Chapter 2 – “The Plot Thickens”

As we reached Elena’s house, the door swung open, revealing her mother waiting with a wave and a bright smile.

“Wow, you’re soaked! Go to the bathroom and freshen up. I’ll make coffee for you and Elena.”

Elena’s mom was super welcoming. Needless to say, I felt incredibly welcome. But I felt another thing – guilt. The memory of what happened in the hut played repeatedly, starkly contrasting the unwavering kindness being showered upon me.

My hand trembled slightly as I reached for Elena’s mother’s right hand.  Gently, I placed it on my forehead, a gesture of deep gratitude that transcended words.  “Thank you,” I mumbled, the words barely a whisper against the rising tide of guilt.

“Mom, aren’t you lucky to have such a respectful future son-in-law?”

Elena’s mother just smiled as I let go of her hand.

“Shut up, Mommy,” I told Elena jokingly as I walked towards the bathroom.

Elena’s laughter erupted upon hearing me, followed by her mom’s in a delightful cascade that filled the room.

Before I could shut the bathroom door completely, the voices of Elena and her mom drifted through…

“Someone’s in your room.”

“Who, Mom?”

“Camille.”

The name froze me in my tracks. A mix of surprise and excitement rushed through me. Unable to resist the pull of curiosity, I left the bathroom door slightly ajar, hoping to hear more from them.

“You both arrived almost at the same time. Oh, your sister-in-law didn’t bring an umbrella, so she was soaking wet when she arrived. I lent her some of your clothes. She probably had another fight with Daniel, so she came here first.”

“Yeah. Very likely that brother hurt Camille again.” Elena responded with her voice echoing so much disappointment.

“Call Daniel and let him know Camille is here. He can come over, and you can also introduce Jeff to them.”

The sound of your name echoed in my head as a desperate hope battled a rising tide of dread. I couldn’t figure out which feeling was stronger – was it the hope that I would soon see you again or the dread? Could it be? Could you be the Camille they were talking about? Are you Elena’s sister-in-law, the wife of my fiancé’s brother?

While lost in those thoughts, somebody pushed open the bathroom door. It was Elena. She handed me a pair of shorts and a tank top in the bathroom.

“Dad, after you take a shower, could you please go to the terrace? I need to talk to Camille in our room.”

“Camille?” I asked, puzzled.

“Yes, my sister-in-law. I don’t think you know her… or… did you meet someone earlier?”

“No, I only saw those people at the nearby store.”

“Okay, daddy. Go ahead and do your thing. I need to talk to Camille now. She won’t stop crying. It seems like she has a serious problem, probably because of my brother. But something else happened to her on her way here, and she doesn’t want to say it.”

I could only manage a simple nod for Elena as dread tightened in my stomach. Seeing you was a desperate wish, but not under that roof. What if you, Camille, were the one they spoke of? The thought terrified me. Could facing you here be worse than our secret coming out? We could play strangers, a flimsy disguise for the secret we shared. But what if you shattered the pretense, confessing to your sister-in-law those forbidden moments we shared in the hut? The possibility suffocated me with guilt.

I sat on the terrace, overwhelmed by the possibilities ahead of me. I couldn’t shake off the anxiety about the presence of Camille. My usual methods to calm my mind seemed ineffective, but I persisted, trying to regain my composure. Looking around, I noticed the rough planks that made up the terrace floor and the vividly colored potted plants on the ledge, a stark contrast to the darkness of the inner turmoil I was feeling. I had been so preoccupied with exploring Sagada and sharing my experiences on social media that I hadn’t noticed these details earlier.

“Jeff, just stay here for a while.”

That was Elena’s mother.  She placed a cup of coffee on a wooden side table before me.

“I’ll go to Elena and Camille in the room. Daniel is also on his way. You can all talk later.”

“Alright, mot…mot…”

“Son, don’t hesitate to call me a mother. Or mama. It’s okay. You and Elena are getting married.”

“Ha… uh… Yes… okay, mama. Thank you.”

“I just hope you love my daughter, be faithful to her. Please don’t hurt my youngest.”

“I… I promise, Inay. I will love and take care of Elena.”

Guilt ate at me as I tried to make a promise I was afraid I couldn’t keep. Elena’s mother’s kindness highlighted my deceit. The rain pounding on the roof matched the chaos in my mind. Every regret hit me like a downpour—the forgotten umbrella, the postponed plans, and the encounter that now filled me with dread. I desperately wished to return and erase the meeting that started this turmoil in my heart. With my mind and heart, I was at peace. But no matter how much I regret it, what happened won’t change. My decisions were wrong, and I had to face the consequences of those mistakes.

