Unexpected Desires

CHAPTER 1: Unveiling Fates

CHAPTER 1: Unveiling Fates

Mayari Calleope's Point of View

Laughter cascaded like melodious raindrops in the vibrant ambiance of the dimly lit bar. An electric camaraderie hung in the air, woven by the exuberant energy of a close-knit group of friends. The night unfurled its embrace, and in the heart of it all, my friends extended an invitation to partake in the merriment. "Bottoms up, Mayari!" Their voices melded into a spirited chorus, their eyes gleaming with mischief and anticipation. Their smiles, infectious and beguiling, urged me forward, nudging me to surrender to the shared jubilation.

A chuckle danced upon my lips as I glanced at their faces, each one alight with an undeniable spark of revelry. "Really, guys?" I jested, my laughter intermingling with theirs in a symphony of camaraderie.

Tumango naman silang lahat.

"Come on! Alam naming basic lang 'yan sa'yo kaya bottoms up na!" Amara's words, infused with a daring challenge, ignited the room with their fervor. With a deft motion, she released me from the grasp of hesitation, effectively untagging me from my initial reluctance. The group erupted into a chorus of jubilant cheers, each voice a vibrant hue in the tapestry of celebration.

Natatawang napapailing na lamang ako. Mukhang wala akong choice kung hindi sundin sila. Kinuha ko na ang baso na may lamang nakakalasing na inumin at pikit-matang tinungga ko iyon hanggang sa maubos.

"Iyon oh!"

"That's our Mayari!"

Hiyawan ang mga kaibigan ko nang pabagsak kong ibinaba ang basong hawak ko. Their voices, unabashed and joyous, celebrated our unity, a bond that transcended words. Slowly, my gaze swept across my friends, their smiles mirroring my own.

"Ako pa ba?" I quipped, an arrogant twinkle in my eye, evoking a chorus of laughter that resonated with the shared delight of our friendship.

"Okay! Party time, people!" As if responding to a conductor's signal, Ashley took center stage with her exuberant proclamation. "Okay! Party time, people!" Her words were the cue that set our group in motion, a collective decision to take to the dance floor, drinks in hand, and immerse ourselves in the lively rhythm that coursed through the room. I shook my head with an amused smile, an eager participant in the revelry that unfolded around us.

Anyway, ako nga pala si Mayari Calleope Guevarra - a twenty-five-year-old crafting her unique narrative. I am single. No boyfriend since birth and being NBSB was not a problem for me. In fact, I'm really enjoying my life right now. Wala man akong boyfriend, at least I have my four besties with me, Ashley, Sophia, Amara, and Alexandra. And I swear, kuntento na ako sa kanilang apat.

I'm a free spirit woman, mahilig sa parties at adventures. Talagang bawat segundo, minuto, at oras ng buhay ko ay sinusulit ko. Sabi nga nila You Only Lived Once kaya dapat enjoyin natin ang bawat segundo ng buhay natin.

My spirit was unbridled, defined by my insatiable thirst for adventure and my penchant for turning every fleeting moment into an unforgettable memory. The essence of carpe diem pulsed through my veins, infusing my existence with a vibrant tapestry of experiences.

Don't worry, hindi naman ako puro gimik lang. I actually own a business, which is a consumer goods store. My family runs a fragrance company, which is Le Scent. We sell our products all over the world at dahil kinalakihan ko na rin ang ganitong industriya kaya naman naisipan kong magtayo ng subsidiary company under Le Scent, which is the MC Creatives. My business was not only focusing on selling perfume but I also sell soaps, shampoos, and deodorants.

The duality of my life was striking—entrepreneurship fueled my mornings, infusing each day with the heady aroma of ambition, while the nights were dedicated to dance and laughter. A dance between responsibility and exuberance, an ode to the autonomy I cherished.

Ayoko rin naman kasi umasa sa parents ko. Gusto ko rin kumita ng sarili kong pera sa sarili kong paghihirap and at the same time, nakakapag-enjoy pa ako.

"Let's dance, girls!" Alex's rallying cry echoed through the pulsating rhythm of the bar, coaxing us onto the dance floor. Side by side, we moved with an infectious vitality, our laughter intermingling with the music.

I've been friends with these four gorgeous ladies since our elementary days. Kagaya ko ay galing din sila sa mayayamang pamilya, well except kay Sophia. Pero hindi naging hadlang ang estado ng buhay sa aming apat upang magkasundo-sundo kami at maging magkakaibigan. We love Sophia so much at hindi rin namin pinaparamdam sa kaniya na iba ang estado ng buhay niya sa aming tatlo nila Alex, Ashley, at Amara.

