Moonville Series 1: Secret Lovers

Benjie continued telling the story of Alice, Ricardo Quinto and Gloria de Vera.

"Me, Ricky and Alice, we went to the same high school. They were classmates, and I was two years their senior. It was a public school because we weren't rich like the de Veras. That time, the family business of Quintos is just starting. I think they have only one restaurant at that time.

"I've known Alice since elementary. We're schoolmates since then. As for Ricky, they just met during high school. I think since first year, Ricky already started courting Alice. But you mom is already in love with someone else. Since elementary days, she already has a crush on me."

Benjie smiled fondly. "She told me that herself. That's why even though Ricky is doing everything for her to like him, she still would not accept him. Alice does not want to lie to herself and be in a relationship where she's not really in love. It's also not easy to teach the heart to fall for someone that it does not want to love."

"Like me," said Benjie. "Your mom is a great person. She's beautiful, and smart. But my heart is tied up to my dream. It's what's important to me, because I want to help improve my family's livelihood. Really, we were struggling back then. Whatever you're experiencing right now, we didn't have it before. That's why I was focused on my studies, and the thought of love and relationship never cross my mind.

"Meanwhile, Ricky persistently courted your mother. She dumped him multiple times, but he still persevered. Even though Alice gave him a hard time, he still continued. It came to a point where his family became angry with Alice because of the hardships Ricky is going through pursuing her. His parents are already asking him to stop, but he just won't listen.

"It seems perseverance would really give you what you want. Finally, Alice fell in love with Ricky. She gave her self a chance to love him. So she accepted him and he became her boyfriend. But everything didn't go easily. That time, the Quintos are already gaining reputation in the food industry. Ricky's family thinks that Alice only made him her boyfriend because Ricky's social status has improved."

"They thought mom was a gold digger?" Angel asked.

Benjie nodded. "Exactly. They treated Alice indifferently. They showed to her face that they are against her relationship with Ricky. I guess we could not blame them. They saw how Ricky suffered because of Alice.

"During college, I was able to get a scholarship in CPRU. Your mom also did that, and we both took up Accountancy. Ricky took up BS Biology. That will be his pre-med course because he's planning to take up Medicine after. That's when he met Gloria de Vera. They were classmates. That time, there is still the block section system in CPRU. That's why Ricky and Glory were classmates in all their subjects. And that's how they got close and became good friends. "The Quintos love Glory. She is kind, and she's not arrogant even though she came from a very affluent family. Just like your father." Benjie looked at Bryan. "He was my classmate, and we became best friends in college. And we had this dream of putting up the first accounting firm here in Tarlac Province. We were together even during our review and board exams in Manila.

"While waiting for the result of the board exam, we stayed and worked in Manila. When we passed and became CPAs, we secured a job at a big auditing firm in the Metro. That time, Ricky and Glory were also in Manila because there are no schools who offer Medicine courses in Tarlac at that time. And because of that, the two became closer.

"As for Ricky and Alice, things are starting to fall apart. Maybe because their relationship is long distance. Alice can't help but get jealous with Glory, especially because the Quintos always show that they really like Glory for Ricky. I guess, it just got worse. Ricky and Alice broke up, and your mom was devastated because of that. And so she developed a grudge not only for Ricky and Glory, but to his family as well. And that intensified when Ricky and Glory finally became lovers. "Alice became my friend. As I've said, we've known each other since elementary. Even though I am two years her senior, we are still together in clubs and organizations, like JPIA. So when she took the CPA licensure exam in Manila, and eventually worked there, I helped her. When Raul and I got into a fight and I decided to come back to Tarlac to put up the accounting firm we were planning to put up, I asked Alice to come with me. And because she is angry with Ricky and Glory who happens to be Raul's sister, she agreed to help me fulfill my dream to show Raul that I can do what we were planning just by myself. And eventually, I let myself fall in love and since Alice is always there for me, I fell in love with her." Everyone was quiet after hearing Benjie's story.

"That was..." Angel could not find the right words to say.

"It's more than twenty years ago. Why can't Mom move on until now?" asked Alex.

"I guess because she was really hurt so bad," Benjie answered.

"Dad, twenty years! It was so long ago. Did she even try to let go? Was it because of the closure between him and Ricky Quinto that never happened? Was that the reason?" "Whatever it is, let's just try to understand your mother."

"Dad, you're in her life already. In the first place, she loved you before that Ricardo Quinto. And when you became her boyfriend, was it only because she wanted a rebound?" "Alex!" Angel said to her sister.

"I just don't understand why Mom still can't move on. That was so long ago. She's already married, and their kids are already in college. Why do we still have to suffer?" "Try to understand your mom, Alex," Benjie told her. "Don't worry. We will find a way to fix this." He then looked at Bryan. "Tell this to your parents, Bryan. We need their help." Bryan nodded. "Yes, Uncle."

"Right now, let's try to calm ourselves for us to think of a better solution to this," Benjie said. "Angel, take care of Alex. I'll try to talk to your mom."

"Yes, Dad," Angel said.

Benjie left and went to his wife. Bryan also said his goodbyes to the two sisters.

"I'll check on Richard," he said. "He might still be in CPRU waiting for you."

"Please tell him that I really wanted to come," Alex told him.

"I will. I will also explain to him what happened."

Bryan left. The two sisters remained in the balcony.

"Ate, I'm sorry." Alex hugged her sister. "I never wanted it to be like this."

"I understand. But, you should have told them the truth. You should have told them I know everything."

"No, Ate. Richard is right. I only think of myself sometimes. That's why those people around me suffer. Like you. And Bryan. You were both dragged into this mess."

"I don't know if it's right for me to say this, but I'm thankful that me and Bryan happened. It was one of the most wonderful things that had happened in my life. I have no regrets. Maybe, if there's something I'm worried about, it's how we and all these started. That's why we're here now, suffering, hurting."

"I promise, Ate, that whatever happens, I don't want you to get involved with my problems. You've done enough already. I don't want you to suffer more because of me."

"You're my sister, and my best friend. I wanna help you and get involved with your problems, and that's because I love you. Always remember that."

The two sisters embraced as they both cried because of the heaviness of the situation they are right now.