“Don’t be silly.” She locks the bracelet. “My father gave this to me before I died, but I keep losing it. I want you to keep it so you’ll never feel alone again.”
Isabel’s name is inscribed on the front of the bracelet. Tears fill my eyes as I recall how much my mother cried at my father’s funeral. Only four years old, I didn’t understand death. I have never felt so loved until this moment and Isabel must trust me so much to keep her bracelet.
I reach out to Isabel and give her a tight embrace. “Thank you, Isabel. You are a true sister.”
Now that I won Isabel, it’s time to get closer to Ricardo.
Just when I think this is my reigning moment, I hear a familiar voice.
Isabel giggles. “You came.”
Turning around, I spot Carlos with his wispy brown hair carrying a bouquet of tulips. “Of course, darling.” He kisses her on the lips then hands the flowers to her.
“Thank you, my love.” Her eyes light up as she smells the flowers
Carlos gazes toward my direction. “What is she doing here?”
“Marisol is my sister. Be nice to her,” she says.
“Sister?” He raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t she the weaver and the servant’s daughter? You shouldn’t be with her. What would people say?”
I rise from the ground fuming. “I should go.”
“Wait, Marisol,” Isabel calls out, but I dash to the horse and climb on its back and flee from the scene. The last thing I hear is Carlos convincing her not to follow me.
I truly hate his guts especially today for destroying the moment Isabel and I shared. I need to let Isabel know that he’s not right for her. What a shame!
I didn’t see Isabel again after that fateful day. My mother informed me their whole family took a trip to Manila and will be spending a month vacation there. I still wear the bracelet Isabel gave me, but hate Carlos for tainting the memory of our wonderful afternoon.
Leticia says the next twenty days is when we’ll focus on warping the fibers. The routine adds structure to my life, but I must admit, I miss both Ricardo and Isabel. I hope they come back soon.
Just like weaving, I learn life comes in cycles. We gather our board and pegs to begin the work. The process requires yarns and at least sixty meters of cloth to complete the task. After that’s completed, we need to dye the fiber to the specific colors designated for the barongs and dresses. The remnants will be used for table mats and linens. Nothing is wasted. . . I make a note, just like life, every experience is there to teach us and make us grow wiser.
I finally see the outcome of all our hard work. The barongs and dresses are one of a kind and you can only imagine how intricate the steps are to complete these clothing. Leticia didn’t notice I made an extra barong for Ricardo and a dress for Isabel. This would be my welcome back present for them. Isabel and I can move on from that day. I need to build her trust before telling her that Carlos isn’t the right man for her. I trust my instincts and something about him makes my hair stand.
Excusing myself, I head to the fitting room to try on the dress I made for Isabel. Upon staring at the mirror, I witness a glow in my cheeks and can’t believe I made this. I feel like Cinderella going to a ball hoping to meet her prince. Magical.
I must have gained a few years of wisdom after a month of completing this project and learning to be patient taught me that things don’t arrive when you expect them to. As the days passed, I wasn’t prepared for all the changes that started occurring. I can feel my life is about to change forever.
The first thing Isabel did when she stepped out of the Rolls Royce is rush to me and give a tight embrace. Doña Maria greets me with a smile but enters the mansion in a hurry. She looks exhausted from their trip.
“I missed you,” Isabel says.
Ricardo leans right behind her exposing a beaming smile. He doesn’t say anything but I know I captured his attention with the bright red dress I was wearing.
“I missed you too,” I tell Isabel. “I have something for you.”
“What is it?” She gushes.
I hand her the piña dress wrapped in fine paper. “Especially for you.”
Ricardo eyes Isabel as she tears the wrapper.
Tears fill her eyes as she pulls out the dress, eyeing the V-neckline surrounded by dainty beads. “This is the second dress you gave me. It’s so precious. Thank you.” She embraces me again and this time much tighter.
I can feel my smile reach my ears. My dear sister is back and we can now conquer the world.
Ricardo continues to stare at me and I almost forget his present.
Releasing from Isabel’s embrace, I approach him. “For you.”
He glances at the gift then back at me before slowly opening it. He takes hold of the barong and puts it near his chest to see how the shirt falls while examines its edges.
I’m anticipating he hates it and will scrutinize every flaw, but instead he looks at me in the eye and says, “Marisol, indeed, you’re the best weaver our family has ever had. You deserve a promotion.”
I don’t know whether I should embrace or kiss him, but all I can do is stand there without saying a word.
Ricardo wastes no time to make this possible. “Mother, Mother,” he calls out.
Doña Maria rushes out. “What’s the matter, Ricardo?”
“Look at this.” He shows her the barong.
“Look at my dress,” Isabel chimes in. “Marisol made this.”
Doña Maria runs her fingers on the barong then eyes me. She examines the dress. “You don’t realize how talented you are, Marisol. I knew I made the right choice by hiring you as a weaver. Starting today, you’ll have your own room at the mansion and you’ll also supervise and train your own team of weavers.”
Again, I am dumbfounded and can’t find my tongue. Did I hear that correctly? I will be living in the mansion? My own team of weavers? How did this happen?
