SECRET LOVERS

CHAPTER 2: TRIXIE'S GOALS

Trixie responded again with another question, “Don’t you think I am still too young to be pursued by somebody, Dad? I haven’t even finish junior high yet. I have to be sure I pass the NCET first. So I can enroll to a conservatory of music in the top universities in Miss. We already agreed that you will allow me to have a career as singer/songwriter. So why are you planning for my future marriage already, which would still happen in 10 years or so.”

Her father replied, “That is true. But even if you have a career, you will still have to get married someday. So it is much better to plan earlier I just want you and your sisters to have a secured future

by marrying well.”

Trixie said, “I can also have a secured future even with my own efforts, Dad. There are so many women who have successful careers nowadays.”

Her father still insisted, “At least, let him woo you. Get to know him better. If you happen to get along just fine, then the better.”

Trixie then asked another question, “What if we don’t get along?”

Her father’s answer was, “Then we will find another possible match. The man you will marry should be approved by me. So anyone who wants to pursue you must gain my approval first. If they are not good enough, then you should reject them to”

Trixie then stated, “Well, I am not entertaining any suitor since I am focused on finishing my basic education first and then passing the NCET. For as long as he would also prioritize finishing senior high and passing the NCET then we can spend some time together.”

Her father said, “Fair enough.”

Trixie Benipayo was born on March 30, 1989, and was the youngest among the brood of five. She had two older brothers and two older sisters who were all married already. Her mother, Patricia, was an upper class socialite who married her father, who was from a rich middle class family involved in several businesses as well as in politics. But the Tacordas were still way much wealthier than them

February 2005

Noah’s last year in senior high has not ended yet, but his mother had already accompanied him to Vienburg City for the confirmation of his admission to the dual degree program, Architecture and Civil Engineering. Only a certain number of students were admitted to that dual degree program and Noah was already the eighth student to confirm admission on that program. They had also made inquiries for on-campus student housing. They had already made reservations and the final confirmation should be done when he was already enrolled.

When they were already done, they visited the family of his mother’s identical twin sister. Lira, after earning a certificate in hi-speed sewing, tried her luck in applying for a clothing manufacturing company in Vienburg City. There she met Orlan, an auto mechanic who used to be a passenger bus driver in Marbay City-Vienburg City Route.

Lira was so happy to find out, “That is great news, Lara! Noah is indeed gifted with a high intellect. I envy you.”

Lara’s reply was, “Raoul is also smart. Although he didn’t pass the NCET, he managed to earn several certificates related to home building. He is a goal-oriented person like Noah. His handyman services business which he started at the age of eighteen is doing very well. Raoul is now very near to having his own construction contractor business at just the age of 22.

Lira responded, “Yeah, and I am very proud of my son. Raoul would be very happy once he finds out that Noah has the opportunity to be a civil engineer and an architect. Our only problem now is Olive. She is getting more and more rebellious. Right now, she is out again with her barkada.”

Lara suggested, “Why not send her back to Marbay to live with Ama and Ina? There, she would learn the value of hard work just like Raoul. Olive was the only one who didn’t live much with her cousins growing up. Raoul decided to stay with Ama and Ina until he finished junior high school. Whereas Olive just got to spend her school breaks in Marbay.”

Lira then asked, “What can she do there? She might just give Ama and Ina headaches.”

Lara answered, “She could help out in the eatery just like her other cousins and earn her own money. She could also assist me in my rented small market stall in Marbay City Public Market just beside the family eatery.”

Lira asked more, “Yeah, I heard that you also sell processed foods now. How did you manage? Is there an electricity in the farm already?

Lara answered, “Noel learned about solar energy in a seminar sponsored by Harsenos State University among farmers last year. Luckily, he was selected as winner in the raffle for the 1 kilowatt residential solar PV system donated by the foreign company who sponsored the seminar. After that, we pooled our savings to buy a refrigerator, so my mother-in-law and I processed more food like chicken longganisa, chicken tocino and chicken ham, in addition to our mango jam, guava jam, atcharang papaya, atcharang labanos, burong mangga, burong mustasa, burong kamias, salted duck eggs, and others. Afterwards, we were able to buy a small chest freezer for the market stall. For our lighting in the farm, we still use a generator. And we have been using a gas stove for a long time already. We use biogas, which is produced from our kitchen waste. We even repurpose our pee, grey water, and poop. Noel always attends the extension programs of Harsenos State University. So all the technologies imparted in the programs are applied on our farm. Like compost fertilizer production, and many others.”

Lira then asked, “What about the water supply in the farm?”

Lara’s answer was, “We still have the deep well. Then, ten years ago, Noel learned about rain catchment system in a seminar. With the help of Kuya Emil and Kuya Eman, we were able to install the system on the roof of the farmhouse to support the water needs of the farm.”

Lira’s asked for confirmation, “So the farmhouse has already been renovated?

