FALLEN PROMISE

CHAPTER 10 “LUCAS’ CHRISTENING”

"We're thrilled for you, Victoria. Your long-awaited dream of motherhood has finally blossomed!" Sinang's joyful proclamation elicited a radiant smile from Victoria, a testament to her deep-seated happiness. Such news wasn't a surprise to her; it had been long anticipated and fervently hoped for. Sinang and Dolor, Victoria's steadfast friends, shared in her joy, their warm camaraderie evident in the way they celebrated this significant moment.

Plans for Lucas's celebration were initially straightforward in Victoria's mind—simple, yet heartfelt. However, as Carmela, Lucas's godmother, took the reins, the event took on a new level of significance and beauty. Carmela's meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the occasion, from the meticulously crafted decorations to the mouthwatering array of delicacies adorning the tables. It was a feast fit for royalty, prepared with love and care that only a friend as dear as Carmela could provide.

Despite her eagerness to contribute personally, Carmela refrained from cooking, considering her delicate condition. Her pregnancy, a precious secret shared only between her and Nestor, added an air of tenderness and anticipation to the festivities. The unspoken bond between Carmela and Victoria deepened as they navigated through this special time together, each moment imbued with warmth, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. "Why do you seem a bit down, Victoria?" Dolor's observant gaze caught Victoria's subtle shift in mood, prompting her to inquire.

Victoria let out a heavy sigh at the question, her thoughts briefly clouded by a tinge of sadness.

"I can't help but feel a twinge of regret that Carmela couldn't make it to Lucas's baptism. She's the godmother and took care of all the preparations and expenses," Victoria admitted with a touch of wistfulness, her eyes briefly glancing at the sleeping Lucas before she leaned down to tenderly kiss his forehead.

The meaningful exchange of glances between Sinang and Dolor didn't escape Victoria's notice. She knew they harbored doubts and reservations about Carmela, though she couldn't quite grasp the reasons behind their skepticism. Nevertheless, out of loyalty to her friends, Victoria chose to withhold any commentary on the matter, opting instead to maintain a sense of diplomatic silence.

"Where could she be?" Dolor's voice carried a hint of disappointment as he scanned the room. "Honestly, Victoria, I can't help but feel a bit hurt that you chose her as the godmother before both of us, even before Sinang," Dolor confessed, his tone tinged with sincerity.

Victoria met her friend's gaze, her expression softening into a contemplative smile. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of the situation. Victoria chose not to delve into Dolor's emotions, opting instead to offer a comforting smile. After all, she couldn't find a reason to apologize. In her eyes, Carmela seemed to be the one at a disadvantage. Despite her efforts to contribute to Lucas's baptism and generously gift him, Carmela was notably absent from the occasion.

She found herself on the verge of annoyance with the two friends beside her, who seemed to have been in constant chatter since they sat down to eat.

However, Victoria refrained from expressing her irritation openly. Despite their tendency to be talkative and occasionally gossip-prone, she cherished Sinang and Dolor's friendship. She saw beyond their quirks and appreciated the bond they shared, realizing that those traits were part of what made them who they were.

"Where's Carmela? Why isn't she here?" Sinang's inquiry pierced the air, punctuating the lull in their conversation.

Victoria heaved a quiet sigh at the question, grappling with her thoughts. She knew that her friends wouldn't drop the topic until they got an answer. After a moment's pause, she decided to fabricate a response, choosing diplomacy over honesty to avoid unnecessary probing into Carmela's absence.

"Where could Carmela be? Why isn't she here?" Sinang asked, noticing Victoria's silence.

Victoria let out a sigh at the question. She then decided to fabricate a reason because she knew that Sinang and Dolor would persist until she provided an answer.

"She's taking care of important business matters in Manila," she fabricated.

In reality, Carmela had gone for a medical check-up. As mentioned earlier, her pregnancy was delicate, prompting her father to take her friend to a specialist for proper care.

"Well, that's how the wealthy are. They always prioritize business matters," Sinang commented nonchalantly, continuing with her meal.

Victoria opted to stay quiet, suppressing the growing annoyance at the unkind remarks Sinang and Dolor were making about her friend. She understood their tendency to gossip and criticize, yet she didn't want to escalate the situation into a confrontation. So, she chose silence, masking any hint of irritation with a serene expression.

Meanwhile, Nestor was engrossed in conversation with his male friends. The ambiance was lively, with laughter and banter filling the air as they indulged in drinks. Despite the jovial atmosphere, Victoria couldn't shake off the slight discomfort caused by the disparaging comments from her companions.

As the evening progressed, Victoria found solace in observing Nestor. His easy smile and friendly demeanor never failed to lift her spirits. Their eyes met for a brief moment, exchanging silent greetings that spoke volumes about their shared connection. Victoria couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort whenever Nestor acknowledged her presence.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, Victoria's thoughts drifted to Carmela, her absent friend who was dealing with delicate matters back in Manila. She hoped for the best regarding Carmela's health, knowing that her friend's pregnancy required special attention and care.

Despite the distractions and occasional discomfort, Victoria remained graceful and composed, choosing to focus on the pleasant moments shared with Nestor amidst the lively gathering of friends.