On the terrace, I held the forgotten coffee, now lukewarm. My future mother-in-law’s kindness felt like a cruel joke as I paced. Was Camille really here? Unable to stand the uncertainty, I went back inside. Our room’s door was partly open, inviting me in. A thin curtain hid the inside, muffling sounds. But I heard a sob, making me sick with worry.

I didn’t want to wait any longer. It’s killing me softly.  I decided to go in. If you were really inside, I had to know.  

Driven by that desperate need, I reached for the partly open door. But a car horn blared even before I could pull the door open. The interruption snapped me back, and I retreated a step. The insistent honking escalated, urging me into action. That could be Daniel. There’s nobody else expected to come.

The honking escalated into a frantic barrage. So, I had to race outside and open the gate. A black car with its doors and bumpers splattered with mud glided into the driveway. I retreated to give its driver more space to maneuver.

After parking, the driver got out… it was Daniel. That was the first time I saw it in person.

“Jeff? Are you Jeff?”

I nodded at him as I said “yes” and offered a handshake. He towered over me slightly, his frame solid and athletic. Instead of taking my hand, he embraced me.

“I’m Daniel, Elena’s brother. Damn… no wonder my sister fell in love with you. You’re handsome, and you’ve got a great physique. Looks like you live at the gym.”

“Not really, bro. I usually work out at home. You have a great built yourself.”

“Ah… just from hard work in the fields.”

The terrace buzzed with the distant chirping of crickets as we finally met face-to-face. I had previously seen their family photo on Elena’s Facebook cover page, taken when their father was still alive. It was the only picture Elena had with any of her family members. Daniel exuded a quiet intensity, starkly contrasting Elena’s gentle nature. While I navigated the social media world for my vlog, Elena rarely ventured there. In fact, Miguel, according to her, was a digital ghost – no Facebook, no Instagram, just a phone for the bare necessities. “He’s not a gadget person,” Elena had said, a hint of amusement in her voice, “more of a… gun person.” Her offhand remark left me with a lingering question – was that a playful exaggeration or a glimpse into a world I wasn’t prepared for?

I inquired if  Daniel wanted coffee.

“Coffee? Perfect!  Although, wait a minute… I just remembered I grabbed a bottle of wine on my way over. Are you in for a switch?  I’ll grab it in a second!”

A cold dread settled in my gut as another of Elena’s offhand comments echoed in my mind: her brother drank wine for breakfast.  Oblivious to my growing unease, Daniel didn’t waste a breath waiting for my reply. With a muttered excuse, he was already striding towards his car, the clink of glass promising a night far stronger than I’d bargained for. My stomach lurched – the thought of hard liquor sent a familiar tremor through me. I was a lightweight, unlike Daniel, whose casual gait suggested a seasoned tolerance. The prospect of a drinking session, especially with someone who might consider breakfast wine a tame indulgence, filled me with a potent mix of apprehension and a bizarre, desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, tonight wouldn’t be as bad as I feared.

“Alright, put down the coffee. Shot glasses, check!  I knew we might need them.  Just got to find some nibbles, and then we can get started.”

Daniel returned, a bottle of wine clutched triumphantly in one hand. The other held a black leather clutch bag.  He plunked the wine down with a dull thud, but the bag was carefully placed beside it. From what I heard from Elena, I was almost certain it was a gun.

“Where’s my mom and Elena? Is Camille here?”

“They’re in the room, talking.”

“Looks like I’m back in the doghouse. Thanks to Camille. Of course, they’ll all believe the little angel. Guess I’m public enemy number one again.”

I just listened to Daniel.

“That woman can be stubborn as that carabao I use on the farm. I told her to fly back to Italy in February of this year, but she did not. Then the lockdown hit in March, and now she’s stuck here. Damn Covid.  Our savings are dwindling, and who knows if she even has a job to return to.”

“The situation is really tough right now, bro. Elena and I were told it might be two more months before we can return to our company. So we’ll stay here for now.”

“Is that so? That’s good, so our mom will have company here. Our female cousin, caring for her, eloped just last week. And my other sister, who’s also in Italy, won’t be back until the end of the year. She’ll definitely be here for your wedding with Elena.”

