IKALABING-LIMANG KABANATA - tr. CHAPTER 15
Ano ang mapapala ko sa kaniya? Mula rito?
What can I gain from him? From this?
DIWA
The man's name was Emiliano. I discovered this when I overheard it at the market. The tension in the village had only grown since Vray's parents and relatives demanded answers from Rajah Maisog about who had murdered their daughter. Vray was a noble, and this matter couldn't be easily dismissed, especially after the Datu learned that the Rajah had remarried and that I was pregnant. Even though they found out late, they refused to let it go.
As I rested, I gently caressed my growing belly. The Rajah was absent; he hadn't told me where he was going, but there was urgency in his movements earlier.
I am pregnant.
I was startled when a slave entered. "The foreigner is asking for you."
My eyebrows knitted together in concern.
****
The day turned to night, and it was late when the Rajah finally returned. He immediately approached me and wrapped me in a warm embrace. "Are you alright, Diwa?"
I nodded, leaning into his embrace. "Yes, but the foreigner sought me out today. I didn't know what to tell him."
Rajah Maisog's eyes darkened with concern. "We must be cautious, Diwa. These are uncertain times."
I nodded again, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on us. "I understand. We will face whatever comes together."
The Rajah sighed, his hand resting protectively on my belly. "I have been speaking with the Datu. He is not pleased with the unrest caused by Vray's death. We must find a way to bring peace to our village."
I looked into his eyes, seeing the worry etched into his face. "What can we do, my love?"
"We must find the truth," he said, his voice firm. "And we must be prepared for whatever consequences may come."
****
The next morning, I awoke to the sound of birds singing outside our window. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over our home. I felt a sense of calm wash over me, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.
I decided to visit the palengke again, hoping to gather more information about Emiliano and the Kristiyanos. As I walked through the bustling market, I couldn't help but notice the whispers and curious glances directed my way. News of my pregnancy had spread quickly, and I could feel the weight of their expectations.
I approached a group of women who were gossiping near a stall. "Good morning," I greeted them with a smile. "Have you heard any news about the foreigner, Emiliano?"
One of the women, a middle-aged lady with kind eyes, nodded. "Yes, he has been speaking with the villagers about his God, Hesus. Some are curious, but others are wary."
"Do you know where he is staying?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.
"He's been seen around the old house near the edge of the village," she replied. "Be careful, Diwa. We don't know much about him."
"Thank you," I said, giving her a grateful smile before continuing on my way.
As I made my way to the old house, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in my chest. What did this foreigner want from us? And why was he so interested in our village?
When I arrived at the old house, I hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door. It creaked open, and Emiliano stood there, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine.
"Diwa," he greeted me with a charming smile. "What brings you here?"
"I wanted to learn more about you and your beliefs," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside to let me enter. The inside of the house was sparsely furnished, but it had a certain warmth to it. "Please, have a seat."
I sat down on a wooden chair, my eyes never leaving his. "Tell me about your God, Hesus."
Emiliano's expression softened as he began to speak. "Hesus is a God of love and forgiveness. He came to Earth to save humanity from their sins and to show them the path to eternal life."
I listened intently, trying to understand his words. "And what does he ask of his followers?"
"He asks us to love one another, to be kind and compassionate, and to spread his message to others," Emiliano explained. "He offers hope and salvation to those who believe in him."
As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a sense of conflict within me. His words were compelling, but I couldn't ignore the unease that lingered in my heart. "Why have you come to our village, Emiliano?"
"I believe that your people deserve to hear the message of Hesus," he said, his gaze unwavering. "I want to help your village find peace and salvation."
I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge the sincerity in his eyes. "And what do you gain from this?"
Emiliano smiled softly. "I gain nothing but the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped others find the light. My mission is not for personal gain but for the greater good."
"I appreciate your intentions, Emiliano, but our village has its own beliefs and traditions. We are wary of outsiders who seek to change us."
"I understand," he said, his expression earnest. "I do not wish to impose my beliefs on anyone. I only wish to share them and let the people decide for themselves."
I nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. "Thank you for your time, Emiliano. I will think about what you have said."
As I left the old house and made my way back to the village, my mind was filled with questions. Could Emiliano be trusted? And what impact would his presence have on our village?
When I returned home, Rajah Maisog was waiting for me. He looked relieved to see me. "Diwa, what did you learn?"
I recounted my conversation with Emiliano, sharing his words and my impressions. Rajah Maisog listened intently, his expression unreadable.
"He seems sincere," I said, "but I cannot shake the feeling that there is more to his presence here."
"We must remain vigilant," Rajah Maisog said. "We cannot afford to let our guard down. The village is already on edge with the unrest caused by Vray's death. We must be careful not to add to that tension."
I nodded in agreement. "I will continue to learn what I can about Emiliano and the Kristiyanos. But we must also focus on Vray's death. Only then can we hope to bring peace to our village."
Rajah Maisog's expression softened as he placed a hand on my belly. "And we must protect our child. Our future depends on it."
****
Days turned into weeks, and the tension in the village remained palpable. Emiliano continued to speak with the villagers, sharing his beliefs and offering to help those in need. Some were intrigued by his message, while others remained wary.
One evening, as the sun began to set, Emiliano approached our home. Rajah Maisog and I were sitting outside, enjoying the cool breeze.
"Good evening," Emiliano greeted us with a warm smile. "May I join you?"
Rajah Maisog nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "Of course. What brings you here, Emiliano?"
"I wanted to speak with you both about the unrest in the village," Emiliano said, his tone serious. "I have heard about Vray's death and the tension it has caused. I believe that we can work together to find a solution."
"And what solution do you propose?" Rajah Maisog asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I believe that by building a church in the village, we can create a space for healing and reconciliation," Emiliano explained. "It would be a place where people can come together, regardless of their beliefs, and find common ground."
I felt a pang of unease at the mention of a church. "And what if the villagers are not ready for such a change?"
"Change is never easy," Emiliano said gently. "But I believe that it is necessary for growth and progress. I am willing to work with you to ensure that the transition is smooth and respectful of your traditions."
Rajah Maisog exchanged a glance with me. "We will consider your proposal, Emiliano."
"Of course," Emiliano said, his gaze sincere. "I am here to help in any way I can. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me."
As he left, I couldn't help but feel a sense of conflict. Emiliano's words were compelling, but I couldn't ignore the unease that lingered in my heart. What was his true intention? And could we trust him?
And if he does have some benefit from our place...
What can I gain... from him? From this?
****