*****

As the festivities of the evening wound down, the residents of Eldoria seamlessly transitioned into their communal post-celebration routine. It was a familiar sight, one that Victoria had witnessed countless times before. The camaraderie and cooperation among the townspeople were palpable, a testament to their strong bonds and shared values.

Amidst the sounds of laughter and the clinking of utensils being gathered, Victoria couldn't help but feel a sense of exhaustion creeping in. The day had been long, filled with joyous moments and lively conversations. Now, as she settled down beside Nestor, her mind drifted to thoughts of Carmela.

"I wonder how Carmela's check-up went," Victoria murmured, her voice tinged with concern as she lay beside Nestor. The warmth of his presence was comforting, yet her mind couldn't help but dwell on the well-being of her friend.

Nestor, ever the practical one, offered a simple solution. "Why don't you text her to find out?" His words were soothing, a reminder that reaching out directly would ease her worries.

Turning slightly to face Nestor, Victoria's gaze softened as she took in his features. She noticed the subtle shift in his expression, a hint of detachment when his eyes briefly met Lucas, who lay peacefully nearby. It wasn't a negative reaction, just a fleeting moment that caught Victoria's attention. But in that moment, she brushed it aside, focusing instead on the impending news about Carmela's health.

For Victoria, the concerns of the evening were twofold – the weariness that settled in after the celebrations and the genuine care she felt for Carmela. Despite the fatigue, her maternal instincts and loyalty to her friend remained unwavering. And as she lay there, surrounded by the sounds of a sleepy town settling into the night, Victoria found solace in the companionship of Nestor, their shared experiences weaving a tapestry of comfort and support.

She didn't know what the Lord meant by entrusting her with this child. But she chose to believe that perhaps Lucas was the answer to her long-held prayers—to become a mother.

Victoria planned to legally adopt Lucas. Currently, the child bears his biological mother's surname. In reality, this didn't bother her much. As Nestor had advised, she shouldn't spend too much on legal matters, especially since they were tight on money. Besides, it wouldn't be long before Lucas discovered the truth—that she wasn't his biological mother. So, why hide it?

"Just give me a moment; I'll try sending a text message to Carmela. You know how difficult it is to get a signal around here," Victoria excused herself before stepping out of the cottage to search for a signal.

They shared a single cellphone, a testament to their modest means. In their world, luxuries like multiple gadgets were simply out of reach. Victoria, with a heavy heart, faced the challenge of sending a text message to Carmela, who was miles away in Manila. The distance felt like an insurmountable obstacle, amplifying Victoria's worries. Carmela had hinted that she might need to stay in the city until she gave birth, adding to Victoria's anxiety.

As Victoria sat with the phone in her hand, contemplating how to reach her friend, a sense of helplessness washed over her. She longed for the convenience of instant communication, something that many took for granted. But in their reality, every message sent was a thoughtful decision, a precious resource not to be squandered.

Finally, after a moment of hesitation, Victoria took a deep breath and tapped out a message to Carmela. Each word felt weighted with concern and care, a lifeline bridging the physical distance between them. As she hit send, a mixture of hope and apprehension filled her heart, unsure of when she would receive a reply, yet determined to stay connected despite the challenges they faced.

She understood the underlying concern in Carmela's father's decision for her friend to temporarily stay in the city.

Perhaps, he aimed to shield Carmela from becoming the center of gossip in Eldoria as her pregnancy progressed. However, she believed that it was unrealistic to conceal such a significant aspect of Carmela's life indefinitely. As Nestor had advised, everyone should have been informed about the pregnancy sooner rather than later.

"Did you manage to send her a text?" Nestor inquired as she reentered the hut.

She found him in the kitchen, engrossed in brewing a fresh pot of coffee.

"It's quite late, and yet you're brewing coffee?" she quipped in response.

"I couldn't sleep," Nestor confessed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he spoke into the quiet night.

Victoria let out a soft chuckle, the sound blending with the gentle rustle of leaves outside their rustic abode. "You're going to have an even harder time sleeping now," she teased, her tone playful yet tinged with warmth.

Nestor's lips curved into a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he reached for the steaming cup of coffee, its aroma mingling with the night air. He took a slow sip, savoring the rich flavor, all the while stealing glances at Victoria.

The moon cast a soft glow through the window, illuminating their cozy space. Nestor's gaze lingered on Victoria, silently urging her to continue their conversation.

With a thoughtful expression, Victoria finally responded, her voice carrying a hint of affection. "Yes, I had a bit of trouble sending the message because the signal was weak," she admitted, her eyes meeting Nestor's with a warm familiarity that spoke volumes of their bond.

Nestor's nod held a hint of appreciation, his eyes softening as he acknowledged Victoria's words. "You should probably thank her again for the help she gave," he suggested, his voice carrying a gentle warmth that seemed to embrace the quiet moment between them.

Victoria's gaze lingered on Nestor, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I already did. Alright, I'll head upstairs," she replied, her tone steady yet tinged with a subtle hint of anticipation. As she turned to leave, a wave of nerves washed over her, the unspoken emotions swirling in her chest as she stole one last glance at Nestor, his figure illuminated by the soft glow of the room.