Lara confirmed, “Yes. The old nipa and bamboo house had long been gone. We had a log farmhouse with a concrete foundation, wood framework, wood walls, jalousie glass windows, and galvanized roofing. All the hardwoods were sourced from our backyard. It had three bedrooms, including Noah’s loft area. Having that loft was his idea anyway.”

Lira then said, “Olive might not be interested in a food-related business.”

Lara then remembered, “Well, Kuya Emil’s wife also has her rented market stall for her thrift shop, while Kuya Eman’s wife has a small hair salon near the public market.”

Lira then opened up, “Honestly, Orlan and I are already considering moving back to Marbay City. The cost of living is not expensive there. I can establish a small tailoring shop while Orlan can still have an auto repair shop. His parents had already passed away and the house was left to him, considering that he was the only male among his siblings.”

Lara asked, “How about, Raoul?”

Lira answered, “He has a small bedroom with a bathroom and kitchen at the back of his shop. He has managed to pay the rent because his shop is doing well. He dreams of buying his own lot and then building his own house. I won’t stop him from chasing his dreams. So if he preferred staying here, I wouldn’t stop him. Anyway, he is a very responsible young man. He is also equipped with so many skills. Thus, we are positive that he can survive on his own. His landlady is also the wife of Noel’s cousin from Adolphy. I believe their son also qualified for UF Palay where he would take veterinary medicine. Gregorio is their surname if I am not mistaken.”

Lara recalled, “Marion.”

Lira confirmed, “Yeah. That is her name.”

Lara said, “I believe she and Zeus had long been separated even before Zion, their son started school. Well, it is nice to know that Zion is doing well. He and Noah were born in the same year but different months. The Gregorios have a cattle farm in Adolphy. It was a land grant as well if I am not mistaken. My father-in-law is first cousin with Zeu’s father. I think they are the best of friends too. But as for Noel and Zeus, they are not close. So whenever Zeus’ father visited the farm before, Zion would always tag along with him and then he and Noah would often play. I don’t even know if Noah still recall those times. They were still very young back then.”

On their way home, Lara then asked her son, “Will it just be fine with you if your Tiya Lara won’t be in Vienburg anymore once you start schooling?”

Noah answered, “I’ll be at the university campus most of the time, anyway. Besides, Kuya Raoul might not return with them to Marbay. So I will still have him around.”

His mother responded, “You had a chance to talk to Raoul before we left,” and then asked, “What did the two of you talk about?”

Noah’s reply was, “Well, he was happy that I passed the NCET. He told me to study hard so I can achieve my dreams. We both dreamt of building homes. He was kind of sad that he didn’t pass the NCET. He could have been a civil engineer or an architect. Nevertheless, he was just fine being a multi-skilled builder and a businessman. We also talked about the possibility of his family moving back to Marbay. He said he wouldn’t move back yet, though he wished to spend his retirement years in Marbay. His career in Vienburg has been doing well for now. He wanted to save money so he could buy his own land, even just a small one, before thinking of marriage. He preferred focusing on his career for now.”

Lara stated, “You and Raoul are alike in so many ways. You are both determined, hardworking, and responsible. For sure, he would help you out to adjust to city life. You should also help him out when you can.”

Noah affirmed, “Yes, Ina. I will do that.”

August 2005

As Noah’s college life began, it also started the realization of his dreams one step at a time. Noah was also able to meet Zion again before he left for UF Palay. They were third cousins and so they agreed to keep in touch. Zion still got to visit the Gregorios in Adolphy after all.

Noah spent his weekdays studying hard, and then his weekends manning the shop of Raoul for extra income. He also made some customized furniture in Raoul’s workshop for some of the latter’s woodworking projects. Raoul was aware of Noah’s woodworking craftsmanship skills. Lolo Eliseo gifted both of them their own set of woodworking hand tools. They both learned woodworking from their grandfather, but Raoul acknowledged that Noah’s woodworking was better than his. Noah could even think of so many cool designs. Noah even had his own signature mark on his woodworks – Noah’s Arts. Raoul paid Noah sufficiently for the woodwork he created for their clients. Noah saved all his fees in the bank.

Whenever Noah’s parents visited him on weekends, they met with him at Raoul’s shop. They provided each of them with food supplies from the farm. Raoul was very thankful for that. Noah’s parents had always been kind to him. Raoul also got to spend time on their farm hanging out with Noah when they were still children and even when they were already young adults.

August 2007

Trixie Benipayo started her first year in Bachelor of Music in Composition at Saint Thomas University Conservatory of Music in Palmaine City, Missi. She had never encountered Noah Espina again after their brief encounter at his grandfather’s workshop.

She also agreed to be Caleb Tacorda’s girlfriend after two years of courtship. Caleb started his first year in his management degree in Athenaeum de Missi University in Maunni City. Caleb was very patient with her and he was also very supportive of her dreams of becoming a professional singer/songwriter/performer. Thus he was able to win her over.