I spend the rest of the morning cleaning up my new room and notice the envious stares of the other servants, but that doesn’t bother me. I learn very early in life, you have to find your own way to succeed. Some people will help you, but you need to prove your worth. I just did that and came out of my shell.
Isabel and I spend the whole afternoon together in her bedroom lying on her bed. She models the sexy tops and slim jeans she bought from the department store.
“You look amazing.”
“Try them on,” she says.
“Are you sure?”
She nods with approval.
I slip into a top and pair of jeans while gazing into the mirror.
She trails behind me with a wide smile on her face. “It fits you perfectly. You can borrow my clothes anytime.”
This is purely heaven for me. My sister . . . my best friend.
Since my room is next to hers, I know we’ll be spending more time watching movies, shopping and being together.
“Isabel, I never apologized for leaving abruptly that day at the ranch.”
She shakes her head. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t your fault. Carlos was being rude to you.”
I adjust the pillow higher so I can lean my back against the headboard. “Carlos was just being himself.”
She furrows her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
How could I tell her that my intuition was screaming at me to run away whenever he was around? Not wanting to elaborate on the details, I sigh. “I don’t think you should marry him.”
Isabel rises from her bed. “How can you say such a thing? You don’t know him. He comes from a good, rich family and wants to marry me. I was just about to ask if you could help me plan my engagement.”
Engagement? Isabel will be getting married? She’s only eighteen, a few months older than me, but that doesn’t mean she’s wiser. Carlos is going to whisk her away and I would lose my sister. Perhap
s I’m over reacting, but I can’t believe how fast things are unfolding. I notice the look of disappointment on Isabel’s face and don’t want to add more fuel to the fire, so instead, I say, “What I meant is you’re so young and beautiful. Whoever marries you will be the luckiest guy alive.”
She breaks into a smile then hugs me. “I know you’re being protective over me, but you will always be the sister I never had. Plus, think about it, you’ll be in charge of creating my wedding gown and the whole entourage as well.”
I scoff underneath my breath. I don’t know if I should feel happy or sad, but this is Isabel’s moment so I force myself to be cheerful for her. “How wonderful! When will Carlos announce the engagement?”
“Tomorrow night. He’s coming over to speak to Mother and will ask for my hand. After that, we have six months to prepare the wedding which will take place here at Hacienda Hermosa.”
I heave a sigh, knowing there’s still time to convince her.
A knock intrudes our conversation. The door opens and Ricardo steps inside the bedroom. “Hello, ladies, do you want to join me? Esmeralda the cow just gave birth and I want to show you the calf.”
“That’s fantastic. Definitely.” Isabel, who is still giddy pulls my arm.
I myself can’t believe that we’ll be spending time with Ricardo. His musky perfume is intoxicating and I feel so drawn to him.
A few minutes later, the limousine takes us to the ranch. He takes my hand and leads me inside the barn. My heart melts when Ricardo picks up the baby calf, its head resting on his chest.
“I named her Rose,” he says, stroking her cheek.
Peace transcends upon me. One look at his eyes and I feel like home. There’s no place I want to be but in his arms. His love for that calf shows what a nice person he is.
Isabel wanders on her own lost in her thoughts. She’s most likely thinking about Carlos and their engagement. We’re both young and in love, only she is with the wrong man.
Ricardo is more attentive to me and I’m confident if we spend more time together, I’ll get him to fall in love with me. However, I need to stop Isabel from marrying Carlos.
Tonight is the night where Carlos will ask for Isabel’s hand. Isabel tried several dresses that afternoon, but realized the best dress was the one I made for her. I’m elated that she prioritizes our relationship and hope I can convince her to change her mind about Carlos. She didn’t believe me the first time, so I need to think of a different strategy.
Isabel looks dazzling in her dress, her eyes shimmering with excitement.
“Can you go downstairs and entertain Carlos and his friends? I’m nervous and need a moment to myself.”
Although entertaining Carlos and his friends was the last thing I ever desired, I knew right then, I would do anything for my dearest friend.
Trotting down the stairs, I spot Carlos, Jaime and Manuel dressed in their barongs seated at the verandah while I’m dressed in a simple woven dress I crafted for this occasion. I don’t want to overpower Isabel because this is her moment to shine.
“Well, look who is here.” Carlos mocks.
I flash him a smile pretending to show I’m not bothered.
Manuel eyes me. “Can you get us a drink? Scotch?”
“Make that two, I mean, three,” Jaime adds.
I stare at them and exit the mansion.
“Did she just ignore us?” I hear Carlos say.
I’m not going to allow them to ridicule me in that way. I explore the garden watching the stars shining above. If only Isabel can see what they’re doing to me. How can she be with someone who has no respect for people like me? It’s not right. I must have walked so far and reminded myself to get back before Isabel starts to look for me.
Tears stream down my cheeks as I take bigger steps back home. I need to tell her one way or another.
As I was ready to head back to the mansion, someone tugs my arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
It was Carlos, his eyes swimming with rage. Behind him are Jaime and Manuel laughing.