“Oh, there you are, Daniel.”

That was Elena’s mother, who suddenly appeared behind us.

“Hello, ma. I just arrived.”

“Wine again, Daniel? Elena said Jeff isn’t used to drinking.”

“That’s why I’m starting to train him now. By the time their two-month vacation is over, my brother-in-law will be used to hard drinks. How are you, ma?”

“May God bless you. And I hope He makes you a good person. Oh, Daniel.”

“What did Camille tell you this time?”

“You, stupid good-for-nothing man. Explain it to me later.”

“See, brother!” Daniel addressed me. “Nobody loves me here. Everybody hates me.”

Elena’s mother’s gaze snagged on the black clutch bag nestled beside the bottle of wine. Curiosity flickered in her eyes. “What have we here, Daniel?” she inquired, her voice gentle but firm. “Why do you have your gun with you again?”

“Ma, it’s for protection, not trouble. It’s licensed. The neighbor beside my farm has been causing problems, accusing me of encroaching on his land. I can’t let him push me around.”

“I understand but…

“I know you worry, Ma.  But sometimes things get messy.  I won’t back down from what’s rightfully mine. Nobody can steal what belongs to me.”

After Daniel spoke, I felt uneasy and had a heavy sense of foreboding. “Just be careful.”

My soon-to-be mother-in-law went to the dining area after saying that.  Daniel kept on talking. I couldn’t focus on what he said because I was preoccupied with thoughts of you. I kept glancing at the door, waiting to see if the Camille, who was talking to Elena in the room, would already come out.

“Daniel… Jeff… come in. Dinner is ready.”

“Let’s go, Jeff… let’s eat so we can start drinking.” That was their mother’s calling.

My heart hammered against my ribs, echoing the rhythm of my steps on the wooden floorboards. I would finally find out if you were the “Camille” I met in the hut. The question reverberated in my mind like a relentless drumbeat. But what if you were?

“Oh, Daniel… call Elena and Camille from the room. Tell them dinner is served.”

“Okay, ma.”

Daniel went to the room. I didn’t know if I felt scared or excited while waiting to see who would come out of the room.

“Hey… Jeff! Why are you staring at the room door so intently?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing, mama.”

“There’s no ghost coming out of the room, so don’t be scared.”

“Sorry, mama. It’s just that… it suddenly reminded me of the door in our apartment in Pasig. I’m wondering if I locked it or not.”

“Just call the landlord and have them check it.”

“Ah. I’ll call later.”

That’s another lie. I have already told so many of them since we met. I wondered how many more I would have to fabricate because of you.

I kept asking myself why the “Camille” inside hadn’t come out of the room. I felt increasingly restless. The longer I wait, the worse it will become.

“Have a seat, Jeff. Just relax.”

Embarrassment flooded my cheeks. I hadn’t even realized I was still standing. “Yes, Mom,” I mumbled, sinking into the chair.

Elena’s mother beamed. “It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Jeff. Having you and Daniel here with Elena makes this a truly special evening. I wish my daughter in Italy could be here too, and the whole family would be together.”

“It won’t be long before we’re all under one roof, Mom,” I assured her, forcing a smile.

Her smile faltered slightly. “Of course, of course.”

Elena emerged from the room, a flicker of concern in her eyes.

“Oh, why only you?”

 “Daniel’s talking to Camille. They’ll be out in a moment.”

The anticipation dragged on, making me even more anxious.

“Alright, let’s wait for them. Serve Jeff some mushroom soup; he might be hungry.”

“Oh, Dad, it looks like you and Mom are getting close.”

Elena’s mother looked at me and smiled.

“What else did Camille tell you?”

Elena glanced at the room before speaking.

“Mom, Daniel wants Camille to return to Italy because he’s dating someone.”

Elena’s mom widened. “Oh, dear heavens! Who is it?”

Elena lowered her voice. “Someone from their barangay, Mom. And… she’s married. An OFW in Saudi.”

 “Dios mio! What was your brother thinking? Does he have no shame?” Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and disappointment.

Elena’s mother’s words felt like needles piercing my conscience. I remembered my mother’s frequent advice to think carefully about every decision to avoid future regrets. But it was too late; what’s done is done.

Elena sighed. “The rumors have been swirling around their barangay for a while now, Mom.”

“What a mess. Thank goodness Daniel can’t have children. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble they’d be in.”

