Art Using Leaves Novels & Stories

Adeline Cruz was orphaned. At an early age she learnedto stand on her own feet. Due to poverty she could not finish school so when shewas accused of a crime which she did not commit. She could not defend herselfagainst evil people. She was imprisoned for two years. There came, Hernan. He is one of the sponsors who provides assistance for inmates such as food, personalhygiene, etc. There he saw Adelaine and he investigated her case until hehelped settle her case and get released. After a few months, their pathscrossed again and Hernan offered her a job as his personal maid, which sheimmediately accepted, especially since she had a lot of money to earn and shehad nowhere else to go. They got along well and it was only then that she feltthe appreciation of someone like him. Hernan was kind and caring so shecouldn't stop herself from falling in love with the man. Until one day, Hernancourted her and she immediately accepted his love. The days and months thathave passed have been happier and exciting for them. But when Hernan's ex-girlfriend returned, the man had changed. Until, Hernan proposed to the ex-girlfriend rightin front of her. Adelaine’s world almost collapsed especially when Hernan saidthat the good image of his name would be ruined if they continued theirrelationship because she was an ex-convict. He leaves Hernan's house and tries toforget him. She studied hard until she met Robert. With the help of Robert shewent abroad and they stayed there for several years. Five years later, Adelainereturned to the Philippines and unexpectedly, she and Hernan had crossed pathsagain because Hernan and Robert were working as business partners. Adelaine thoughtthat she had forgotten everything but the hatred flared up again in her heartwhen she saw her ex-boyfriend.

"do you know how to dance?" he asked. Napailing akong napapayuko na mahigpit nakahawak sa laylayan ng damit ko. Napahinga ito ng malalim. Napaiktad ako nang tumayo ito mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa at lumapit na napapisil sa baba kong itiningala ako dito. Hindi ako makatitig sa kanyang mga matang matiim akong tinitigan. Para akong matutunaw. Hindi ko siya kayang titigan sa mata. Pakiramdam ko'y malulusaw ako. Nakakalunod makipagtitigan sa kulay asul niyang mga mata. Mga matang napakasungit kung tumingin. "so tell me, how can you pay me hmm?" sensual niyang tanong na napapakagat ng ibabang labi. Napalunok akong napasunod ng tingin sa kanyang mga labi. Unti-unti siyang napangisi na mas inilapit ang mukha! Napakapit ako sa kanyang polo nang akmang sasayad na ang kanyang mga labi sa akin! Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Hindi makatingin sa kanya. Mahina itong natawang ikinaangat ko ng tingin dito. "tell me young lady, how can you pay your father's dept hmm?" he huskily asked. Napatitig ako sa kanya. Mariin akong napapikit akong malalim na napahinga. "I can be your slave sir" mahina itong natawang napalapat ng labi na mapatitig ako ditong salubong ang mga kilay. "Slave? Are you sure? 1million pesos. Do you think you can pay me using your body hmm?" anito na tila nang-uuyam ang tono. Napasuri ito ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa ko na ikinalunok ko. "Hmm...how about, be my wife. And I'll make sure, I'll let go your father" "W-wife" utal kong ulit. Napataas ang kilay nitong may naglalarong pilyong ngiti sa mga labi. Napalunok ako. Napaawang ang labi pero walang salita ang lumalabas! "Uhmm!" napakapit ako sa kanyang balikat na siniil ako nito bigla ng isang mapang-angking halik sa labi!! "It's settled. Get ready yourself young lady, tomorrow morning, you're gonna be....my wife"