Falling Lies

On the sixteenth of April each year, the Fortalejo family would extend their invitations to their whole clan, including the ones who are not closely related to them. This is for celebrating the last day of the Pahinungod festival, which is a three-day feast that has been observed since the year 2047. It had been over three decades since Talia Fortalejo started their family tradition of gathering on this day as a gesture of thanksgiving to the gods and the ancestors who had come before them.

It was also a way of honoring the rich history of the Segunda island and the bountiful harvest that sustained them.

However, it is unfortunate that the true spirit of this gathering has gradually faded away over time. It used to be full of love, joy, and unity. Now, it's just an event where people only show off their expensive clothes and family jewelry. But most of all, people only came here to maintain their connection to none other than Ron Fortalejo, a name that is often whispered in hushed tones among the elite crowd.

Ron offered his arm to his wife, Kela Fortalejo. The lights caught the gems embedded in her dress and hair, casting a shimmering aura around her. Kela accepted his arm.

The crowd was struck with awe as they gracefully roam around the dining hall, greeting guests with warm smiles. Truly, their attire was a reflection of their status and their taste for the unconventional. It was clear that Ron and Kela were not just wealthy socialites but also trendsetters that the elite would try to emulate.

For Jane, the one and only heiress of the Fortalejo family, this is all just ridiculous. She would rather stay in her room and watch the sky for hours rather than engage with her family and their guests.

Watching the sky change from a soft blue hue to an orange pool gives her indescribable peace. However, as much as she would like to stay in her room, she has to deal with her parents' expectations first who care more about their family's image and reputation.

"Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago," her lola Talia said with a sigh. The words heavy with resignation.

(You're still the same.)

Jane paused, knife in hand, and met the eyes of her family. Everyone's sitting together at the dinner table. Disappointment was written all over their faces, especially on her mother.

"Why can't you just smile, iha?" her mother, who was now sitting across from her, asked. "Year after year, you're like this," she scolded. "You're only proving to everyone that you're ungrateful."

Jane remained expressionless and continued eating because why even bother smiling when merely mentioning "Fortalejo" elicits a slew of negative comments throughout Segunda Island?

It doesn't feel right, knowing that the scandalous drama and tensions within their family might have already spread throughout the entire Segunda island. Every move they made was under constant scrutiny. Even their loyal supporters are beginning to have doubts about them.

Her mother was so obsessed with pleasing everyone that she either pretends not to see or doesn't notice these things. Either way, it didn't matter. The fact was they were far from being the 'decent and gracious' family she desperately wanted them to be.

Jane glanced at the large clock after finishing her meal. She watched every movement of the clock's long hand. By the time it hit seven o'clock, the power suddenly went out across the hacienda. The music, conversations, and laughter were replaced by their commotion.

The automated security systems that monitored each room also shut down when the power went out. Meanwhile, all of the security personnel of her father were only focused on the front yard.

She used this opportunity to leave their house through the back kitchen as her family kept their esteemed guests calm.

Whispers of the wind welcomed her when she arrived at the orchard, letting her loose hair and long dress follow its flow. Green lushes dotted with vibrant pops of color from the fruit trees stretches out before her. The ethereal glow cast by the moonlight emphasized the beauty of this scenery.

"May nakapagsabi na ba saiyo?" a familiar voice spoke behind her.

(Has anyone told you already?)

It's none other than her favorite accomplice. Her lips curled before facing Vino.

"Na ano?"

(Told me what?)

"Na mukha kang kontrabida."

(That you look like the villain.)

"Oh, tapos ikaw 'yong gago kong henchman?" she asked, which caught him off guard.

(Oh, so you're my stupid henchman then?)

He went silent and checked his fit. She's right. The white and purple waistcoat made him look like her loyal server.

A boisterous laugh escaped from their mouths.

Jane's eyes widened as she remembered their deal.

"Teka! Nabili mo na ba?" she asked again.

(Wait! Did you already buy it?)

Vino reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out a stainless hip flask. This brought a brief glimmer in her eyes. But her expression quickly turned into a frown when he pulled it back out of reach, teasing her with a smirk.

"Wire it first!" Vino demanded.

"You're such a jerk!" She flicked his flat nose. "Can't you just give it to me for free?"

"Please?" She begged, using her teeny-tiny voice that made him cringe.

"That ain't fair, Janice!" he protested.

"How dare you, Giovinno?"

A deep crease on her forehead forms as her mood turns sour. Out of frustration, she tried to steal the flask from his hand, but then his reflexes were so fast that her every attempt failed. He sticks out his tongue and trolls around her, insisting that she must fork over five thousand chips before he would consider handing her the flask.

Sometimes, Jane still can't believe this dude is much older than her. Maybe it's true that maturity doesn't come with age. Her shoulders drop in defeat. She can't risk arguing with him, or else their hidden agenda will be revealed. She accessed her e-wallet and wired him the chips.

"You're lucky we're friends," she muttered. The smug smile on his face grew wider. He finally passes the flask, so Jane grabs her sling bag and hides it there.

They froze in place when they heard the rustling of grass. Someone's approaching, and they thought they've been caught.

"Huy!"