Love in the Hacienda [Completed]

Chapter 17

Breakfast was lovely so far but their conversation was cut off by the cafe manager na ngayon ay lumapit sa kanila. 

"Can I take your photo, ma'am, sir?" tanong ng manager. "Only if it's okay with you. We like featuring our customers in our social media, especially couples like you."

Clara was quick to intervene. "Oh, we're not-" 

But Alejandro has already stood up behind her chair and held her shoulder delicately. "Is this okay?" he asked.

The manager gladly agreed and took a shot. "Thank you. You both look so nice. Thank you for visiting us. We hope you enjoy your meal."

With that, the manager left them alone again. 

To clear the awkwardness, she immediately tried to think of a new topic. "I know a nice museum around here. It's free and it's newly opened. Pwede tayong dumaan. They feature contemporary art. And there's a nice ice cream parlor on the side where we can have dessert."

"Sure, we can do that," tipid na sagot ng binata as he started eating again.

Was he suddenly pissed dahil napagkamalan silang magkasintahan kanina? Well, she tried her best to clear things up pero hindi naman siya hinayaan nito. Napaka-moody talaga ng binata. A while ago, he was very engaged. And now, he's suddenly closed off once again.

But he was never like this with Winnie.

****

The museum was nice. It was a three-storey treat for art history lovers. The collection was impressive, from international to local artists then and now. Kung sino man ang curator ng museum na yun ay napakagaling talaga.

Clara was stuck in a scenic painting by the lake with a woman facing the waters. It was like a picnic but she was alone. And more than that, the woman was looking far ahead of her, into the waters, as if she was anticipating someone. 

The painting was entitled "Tagpuan". 

"Looks exactly like the hidden lake in Hacienda Deogracias," whispered Alejandro to her right ear.

Tumango-tango lamang siya, trying to hide the heat that has now crept up her body because of their closeness. "Well, I've never been there. You should at least bring me once."

"I will. If you agree to go home with me," he whispered back.

Hindi na lamang niya pinansin ang sinabi nito, still entranced by the painting.

"A lovely painting perfect for a newly-married couple," a feminine voice commented from behind them.

They both turned around to see a woman in her fifties walking towards them and stopping slightly just before the painting. "This one was painted by a romantic. Atoy Dela Cerna is one of our best artists and painters here in the country. He likes to feature nature in a romanticized lens. This will fit well in case you decide to build your new home." 

"We're not married," she cleared up. Bakit ba kanina pa sila napapagkamalang magjowa? She decided to put some distance between them. But Alejandro was quick to pull her back with her waist.

"Well, I proposed to her. She's declined so far," anunsyo ng binata.

"Hindi ako maaaring magkamali. I never mistake couples when I see one. I guess this is a first. I'm sorry. I'm Carissa Monteverde, the curator of this museum. I hope you enjoy your time as much as I enjoyed crafting this exhibit for all of you."

"It is a very wonderful exhibit, ma'am. Congratulations!" pagbati ni Clara, trying to distract herself from the heat that was now intensifying. Bakit nararamdaman niya ang init ng katawan ni Alejandro? Why is it so hot suddenly?