I flash him a stern look. “Let go of my arm.”
He clings tighter. “You act so tough now, just because you have a room at the mansion. Well, guess what, you’ll never be an Iglesias. You’re a daughter of a servant, a weaver and that’s all you’ll ever be.”
I spit at his face, ready to clamor him.
He slaps me hard on my cheek. “Bitch! That’s how you want to handle it.”
I try to let go of my arm but he pins me to a tree and unzips my clothing. I’m wriggling and trying to escape, but Manuel and Jaime help Carlos pull down my dress and remove my bra and panties. Carlos covers my mouth and begins to fondle my breasts while Manuel and Jaime feel me down there.
Oh my God! Is this really happening? I try to scream, but Carlos thrusts his tongue almost down my throat.
I could taste the cigarettes he smoked earlier and hate him even more.
They’re all laughing and making fun of me.
“Let’s give her a shot of her own medicine,” Carlos says, laying me to the ground while Manuel and Jaime hold my legs and arms apart.
The next thing I know Carlos is pounding inside me with force while the two other guys are laughing so hard. “You bitch! Thought you could get away with it, didn’t you?” He snickers under his breath.
I try so hard to fight my tears from falling. Blood spurts from down there while he continues to grind me harder. The pain below doesn’t match the fury in my heart. This wasn’t how I envisioned my first time. It was supposed to be gentle and romantic with Ricardo, the man I loved. Not like this . . . not like this . . . definitely not like this.
I decide to cease struggling and pretend I’m a log hoping Carlos would stop, but he takes longer than usual then thrusts one more time and comes inside me. When he’s done, he buries his dead weight on me and licks my face. I want to spit at him, but have no energy to move. Carlos rises and kicks my leg. His friends cheer and give him high fives.
Carlos takes one look at me before tossing my dress. “There you go. Now, nobody is going to want you anymore.”
I have never felt so humiliated in my whole life. I lay there wanting to die, hoping that the soil could swallow me up. My life has just ended. Carlos is right, nobody is going to want me now. Strong rain pours upon me as I curl up in a ball wailing from inside. There should be no mercy for people like Carlos.
It’s so difficult to wake up this morning and report for work. I’m not myself and everyone in the factory notices how off I am. No matter how much I try to push away my thoughts, images of Carlos raping me keep flashing through my mind. My hands are restless and I need to weave before I go insane.
I’m positive Isabel, Doña Maria, Ricardo and my mother were looking for me last night.
Isabel steps inside the factory with a disgusted look on her face. “How could you?” she slaps me.
“Let me explain.” I know she wanted me to be there for the special moment where Carlos would announce the engagement, but how could I tell her about what happened.
“Explain what, that you’ve always had a crush on Carlos and that’s why you tried to convince me to let go of him?”
“Isabel, that’s not true,” I raise my voice.
All eyes are on us now, but I don’t care.
“What isn’t true? Fuming, she pauses trying to catch her breath. “The fact that you seduced him to sleep with you? You slut!” She slaps me again. “That’s why you didn’t show up at my engagement dinner last night. Where were you?”
My body shakes, I want to tell her how he repeatedly raped me and no matter how much I scrubbed all the blood from my body, I could still feel the disgusting effect he left on me, but nothing escapes my mouth. Instead, I ran outside, ran until I can no longer could breathe, ran until there is nothing left for me to look forward to, ran knowing
my life was over. I lost the only sister and friend I could ever have.
The next few months are a blur to me. I didn’t sleep in the mansion and slept in the same room as my mother and the other servants. All of them believe I seduced Carlos to sleep with me, but not one of them even cared to ask me. I didn’t cross paths with Isabel nor Ricardo and all I did was focus on working with my hands. Nobody could deny that I was still the best weaver. They couldn’t take that away from me. Even if I was drowning in my sorrows, I had to keep a straight face and work hard.
Early morning at the factory, a surge of pain stabs my stomach. I lean against a wall taking deep breaths, but the ache is too much to bear. The next thing I know, I’m doubled over and vomiting. The workers flash curious stares which leads to whispers.
Leticia, who is still very protective of me instructs one of the workers to clean the mess then pulls me outside.
We walk a few meters away from the premises where nobody can hear us. I’m perched on the bench overlooking the mansion.
“Listen, I don’t believe the stories people are talking about. You need to tell me what really happened.”
I never told a soul about what transpired that night, but the nightmare continues to haunt me daily. The tears I’ve suppressed all this time fall freely as I narrate how it all began. Leticia listens without judging me. She’s like a second mom who understands me more than my own mother.
“I never meant for this to happen, Leticia. I hope you believe me. Carlos is the one who raped me while his friends watched and fondled me.” I cover my face in shame, but nobody can imagine the relief of spilling this out to a friend.
Leticia embraces me tight, not saying a word, like she understood all the pain I’ve kept inside. Oh how good it is to talk to someone. My shoulders loosen up and I no longer feel tightness on my chest.
“Hija, you’ve been through a lot, but I hate to tell you there are more problems. It seems to me that you’re pregnant.”
The Weaver's Daughter Page 2