedro!" I called to them and quickly went inside.

They looked at me in surprise, I immediately sat down on the empty chair opposite Aling Pacing and fixed my hair. "Why? Hija" Aling Pacing asked, Mang Pedro came over to us, he was standing behind his wife and looking at me in surprise.

"I'm really sorry, I didn't get to say goodbye to you. I've been gone for two months because---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because aling Pacing spoke up.

"Excuse me, hija, but who are you?" she asked, then looked at her husband. Even Mang Pedro looked back and forth between me and Aling Pacing, wondering if his wife really knew me.

"I-I'm Tanya, the one who lived with you before..." I stopped, I couldn't believe the events. It seemed like they really had no idea who I was. I was stunned by the events, which is why Don Severino also had no idea that I was the waiter Sebastian was on his side with.

That means Sebastian didn't remember me either. That's why he wasn't surprised to see me, he wasn't interested in knowing why I disappeared because he really didn't remember anything. I'm biting my finger, is it possible that my major editing in Salamisim had something to do with it so it seems like their characters were reformatted, which is why they don't remember anything about me anymore?

I came to my senses when Mang Pedro spoke, "Hija, your nails are dirty" he said, I immediately lowered my hand. They would think even more that I was losing myself. I looked at them, they were still looking at me in surprise.

If they don't remember anything, I can't force it, they might think I've lost my mind even more. I need a place to live now. I just took a deep breath, I'll use the same excuse I used with them before, that I'm a close friend of their daughter Amalia in Bulacan.

"I'm a friend of---" I couldn't finish my sentence because a young woman suddenly came out of the kitchen and walked towards us. "Mom, I'll just walk Lolita home" the young woman smiled, thin, tall, her eyes were round and her smile was beautiful.

"Be careful, don't be late" said Aling Pacing, the girl nodded then looked at me. "Ahmm Amalia, take the leftovers to Aling Lucia" said Mang Pedro, I was surprised to look at that girl. It's Amalia! She's here in Manila!

 She is here in Manila because the turmoil in their family will begin next month. in their family will begin next month.

"What are you going to say, hija?" asked Aling Pacing, I looked at them and Amalia who was also looking at me. I can't say that I'm Amalia's best friend because she will definitely reject me.

"Ah, can I work in here? Even as a waitress or a dishwasher," I asked, the couple looked at each other. Amalia bowed and then returned to the kitchen.

"Sorry, hija, but there are no vacancies here. Panciteria's income is also low right now," replied Aling Pacing, causing me to be stunned and just look at the blank space.

I was about to speak but we could see the guards marching down the street. It was getting dark and curfew was about to begin. "Can we see your cedula?" Mang Pedro asked, I just closed my eyes. I don't have a cedula, their family will definitely be ruined if the guards find out that there is someone unregistered here.

"Okay, I'm going home. Thank you for your time," I said, then stood up and paid my respects to them. I sadly walked out of the Panciteria, I saw them still looking at me through the window, they also looked sad but I knew there was nothing they could do.

I passed by the newspaper printing house owned by Don Florencio. The workers there were already cleaning up. I stopped for a moment and then picked up a newspaper that was posted outside. They hadn't brought it inside yet.

It was translated into Spanish. I just took a deep breath, even though I couldn't read it. The news was definitely about the successful attack by the rebels on the barracks and the appointment of the new general, Roberto.

"Excuse me, but we're going to close this, mother," said a man who was already standing to the side.

"Mother?" I frowned, looking at her. "Do I look like a mother now?" I continued, then put the newspaper back in its place. It turned out that my clothes were too loose and my hair was already looking messy.

"Excuse me, miss," he said, then looked at what I was wearing. My eyes widened when I recognized that man as Lorenzo!

"Lo---" I stopped and couldn't continue calling him by his name because he definitely didn't remember me either.

"Why are you talking to that crazy?" said an old man standing at the door and wearing a mask. "Come in here!" he ordered, Lorenzo nodded to his master. "Get out, crazy!" the old man shouted at me. I was about to fight him, but guards passed by from a distance. They were definitely going to take me back to prison.

I sighed again and looked at Lorenzo. "Improve your role. This story is about to be made into a movie, so good luck to us," I said, Lorenzo looked surprised and even scratched his head.

I just continued walking. The guards were shouting all around that curfew would start in just an hour. I stopped when I saw Sebastian's mansion. With Don Antonio's strictness, I definitely couldn't just enter as their worker.

