✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Days passed fairly quickly. The next thing you knew, it was Sunday, which was your birthday.

Celia woke you up and helped you get ready for the day. She helped you dress up, and she fixed your hair. Not that you can't do that by yourself, but you thanked her nonetheless before you two went downstairs for breakfast.

As you went down, you were met with the townspeople rushing to decorate your home according to the occasion. They were moving things here and there, placing colorful little flags around and changing the mantles on every table with mantles that have more vibrant colors.

They were busy, but some of them stopped to greet you when they saw you. Smiling, you greet them back, before you see your mother walk up to you, enveloping you in a hug.

"Maligayang kaarawan, anak." She greets you, peppering your face with kisses that had you giggling.

"Salamat po, mamma." You reply, "Nasaan po si pappa?" You asked, looking around for your father, still enveloped in your mother's arms.

She smiled, planting a kiss on your forehead. "Nasa labas. Sinasalubong ang mga taong gustong tumulong sa pag-aayos para sa kaganapan mamaya."

She pulled away, before letting you walk outside with her, spotting your father outside who is indeed beaming at everyone who stops to greet him and offer some help.

"Pappa...!" You exclaimed, running to your father and wrapping your arms around him.

He laughs, wrapping his arms around your shoulders, before kissing your forehead. Your mother walks closer, also sporting a smile on her face.

"Maligayang kaarawan sa aking nag-iisang señorita..." He smiles.

"Salamat, pappa."

"Naku, kayong dalawa... Hindi talaga maipagkakait na magtatay kayo..!" Your mother chuckles, making you and your father share a laugh.

He planted another kiss on your forehead, before he proceeded to those who were setting up the tables and chairs outside. Your mother followed him, helping in assisting visitors and guests who are offering help.

"Señorita?" You heard Celia's voice behind you, and you turned around to see her. In her arms was a beautiful red dress, and she handled it so delicately, as if afraid that it would be ruined with one wrong move.

"Hm?" You hummed in response, turning back around to watch the people around.

"Sabi po ng señora, ito raw po ang suotin ninyo mamaya. Gusto niyo na po bang magpalit?" She asked.

You looked down at the simple brown dress that you were wearing, and looked back at her.

"Masyado pang maaga, Celia. Mamaya na lang din. Tatawagin na lamang kita kapag gusto ko nang palitan ang damit ko." She nods obediently, "Salamat, Celia."

She turns around to walk away, and you assume that she'll be heading to your room to hang that dress up, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

After breakfast, your parents resumed the preparations, so that they wouldn't have to worry about it later, they said.

You were once again left alone, just walking around the mansion, looking and analysing every detail in every decoration you find.

You sighed. During times like this, you just wished that you had a sibling so that you won't be left alone, and you'll have someone to talk about your problems and concerns.

You sat down on the sofa, fetching a book from the small table by the side. Your father knew of your 'obsession' with books, and so he bought you some extra and had someone to fix them all around the mansion, especially in the places where you liked to sit and spend time.

"Hm. Hindi naman ako nalilibang ng librong ito." You placed the book back on the table, deciding that you'll read it some other time. You figured that you wanted to change your clothes now, and you called out to Celia.

She led you to your room and helped you get into the dress that she showed you earlier. After you finished changing, Celia volunteered to fix your hair for you. You two chatted while she was busy combing on your luscious locks.

You started to ask her questions to entertain yourself. Some of it was nonsense that made her chuckle a little bit, but she answered nonetheless.

"Celia, anong tingin mo kay Heneral del Pilar?" You asked suddenly, and you didn't need to turn to see Celia's shocked face. That particular question startled her, for sure.

"Bakit po, señorita?" She asked, continuing to fix your hair.

You shrugged. "Gusto ko lang itanong kung anong opinyon mo tungkol sa kanya. Naalala ko siya noong bumisita tayo sa tahanan nila Remedios... Hindi ba't kilala siya rito ngayon?"

"Ah, opo, señorita." Answered Celia. "Napansin ko po noong nagpunta po tayo sa tahanan nila Don Nable-Jose... Palagi po siyang tumitingin sa inyo. Pero hindi naman po natin gaanong nakakasalamuha ang heneral, señorita. At ang pagkakaalam ko po, inimbitahan po siya ng inyong pappa para dumalo sa pagdiriwang mamaya. Hindi ba po, señorita?"

"Inimbitahan ba talaga ni pappa iyon?" You frowned. You didn't think that your father would actually invite him. Oh well.

"Ayaw niyo po bang imbitahan ang heneral, señorita?" Celia asked, and you rolled your eyes at your father's antics.

"Hindi naman. Hindi ko lang inakalang gagawin talaga ni pappa na imbitahan siya." You shrugged. "Oh, siya, ituloy mo na ang pag-aayos sa buhok ko. Mamaya na natin pag-usapan ang bagay na 'yan."

She continues to fix your hair, and after a few minutes, she hands you a mirror and lets you look at yourself.

"Ayos na po ba iyan, señorita?"

You examined yourself. You hummed, smiling. "Sa tingin ko, mas bagay kung iyong isa ang inilagay mong palamuti sa buhok ko."