Actually, girlfriend ng kuya ni Ashley si Sophia. At kung paano at ano ang love story nila? Abangan niyo na lang.

"Huwag kayo masyadong maglasing huh? Walang aalalay sa atin. Lalo ka na Ashley, lagot ka sa kuya mo." Pangaral ni Sophia sa amin. Natawa naman kaming lahat sa pagiging maalalahanin ni Sophia. Among us, Sophia is the most affectionate and acts like the older sister, even though she's actually the youngest in our group. Her caring counsel, woven with an affectionate concern, was a gentle reminder that even amid revelry, we were a constellation of individuals who looked out for one another.

"Yes, ate Sophia." Ashley chimed, a playful tease embellishing her words as she draped her arm around Sophia. The glint in her eyes betrayed a hint of tipsiness, a nod to her resilience in embracing the night's festivities.

"Ate ka diyan. Lagot talaga talaga ako sa kuya mo kapag nalaman niyang lasing na lasing ka na naman." Nakangusong pahayag ni Sophia. Humagikhik naman si Ashley habang kaming tatlo nila Amara at Alex ay nangingiti na lamang habang napapailing.

"Let me take care of my big brother for you, Sophia. He will never get mad at her beautiful girlfriend." A playful exchange ensued between Ashley and Sophia, the rest of us exchanging knowing glances. Lahat kami aware na patay na patay ang kuya ni Ashley kay Sophia. Saksi kaya kami sa love story ng dalawa.

"C-che! Basta huwag ka magpakalasing ng sobra." Sophia chimed in, her laughter woven into the tapestry of our merriment. Tumawa lang kaming lahat at nagpatuloy na ulit kami sa pagsasayaw.

Giling dito, giling doon. Sayaw dito, sayaw doon. At inom dito, inom doon lang ang ginagawa namin. Minsan umuupo-upo kami sa table namin upang magpahinga. Nakakapagod din ang sayaw ng sayaw noh.

In the midst of the animated conversations and spirited dance, the serenade of my phone's ringtone pierced the air. Tinignan ko ang aking phone screen and it's mom calling.

"Excuse me, girls. Sagutin ko lang." I excused myself with a nod, stepping away from the collective embrace of laughter to answer my mother's call.

"Hi, mom," I greeted, my voice a blend of warmth and comfort. Hindi naman ako kinakabahan dahil alam naman ni mommy kung nasaan ako. Of course, nagpapaalam pa rin ako sa kanila of my whereabouts. Para less worries sa part nila.

"Hey, baby. So, how's your night with the girls?" Her voice was a soothing balm, a reminder of the steadfast support that anchored my journey. Ngumiti ako. Kaya love na love ko 'tong si mommy eh. Supportive siya sa mga bagay na alam niyang nagpapasaya sa akin.

"We're having so much fun, mom," I replied, my voice dancing with the notes of shared happiness that permeated the night.

"That's good to hear." Her words, a maternal embrace, conveyed the silent assurance that lay within.

"Anyway, napatawag ka mommy?" I asked.

"What time will you be home, honey?" My mother's inquiry cast a gentle glow, her concern a testament to the ever-present shelter of her affection. Agad akong napatingin sa aking wrist watch and 1:30 na ng madaling-araw.

"Mga 3 mom? I actually don't know. Bakit po?" My curiosity sparked, my thoughts wandering to what news might warrant such timing.

"Your dad and I need to tell you something." The cryptic words unveiled a layer of intrigue, inviting a web of questions to take root.

"Can't wait until tomorrow, mom? Urgent po ba?" My voice, a delicate tapestry of curiosity and a hint of nervousness, reflected the unexpected twist that had woven itself into the night.

The answer unfurled, revealing a slice of their reality. "Your dad and I have a business trip tomorrow, dear. We'll be gone for a week. We just wanted to talk to you about something before we leave."

"O...kay... Sure, mom. I'll just head home immediately," I responded, my emotions a kaleidoscope of curiosity, concern, and a dash of bewilderment.

Napatingin ako sa screen ng phone ko pagkababa ng tawag. Ano kayang sasabihin ni mommy at parang urgent ito? Napailing na lang ako at pumasok na ako sa loob upang bumalik sa table namin ng mga kaibigan ko.

Pagbalik ko ay masaya pa rin silang nagkekwentuhan.

"Oh Mayari, bakit daw napatawag si tita?" Amara's curiosity ignited the spark of our conversations anew, the threads of intrigue continuing to weave a tapestry of uncertainty.

With my friends' eyes locked on me, a cascade of questions emanated from their curious gazes. My response, a testament to our bond, illuminated the paths we walked together.