But what saddens me even more is the fact that Sebastian doesn't even remember me. In just an instant, he suddenly forgot about me like that. I thought he was protecting me from Roberto when he said he didn't know me so that I wouldn't be hurt. It's even sadder to know that he really doesn't know me because he doesn't remember anything.

I had been walking for almost an hour when I reached the forest. I didn't have a candle or lamp with me. Luckily, the full moon was bright, so I could at least see the straight path.

I still can't get what's happening out of my mind, I never thought it would hurt to know that they've forgotten all about me. We're just the same, when I get out of this novel, I don't remember anything about them either. This is the feeling of having the people you expect to remember you forget you.

I'm just going back to the witch's house from earlier. I'll just be nice so she doesn't cast a spell on me. A moment later, I stopped when a carriage passed by. I was wondering if I could ride it to keep up, but I thought it might be better not to befriend the characters in this book so I don't mess up the whole story.

The carriage passed me. I didn't even see who was riding it. I just nodded to myself. It would be better if I just kept quiet while I was here. I'll just become invisible and eat five times a day, sleep, and plant something so that the ale that helped me would have some tasty plants.

I stopped when I saw a group of men hiding in the forest suddenly attack. They attacked the horse and its carriage. "Help!" shouted a young woman riding the carriage. They also beat her coachman until he lost consciousness.

I immediately ran towards them. I was surprised to see Maria Florencita being dragged by the thieves. I looked around, where was Lorenzo? This is the scene where Lorenzo will save her and their gaze will become even deeper.

"Please! Help!" Maria Florencita shouted, she saw me. I took a deep breath then took my pair of high heels out of the sack and quickly ran towards the thieves then hit them with the tip of my shoe.

I just screamed and then tried to hit them with my heels. Both of them fell down, one of them pulled my leg so I threw the shoe at him which hit his nose directly, causing it to bleed.

The thieves ran, immediately picking up their unconscious comrades. I touched right in the heart, if im not in prison I would always be fighting in this world.

I looked at Maria Florencita, she was staring at me dumbfounded and she was still shaking with fear. I approached her and held out my palm, she took my hand and I helped her stand up.

"Thank you," she said, I nodded. "That's nothing. There are really a lot of bad people here. You should have someone with you," I replied, then picked up my bag and put my heels back in. I looked around, why wasn't Lorenzo still here?

"Come with us, I'll take you home," said Maria Florencita, her coachman had also regained consciousness. I turned to her when I heard that. I didn't realize that I was smiling at the new idea that had entered my mind.

"SO, you have nowhere to live here in Manila? Tanya" asked Maria Florencita then wiped her eyes that were now filled with tears. Here we are on the balcony of her room. She only secretly let me into their home because she didn't want her father to know that she almost got into trouble just to visit Lorenzo at his home in the middle of the forest.

We had been chatting for an hour, she was interested in my life. I just invented my background again. An orphan girl from the North who ran away from her abusive boss and now wants to have an adventure in Manila. She first introduced herself to me while we were on the kalesa earlier, Tanya was the name I used again.

"That's right," I replied, pretending to wipe my tears with the handkerchief he had handed me earlier. "My experience is very complicated. Don Seve wants to make me a prostitute---a Don with a bad attitude," I continued, then blew on the handkerchief to make my story more realistic.

Sorry Maria Florencita, I just have to do this to survive. I hope you agree to let me stay here in your mansion. I won't make any noise or do anything suspicious. I also won't interfere with each character so that everything doesn't become chaotic. I just really need a place to stay and something to eat while I still can't find my way out.

"Who is the Don you're talking about? Is he still looking for you now? How did you escape him?" she asked, I could feel the deep pity and sympathy in her eyes. My eyes rolled, should I name drop? Don't do it, or the story will get messy again.

"Yes, he's still looking for me, long story. It hurts me every time I remember," I sobbed, she patted my shoulder.

"Don't cry anymore. You are a brave young lady. You were able to help me and defeat the evils earlier, so I now owe you my life," she said, then smiled softly. The heroine in my story is really beautiful and she is also very kind.

Mestiza, with deep-set eyes, a pointed nose, rosy cheeks and lips, and a beautiful smile, that is the heroine of my novel Salamisim. Let's add to that her pure heart and helpfulness to others.

"Just tell me what you want, I'm ready to help you" she smiled then wiped away her tears. She was too carried away by my sad background story.

I held her hand with great excitement, "Can I stay here?" I asked, I had once participated in a theater play when I was in high school, hoping she would be drawn to my acting skills. "I can do anything, I can clean, do laundry and cook" I replied.