"Gusto niyo po bang palitan?" She asked, and you shook your head.

"Ayos na ito. Parehas namang maganda." You smiled at her, putting the mirror down. "Salamat, Celia."

She relaxed, smiling back at you. Before neither of you two could speak, there was a knock on the door, and Celia was quick to open it. You peeked to see who was at the door, and recognized her as one of your house helpers. You watched as she whispered something to Celia, and Celia nodded before closing the door.

"Anong sabi niya?" You asked as she walked back towards you, and sat next to you on the bed.

"Nariyan na raw po ang ilan sa mga bisita, señorita. Sabi raw po ni Don Alfonso, bumaba na raw po tayo para salubungin sila."

You sighed. You really didn't want to. But you have to, though. To maintain a good reputation and image for yourself and your family.

Iba ang kapangyarihang taglay ng pamilya natin sa bayang ito, anak. Your father had said once.

"Let's go, then."

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Even though you thought that greeting and welcoming visitors was nothing but an absolute bore, you had no choice. Well, it's your birthday, after all. Your mother and father stood on either side of you— smiling, greeting, and waving to the townspeople.

Your annoyance only increased when Clara Lorenzo, the person you dreaded the most, entered with her sisters and parents. You sighed softly, and you were so very thankful when Celia came and ushered you towards the refreshments— so that you wouldn't have to interact with Clara.

Not that you hated her, no. But you just don't tolerate her presence as much as you do with Remedios. You think that she's just too... Talkative for her own good. You feared that it might cause negative things to happen to her.

You watched as your parents greeted them, your mother starting a conversation with Lady Lorenzo, while Clara and her sisters looked around, seemingly amazed with the decorations.

You hoped that she wouldn't see you, feigning to look at the biscuits and other snacks on the table in front of you. You and Celia chatted quietly, before you were cut off by a shrill voice.

"Ah, Y/N, mahaba-habang panahon na rin simula noong nagkita tayo."

"Clara." You acknowledged her with a nod. "Ilang buwan pa lang naman ang lumipas noong huli tayong nagkita. Hindi naman taon."

You felt irritation seeping through your veins, and you didn't really want to cause something that'll ruin your big day.

She rolls her eyes. "Masungit ka pa rin. Hindi ka ba napapagod maging maldita?"

"At hindi ka ba napapagod na pakialaman ako?"

She gasps, and she was just about to reply when Celia, bless her, cuts her off. "Señorita, nariyan na po sina binibining Remedios." She points at the large doors, where Don Nable-Jose enters with Remedios and her sisters.

You spared Clara a last glance. "Maiwan ka na namin, Clara. Sigurado ako na kaya mo namang manatili rito mag-isa, hindi ba?" You smiled at her sarcastically, before walking away, leaving a gaping Clara behind.

When you're near Remedios, she spots you and greets you with a hug.

"Maligayang kaarawan, Y/N." She smiles, pulling away.

"Salamat, Remedios." You respond, "Buti na lamang at dumating kayo kaagad. Hindi ko na matiis na makipag-usap kay Clara, kahit sandali lang kaming nag-usap."

You gestured at Clara by the corner of the room, chatting with her sisters.

Remedios lets out a small laugh. "Karamihan naman siguro ay hindi talaga matitiis na makipag-usap sa kaniya."

"Maupo muna tayo. Si Celia na ang bahala sa mga dala niyo."

You lead her to a sofa near the window, and started a conversation with her as more and more people arrive.

When some time passed, you assumed like half an hour, the living room was buzzing with the townspeople, most of them you remember are nobles. Some of them that you recognized were your parents' great friends.

You were actually feeling quite tired, even though it was still very early in the night. You've been interacting with people since earlier.

You sighed after Remedios excused herself to go to her father and sisters, and you expected that there will be no more visitors for you to interact with.

Oh, how wrong you were.

Entered the large doors was the person that you actually didn't expect to come.

General Gregorio del Pilar.

You suddenly remembered your conversation with Celia earlier. You sighed again, feeling defeated. Though you didn't know why. You watched as your mother and father greeted him.

He was with his colonel, and the other guy who you assumed was his brother. You forced yourself to stand up and greet him, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. You masked your discomfort with a bright smile.

"Magandang gabi po, heneral." You greeted. He bowed slightly, before he grabs your hand and kisses your knuckles.

"Magandang gabi, binibini. At maligayang kaarawan." He flashes a smile that makes every young woman in Dagupan fall in love.

"Salamat po, heneral." You replied, smiling back at him.

"Magandang gabi, heneral." Your father spoke. "Nagagalak kami dahil sa pagpapaunlak ninyo sa aming paanyaya."

"Nagagalak din po ako dahil inanyayahan niyo kaming dumalo sa pagdiriwang na ito, Don Alfonso." Goyo smiles. "At sino ba naman ako para tumanggi, hindi ba po?"

Your father lets out a small laugh, "Oh siya, hayaan niyo nang ang mga tagapaglingkod ang mag-ayos sa inyong mga dala."

You noticed the general's eyes on you, but you paid no mind. You acted like you didn't know that he was staring at you, and followed your father to the dining room.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

After you ate, you secretly slipped out of the room, your parents no the other people didn't notice you walking out, thank goodness.