"Guys I need to leave. May urgent daw na sasabihin sila mom and dad sa akin." Paalam ko sa mga ito habang kinukuha ko na ang sling bag na dala ko.

Lahat naman sila ay natigilan sa biglaan kong pagpapaalam.

"I wonder what that could be?" Ashley's musings, a mirror of our collective curiosity, resonated with the unspoken thoughts that coursed through each of us.

My assurance, a gentle reminder of the bonds we held dear, emerged as a smile. "I don't know either. I'll make it up to you next time, girls."

Umiling naman silang lahat sa akin.

"No problem, Mayari. Update mo na lang kami if there's something wrong, okay?" Alexandra's voice was a soothing reassurance, a testament to the empathy that intertwined our lives. Tumango ako at ngumiti. Napakaswerte ko dahil napakamauunawain ng mga kaibigan ko.

"Thanks, girls. Sige na, I'll go ahead. Have fun at huwag magpakalasing ng sobra, okay?" Paalam ko sa kanila. Ngumiti naman silang lahat sa akin.

Their responses, a symphony of well-wishes, enveloped me like a comforting embrace. "Yeah, you too, Mayari," Sophia's words held the weight of affection, a reminder of the safety net of our camaraderie.

Emerging into the night, dumiretso ako sa parking lot at mabilis na pinasibad ang aking sasakyan pauwi sa aming bahay.

The journey home was a quiet one, the absence of traffic ensuring a swift arrival. Within the shelter of my home, my parents awaited—my mother, an advocate of my adventures, and my father, the silent sentinel of caution. The moment I crossed the threshold, their presence was a beacon, casting light upon the potential revelations of the evening.

"Hey, mom. Hey, dad," I greeted, my gestures bearing the warmth of familiarity as I pressed kisses to their cheeks. Yet, the shadows of disapproval played upon my father's features, a manifestation of his concern for my well-being, particularly in the face of my late-night escapades.

"You reek of alcohol again, Mayari Calleope," his reproach was a testament to the delicate tightrope I walked, a bridge between the exhilaration of my nights and the reality of the day.

A sheepish smile curved my lips as I admitted my transgression. The theater of his stern expression and my own humility played out—a pantomime of an unspoken understanding that transcended words.

In the realm of my nocturnal escapades, my mother's support shines as a guiding star, but the shadows of my father's concern often cloud the moonlit paths I tread. His worry isn't born out of outright prohibition, but rather a plea that I return home without the intoxicating haze of alcohol clinging to my being. His apprehension, a sentinel guarding the gates of my safety, a fear born from the possibility of unfortunate encounters on the road, where I navigate the darkness alone.

"I assure you, Daddy, it was just a few sips," I responded, donning a smile that masked the inner conflict between my need for autonomy and his protective embrace.

My dad sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Anyway, what do you say we sit down? Your mother and I have something to discuss with you."

"Sure, dad," I replied, my curiosity piqued. I joined them on the sofa, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. There was something in their demeanor that made me feel like this conversation was a lot more serious than I had anticipated.

My mom exchanged a glance with my dad before taking a deep breath. "Mayari, sweetheart, we know you're living your life to the fullest right now. You're enjoying your freedom and having a great time being single."

I nodded, slightly puzzled as to where this was leading. "Yes, mom. I am. Everything's going really well."

My dad cleared his throat and leaned forward. "You see, Mayari, while we're thrilled that you're embracing life and pursuing your passions, your mother and I have been thinking about your future."

I frowned, not entirely sure where this was going. "My future?"

My mom gave me an understanding smile. "Yes, dear. Your future. We've been observing how you've managed our fragrance business and how you've set up MC Creatives. You're truly capable, and we're proud of your achievements."

I felt a mixture of pride and tension building up. My parents' acknowledgment of my business endeavors was heartwarming, but I could sense there was more to the conversation. "Thanks, mom. That's so sweet of you. But can you tell me directly what you and dad want to tell me?"

My dad took a deep breath. "Mayari, we've been considering an arranged marriage for you. A future crafted with care, for your own sake."

The words hung in the air like a sudden gust of wind that took me by surprise. Arranged marriage? My heart raced as I processed what I had just heard. It felt like the ground beneath me had shifted, and I struggled to find my voice.

An arranged marriage? The words reverberated within my mind, like echoes in a cavernous abyss. The rug of certainty had been pulled from under me, and I teetered on the edge of a precipice, staring into the abyss of the unknown.

Oh God, what was I to make of this new chapter? The story of my life, once penned with the ink of freedom, now faced a crossroads where destiny's script awaited its next narrative stroke.