"But someone is finding you to be turned into a prostitute?" she said, which made me think. Maria Florencita is also smart, I shouldn't have told her that. I just nodded and then started sobbing again.

I stopped when she grabbed both of my shoulders. "Don't worry, I've thought of a way. I'll take care of you" she said, I blinked twice. Whatever the way it was, as long as it was away from Don Severino and I could eat five times a day, I was willing.

"THIS is all that's missing! You're a complete man now!" Maria Florecita smiled then stroked my mustache. We were now standing in front of her large mirror inside her room. She dressed me in men's clothing.

Black coat, pants and hat. I blinked in the mirror, I looked like a stunted illustrator. "Uhm, Maria Florencita, don't I look like Don Florencio's mini me?" I asked, and my words made her think. "Minimi?"

"Ah, I mean, like Don Florencio's son? Many people will ask why I'm dressed like this when I'm just a worker here at your mansion" she nodded at what I said then opened a trunk again and looked for clothes in there.

"By the way, you have a point. Even my father would be surprised if you dressed like that. Wait a minute, I'll find again" she said while rummaging through her things. I twirled around in front of the mirror, smiling to myself because I happen to be a naturally handsome guy.

"Here!" she said, then ran towards me and showed me a black Chinese shirt and brown pants. She also took a buri hat (made of mat) from inside the trunk.

"You will be my guard and coachman, mang Anding has lost his mind and his wife said earlier that he will not return to work" she said, she felt sad when she said that. Her coachman was also in trouble.

"But... I don't know how to ride a horse and fight" Maria Florecita shook her head. "You can easily learn how to ride a horse. As for being my guard, you managed to save me using a strange knife" she said with a smile. I just nodded, it seemed like I had more battles to go through. Can I back out?

"I'll introduce you to my father tomorrow. He's not strict. He usually agrees with my wishes," she smiled then grabbed my shoulder and made me face the mirror again. "It's better that you're with me, I feel more secure with a woman," she said, I was about to speak when suddenly someone knocked on her door.

Maria Florencita immediately pulled me into her bathroom and closed it. "Señorita, Don Antonio is downstairs talking to your father. He wants to tell you something," said her servant, Ornina.

"It's late at night, what is Don Antonio's purpose?" Maria Florencita leaned against her bathroom door.

I pressed my ear to the door so I could hear what they were talking about. "I don't know, young lady, they're waiting for you in the living room," Orinina replied. "I'll be right behind you, I'll just get ready for a moment," Maria Florencita said, Ornina closing the door.

Maria Florencita quickly opened the door to her bathroom. "Tanya, I'll just deal with our guest for a moment. Take a shower here and change your clothes. I'll have Ornina accompany you to your room later," she said, then handed me the shirt, pants, and buri hat again.

"Okay, thank you" I said, she quickly combed her hair in front of the mirror and walked out the door. I picked up the lamp that was sitting next to her bed and carried it into the bathroom. There was a small bathtub there made of expensive marble.

The toilet was made of wood, box-shaped, with a large round hole. I took off my clothes and laid them on the side, then jumped into the warm bath tub filled with rose petals and expensive perfume.

It's a good thing because I made the right decision to go with Maria Florencita. At least I can experience the luxurious life here. I played in the water for a while. I've been here for two days and I haven't had a bath yet. It feels good to bathe like this and the scent of the mixed perfumes in Maria Florencita's bath is so nice.

I was the one who determined their wealth so I also have the right to share in the luxury of the Garza family. I closed my eyes for a moment and felt the breeze from the open window on the side. I smiled to myself, I wish I had thought of this before.

A moment later, I heard the door to Maria Florencita's room open. I opened my eyes, "I'm just inside Maria Florencita, will Ornina take me to my room?" I asked but she didn't answer.

I felt her walk. I wondered why each step seemed so slow and careful. Was that Maria Florencita? Or someone else?

I immediately got out of the bathtub, grabbed the towel and wrapped it around my body then peeked through the small crack in the door. My eyes widened when I saw Sebastian. He was standing in front of the bathroom door, holding the doorknob in his left hand and a knife in his other hand.

"Maria Florencita is in the living room, who are you?" he asked from behind the door. What is he doing here? Why is he here? Why when I'm taking a shower?

"Don't continue with your evil plan. You won't get hurt or gain anything from this house," he continued. I immediately grabbed the doorknob to lock it, but it turned out to be broken!

Sebastian quickly opened the door, I quickly turned around, I was about to jump back into the bathtub but the towel I was wearing caught on the doorknob causing it to fall off my body!

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