Well, except for the young general who's been observing you since he arrived.

You stood by the porch, admiring the beautiful starry sky and being content with just standing there with no one with you, sighing as you felt the cold breeze washing through you.

When was the last time you were left alone like this? You couldn't really remember, except for when you were alone in your room late at night. Your parents insisted that you must have someone with you, especially when you want to go outside.

It was quiet, save for the chirping of crickets and the rustle of bushes whenever the wind blows.

You sighed, looking up the sky. Times like this always made you reflect on your life.

I'm nineteen now, you thought. You hoped, just like you did before, that your father would let you go out on your own, to socialize and make more friends. He never did. No matter how your mother convinced him, he didn't budge.

You've got no interest in any material or luxury things that he got you. Your only wish, since you were a child, was to be free. To fave fun. To go out without someone trailing behind you. To explore the town, or even the city. You never got to experience that. Not like other girls who are allowed to do as they please.

Maybe because you're their only child. And a daughter, at that.

But you knew, had you been born a son, your father would give you the world. You knew that he wouldn't fret as much as he does now.

You didn't hear the pitter-patter of footsteps behind you, nor did you notice someone standing beside you, until the stranger spoke.

"Anong ginagawa mong mag-isa rito, binibini?" He asks. "Hindi mo ba gustong maki-salamuha sa mga taong dumalo sa pagdiriwang ng kaarawan mo?"

You turned to the general beside you, startled. Before you sighed, "Alam ko namang hindi sila dumalo para sa akin. Pumunta lamang sila para maging malapit sa aking pappa."

"Wala ba sa mga kaibigan mo ang pumunta?" He asks again.

"Iilan lamang ang mga kaibigan ko rito, heneral." You smiled. "Ikaw, anong ginagawa mo rito?"

"Gudto ko lamang magpahangin." He replies. "Hindi mo pa sinasagot ang tanong ko kanina. Anong ginagawa mo rito?" He repeats his question from earlier.

"Gusto ko lang mapag-isa. Minsan ko lamang maranasan iyon. Sinamantala ko na ang pagiging okupado nila pappa para makalabas mag-isa." You explained. "Hindi nila ako pinapayagang umalis nang walang kasama. Minsan... Nararamdaman kong nakakasakal na ang pag-uugali nila."

You felt his gaze on you as he speaks. "Siguro gusto lang nila ang mas nakabubuti para sa iyo, binibini. Lahat naman ng magulang ganoon."

You huffed. "Siguro nga." You whisper. "Ganito siguro talaga ang buhay ng mga isinilang sa mararangyang pamilya."

You turned to him, finding him looking up at the sky with a smile.

He looked handsome, you think. Maybe that's why almost every young woman in town is in love with him. He never seems to mind, though.

"Alam mo, binibini..." He spoke. "Noong unang kita ko sa iyo, alam ko na ang sitwasyon na nararanasan mo."

You looked at him confusedly. "A-ano kamo?"

"Sa tahanan ni Don Nable-Jose. Napansin kong palagi kang inaalalayan ng iyong katulong." He chuckles. "Bibihira lamang ang mga taong nakikita kong gano'n, mayayaman pa."

"Anong nais mong iparating, heneral?"

"Wala bang nabanggit ang iyong pappa tungkol sa pag-aasawa mo?" He asks, changing the subject. "O kahit man lang pagkakaroon ng kasintahan?"

"Hindi po ako naghahanap ng kasintahan, heneral." Yoy replied, brows furrowed. "At mas lalong hindi ako naghahanap ng asawa."

He huffs out a laugh. "Hindi naman sa ganoon, binibini." He says. "Hindi mo ba naiisip na siguro... Magiging malaya kang gawin ang gusto mo kung may isang lalaking mabibilinan ang iyong ama para sa iyo?"

You remained silent for a brief moment, before you replied, "Sa tingin ko... Hindi kailanman mangyayari 'yon."

"Bakit mo naman naisip 'yan, binibini?"

"Marami nang lalaki ang sumubok na hingin ang kamah ko, pero kahit isa sa kanila, hindi tinanggap ni pappa.", You respond. "Wala sa kanila ang umangkop sa pamantayan niya. Siguro alam niya rin na gusto lang ng mga lalaking iyon ng kayamanan namin."

"Siguro nga hindi pa mangyayari sa ngayon." He states. "Balang araw, Binibining Alfonso, may lalaki ring magkakaroon ng lakas ng loob na ligawan at pakasalan ka. Darating din ang panahon na magiging malaya kang gawin ang gusto mo nang hindi nag-aalala sa kung anong gusto ng iyong ama."

His words made you think. Maybe, at the right time, someone would be fitting for your father's standards. Maybe... Someone would build up the courage to ask for your hand in marriage. Maybe someday you'll be free, just like what you've always wanted.

In the right time.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

YES, FINALLY. I actually didn't realize that chapter 3 was 2k+ words long omg I cannot—

Anywaysz... Here it is! It's edited and I hope there's no more mistakes coz I do not proofread my works😅 enjoy, happy reading! God bless ❤️ - Agatha