Trixie’s father would run as Harsenos State Governor by the coming November 2007 election while Caleb’s father would run as Marbay City Mayor.

January 2008

Fernando Benipayo started office as the State Governor of Harsenos. And his first week of office had immediately been filled with rumors.

While eating that weekend at the picnic table outside their house under the shade of a mango tree, it was the topic of the Espinas.

Lolo Juan stated, “Our new Governor is all over the news today. It was alleged that the foreign company which will be operating an electronics power plant here provided him with some under the table money to expedite the permits.”

Lola Nora responded, “Yeah, I also heard that on the radio while I was manning our market stall in Brighquen Public Market. Could it be true?”

Noel said, “There is no smoke without fire. Thus, it could be true or partially true.”

Lara expressed, “Well, for as long as we are not affected by his allege corrupt ways, then I think we should not mind about politics. Politicians do remember us only anyway during election period. He is still innocent until legally proven guilty.

Noah then voiced out his opinion, “He should still be held liable if he indeed commit this act of corruption.”

Noel agreed with his son, “That is true, son,” yet also said, “But who do you think is brave enough to file a legal complaint against him? The Benipayos had long been dominating the political landscape here in Harsenos. His grandfather as well as his father were also politicians. No one had ever gone against them as far as I know. It would always be just rumors but no follow through.”

Such discussion had made Noah think of the Governor’s pretty youngest daughter – She seems kind. But does she know that her father is possibly corrupt? Is the governor indeed receiving bribe? Oh! Why am I even thinking about her? We might not even cross paths ever again. They are rich while we are just average. Am I indeed love struck by her just what like Lola Lorena claimed? I don’t think so. But she is indeed very pretty. Her skin seems very flawless. It is not every day that I get to see a pretty lady from the upper class. There is also no sense of arrogance in her.

Those rumors had been followed with some more as Governor Benipayo’s term of office had progressed. Still none had come forward to file a legal complaint because they had no solid evidence about the alleged corruption.

But one of the people most affected by these rumors was Trixie. Most of her classmates were already distancing themselves with her because of the news. Some of them were giving snide remarks that she was a daughter of a corrupt government official.

In her mind – I should just ignore them all. I don’t even know if Dad is indeed guilty of corruption or not. Our family have legal businesses that my two brothers are managing. I am here to study and not fight. I need to focus on reaching for my career goals. I have to complete this degree first so I will be more confident with my musical compositions. If I react to these haters, things will just get worse. So it is just better that I stay silent about these matters. I cannot please everyone. Once I enter the music industry, I might also face a lot much tougher blows. I need to toughen up. I need to be able to handle all the bad news that might possibly be reported and attached to me once. I am already a professional singer. Well, the only way I can feel better is if I sing, and I should better record it then upload it to my YouTube account. I should test the waters as early as possible. I will just do covers of other famous artists, my own arrangement of their songs. It is time that I upload my first video already.

And so, she uploaded a video of her playing an acoustic guitar version while singing her own cover of ‘Let it Be’ by ‘The Beatles’ that night and then she already went to sleep.

When she was woken up the following morning by the video call of her mother, she was surprised to know that her video had been viewed several thousands of times already.

Mommy Patricia was ecstatic – Pumpkin, your acoustic guitar and voice cover of ‘Let it Be’ has thousands of views and likes already. Your followers are increasing a lot too. You should upload more videos. You may also use your upright piano. Your Dad already ordered the driver to have it delivered there in your condominium unit along with all your other musical instruments.

While browsing her laptop, her reaction was – Really?! Let me check. Well, there are a few thumbs down too.

Her mother stated – Well, we cannot please everyone.

She said further – There was even a comment that Dad uses my talent to cover up for his corruption allegation issues

Mommy Patricia responded – Just do not mind the haters, pumpkin. They are only few anyway.

She opened up to her mother – I just play the guitar and sang last night to relieve the stress that I am feeling because of the effect of that corruption rumors about Dad. My classmates are avoiding me already. Some were even giving me some snide remarks. I decided to record it and then also upload it, just to test the waters if I really got what it takes to be a big name in the music industry.

Her mother gave her more encouraging words – You can make it, pumpkin. They even haven’t heard your own compositions. I saved all the videos of you performances here at home. I will have them delivered there once I visited you.

Noah had also seen the video as well as the guitar stand that he designed and made – So you got a very nice voice. You have become even much prettier. You are not even wearing makeup. How do you even maintain such nice hair and skin? I forgot that you are rich. Of course, you can afford all the best products. But somehow, you look sad. I wonder why.

Noah also showed the video to Lolo Eliseo pointing out the guitar stand that they made and his grandfather was very happy to see it and even asked him to take a photo of it and have it printed. So he could display it in his workshop.

August 2008

It was the start of Noah’s fourth year in his dual degree program when he encountered a first-year student by the name of Anna Reyes, a first-year student Interior Design student at UF – Vienburg College of Architecture when she took her first two architecture courses. She was another lady that somehow piqued his interest.