“Mom, there’s trouble with Daniel and Camille. Camille wants to leave him.  I mean, they’re not even married, so…”

“What!? Oh no, this is terrible!”

“According to Camille, that other woman might be why Daniel hesitates about marriage.”

Elena’s mother glanced at me.

“Oh Jeff, son, I apologize. We’re burdening you with our family problems.”

“Don’t worry about me, mom.”

That was all I could say in response to the shocking revelations.

“Camille’s heartbroken. Daniel has fertility issues that prevented him from impregnating her, yet that didn’t stop Daniel from cheating on her.”

As soon as Elena finished speaking, the room door creaked open, and Daniel emerged. The woman inside, named Camille, her head bowed demurely, slowly stepped out. It was you. My heart skipped a beat as I saw you. You were yet unaware of my presence. As you approached the dining table, I confirmed that you were the same Camille from the hut with whom I shared passionate moments. Now you’re inside the house where I was about to share a meal with my future in-laws. I was torn between running out of the house for fear of whatever might happen should what transpired between us get known and running towards you so I could make you feel how much I missed you. Would we acknowledge each other or pretend nothing happened? The weight of our secret loomed large, threatening to unravel the fragile peace of this evening.

“Mom, here they come.”

“Camille, dear, sit next to me. This is Jeff, Elena’s future husband.”

When our eyes met, you froze. I was over that feeling of surprise, having seen you already earlier. I could say that you felt like cold water was poured over you like I felt earlier. Your reaction did not escape Elena’s keen eyes.

Our eyes met. A jolt passed through you. You appeared frozen. The surprise mirrored the one I felt moments ago when I saw you.  The realization flickered across your face as quickly as it arrived, but it wasn’t fast enough for Elena’s watchful gaze.

“Hey, Camille… have you met Jeff before?”

I anxiously awaited your response. I was worried that you might disclose that we met in the hut. Not because of the chance of you revealing everything that happened there, but because I had told Elena that I hadn’t been to that place or met anyone along the way.

“What?… No! This is the first time I’ve seen him.

You were a great actress. The flicker of surprise in your eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.  A cool smile settled on your lips as you offered a hand and a polite, “Pleasure to meet you.”  Confusion washed over me.  Was this denial? A desperate attempt to protect our secret?  I reached out, my fingers brushing against yours.  But in a heartbeat, your hand retreated, a flicker of revulsion crossing your face.  The gesture was so sudden, so inexplicable, it left me reeling.

Then, you sat directly across from me, acting like I wasn’t there. You ignored me like people do with those they don’t know. You were so cold, completely different from the Camille I met in the hut. There, you were incredibly warm, even scorching. You melted me.

It hurt a bit, but I understood your lie and pretense. If I had spoken first, I would have said the same. Admitting we met at the hut by the mini rice terraces, even without saying what happened between us, would reveal my lie to Elena since I had told her I hadn’t seen that place yet.

“I was surprised by your reactions earlier. It seemed like you both were startled when you saw each other,” Elena said.

“Oh, Elena, with Jeff’s charisma, any woman seeing him for the first time would be startled. Especially now that he’s in shorts and a tank top. And look at my wife; she has the face and body of a beauty queen. Jeff was probably shocked too, thinking you were the most beautiful woman on earth, only to find someone even more beautiful – your sister-in-law, Camille.”

“Oh, there you go again, Daniel. Stop it.” That was Elena’s mom. “Maybe they have met before and just don’t remember when and where, which is why they reacted that way. It happens.”

You kept your head down while listening to that conversation. I noticed Elena looking at you and then glancing at me.

“Alright… alright… Let’s eat,” suggested Elena’s mother.

“Yes, so Jeff and I can start drinking.”

“Guys, perhaps we can, just this once, give thanks before we eat. Let’s also thank God for Jeff’s safe arrival here. Elena, please lead the prayer.”

We all bowed our heads. I noticed you closed your eyes while I was the only one who didn’t. Instead, I kept my head stubbornly raised, and my gaze drifted towards you. I saw you open your eyes. A flicker of movement caught my eye. You peeked open your eyes, seemingly to check on Elena, before gazing at me. Your eyes looked swollen. Your lips curved into a smile, a faint echo of the one you offered me in the hut – hesitant, yet holding a promise of understanding. Despite being forced, your smile lifted my spirits. I smiled back at you and nodded. You smiled at me one more time. You winked a playful spark in your tired eyes before closing them again.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Chapter 1-A

Chapter 1-B