The Sunflower Serenade

The Aisle of Medellin is Cebu's longest straight road. A seven-and-a-half-kilometer highway connecting Dayhagon and Curva in the heart of sugarcane fields owned by the Mangubat since the founding of Medellin until the present day.

The green and glorious field is the crown of Don Sebastian Mangubat and Donya Belinda Sanchez-Mangubat. And their daughter, Jewel Laine, prefers the small nipa hut on the opposite side of the field.

The peaceful atmosphere is something she appreciates about that location. From within the hut, she could see the green sugarcane field and the white road of the Aisle in the distance. But what she enjoys the most is that no one dares to interrupt her reading time.

It's an ideal location for her avid reader. Cool air, birds chirping, a peaceful setting —- "Miss Laine! Miss! Here are the books I've purchased!"

She blinked and raised her head. She'd just finished praising the stillness of the place when a loud maid shouted outside the hut. It felt like someone slapped her in the face. Jewel groaned and stood. 'Never mind the noise,' she reasoned.

She stepped out of the small hut and frowned as she saw Dalya smile as the girl approached her. Dalya was carrying two large bags, which she knew contained Pandayan and NBS books.

"Can't you shout, Dalya?" she grumbled as the maid placed the two large bags in front of her. "And why are you throwing these bags on the ground when you could just bring them with you?"

"But, senorita, Pedro told me that Don and Donya were in the mansion, and if they see me bringing these books there, they'll burn me alive! You know how strict your parents are!"

Did her maid just scold her?

Jewel shook her head and crossed her arms across her chest. "Fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "Place it inside the hut, and where is Pedro?"

Dalya made a pout. "He's waiting for you on the Aisle, Miss."

"All right, he'll be here later. There's a box inside the hut; put these books in it and wrap them safely; someone will fetch you later; bring the box straight to my room; I'll talk to Mama and Papa to give you enough time to deliver it."

Dalya gave a sheepish grin. "Why are you embarrassed about these books, Miss? Doesn't Donya prefer to see you reading?"

"Dalya," Jewel said, raising her brow and narrowing her eyes at the maid.

"Yes?"

"Why do you ask? Do you still want your daily tip in addition to your salary?"

Dalya's eyes glowed. "I'd like a tip from my lovely Miss!" exclaimed the girl. "I was only kidding earlier, Miss. Don't be too serious."

She huffed and stuffed the phone into her pocket. She knelt and crammed the erotica book she had been reading earlier into the bag alongside the newly purchased books. "I'll go. Keep an eye on these. Don't tell anyone what kind of books are inside. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Miss, I won't let you down!"

Jewel wore the summer hat that hung around her waist and the boots that were lying by the hut's door. "Did he bring Francisko?" she inquired, smoothing her waist-length black and wavy hair.

"No, Pedro rented a motorcycle at the Aisle entrance, and he can't bring Francisko into the city."

Her brows furrowed. She finished smoothing her hair and turned to face Dalya. Her pupils constricted. "Do you think I didn't know horses were prohibited in the city?"

"Of course not, Miss. You know Pedro can't bring Francisko, and I'm just reminding you," Dalya smiled.

Jewel's lips twitched as she walked past the maid, who was sweating profusely due to the scorching sun in the sky. "There's a refreshment inside. Wait for Pedro," she said as she marched out into the sun.

She heard Dalya yell, "Be careful, Miss!" but did not return the girl's gaze.

Dalya had been her maid since she was in elementary school. She was used to her maid's attitude, but Dalya couldn't keep her poisonous mouth shut all the time. Many people, including Ramos, had complained about Dalya's domineering demeanor.

The gardener recently expressed his displeasure. In front of the other gardeners, Dalya chastised the poor man. Her maid cursed, and Ramos silently accepted Dalya's hurtful words.

Ramos is unable to harm Dalya because she is a woman and there is a city ordinance prohibiting men from laying their hands on women (hurting women). Nonetheless, Jewel dislikes people who are unable to control themselves.

If Dalya couldn't stop herself from hurting others, her maid might offend people she shouldn't offend in the future. It appeared that she needed to discipline Dalya.

Jewel took a few steps alone in the hot summer sun.

Soon after, she noticed Pedro in the distance. He was conversing with a man wearing a large hemp hat. She could only see the stranger's pointed nose and thin lips. But because the sun was so hot and she was sweating profusely, she put aside her curiosity and focused her attention on Pedro.

She extended her hand to take the motor key from him. Jewel was only concerned with getting home as soon as possible in the hot summer sun.

"But, miss," Pedro sighed and crinkled his nose. "First, we have to pay the fare, which is a thousand for a round trip."

"Huh?" Jewel wrinkled her brow. "Are you serious?" she asked, drawing a breath as Pedro nodded. The hot breeze blew her hair away, and she clutched her summer hat to keep it from flying away. "Who pays a thousand for a trip?"

Peter gestured with his forefinger to the man he had been speaking with earlier.

Jewel turned to face the stranger. The wide smile on the man's lips was the first thing that caught her eye.