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03. Sophia's Braids
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2020-09-08 15:17:34I WATCH AS Lucele’s fingers intricately weaves Sophia’s braids.
“You are prettier when you wear your braids, my dear one,” Lucele whispers. Sophia sits there, blushing. And I smile to myself. I totally agree with her mother.
Sophia is indeed pretty, especially with those braids. Her skin is tanned because of our constant adventures under the sun, but they are smooth. As smooth as the porcelains that my own mother used to have when she was still alive. When she died, the porcelains weren’t seen anymore. Sophia’s face is small but her eyes are big—not really big. Maybe it was just because of her long lashes. My Gran says long lashes make a girl’s eyes look bigger.
Sophia bears the resemblance of her father, the man I hated the most. And probably the man that Sophia also hated the most. Sophia also has a slender neck and her body is skinny. But not too skinny though. When she gets older—I mean, when both of us get older, I’m sure she’ll look even more beautiful.
“Momma, you should braid your hair, too. Just like mine.”
“I can’t.”
“And why’s that, Mrs. Cruz?” I interject. I just can’t contain my curiosity.
“Sophia’s father would get mad if I look pretty. He’ll think I’m being pretty for the sake of another man.”
I clasp my fist. Why is he so cruel?
“There,” Lucele says as she stares at her beaming daughter, “go out and show them your braids.”
“They won’t notice it. They’ll notice my swelling cheek,” Sophia says in her small voice.
Her mother’s face softens, “Does it hurt?”
“Not as much as your body hurts,” she replies as she hugs her mom.
“It’s okay now. You’re okay now,” her mom whispers back.
Silence.
“Go home before supper, okay? And don’t stray too far. Both of you.”
“What will you do, then, Mrs. Cruz?” I ask, getting up.
“I’ll sleep, for a while.”
Sophia and I hurry to the door. Lucele stands on the porch, sadly looking at us with her arms crossed just under her breast. I look away, then decide to look back at her again. But then, when I turn around, she’s already gone.
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Unresolved 07. Birthday
THE WHOLE PLACE is full of energy and vibrance. It’s my 8th birthday and Gran and Papa have organized this party for all of us. Everyone is invited. Including Sophia, of course. Her father, Mr. Cruz, is also here. He greets me a grumpy “Happy Birthday, Kid” and casually goes to the table where papa and the rest of our male neighbors eat and drink. I don’t like this whole idea of inviting Mr. Cruz. But of course, he is still Sophia’s father. And besides, it is customary to invite everyone in the island.
Unresolved 06. The Cave
I PUT A FLOWER on Sophia’s right ear. It’s been three summers since her mother died and so many things had happened. Gran wanted so much to adopt Sophia but Sophia’s father got mad when he heard of the plan. He went to our house and snatched Sophia away. I didn’t see Sophia for a week after that incident. He just locked her up in the ho
Unresolved 05. Going Home to Nothing
THE SUN IS about to set.Probably it’s already past four in the afternoon. I poke the sleeping body beside me and she opens her eyes. She suddenly looks distracted and for a moment there, she looks like she just woke up in a completely strange world. “Oh! I think I over-slept,” she says as she gets up and stretches her skinny body, “why didn’t you wake me up!”
Unresolved 04. The Meadow
WE LIVE IN an island called the Free Isles.This island is owned by the richest man in town, Don Felipe Quizon. Our parents are mostly fisherfolks but fortunately, the island is also surrounded with meadows. Coconut trees grow in this part. These meadows are being graced with cows and horses as well. The meadows are our most favorite place. Even if we do not own it, Sophia and I imagine that someday, this place will be ours.
Unresolved 03. Sophia's Braids
I WATCH AS Lucele’s fingers intricately weaves Sophia’s braids.“You are prettier when you wear your braids, my dear one,” Lucele whispers. Sophia sits there, blushing. And I smile to myself. I totally agree with her mother. Sophia is indeed pretty, especially with those braids. Her skin is tanned because of our constant adventures under the sun, but they are smooth. As sm
Unresolved 02. Sophia's Scary House
“GO AWAY!”I sit on the porch as I listen to Sophia’s tantrums. Her house is just several blocks away from my house so I got here for like ten minutes only. And when I knock, she has started shooing me away.“I have food!” I yell back.
